Abstract: Compositions for the diagnosis and therapy of prostate and colon cancer, derived from or based on a novel prostate-specific, androgen-regulated, cell surface serine protease termed 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 are described. A full length cDNA comprising the entire coding sequence of the 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 gene (also designated 20P1F12-GTC1 herein) is provided (FIG. 1). Among the compositions provides are antibodies that bind to 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 proteins and polypeptide fragments thereof, including antibodies labeled with a detectable marker or toxin or therapeutic composition. Several monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 are also described herein.

Abstract: A topical ointment comprises a base material of plasticized hydrocarbon gel and methylcellulose in which are dispersed a plurality of microbubbles containing liquid. The microbubbles containing liquid are encapsulated by the base material to form microencapsulations which are dispersed in the base material to form a hydrogel. Application of the topical ointment to a body area provides for the moisturizing and the slow delivery of the liquid in the microencapsulations to the applied area. Body heat melts the base material and the contents of the microencapsulations are thereby released.

Abstract: A composite fan casing for a gas turbine engine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a core having a plurality of core layers of reinforcing fiber bonded together with a thermosetting polymeric resin. Each core layer includes a plurality of braided reinforcing fiber tows. The braids of reinforcing fiber tows are aligned in a circumferential direction with each fiber tow including a plurality of reinforcing fibers. The core also includes at least one additional fiber tow braided into at least one predetermined axial location to form at least one concentrated stiffening ring.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STRAP” Serpentine TRansmembrane Antigens of the Prostate). Four particular human STRAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STRAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STRAP family, STRAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STRAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and Intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that It folds In a “serpentine” manner Into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.

Abstract: A blasting arrangement (10) includes drillholes (30) in a rock mass (20). Blind ends (32) are drilled to a desired level and, if necessary, are adjusted as shown at (62) to said level. Each hole (30) is plugged by means of a plug (42), which is protected by non flammable buffer material (44), at a level (40) spaced from the end (32). Explosive (50) is charged above the level (40) and the hole is tamped, shown at (60). The holes are detonated desirably by detonators (52), forcing the plugs (42) downwardly and compressing air in chambers (34) above the ends (32). The weakest part of each hole, around the end (32), is split causing a three dimensional zone of weakness at the level of the ends (32). Air forced into the zone of weakness causes a fracture zone (70) at that level, inhibiting propagation of blasting shock waves and protecting the material underneath the level of the ends (32).

Abstract: An enclosure for apparatus that, during operation, generates heat and/or sound energy comprises at least one wall defining at least a portion of the enclosure hollow interior. The wall comprises in sequence outwardly from the enclosure hollow interior an inner panel, an outer panel, a support frame between the inner and outer panels to hold the inner and outer panels spaced apart, and a vibrator isolator between the support frame and the panels. Panels or panel segments of the wall primarily are made of non-metallic composites to provide a structurally strong, lightweight enclosure that includes enhanced acoustic characteristics and reduced heat transfer through enclosure walls, along with fire protection and in-plane shear loading capabilities.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut using an inline motor coupled to an inline planetary gear that are both mounted in the lower housing. The motor-gear assembly drives a worm gear and nut screw in the upper housing, extending or retracting an extensible shaft. Additionally, a power spring mounted coaxially around the worm gear provides a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of a lift gate on the shaft. As the shaft extends, the power spring uncoils, assisting the motor-gear assembly in raising the lift gate. Retracting the shaft recoils the spring, storing potential energy. Thus, a lower torque motor-gear assembly can be used, reducing the diameter of the lower housing. Preferably, the power spring can also drive the power screw to extend the strut even when the motor-gear assembly is not engaged.

Abstract: Compositions for the diagnosis and therapy of prostate and colon cancer, derived from or based on a novel prostate-specific, androgen-regulated, cell membrane associated and secreted serine protease termed 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 are described. A full length cDNA comprising the entire coding sequence of the 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 gene (also designated 20P1F12-GTC1 herein) is provided (FIG. 1). Among the compositions provided are antibodies that bind to 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 proteins and polypeptide fragments thereof, including antibodies labeled with a detectable marker or toxin or therapeutic composition. The invention also provides prognostic and diagnostic methods of examining a biological sample for evidence of disregulated cellular growth by comparing the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in the biological sample to the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in a corresponding normal sample, wherein alterations in the status of 20P1F12/TMPRSS2 in the biological sample are associated with disregulated cellular growth.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STRAP” (Serpentine TRansmembrane Antigens of the Prostate). Four particular human STRAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STRAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STRAP family, STRAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STRAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided which includes a reservoir for containing a liquid therein which is supported by support means in use. The reservoir has an opening into which valve means are located. The valve means are movable between an open condition, wherein a user can dispense the liquid from the reservoir, and a closed condition, wherein the opening is closed. The valve means are a spaced distance from and separate to the support means. In addition, the reservoir is provided with means to allow releasable engagement with the support means, thereby allowing the reservoir to be located with and removed from the support means as and when required.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STEAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STEAP family, STEAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STRAP” (Serpentine TRansmembrane Antigens of the Prostate). Four particular human STRAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STRAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STRAP family, STRAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STRAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that It folds In a “serpentine” manner Into three extracellular and two Intracellular loops.

