Abstract: Nine efficient aldolase antibodies were generated using hapten 2. This hapten combines, in a single molecule, structural components employed for reactive immunization with structural components employed for forming a transition state analog of the aldol reaction. Characterization of two of these antibodies reveals that they are highly proficient (up to 1000-fold better than any other antibody catalyst) and enantioselective catalysts for aldol and retro-aldol reactions and exhibit enantio- and diastereo-selectivities opposite that of antibody 38C2.

Abstract: A display unit comprises a display unit body, a display part displaying information, a first button so provided as to protrude from the bottom surface of display unit body and a second button provided on the upper surface of display unit body. A first function is realized by pressing a region of the upper surface of display unit body adjacent to second button to rotate display unit body and to push first button into display unit body. A second function different from the first function is realized by pressing second button with a prescribed load to rotate display unit body and to push first button into display unit body.

Abstract: This invention describes a reaming tool (10) for attachment to a drill string having a body (12) that has connection means (14a, 14b) at either end for attachment to a drill string, at least one roller reamer (16) rotatably mounted to the body (12), and at least one channel (18) extending on the body positioned to intersect with the roller reamer (16). This ensures that flushing fluid flow is directed to each roller reamer (16).

Abstract: An improved two-piece container seal suitable for sealing a container having a removable closure and for lining the closure comprises a flexible sealant sheet and a flexible liner sheet bonded thereto. The sealant sheet and liner sheet are of the same size and shape. The sealant sheet has a sealing surface and a first thermoplastic surface, and the liner sheet has an outer surface and a second thermoplastic surface. The first and second thermoplastic surfaces are in opposed, congruent contact with each other, and the first thermoplastic surface is ultrasonically welded to the second thermoplastic surface by an array of spaced, frangible ultrasonic welds, forming an adhesive-free interface therebetween. A method of manufacturing a two-piece container seal and a sealed container comprising a two-piece container seal are also described.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided for flexible message panel assemblies. An end cap is secured to the panel assembly with an elastic flexible tether which allows the end cap to be fitted over an end of a rib supporting the panel. Stored force in the elastic tether holds the corner of the message panel in position.

Abstract: A receiver for a sign panel having a vertical rib defines upper and lower spaced-apart internal cavities, one of which receives the vertical rib and the other of which receives a vertical support from a sign stand, for example. A catch extends into the upper cavity so as to engage the rib. The invention finds particular application with sign panel supporting ribs which have plastic pockets fitted thereto to reduce wear and tear on the rib end.

Abstract: A speed sensor fastened to a front fork constituting a bicycle with a cable tie includes a sensor body having a reed switch detecting movement of a front wheel in the bicycle, and a rubber pad tied up on the front fork and rotatably holding the sensor body to vary a distance between the front wheel and the reed switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-raising window covering and a control mechanism for the window covering. In particular, the window covering includes a drive unit, such as constant force spring, that is adapted to apply a substantially constant rotational force on the drive axle. A cord winding assembly is coaxially mounted on the drive axle, and includes at least one winding drum operatively connected to a second end of the raising cord and having a tapered portion, as well as a rotatable positioning member for moving the cord winding assembly laterally along the drive axle upon rotation of the positioning member. The cord winding assembly is adapted to translate the rotational force on the drive axle to a raising force on the raising cord, wherein the raising force is greater than a downward force exerted by the shade element and bottom rail throughout the range of opening and closing.

Abstract: The present invention relates a modified human interferon beta (INF?) which is less immunogenic than human INF? (SEQ ID NO: 1) when administered in vivo to a human. The modified human INF? comprises an amino acid residue sequence that differs from SEQ ID NO: 1 by an amino acid residue substitution selected from the group consisting of L57A, L57C, L57D L57E, L57G, L57H, L57K, L57N, L57P, L57Q, L57R, L57S, and L57T and an additional substitution selected from the group consisting of the H140A, H140C, H140G, and H140P.

