Abstract: A method of preventing or treating posttraumatic nervous injuries by administering a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group, cyclohexyl or benzyl; Z is one of the groups ##STR2## if Z is a group (a), R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together represent an additional bond between the carbon atoms bearing them, or if Z represents a group (b), R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sub.5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or phenyl, and R.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl. Hydrates or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used in the method. Pharmaceutical compositions used in this method containing such compounds in a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount may be administered by infusion, injection, orally, perorally, rectally, percutaneously or other route.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by administering dipeptide derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group, cyclohexyl or benzyl; Z is one of the groups ##STR2## wherein if Z is a group (a), R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together represent an additional bond between the carbon atoms bearing R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, or if Z is a group (b), R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, or R.sub.5 may also be phenyl; and R.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl; hydrates or pharmaceutically acceptable acid additions salts thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions containing effective ALS symptom counteracting amounts of such dipeptide derivatives may be administered by infusion, injection, orally, rectally or percutaneously.

Abstract: A system is provided for the checkout of articles selected for purchase by consumers, comprising a code reader for reading an identification code on such articles and generating an output signal indicative of such code reading, a conveyor unit for receiving and transporting the articles, first and second bagging areas served by the conveyor unit, a channeling member operable for placing the conveyor unit selectively in communication with one or the other of the bagging areas, and switches operable by the consumers for use of the system. A controller is responsive to the code reader output signals and the switches for operation of the channeling member. The switches are operable separately by first and second customers respectively at the completion of first customer usage of the conveyor units and prior to use of the conveyor unit by the second customer.

Abstract: A testing arrangement for a printed circuit board includes a carrier for a multiplicity of contact pins which engage the ends of the printed conductors on the printed circuit board. The carrier is positioned above a base which receives a multiplicity of leads connected with a device for testing the printed circuit board. The leads, which are to be connected with respective ones of the contact pins, engage sockets mounted in the base. The connections between the contact pins and the leads are established via a sheet which is located intermediate the base and the carrier and is provided with contacts in the form of thin foils. The contacts face and engage respective ones of the contact pins. The contacts are connected with plugs which are mounted on the intermediate sheet and are inserted into the sockets in the base.

Abstract: For joining a wishbone boom to the mast of a sailboard there is provided a connector having a body to which is pivotally joined a pair of sockets for receiving the mast ends of the wishbone, the sockets straddling a pair of complemental semi-cylindrical jaws pivotally mounted on said body and arranged to embrace a mast. When the sockets are positioned generally normal to the longitudinal elements of the jaws the latter are urged together by the sockets to clamp on the mast. Moving the sockets as a unit through an arc relative to the body and jaws releases the jaws so that they can separate and release the mast.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Echinodorus plant named `Red Flame`, characterized by its relatively compact plant habit; moderate vigor and moderate growth rate; and attractive dark green leaves with numerous dark brownish red spots and blotches.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Echinodorus plant named `Indian Red`, characterized by its relatively compact plant habit; moderate vigor and moderate growth rate; and attractive brownish red leaves that are elliptic to ovate and undulating with upturned leaf apices.