Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes an elongated trunk extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. A base may support the trunk of the artificial tree in an upright position relative to floor. The proximal end of the trunk may be coupled to the base and the distal end of the trunk extending outwardly from the base. A plurality of frame sections may extend circumferentially around the trunk and being moveable in an axial direction relative to the trunk. Each frame section may extend longitudinally between axially spaced apart ends thereof and being connected with at least one other frame section, whereby axial movement of a given frame section along the trunk causes corresponding axial movement of each other frame section to which the given frame section is connected.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for rapid determination of pharmacologic effects on target tissue types in cell populations cultured in vitro. The cells contain a promoter-reporter construct that reflects a toxicologic or metabolic change caused by the agent being screened. The promoter is taken from a gene known to be up- or down-regulated according to the metabolic state of the cell, and linked to a reporter gene that provides an external signal for monitoring promoter activity. The promoter-reporter cells may be produced by placing these genetic alterations into a line of human embryonic stem cells, bulking up the cells to any extent desired, and then differentiating the cells into the desired tissue type. This disclosure explains some of the powerful features of the promoter-reporter cells of this invention, and shows various ways the skilled reader can use the invention for pharmaceutical development and testing, or to monitor graft survival.

Abstract: A tubesheet support arrangement 11 supports a tubesheet 10 within a vessel 12, the tubesheet 10 maintaining a plurality of tubes 22 at fixed radial spacings from one another with the tubes 22 extending from the tubesheet 10 on a tube projecting side of the radial plane RP. The tubesheet support arrangement 11 comprises a fully circumferentially extending intermediary support element 24. The intermediary support element 24 is subjected to compression due its support of the weight of the tubesheet 10 and the tubes 22 on the lower portion of the vessel 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-human transgenic animals, tissues and/or cells derived therefrom having depleted or ablated cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) expression, methods of producing such animals, tissues and/or cells, and methods of using such animals, tissues and/or cells. Non-human transgenic animals, tissues and or cells derived therefrom of the present invention may be used for, but non exclusively, in both in vivo and in vitro screening of therapeutic agents, drug development, drug metabolism/disposition studies and studying disease states, pregnancy, fetal development, modulation of hormone function and hormone levels, and other pathways and/or substrate metabolism in which cytochrome P450 plays a role.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing includes a deformable contact retention plate for accommodating the tails of electrical contacts. Contact tails are supported within slots in the retention plate both at a closed end of the slot as well as at an intermediate location therealong. The contact retention plate may be deformed about the contacts so as to captively retain the contact tails within the slots. Such deformation may be achieved by ultrasonically swaging the plastic forming the contact retention plate about the contact tails.

Abstract: An enclosure is disclosed for use with motors in an outdoor environment. The enclosure serves to prevent moisture and dirt from contacting the motor housing or fan, thereby to prevent condensation inside the motor housing. The enclosure comprises a cylindrical moisture shield disposed about the motor housing to which is attached a rain canopy at one end thereof. An appropriate spacing is provided between the rain canopy and the moisture shield to permit air to be drawn inside of the enclosure to permit air cooling of the motor during operation.