Abstract: The play apparatus has a ball-like body and a saddle forming a seat for the user who sits astride the saddle gripping the apparatus by means of a handle situated on the front end of the saddle. The region in which the saddle is anchored to the ball-like body is situated in the vicinity of the handle.

Abstract: Reactivity between an alloantigen and an anti-alloantigen is indicative of immunological reactivity between two biological samples of the same species. Reactivity between a xenoantigen and an anti-xenoantigen is indicative of immunological reactivity between two biological samples of different species. In many cases both of the reactions are indicative of an antibody-mediated rejection. Anti-antibodies can be employed to reduce cross-reactivity in many transplantation-type situations, either within a similar species, or across species lines. These anti-antibodies are prepared against the antibodies responsible for the antibody-mediated rejection. These anti-antibodies can then be used in vivo or in vitro to complex with the antibodies thus reducing or eliminating reactivity between an alloantigen and an anti-alloantigen or reactivity between a xenoantigen and an anti-xenoantigen between any two species combinations.

Abstract: A belt-shaped member cut into a predetermined length is fed from a feeding devices to a tire forming drum and is wound on its cylindrical peripheral surface. Center portions of the opposite ends of the belt-shaped member are pushed to be joined to each other and the side portions of at least one of the opposite ends of the belt-shaped member are held by upper and lower holding pawls. Such holding pawls are swung along an arcuate path so that both side portions of the opposite ends of the belt-shaped member are drawn near each other to abut against each other. The abutting end portions are pushed toward the peripheral surface of the drum by pushing devices for joining them together.

Abstract: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are believed to mediate nicotine addiction. In addition, stimulation of nAChRs modulates release of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Thus, pharmacological manipulation of nicotinic receptors has implications for a wide variety of disorders including psychotic, mood, movement and cognitive. For most nAChRs, there are no subtype selective ligands. However, .alpha.-conotoxin MII, a small peptide from the carnivorous marine snail Conus magus, was recently isolated. This peptide has been shown to be a specific antagonist for .alpha.3.beta.2 nicotinic receptors. The peptide potently blocks part, but not all, of nicotine-stimulated dopamine release from rat brain striatal synaptosomes. In contrast it has no effect on potassium stimulated dopamine release. Other .alpha.-conotoxins specifically target distinct neuronal nAChR subtypes. .alpha.-Conotoxins thus represent new lead compounds for CNS disorders.

Abstract: A liquid is vaporized by a device having at least one porous substrate exposed to a certain ambient pressure, means for supplying the substrate with liquid in order for it to be loaded with liquid starting from an upstream portion of the substrate, and at least one energy source for heating the substrate so that at least some of the liquid is vaporized. According to the invention, the means for supplying the substrate with liquid may include means for pressurizing the liquid to a pressure greater than ambient pressure, thereby creating a flow-rate greater than the flow-rate induced by capillarity and vaporization of the liquid alone when the substrate is held in a horizontal position. The invention may be applied to the production of water-vaporization equipment, particularly with electrical or gaseous energy supply.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing concrete roof tiles having the appearance of shake by providing the leading edges of successive tiles with a randomly shaped leading edge. The method comprises forming a ribbon of mortar on a series of tile forming pallets; and effecting rupture of the ribbon at joints between successive pallets by causing a leading pallet to accelerate away from the remaining pallets to create a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A novel inbred corn line, designated LH283, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line LH283, to the plants of inbred corn line LH283 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line LH283 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line LH283 with another corn line.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label comprising a self-adhesive base carried on a backing of release material, a multilaminar portion disposed on a first portion of the base, a layer of adhesive on a second portion of the base adjacent to the first portion, and a printed cover sheet having a first edge portion which is adhered to the base by the layer of adhesive, a central portion which extends over the multilaminar label, and a second edge portion opposite to the first edge portion which is arranged to be held against the backing of release material thereby to retain the self-adhesive label in a closed configuration.

Abstract: The proximal connector includes a stainless steel cone-shaped ferrule enclosing a proximal end of the optic fiber element. The ferrule is inserted within a matching aperture of a receiving block which is also made of stainless steel. The matching shapes of the ferrule and the aperture of the receiving block ensure effective heat transference from the ferrule into the receiving block. Both ferrule and the aperture are axially symmetric such that any rotation of the proximal connector while inserted into the receiving block does not change the location of the entrance aperture of the optic fiber element. The proximal connector also includes a case having an indented ring. A ball plunger biasing mechanism is mounted within the aperture of the receiving block and is positioned for engaging with the indented ring only while the proximal connector is fully and securely inserted within the aperture.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte present in animal (e.g., human) tissue or fluids such as blood or plasma. The analyte is multi-photon excitable (e.g., two-photon excitable) at a first wavelength at which the animal tissue is substantially non-absorbing. The analyte fluoresces at a second wavelength upon being excited at the first wavelength. The animal tissue is irradiated with radiation at the first wavelength so as to excite the analyte through absorption by the analyte of two or more photons of the radiation at the first wavelength. Excitation of the analyte results in a fluorescent emission from the analyte of radiation at the second wavelength. The emission at the second wavelength is detected, and the concentration of analyte determined based on the detected emission.

