Abstract: The invention is directed to novel combinations of liver specific enhancers and promoter elements for achieving persistent transgene expression in the liver. The liver specific enhancer elements may be derived from either the human serum albumin, prothrombin, ?-1microglobulin or aldolase genes in single copies or in multimerized form linked to elements derived from the cytomegalovirus intermediate early (CMV), ?-1-antitrypsin or albumin promoters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an adenoviral vector comprising a liver specific enhancer/promoter combination operably linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. In other embodiments of the invention, adeno-associated viral vectors, retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors or a plasmid comprising the liver specific enhancer/promoter combination linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. Also within the scope of the invention are promoter elements derived from the human prothrombin gene and the ?-fibrinogen gene.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel combinations of liver specific enhancers and promoter elements for achieving persistent transgene expression in the liver. The liver specific enhancer elements may be derived from either the human serum albumin, prothrombin, &agr;-1microglobulin or aldolase genes in single copies or in multimerized form linked to elements derived from the cytomegalovirus intermediate early (CMV), &agr;-1-antitrypsin or albumin promoters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an adenoviral vector comprising a liver specific enhancer/promoter combination operably linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. In other embodiments of the invention, adeno-associated viral vectors, retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors or a plasmid comprising the liver specific enhancer/promoter combination linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. Also within the scope of the invention are promoter elements derived from the human prothrombin gene and the &bgr;-fibrinogen gene.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a security lock for hinged entry doors or the like are disclosed, each having a strike plate adapted for mounting on the door jamb with a lock element being selectively operable for locking the door and being opened inwardly. In one embodiment, the lock element is engaged with a slotted extension of the strike plate for locking the door and with an offset plate portion for storing the lock element in an unlocked position out of engagement with the door. In another embodiment, the lock element is connected to an offset portion of the plate by an elongated flexible element such as a chain. In yet another embodiment, the lock element is an elongated hook member which is rotatably attached to the plate and extends inwardly of the door in its closed position, the hook member being rotatable into either a locking position for engaging the door after it is opened a short distance from the jamb or an unlocked position.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a selectively variable measured quantity of granular material from a container includes a cup-shaped first member and a hollow cylindrical dispensing member having a sidewall disposed concentrically within the first member. The dispensing member includes a handle, an open bottom, a closed top panel, and a pair of radially extending side panels depending from the top panel to define a measuring chamber. The volume of the measuring chamber may be varied by means of an adjustment member having a lateral panel disposed in a recess in the top of the dispensing member and a depending panel which forms a sidewall of the measuring chamber. The dispensing member is rotatable about a tubular projection extending from the first member, so that the measuring chamber may be moved from alignment with an intake port in the bottom panel of a reservoir supported above the first member to alignment with a discharge port in the bottom of the first member.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a selectively variable measured quantity of granular material from a container includes a cap adapted to be secured to the open end of the container, the cap including a generally cup-like coffer disposed in the neck of the container. A disk-like lid is rotatably secured to the cap in coaxial fashion, and includes a discharge port subtending a small angle therein. The cap includes a boss projecting radially inwardly in the coffer and disposed directly adjacent to an inlet port in the inner end wall of the coffer. An adjustment member is rotatably received in the coffer, and includes a radially extending wall parallel to the axis which is selectively variably spaced from the boss to define a chamber of variable volume communicating with the inlet port. A disk-like bottom cover includes an inlet opening therein, and is secured to the inner end of the cap and adapted for rotation in concert with the lid.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a measured quantity of granular material from a container includes a cap adapted to be secured to the open end of the container, and a generally cup-like housing secured to the interior surface of the cap. A dispensing member is disposed within the housing, and is adapted to be rotated about the axis of the cap and housing by a lever which extends outwardly from the cap. The dispensing member includes a cylindrical chamber extending therethrough parallel to the axis thereof, and adapted to be rotated to register with an intake port in the housing to be filled with granular material. The dispensing member may be rotated to bring the chamber into registration with a discharge port extending through the cap.