Abstract: The invention concerns a method for extending the half-life of mRNAs. The half-life extension is conferred upon the mRNA by a co-transcribed positive retroregulatory element which is ligated to the 3' end of the DNA sequence encoding the RNA. RNAs having an extended half-life conferred by a co-transcribed positive retroregulatory element are also claimed.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining N-terminal methionine-free proteins are described. The methods employ a novel enzyme, E. coli methionine aminopeptidase either in vitro or in vivo. For in vivo application, plasmid-borne DNA encoding the peptidase is transformed into a bacterial host which produces the desired protein.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining N-terminal methionine-free proteins involve a novel E. coli methionine amino peptidase. The method is capable of in vitro or in vivo application. For in vivo application, a plasmid-borne DNA encoding the peptide is expressed in a bacterial host.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described which can be used to enhance the stability of genetically engineered plasmids in Gram-positive organisms. Also described are genetically engineered plasmids comprising a DNA fragment which enhances their stability and Gram-positive organisms transformed with such plasmids.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and cloning vectors useful for the production of cloned heterologous gene products in B. subtilis. Use of the method and vector allows the host to produce the heterologous gene product as a single unfused peptide having no extraneous amino acids attached.

Abstract: The invention concerns positive retroregulatory elements, which when ligated to selected DNA sequences coding for a gene product, enhance the expression of the gene product. Plasmids carrying the positive retroregulatory element ligated to selected DNA sequence and cells transformed by such plasmids are provided AND claimed. In addition, the invention relates to a method for enhancing expression of a gene product by ligating a positive retroregulatory element to a selected DNA sequence expressionable for a desired gene product.

Abstract: A method and a cloning vector are described for the controlled accumulation of cloned heterologous gene products in Bacillus subtilis. The cloning vector is capable of being replicated in B. subtilis and includes the heterologous gene located and oriented such as to be under the control of an operator, promoter, and ribosomal binding site sequence. The gene codes for a protein which is under the control of a transport mechanism by which the protein is secreted by the B. subtilis. The gene product is recovered from the growth medium for the B. subtilis. The cloning vector is also capable of similar use in other bacteria such as E. coli.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for producing modified signal peptides sequences derived from wild-type signal peptide sequences of the type that are capable of forming membrane-bound lipoproteins. Modified signal peptide sequences produced by the method of the invention are useful for increasing the secretion of heterologous gene products produced by transformed host organisms. The invention further discloses a method for producing recombinant DNA sequences in vivo.

Abstract: The invention is a plasmid vector in which a first DNA sequence expressionable for a selected gene product is ligated to a positive retroregulatory element in a relationship thereto whereby expression of the selected gene product is enhanced. The first DNA sequence is furthermore operably linked to a second and third DNA sequence operably linked to one another which are respectively the P.sub.L promoter and a DNA sequence corresponding to an N gene ribosome binding site. Microorganisms transformed with the plasmid are also claimed.

Abstract: A dental prophylactic device has a handle section containing a drive member and a driven section at a substantial angle to the handle section containing a driven member also at an angle to the driving member. The handle section includes a longitudinally oscillatable cam follower supported parallel to the handle axis. When the cam follower is translated around the axis by the rotation of the drive shaft, it is caused to oscillate by one end contacting the stationary cam follower track. The other end engages a slot parallel to the axis of a cam at an angle to the cam follower thereby causing the cam to oscillate back and forth over an arc of at least 50.degree. to approximately 150.degree., maintaining the connection between the cam follower and the cam by the use of the slot which permits the cam follower, in effect, to move up and down with respect to the cam as it oscillates.

Abstract: A denture fixative composition contains as the active fixative a partially neutralized and crosslinked polyacrylic acid or a precursor combination of the polyacrylic acid, neutralizing agent(s) and crosslinking agent(s) which is adapted to form the active fixative, and at least one hydrophilic polymer, preferably, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl guar or sodium alginate.

Abstract: Denture fixative compositions contain denture fixative excipients and as the denture fixative, a water soluble partially neutralized alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride copolymer, optionally partly crosslinked, and at least one hydrophilic polymer, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide or hydroxypropyl guar.

Abstract: Chimeric plasmids capable of transforming bacteria and yeast are described. The plasmids carry the Cm (chloramphenicol resistance) gene and the Tc (tetracycline resistance) gene as selectable markers. The Cm gene allows the plasmids to be selected for in wild-type strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Tc gene allows heterologous genes cloned into the plasmids to be selected for in Escherichia coli bacteria.

Abstract: A method for adhering dentures to oral mucosa with a denture fixative composition containing as the active fixative a partially neutralized and crosslinked polyacrylic acid or a precursor combination of the polyacrylic acid, neutralizing agent(s) and crosslinking agent(s) which is adapted to form the active fixative, and at least one hydrophilic polymer, preferably, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl guar or sodium alginate.

Abstract: A white line skipping technique for data reduction is disclosed for reducing facsimile transmission time. Video processing for white line skipping centers around the use of a five element solid state linear array. The photosensitive area for each of the five elements corresponds to a single picture element for the defined resolution parameters. VID 0 is the active video signal and is processed in the normal manner for transmission. VID 1 through VID 4 comprise the look ahead scan elements. The slicing level is derived from the VID 0 peak detector which controls the video automatic gain control. Any black video elements encountered during a scan line causes a flip-flop to be set. At the end of each scan line, corresponding to one complete drum revolution, and during the lost time interval, the status of each flip-flop is sampled by the microprocessor to determine whether the scan line is entire white. The flip-flops are then reset for the next scan or drum revolution.

Abstract: A denture fixative composition contains a dentally acceptable excipient and an effective fixative amount of a fixative mixture comprising hydroxypropyl cellulose and at least one partially neutralized alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride copolymer, optionally partly crosslinked, or a partially neutralized, optionally partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or a precursor combination of the copolymer or polyacrylic acid, neutralizing agents, and optionally crosslinking agents, which is adapted to form the fixative in situ, or polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: An anhydrous pseudoplastic and thixotropic oleaginous vehicle is prepared by mixing at least one solid emulsifying agent having an HLB number of 12 or less with an oleaginous material and then cooling the mixture over a temperature range of at least about 15.degree. C., said range encompassing the pour point of said agent.