Abstract: The present invention discloses the identification of a novel membrane associated estrogen receptor, termed mER. The membrane associated receptor is involved in rapid signal transduction. Amino acid sequences, nucleic acid sequences, vectors, and host cells are also discussed. Additionally, methods of detecting agonists and antagonists for the receptor are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the identification of a novel membrane associated estrogen receptor, termed mER. The membrane associated receptor is involved in rapid signal transduction. Amino acid sequences, nucleic acid sequences, vectors, and host cells are also discussed. Additionally, methods of detecting agonists and antagonists for the receptor are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for use in treating slurries containing minerals, soils or sludges contaminated with toxic organic substances is disclosed. The vessel includes a tank, having a sealed cover, a mixer arrangement, an air supply arrangement and an exhaust gas recycling system. The air supply arrangement includes one or more porous, flexible membrane diffusers adapted for introducing gas, in the form of fine bubbles, into a tank-contained slurry.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for use in treating slurries containing minerals, soils or sludges contaminated with toxic organic substances is disclosed. The vessel includes a tank, having a sealed cover, a mixer arrangement, an air supply arrangement and an exhaust gas recycling system. The air supply arrangement includes one or more porous, flexible membrane diffusers adapted for introducing gas, in the form of fine bubbles, into a tank contained slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a containment means adapted for containing a slurry made up of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally oriented porous, flexible membrane diffusers adapted for introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products products by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized environment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A reactor for use in processing metal bearing solids by means of a bioleaching technique is disclosed. The reactor includes an open topped basin, a gantry adapted for displacement along the length of that basin and an agitation means mounted on that gantry for use in agitating a slurry retained within the basin. An air injection system having a plurality of membrane diffusers is positioned within the basin.

Abstract: A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products produced by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized environment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products produced by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized environment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.