Abstract: Proteins and peptides derived from protein ESM-1 are used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases linked to leukocyte migration.

Abstract: A method for fabricating silicone elastomer stamps with hydrophilic surfaces is provided. The concept of polymer grafting is used to produce the stamps. The stamps thus produced have the great advantage that grafting of a thin hydrophilic polymer on a hydrophobic PDMS surface can render PDMS stamps permanently hydrophilic. With such stamps it becomes possible to print aqueous or highly polar inks reproducibly over days and weeks.

Abstract: A method and also a device is proposed for identification of a substance, preferably comprising biochemical molecules. In a first step a probe and said substance will be brought into contact, afterwards in a second step the probe and said substance will be withdrawn from each other, while measuring the value of at least one physical parameter characterizing the interaction between said probe and said substance and comparing said measured value with a reference value for identification.

Abstract: For a point-of-sales rug selection from a stack thereof, a method of working a raised stack from the bottom up so that a rug assuming successively the bottom position is permitted to descend, each in turn, to a floor display position and, after the first descent using lowering cables, the cables having a length portion in a taut vertical condition to serve as tracking guides for the vertical descent by gravity of successive rugs.

Abstract: A feeder device for feeding animals with food product includes a housing divided into a plurality of compartments with individual pivotable bottom walls and an operating system mounted on the housing to control opening of the bottom walls to release the food product contained therein. The operating system includes a locking mechanism located adjacent each bottom wall to releasably secure it in a closed position. An opening mechanism successively activates the locking mechanisms and opens the bottom walls. A timer device including an electronic controller and a limit switch electrically coupled to the opening mechanism controls the operation of the latter at a pre-determined time interval. The limit switch is activated by the opening mechanism and stops operation of said opening mechanism during the pre-determined time interval.

Abstract: A method for fabricating silicone elastomer stamps with hydrophilic surfaces is provided. The concept of polymer grafting is used to produce the stamps. The stamps thus produced have the great advantage that grafting of a thin hydrophilic polymer on a hydrophobic PDMS surface can render PDMS stamps permanently hydrophilic. With such stamps it becomes possible to print aqueous or highly polar inks reproducibly over days and weeks.

Abstract: For a point-of-sales rug selection from a stack thereof, a method of working a raised stack from the bottom up so that a rug assuming successively the bottom position is permitted to descend, each in turn, to a floor display position and, after the first descent using lowering cables, the cables having a length portion in a taut vertical condition to serve as tracking guides for the vertical descent by gravity of successive rugs.

Abstract: In the jet straying of ink droplets in a decorative pattern onto a fabric during which a jet spray head shuttles across the fabric changing directions at opposite selvage edges, the provision in an interposed position between the spray head and upstanding selvage edge fibers of shields preventing contact therebetween which maintains bubble closures over exit openings in the jet spray head intact and obviates inadvertent gravity flow of ink as might mar the decorative pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to aggregates comprised of particles which contain silicon dioxide and to elastomers reinforced therewith. The invention also relates to tires having treads composed of such reinforced elastomers.

Abstract: The removal of albedo in the preparation of a citrus fruit for consumption, in which a known aqueous solution of pectinase enzyme is used for its known albedo-removal function, but in the present circumstances a vacuum is used to primarily draw the pectinase enzyme to the interface of the albedo and the citrus fruit and only nominally to the interface of the albedo and the peel of the citrus fruit, so that removal of the peel carries with it the albedo and uncovers the citrus fruit in a desirable albedo-free condition.

Abstract: An orientation aid for use when swimming on one's back comprises a hollow tubular support (20), an end piece (10 ) at one end of the support enabling the support to be held in a swimmer's mouth, and viewing means (30) attached to an opposite end of the support which is disposed above water during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to aggregates comprised of particles which contain silicon dioxide and to elastomers reinforced therewith. The invention also relates to tires having treads composed of such reinforced elastomers.

Abstract: A purified nucleic acid encoding the IQGAP1 protein, a novel member of the GTPase activating protein family, useful in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block for containing and storing radioactive waste, as well as to a process for producing such a block. In known manner, the waste is coated in a composite matrix constituted by hardened cement and epoxy resin. According to the invention, the proportion of waste is between 35 and 45% by weight, the porportion of cement between 25 and 35% by weight and the proportion of resin between 20 and 40% by weight.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling hole repair method using plastic foam in which the foam, while expanding, is confined to the hole requiring repair so that it expands into gripping contact with the edges bounding the hole, and thus in effect wedges itself in place.

Abstract: A method is provided for masking a crack in a drywall or plaster surface of a dwelling, comprising the steps of die cutting a repair patch from a heat-shrinkable plastic film of a defined size presenting a surface area adapted to be placed in covering relation over the crack and bounded about its periphery by surrounding edges. The patch is prepared with an adhesive confined to the surrounding edges only and is placed over the crack making an initial attachment to the drywall and heat is applied to the patch, to cause a contraction in size of the patch while exerting a pressure normal in size in the patch.

Abstract: A covering over the 90 degree corner of gypsum or plasterboards which rounds the corner to a small radius and thus provides a desirable commercial appearance thereto, which uses heat shrinkable tape to fuse the covering in place and also, as a result of the shrinkage, cause the removal of any wrinkles therein as might otherwise undermine the objective of the covering.

Abstract: The within inventive method for repairing a drywall surface (i.e. gypsum boards) or a plaster wall or ceiling, obviates the need for spackling and contemplates instead the use of a plastic film in covering relation over the surface defect and in this position properly prepared, so that the plastic is totally devoid of wrinkles and in firm attachment to the surface, with the result that the repair cannot be detected from the original surface.

Abstract: A racemic or optically active alkyl 2-chloropropionate is prepared, respectively, from a racemic or optically active alkyl lactate by, in a first step, gradually bringing the alkyl lactate into contact with the thionyl chloride, in the presence of an organic base, while maintaining, in the reaction mixture, an excess of thionyl chloride, relative to the amount of alkyl lactate introduced into this mixture, at a temperature below the decomposition point of the chlorosulphinate of the alkyl lactate, which is formed as an intermediate, and then, in a second step, in heating the reaction mixture resulting from the first step at a temperature which is at least equal to the decomposition point of the chlorosulphinate of the alkyl lactate.The alkyl 2-chloropropionates can be used for the manufacture of the racemic or optically active 2-phenoxypropionic acids.

Abstract: Aluminum monoethyl-phosphite, useful for the protection of plants against fungal diseases, is manufactured in a continuous manner by first preparing a mixture of phosphite compounds, containing at least 70 mol % of diethyl phosphite, then saponifying and neutralizing such mixture with an inorganic base, at a temperature of 20.degree.-85.degree. C., at a pH of 4.0-8.5, and finally reacting the residual aqueous solution of alkaline metal monoethyl-phosphite, continuously withdrawn from the preceding operation, with an approximately stoichiometric amount of a water-soluble aluminum salt at 70.degree.-95.degree. C. and a pH of 3.0-4.5.