Abstract: A film cartridge storage apparatus for storing a plurality of film cartridges 20 stacked one on another. The stored film cartridges 20 are extracted from the apparatus one after another from the lowermost cartridge in association with a pivotal member 83 of an individual feed mechanism 80; 18; 280 having a first arm portion 83a and a second arm portion 83b. The first arm portion 83a of the pivotal member 83 pivots between a first area and a second area to hold the lowermost film cartridge in the first area and also to feed the lowermost film cartridge in the second area. The second arm portion 83b of the pivotal member allows a film cartridge to fall toward the first arm portion in the first area and also prevents a film cartridge from falling toward the first arm portion in the second area.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the newly recognized ability of .beta. chemokines to inhibit cell apoptosis. In particular, apoptosis of T cells is described. The known .beta. chemokines I-309 and TCA-3 are examples of the .beta. chemokines which inhibit apoptosis. One aspect of the invention is the use of these molecules to inhibit apoptosis. A second aspect of the invention is the use of .beta. chemokine inhibitors or antagonists to provoke apoptosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to new polypeptides which exhibit kinase activity or, more specifically, which show phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase activity. Such polypeptides are involved in pathways responsible for cellular growth and differentiation. An isolated polypeptide which possesses PI3-kinase activity when produced by recombinant production in insect cells is disclosed.

Abstract: In a mask (7) for covering the outer marginal area of a disk-shaped substrate surface during a coating process, for example a vacuum sputtering or vapor depositing process, the mask (7) is made of an elastic material in the form of a planar plate with an essentially circular opening. To center and lock it onto the substrate (1) an inwardly extending annular flange is provided which assumes the actual masking function and extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate. The substrate (1) is laid on this flange and retained by projections extending radially inward. Prior to positioning the substrate it is bowed axially to spread apart the projections.

Abstract: This application describes a casing for a diagnostic test strip. The casing contains two openings. One of the openings is defined by four sides, two of which, positioned opposite each other, terminate in a ridge. The ridge terminates short of the point where the diagnostic test strip is placed. A small gap results. This gap assists in metering liquid to the diagnostic test strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the presence of a tyrosine kinase in a sample using antibodies that specifically bind to kinase active proteins. The proteins have more than one tyrosine kinase domain and no SH2 domains. Exemplary proteins are the Janus Kinases, or "JAK1" and "JAK2." Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are used in the detection method.

Abstract: New tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them, are disclosed. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as NAG tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them are referred to as NAG coding molecules. Various diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the coding sequences and the tumor rejection antigen precursor molecules are described.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are provided for controlling the brake system of a vehicle. A desired value representing the vehicle deceleration is formed depending on a depression signal derived from actuation of the brake pedal by the drive, and additionally depending on the rate of change that signal. The actual vehicle deceleration is compared to the desired value and the vehicle is automatically braked when the actual deceleration deviates from the desired value.

Abstract: A film sheet holder handling apparatus 100 takes up a film sheet holder 4 in which photographic film strips 5 cut by the unit of one consumer's order amount are inserted into independent rows of pockets of the holder. The apparatus includes a film detecting sensor 19 for detecting presence/absence of the transported film sheet holder 4, a take-up member 30 for taking up the holder 4 by a predetermined amount corresponding to certain number of rows of the holder, and a push-out bar 41 for pushing out the holder 4 from the take-up member 30 after completion of the take-up operation by the take-up member 30 in a direction normal to the direction of transporting the holder 4.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with wheels wherein the spokes extend from nailheads secured in the rim of the wheel inwardly to an annular flange at the hub. Radially inwardly of the annular flange of the hub, a threaded nipple receives a threaded end of the spoke, allowing for adjustment of the tension in the spoke. The size of the holes in the rim of the spokes is reduced and enhances the strength of the rim. The spokes extend straight, without bends, and are therefore able to bear more tension, and the number of spokes may consequently be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybridoma cell line which produces a monoclonal antibody which cross reacts with both yeast and human fibrillarin. Diagnostic kits are also described. These are useful in diagnosing diseases such as scleroderma.

Abstract: The invention provides for the production of several humanized murine antibodies specific for the antigen FB5, which is recognized by the murine antibody FB5. The FB5 antigen is expressed on the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells of a wide range of malignant tumours. The invention also provides for numerous polynucleotide encoding humanized FB5 specific antibodies, expression vectors for producing humanized FB5 specific antibodies, and host cells for the recombinant production of the humanized antibodies. The invention also provides methods for detecting cancerous cells (in vitro and in vivo) using humanized FB5 specific antibodies. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating cancer using FB5 specific antibodies.

Abstract: A pulse monitor is provided which has a pulse monitor unit supported on a wrist band over the carpal tunnel, with a infra-red optical sensor which picks up the flow of blood therein. The detected blood flow is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a display unit also supported on the wrist of the user, which processes the data signal and displays a pulse. Alternate embodiments provide for separate wrist bands supporting the pulse detector and the display unit, and for a combined detector and display unit, as well as multiple optical sensors.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide sensor and a method of manufacturing the sensor are disclosed. The sensor has a gas detecting portion including sensitive material having electric property thereof subject to change in association with presence of nitrogen oxide in gas and a pair of electrodes electrically connected with the gas detecting portion. The gas detecting portion includes, as a main component thereof, metal oxide compound represented by a general formula:Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 (Ca.sub.1-x Y.sub.x)Cu.sub.2 O.sub.8+y(0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1; 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1)and having the 2212 phase crystal structure and crystalline size greater than 100 .ANG..

Abstract: A method and system for advertising that provides advertisers with a marketing database listing contact information for all potential consumers who received a promotional item from that advertiser and decided to retain the promotional item for future use. The promotional item is a tag bearing an advertisement, a contact identifier and a unique tag identifier. After receiving the tag from an advertiser, each recipient is instructed to attach the tag to a personal property item and to register the item with a processing facility that, with the use of an information storage and retrieval system, will create a master database comprising each recipient's contact information and tag identifier. The master database can be used to arrange for the return of a lost personal property item bearing a registered tag. The master database can also be sorted and contact information can be extracted therefrom to generate a marketing database for transmittal to advertisers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test system useful in carrying out diagnostic assays. One component of the test system is an unblocked solid phase test carrier with a three dimensional configuration, impregnated with a first binding partner for analyte of interest. The second component of a binding agent containing a second binding partner coupled to an immediately visually determinable label, and a blocking agent. Rapid and accurate assays may be carried out by using the described system.

Abstract: Detection means are provided which detect the rotational movements of the wheels, a variable which represents the steering angle, and at least one variable which represents the lateral movement and/or the yawing movement of the vehicle. Signals for influencing actuators for braking the wheels are formed by controller means as a function of the detected data in such a way that a control variable which is dependent on at least the detected lateral movement or yawing movement of the vehicle is adjusted to a desired range of control variables, that is to say the actuators are influenced in such a way that the control variable is kept within a desired range. This desired range is defined by two specific limit values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of treating osteopenias, particularly osteoporosis, in mammals comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation agent comprising the polypeptide Insulin-like Growth Factor II or an osteoblastic stimulating fragment thereof, either alone or in the presence of a potentiating amount of fluoride ion, and in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.The invention further relates to a method of preventing osteopenias in a susceptible population of mammals consisting of administering a prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent described above.