Abstract: A production tool for use in heavy oil production is provided. Operating to provide for better inflow of oil and sand to a bottom hole rotating pump, the production tool prevents sand up conditions and keeps the well cellar and the walls of the casing clean to ensure longer periods between workovers. The production tool has a cylindrical member with at least one helical fin extending substantially to the inner radius of the casing, and a gear reducer which drives the cylindrical member at a reduced rotation from input from the rotor of the bottom hole rotating pump. The rotational motion of the cylindrical member in conjunction with the sense of the helical fin cause bore effluence to move to the intake of the rotating pump, effecting constant inflow.

Abstract: A blasting arrangement (10) includes drillholes (30) in a rock mass (20). Blind ends (32) are drilled to a desired level and, if necessary, are adjusted as shown at (62) to said level. Each hole (30) is plugged by means of a plug (42), which is protected by non flammable buffer material (44), at a level (40) spaced from the end (32). Explosive (50) is charged above the level (40) and the hole is tamped, shown at (60). The holes are detonated desirably by detonators (52), forcing the plugs (42) downwardly and compressing air in chambers (34) above the ends (32). The weakest part of each hole, around the end (32), is split causing a three dimensional zone of weakness at the level of the ends (32). Air forced into the zone of weakness causes a fracture zone (70) at that level, inhibiting propagation of blasting shock waves and protecting the material underneath the level of the ends (32).

Abstract: Communication is provided among plural nodes by a network having finite bandwidth between the nodes. The bandwidth may differ for each direction of propagation. Each node includes a processor for processing locally available data, including data derived locally and available through relatively high-bandwidth paths. When processing at any one of the nodes may be improved by incorporating into the data being processed information which is locally available at another node, at least one node is configured to know (a) the directional bandwidth from itself to the remote node(s) of the system, and (b) also to have knowledge, of the relative improvement to be realized at the first node by incorporation of data of the second node into the processing of the first node. The second node selects portions of its own local data for transmission to the first node which yield large improvement and can be transmitted within the available directional bandwidth.

Abstract: A well bore pressure containment device is provided. Operating as a single stripping and containment device compatible with a wide range of tool string and tubing sizes, the containment device may be integrated with rotating pressure control systems, and be used during completion and work over operations. The containment device has a spool, and a flexible bladder extending about the interior of the spool. The bladder may be controllably deformed to seal against a tool string passing through the device using an inwardly directed pressure, which preferably is exerted by a fluid in the interstitial space between the spool and the bladder.

Abstract: A plug for use in a borehole, the plug including a body member of a flexible material, the body member defining a floor portion, with a wall portion bounding and extending from the floor portion for engagement with an inner wall of the borehole for sealing the borehole. The invention also relates to a method of supporting materials in a borehole.

Abstract: A telecommunication system combines telephone technology and computer. network technology to monitor a caller and callee's computer activity and to access call processing criteria selected by the caller and callee and stored on the computer network. A component of the telephone system, such as a central office switch, accesses the caller and callee call processing criteria. The system evaluates the call processing criteria and, when conditions for both caller and callee are met, the telephone system initiates a telephone call between the caller and callee. The call processing criteria may include accepting all calls, no calls, or calls only from specified parties. In addition, the call processing criteria can vary in accordance with the time of day or an individual's personal preferences, or status, such as when an individual is in a meeting.

Abstract: A telecommunication system combines telephone technology and Internet technology to establish one or more user-specified affiliation lists. The affiliation lists are stored on the Internet and are accessible by the user and by the telecommunication portion of the system. The affiliation lists are used to process incoming calls to the user's destination telephone number. A central office switch receives the call being directed to the destination telephone number and uses a communication link with the Internet to access the user's affiliation lists. The incoming call is processed in accordance with the user-specified rules in the affiliation lists. The user may accept all incoming calls, no incoming calls, or incoming calls only from specified parties. The call processing rules may be readily edited by the user and can also include alternative call processing rules that vary in accordance with the time of day or with the user's personal desires.

Abstract: Combination holder for maintaining mouth of plastic garbage or leaf bag in open position for storage of garbage for later disposal and garden tool for use in collecting leaves for disposal.