Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to provision of electrical power downhole to power tools such as pumps, valves, motor-driven drilling tools, grapples and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the provision of electrical power through cables included within the walls of high density plastic tubing used in completion or production techniques in some oil and gas production settings, commonly referred to as “coiled” or “endless” tubing.

Abstract: Activated human embryos produced by therapeutic cloning can give rise to human totipotent and pluripotent stem cells from which autologous cells for transplantation therapy are derived. The present invention provides methods for producing activated human embryos that can be used to generate totipotent and pluripotent stem cells from which autologous cells and tissues suitable for transplantation can be derived. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for producing activated human embryos by parthenogenesis; in another embodiment, the invention provides methods for producing activated human embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer whereby the genetic material of a differentiated human donor cell is reprogrammed to form a diploid human pronudeus capable of directing a cell to generate the stem cells from which autologous, isogenic cells for transplantation therapy are derived.

Abstract: A thrust reversing arrangement for an aircraft turbofan propulsive power unit includes a flow redirecting structure which has reverse flow enhancing sub-structures comprising: (i) a cavity which is so dimensioned as to generate a back pressure which supports redirection of flow; (ii) a cascade assembly which provides a flow control slot so dimensioned as to optimize reverse thrust for predetermined fan duct flow conditions; (iii) an obstructing duct wall portion having a leading edge so positioned as to form a leakage slot providing controlled leakage of forward flow; (iv) a box structure, the dimensions of which are such as to optimize back pressure in the cavity; and (v) provision for gaseous fluid under static pressure from the fan duct to load the redirecting structure to the inoperative position.

Abstract: A modified bioluminescent protein responds to different physical, chemical, biochemical or biological conditions to product light or radiation of altered characteristics when the bioluminescent reaction is initiated. The modified bioluminescent protein may respond to modification thereof, e.g. by covalent modification. The protein may include signal peptides to “target” it. DNA coding for the bioluminescent protein may be altered to include tissue specific promoter or enhancer genes so that the altered DNA acts as reporter gene.

Abstract: A modified bioluminescent protein responds to different physical, chemical, biochemical or biological conditions to produce light or radiation of altered characteristics when the bioluminescent reaction is initiated. The modified bioluminescent protein may respond to modification thereof, e.g. by covalent modification. The protein may inlcude signal peptides to “target” it. DNA coding for the bioluminescent protein may be altered to include tissue specific promoter or enhancer genes so that the altered DNA acts as reported gene.

Abstract: A modified bioluminescent protein responds to different physical, chemical, biochemical or biological conditions to product light or radiation of altered characteristics when the bioluminescent reaction is initiated. The modified bioluminescent protein may respond to modification thereof, e.g. by covalent modification. The protein may include signal peptides to “target” it. DNA coding for the bioluminescent protein may be altered to include tissue specific promoter or enhancer genes so that the altered DNA acts as reporter gene.

Abstract: A thrust reversing arrangement for an aircraft turbofan propulsive power unit includes a flow redirecting structure which has reverse flow enhancing sub-structures comprising: (i) a cavity which is so dimensioned as to generate a back pressure which supports redirection of flow; (ii) a cascade assembly which provides a flow control slot so dimensioned as to optimize reverse thrust for predetermined fan duct flow conditions; (iii) an obstructing duct wall portion having a leading edge so positioned as to form a leakage slot providing controlled leakage of forward flow; (iv) a box structure, the dimensions of which are such as to optimize back pressure in the cavity; and (v) provision for gaseous fluid under static pressure from the fan duct to load the redirecting structure to the inoperative position.

Abstract: A compound for use as a chemiluminescent label in immunoassay comprises an aryl acridinium ester linked to an N-succinimidyl moiety. The compound is conveniently linked to a monoclonal antibody or other protein and is used in a two-site immunoassay for the quantitation of an antigen of interest, by initiation of the luminescent reaction and subsequent measurement of the photonic emission of the immune complex formed during the immunological reaction.

Abstract: An automotive hydraulic system having a power steering unit of a vehicle connected in parallel with an externally mounted, hydraulic-cylinder-powered accessory, such as a liftgate, snow plow or dump bed. The vehicle's power steering pump supplies the required hydraulic fluid to the power steering unit and to a cylinder in the accessory, simultaneously in the preferred embodiment and alternately in another. A preferred valve assembly is disclosed which includes a priority flow control valve and a three-position, four-way accessory control valve mounted together in a manifold designed for connection to the vehicle's power steering pump, power steering unit, and hydraulic fluid reservoir, and to a double-acting hydraulic cylinder in the accessory.

Abstract: A modified bioluminescent protein responds to different physical, chemical, biochemical or biological conditions to produce light or radiation of altered characteristics when the bioluminescent reaction is initiated. The modified bioluminescent protein may respond to modification thereof, e.g. by covalent modification. The protein may include signal peptides to "target" it. DNA coding for the bioluminescent protein may be altered to include tissue specific promoter or enhancer genes so that the altered DNA acts as reporter gene.