Abstract: An improved Venetian blind type window covering having an open position and a closed position is provided. The window covering includes a plurality of panels suspended between a head rail and a bottom rail that provides a generally billowed appearance. A securement member and an adjustment member, in cooperation, are suitable for adjustably moving or tilting the plurality of blind panels to open and close the window covering. A tilting mechanism causes positional adjustment of the plurality of panels by raising and lowering at least the adjustment member.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial modified proteins, preferably fusion proteins, having a reduced immunogenicity compared to the parent non-modified molecule when exposed to a species in vivo. The invention relates, above all, to novel immunoglobulin fusion proteins which essentially consist of an immunoglobulin molecule or a fragment thereof covalently fused via its C-terminus to the N-terminus of a biologically active non-immunoglobulin molecule, preferably a polypeptide or protein or a biologically active fragment thereof. In a specific embodiment, the invention relates to fusion proteins consisting of an Fc portion of an antibody which is fused as mentioned to the non-immunological target molecule which elicits biological or pharmacological efficacy. The molecules of the invention have amino acid sequences which are altered in one or more amino acid residue positions but have in principal the same biological activity as compared with the non-altered molecules.

Abstract: A thermal method of making a hydrogen permeable composition is disclosed. A mixture of metal oxide powder and ceramic oxide powder and optionally a pore former is formed and pressed to form an article. The article is dried at elevated temperatures and then sintered in a reducing atmosphere to provide a dense hydrogen permeable portion near the surface of the sintered mixture. The dense hydrogen permeable portion has a higher initial concentration of metal than the remainder of the sintered mixture and is present in the range of from about 20 to about 80 percent by volume of the dense hydrogen permeable portion.

Abstract: A three-phase liquid polishing and cleaning composition of the invention is suitable for polishing and cleaning a painted exterior surface, and includes an organic phase, an aqueous phase, and a particulate phase. The organic phase comprises a petroleum-based liquid and the aqueous phase comprises water. The particulate phase comprises at least one particulate polishing grade abrasive having a mean particle size of not more than about 2.5 microns, which is selected from the group consisting of an abrasive that is harder than the painted surface to be polished and cleaned, and an abrasive that is softer than the painted surface to be polished and cleaned. The composition comprises at least one surfactant (e.g., an anionic surfactant, an emulsifying agent, and a foaming agent) to emulsify the organic and aqueous phases upon mixing (e.g., shaking) the composition, and to suspend the particulate phase in the emulsified organic and aqueous phases.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a financial activity network that includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of all event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. Graphical user interfaces are described for such activities.

Abstract: A hook is provided for display and dispensing of commercial articles, such as articles carried on a card or other backing member. The hook includes a first arm with a hook-shaped end and an adjacent bend portion. A second arm has an end spaced from the hook-shaped end and the bend portion whereby an article must be slid along the first arm, between gaps formed between the end of the second arm, the bend portion and the hook-shaped end, for removal and subsequent checkout. In one embodiment, the hook includes a mounting plate with ears for engaging a pegboard support and a hole for receiving a push fastener which engages the pegboard support. In another embodiment, the hook includes a mounting member for mounting to a crossbar support in which a pair of spaced apart wings are provided at one end of a mounting body and a pair of spaced apart end portions are provided at the other end of the mounting body.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for modulating angiogenesis in tissues using Src protein, modified Src protein, and nucleic acids encoding for such. Particularly the invention describes methods for inhibiting angiogenesis using an inactive Src protein, or nucleic acids encoding therefor, or for potentiating angiogenesis using an active Src protein, or nucleic acids encoding therefor. The invention also describes the use of gene delivery systems for providing nucleic acids encoding for the Src protein, or modified forms thereof.

Abstract: A financial activity network includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of all event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. In one example, an external objective independent information source is consulted, with the external objective independent information source providing monitoring, interpretation and derived determination of parameters pertaining to the natural event. Methods and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.