Abstract: The proposed image-processing method for determining the structural strength of a test object with a diffuse-scattering surface involves: the creation of an interferogram based on radiation back-scattered by the surface of the test object; conversion of the intrerferogram into a modulo-2.pi. image; and the stabilization of the modulo-2.pi. image to form an output grey scale value image. From the later, an identical duplicate grey scale value image is produced; this is then geometrically shifted and modified by applying an invariable grey scale value in the entire image area, before being finally subtracted from the initial grey scale value image to produce a grey scale image containing easily evaluated information on deformities in the observed test object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a punching and forming tool for producing punched and shaped parts from sheets or foils which consist of material which can be deformed by overstretching. The punching and forming tool comprises upper tool carrier plate means and mating punching platemeans, which can be moved with respect to one another, drawing punch means arranged on the underside of the tool carrier plate means, thrust collar means surrounding the drawing punch means, elastic means arranged between the tool carrier plate means and the thrust collar means, a cutting rule means which arranged on the tool carrier plate, extending in the direction of the mating punching plate means and surrounding the thrust collar means, and a recess which is provided in the mating punching plate means and the inner circumferential edge of which is arranged below the end side of the thrust collar.

Abstract: A device which adjusts the angle of illumination of light exiting a fiber optic light guide. A first light guide has a first numerical aperture for emitting light from a light source, and light exiting the first light guide has a first light intensity angular profile. A second light guide has a second numerical aperture for receiving the light from the first light guide, and light exiting the second light guide has a second light intensity angular profile. Light from the first light guide is dispersed by a device including at least a first surface interposed between the first light guide and the second light guide such that light from the first light guide having the first light intensity profile irradiates the first surface and the angular intensity profile of the light irradiating the second light guide is modified so as to cause the second light intensity angular profile to be modified. The first light guide preferably has a single fiber, and the second light guide preferably has a fiber bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include means to provide air through selective areas of the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, perforations are provided through the lower sheet of the blanket over only selective areas, such that air exits toward only those portions of a patient which are covered by areas of the blanket having perforations.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a Hepatitis B patient having hepatic decompensation utilizes Hepatitis B virus-reducing amounts of T.alpha..sub.1, administered to a patient having decompensated liver disease so as to render the patient seronegative for Hepatitis B virus DNA.

Abstract: A leadframes is provided with at least one supporting portion extending from an island thereof in the direction opposite to a surface on which a semiconductor chip is mounted, so that the supporting portion comes into contact with a bottom surface of a cavity of a mold for encapsulation of semiconductor chips with a resin when said mold is closed.

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway tube, without inserting any foreign matters in the trachea (T), can be easily inserted through the oral cavity (O) in the lower pharynx (P), and is capable of hermetically sealing a transitional region from the lower pharynx to the esophagus (E) and the periphery of the laryngeal opening (AL) to secure an airway for positive pressure artificial ventilation. The pharyngeal airway comprises an airway tube (1) having a closed, round distal end and provided in its side wall with ventilating holes (2), and a balloon (3) attached to the edge of the ventilating part and around the ventilating part of the airway tube and capable of being inflated so as to surround a part of the airway tube near the distal end of the same. A small bore gas passage (4) is formed in the wall of the airway tube so as to open into the balloon, and a small bore tube (5) fitted with a connector (7) is connected to the proximal end of the gas passage.

Abstract: A radio apparatus according to a TDMA/TDD system uses its own transmitter and receiver so as to perform a loopback test for checking normality of the apparatus during a period of an unassigned slot. A loopback test signal is output from its own transmitter during an unassigned transmitting slot and is received by its own receiver. The signal is temporarily stored in a memory and is read during an unassigned receiving slot. The apparatus thus performs a loopback test. Since a loopback test can be performed by use of its own transmitter and receiver during an unassigned slot, a transmitting and receiving device (tester) specifically used for a loopback test is not required. Also, a loopback test can be carried out even while normal communications are being made.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to .delta.-conotoxin PVIA having the formula Glu-Ala-Cys-Tyr-Ala-Xaa.sub.1 -Gly-Thr-Phe-Cys-Gly-Ile-Lys-Xaa.sub.2 -Gly-Leu-Cys-Cys-Ser-Glu-Phe-Cys-Leu-Pro-Gly-Val-Cys-Pro-Gly (Xaa.sub.1 or Xaa.sub.2 is Pro or 4-trans-hydroxyproline) (SEQ ID NO:7). The C-terminus may be free or amidated. This latter conotoxin is vertebrate-specific which targets voltage-sensitive Na channels.