Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of diabetes involving free radicals. In particular, the present invention is directed to the treatment or prophylactic intervention of diabetes. The present invention demonstrates that MnSOD can play a protective role against cytokine killing, and provides strategies for engineering cell lines as islet surrogates for transplantation therapy of diabetes mellitus. Further, the present invention shows that &bgr;-cell destruction and dysfunction in adipogenic diabetes is mediated via fatty acids. Methods and compositions for ameliorating this disorder are provided herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting pneumatic vehicle tires, the beads of which have pull and compression resistant bead cores, with the beads, in the mounted state of the tire, being disposed on the radially inner periphery of a wheel rim next to the essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges of the latter. A mounting mechanism is brought into contact with the peripheral region of a tire bead portion that has been introduced into the rim. The mounting mechanism is introduced in such a way that a first section of the mounting mechanism rests against the tire axially outwardly of the rim flange, while a second section of the mounting mechanism rests against the tire at the level of the rim flange and/or axially inwardly of the rim flange. These two sections of the mounting mechanism define an angle of 80.degree. to 120.degree. relative to one another. While the introduced tire bead portion is held in place against the rim, the mounting mechanism is guided along the periphery of the tire.

Abstract: A door jamb support includes an L-shaped reinforcing plate having a recessed portion with an opening therethrough positioned to be in alignment with a door latch on a door, a strike plate positionable within the recessed portion having an opening therethrough in alignment with the opening in the reinforcing support plate, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the strike plate on the support plate to vary the location of the strike plate opening with respect to the support plate opening, the fasteners for mounting the strike plate on the support plate. The adjustment mechanism includes a series of spaced projections on the strike plate above and below the strike plate opening and a corresponding series of spaced indentations on the support plate above and below the support plate opening. The adjustment feature enables the reinforcing support plate to accommodate variances in the design of and in the position of door handle latches in doors.

Abstract: Copolymers of vinyl chloride and maleic or fumaric acid diester, which have good workability, are improved by incorporating therein an organic peroxide as a cross-linking agent. Products formed from the resin, which can be foamed articles, have improved thermal stability.