Abstract: A method for identifying compounds which modulate protein/cell membrane association which method comprises contacting a test compound with a cell, having (i) a cell membrane, (ii) a heterologous protein comprising a reporter sequence and a recognition sequence for cell membrane association, (iii) a reporter system which is acted upon by the reporter sequence such that there is a measurable change in cell phenotype upon modulation of protein/cell membrane association by the test compound, and detecting any change in cell phenotype.

Abstract: A stent, for example for maintaining the patency of a duct such as a biliary duct, is provided that includes a plurality of radially extending wings. The wings project from a core which has a guide wire or wire stylet lumen. Each of the wings preferably includes a plurality of minute, longitudinally extending grooves for bile flow even in the event of tumor ingrowth. Advantageously the core itself is preformed into a helical configuration.

Abstract: The unit for forming groups of cigarettes has at least one substantially U-shaped pocket designed to receive in succession at least two layers of cigarettes, in which the cigarettes are parallel with a longitudinal axis of the pocket, the two layers being arranged one above the other to define a respective group; the unit having at least one holding element and, if the group has at least one gap, the unit having at least one dummy positioned parallel with the axis, both being mobile, under the thrust of an actuator, between a home position and an operating position, in which the element and the dummy are positioned respectively outside and inside the pocket, to respectively lock the group of cigarettes within the pocket, and to compensate the gap.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a melanic pigment of small particle size and its use in cosmetics. The subject of the present invention is a process for the preparation of a melanic pigment of very small particle size in which 100% of the particles have a particle size smaller than 1.mu.m, consisting in dissolving a melanin of natural and/or synthetic origin in an aqueous medium containing at least one alkalifying agent and/or at least one sequestering agent, and in precipitating the melanin thus dissolved by addition of at least one alkaline-earth metal salt. Another subject of the invention is the use of this pigment in compositions for cosmetic treatments and for dyeing hair.

Abstract: A set of building blocks useful for constructing model structures includes a plurality of building blocks comprising block bodies and block interconnecting structure. The block interconnecting structure releasably locks each block to one or more adjacent blocks by resisting the blocks being pulled apart from each other. The interconnecting structure does provide, however, a limited amount of lateral play between the blocks so that the interconnected blocks may be moved laterally with respect to each other. The interconnecting structure preferably comprises one or more connecting elements installed into respective apertures in the block bodies. Some blocks have connecting elements with both an inserting end that projects above an outer surface of the block body and a receiving end disposed within the aperture. Other blocks have connecting elements having only a receiving end.

Abstract: A polypropylene laminated film containing a crystalline polypropylene layer and, laminated on at least one side of the layer of the crystalline polypropylene, a layer of a copolymer of propylene and at least one .alpha.-olefin of from 4 to 10 carbon atoms having a specific composition, melt flow rate and molecular weight distribution in which the .alpha.-olefin content in the cold xylene soluble portion of the random copolymer is less than 1.7 times the .alpha.-olefin content in the copolymer and the random copolymer satisfies the mathematical expression,B.ltoreq.1.05A-10,wherein A is a weight percentage of the content of said at least one .alpha.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conjugate of a solution stable G-CSF derivative and a water soluble polymer which is an acid stable physiologically active substance derived from naturally occurring G-CSF.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of dibutyl malate as an attractant for domestically occurring flies, particularly of the species Musca domestica and Fannia canicularis, and to insect traps characterized by emanating dibutyl malate vapors. Preferably the dibutyl malate is diluted before evaporation with a liquid diluent or a solid diluent or carrier such that the concentration in or on the trap is below 10% by weight.

Abstract: A resistor with a thermal fuse includes: a substrate consisting of an insulating material; a wire pattern formed on a surface of the substrate; a gap for electrically cutting off the wire pattern; a plate spring consisting of an electrically conductive material arranged across the gap; an electrically conductive member fixed to one end of the plate spring on a side of the wire pattern and having approximately the same linear conduction coefficient as that of the substrate; a first low melting point alloy for welding the electrically conductive material and the wire pattern provided on one side of the gap; a second low melting point alloy for welding the other end of the plate spring and the wire pattern provided on the other side of the gap; wherein, when the first low melting point alloy is melted, the electrically conductive member is released from the first low melting point alloy so that the plate spring is also released from the wire pattern.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical packaging system is provided that includes a sealed envelope having a compartment containing a syringe and a second compartment for containing a medical material. A sealed portal is defined intermediate the two compartments. The sealed portal is sized and configured to receive a distal member of the syringe whereby liquid can be withdrawn from the second compartment into the syringe without being exposed to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A kit comprising (i) a chemiluminescent chemical capable of emitting visible light on contact with animal blood, (ii) a peroxy oxidizing agent contained in a disposable packet, (iii) an aqueous solvent which is free from components that would inhibit the functioning of component (i), (iv) a vessel suitable for mixing components (i), (ii) and (iii), and (v) a device for delivering the resulting mixture as a spray to an area of terrain suspected of having blood deposits thereon, whereby said spray upon contact with said blood will luminesce and emit visible light enabling recognition by the hunter of the presence of said blood and to assist in tracking and located said wounded game animal. Use of a luminol compound is preferred.

