Abstract: The invention relates to fragments of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2 or an analog thereof. The fragments have an activity that inhibits the migration of cultured cells as well as inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, or any other processes that involve the migration of cells in vivo. This fragment does not stimulate the proliferation of cells which is in contrast to activity shown by the mature, full-length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding the fragment, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing the protein by culturing the transformed host. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition the 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor fragment and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A violin thumb pad that facilitates the optimal positioning of violin relative to the player's thumb supporting the violin neck, for teaching purpose and for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, is introduced. Assuming the violin player uses left hand to play the violin finger board, and used right hand to hold the bow, the violin thumb pad forces the left thumb and palm to turn towards the player so the player's fingers are inline with the violin string naturally. The violin thumb pad also forces the left thumb and to be comfortably straight. And it forces the left elbow to stay close with the player's body. The violin thumb pad also makes it easier to place the violin neck between the thumb and index finger and not letting the violin neck drop to the bottom of the thumb. The violin thumb pad comprises an elongated pad that has one side conformable to the thumb and one side conformable to the violin neck, and at least one harnesses or loops that fastens the pad to the thumb.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The removable shoe provides for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to fragments of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2 or an analog thereof. The fragments have an activity that inhibits the migration of cultured cells as well as inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, or any other processes that involve the migration of cells in vivo. This fragment does not stimulate the proliferation of cells which is in contrast to activity shown by the mature, full-length 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor-2. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding the fragment, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing the protein by culturing the transformed host. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition the 24 kDa fibroblast growth factor fragment and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Components for generating, reviewing, processing, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and optimizing information input to or output from a virtual environment. The components may be a video camera component, a stand-alone or device mountable on a tripod to permit a camera person to select from one or more views within a virtual environment, such as a video game being executed, and to provide alternative views within the confines of the virtual environment. The component permits selection from multiple views and manipulation of the same, including a rotation leftward or rightward, a tilt upward or downward, a zooming inward or outward, a translation (for example, a track movement) leftward, rightward, forward, or backward, a rolling movement, and a camera position adjustment (for example, crane movement) upward or downward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest that is present at low levels in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest in solution by a nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, separation of the unbound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, and the detection of the bound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct in the solution phase. The present invention is particularly adaptable to be used in conjunction with a nucleic acid amplification reaction for detecting the presence or absence of the nucleic acid portion of binding construct in a sample indicating the presence or absence of the compound of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shopping cart seat covers for comfort and safety of one or two children when seated in the shopping cart. The present invention is particularly adaptable for providing a safe area for seating one or two children inside the extending platform of shopping carts. The present invention can be used in conjunction with any shopping cart that has a pivoting or extending platform, including large shopping carts, which are designed/made to seat two children, or smaller shopping carts, which are designed/made to seat only one child.

Abstract: There is provided a bicycle frame comprising a first tube; a second tube extending transversely from an upper region of the first tube; a third tube extending transversely and downwardly from a lower region of the first tube, and towards the same direction as the second tube; and a two-part tube joining the respective ends of the second and third tubes, the two-part tube having a straight upper part and a curved lower part, the straight upper part being substantially vertical and the curved lower part being curved longitudinally towards the first tube such as to conform to the curvature of a bicycle wheel. The upper part of the two-part tube is adapted to receive a post member therein, and a first and a second set of tubes extend at the respective ends the two-part tube and are each attached to drop.