Abstract: The invention concerns quinazoline derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein n is 1, 2 or 3 and each R.sup.2 is independently halogeno, trifluoromethyl or (1-4C)alkyl;R.sup.3 is (1-4C)alkoxy; andR.sup.1 is di-?(1-4C)alkyl!amino-(2-4C)alkoxy, pyrrolidin-1-yl-(2-4C)alkoxy, piperidino-(2-4C)alkoxy, morpholino-(2-4C)alkoxy, piperazin-1-yl-(2-4C)alkoxy, 4-(1-4C)alkylpiperazin-1-yl-(2-4C)alkoxy, imidazol-1-yl-(2-4C)alkoxy, di-?(1-4C)alkoxy-(2-4C)alkyl!amino-(2-4C)alkoxy, thiamorpholino-(2-4C)alkoxy, 1-oxothiamorpholino-(2-4C)alkoxy or 1,1-dioxothiamorpholino-(2-4C)alkoxy, and wherein any of the above-mentioned R.sup.1 substituents comprising a CH.sub.2 (methylene) group which is not attached to a N or O atom optionally bears on said CH.sub.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, an adjustable support insole system is provided for use in a shoe. The system includes a bottom inside layer including a plurality of segments removably attached to a bottom surface of an insole layer, e.g. the top layer. At least one of the sections may be removed to create an empty space directly beneath a corresponding painful area of a foot. Suitable means are provided for removably attaching the removable sections. In a second embodiment of the invention, a first foot-shaped layer is provided together with a second foot shaped layer spaced from the first foot-shaped layer such that a sleeve type arrangement is formed between said first and second foot-shaped layers. An insert having a plurality of fluid filled sacs is provided for insertion into the sleeve arrangement.

Abstract: Quinuclidine compounds of the formula I: ##STR1## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy; R.sup.2 is hydrogen;or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are joined together so that CR.sup.1 --CR.sup.2 is a double bond;X is selected from --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH--, --C.tbd.C--, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 NH--, --NHCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CO--, --COCH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --CH.sub.2 S--, --SCH.sub.

Abstract: A combined venous and cardiotomy blood reservoir is provided that includes a rigid shell having a top, a bottom, and a continuous side wall. The top and bottom walls are connected to the continuous side walls so as to define a reservoir for venous and cardiotomy blood. A double column structure is provided within the blood reservoir, the first column for receiving and degassing venous blood, the second for receiving, filtering and defoaming cardiotomy blood. The venous blood filtering and defoaming components can include a top venous screen plate, a bottom venous screen plate or stand and a perforated venous cage captured therebetween. The venous column is of generally D-shape and has a double screen structure including an inner microscreen and an outer microscreen received respectively on the inside and outside of the perforated venous cage.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating of a heater in a heating-type humidifier in which both a heating amount and a heating ON/OFF period is controlled on the basis of a present room temperature, is disclosed. A sensed present humidity is compared with an objective humidity which is set by a user. When the present humidity is greater than or equal to the objective humidity, whether or not water exists in a water tank of the humidifier is determined. When the water does not exist in the water tank, an alarm is generated. When the water exists, a humidifying operation stops. When the present humidity is less than the objective humidity, the humidifying operation is executed while increasing both a heating amount and a heating ON period of the heater in proportion to the present room temperature. As a result, the arrival times at the states of objective humidity are shortened.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of methionine or a salt of methionine by reaction of the components 3-methylmercaptopropionaldhyde, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and carbon dioxide or components from which the above-mentioned components can be prepared, optionally in the presence of water, to 5-(2-methylmercaptoethyl)-hydantoin and further reaction thereof to methionine or the salt thereof, characterised in that the reaction of the components is initiated by means of at least one premixture in such a way that a first mixture is formed containing at least the predominant proportion (at least 5/10) of the 3-methylmercaptopropionaldeyde and at least 1/10 of the hydrogen cyanide component or corresponding quantities of components from which these components can be prepared, and less than 5/10 of one of the components ammonia, carbon dioxide or of the components from which ammonia or carbon dioxide can be prepared, and in that this first mixture is combined with the other component(s) for the reactive conversion to 5-(2