Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA element that enhances the translation of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The enhancer may be incorporated into expression vectors to enhance recombinant protein production. In addition, the invention is directed to an assay that utilizes vectors containing the translation enhancer element for the purpose of identifying agents that modulate the expression of the human amyloid precursor protein. These agents will ultimately be used to suppress APP expression in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain peptides that correspond to sequence elements within the human Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein (APP). These peptides may be used to protect cells from iron catalyzed oxidative damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA element that enhances the translation of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The enhancer may be incorporated into expression vectors to enhance recombinant protein production. In addition, the invention is directed to an assay that utilizes vectors containing the translation enhancer element for the purpose of identifying agents that modulate the expression of the human amyloid precursor protein. These agents will ultimately be used to suppress APP expression in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A suede-like micro-fibril finish is imparted to fibrillatable cellulosic materials by open width hydraulic treatment. Additional enhancement of the fabric finish is obtained by post hydraulic enzyme and wet processing treatments. Fluid treated fabrics of the invention are characterized by substantially uniform fibrillation of fibers within the fabric body and surface areas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition composed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer which is capable of forming a biodegradable and/or bioerodible microporous, solid or gelatinous polymer matrix. The matrix is useful as an implant in animals for enhancing regeneration of cells and tissue, such as bone and nerve cells, or for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs. The composition is administered to an implant site as a liquid. The invention also includes a method of preventing and treating disorders and diseases, such as bone or nerve growth disorders, or of altering body functions such as birth control, using the compositions and implants of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are described for assisting the restoration of periodontal tissue in a periodontal pocket and for retarding migration of epithelial cells along the root surface of a tooth. The methods involve placement of an in-situ forming biodegradable barrier adjacent the surface of a tooth. The barrier is microporous and includes pores of defined size. The barrier can include a biologically active agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition composed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer which is capable of forming a biodegradable and/or bioerodible microporous, solid or gelatinous polymer matrix. The matrix is useful as an implant in animals for enhancing regeneration of cells and tissue, such as bone and nerve cells, or for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs. The composition is administered to an implant site as a liquid. The invention also includes a method of preventing and treating disorders and diseases, such as bone or nerve growth disorders, or of altering body functions such as birth control, using the compositions and implants of the invention.

Abstract: A polymeric controlled delivery system is provided for use in treating periodontal disease. The delivery system in a variety of forms is placed directly in the infected gingival tissue where the chemotherapeutic agent is slowly released into the tissue and into the infected periodontal pocket by means of the gingival crevicular fluid originating in the gingival tissue.

Abstract: Methods are described for assisting the restoration of periodontal tissue in a periodontal pocket and for retarding migration of epithelial cells along the root surface of a tooth. The methods involve placement of an in-situ forming biodegradable barrier adjacent the surface of a tooth. The barrier is microporous and includes pores of defined size. The barrier can include a biologically active agent.

Abstract: A light fixture assembly having both AC and DC lamps, as well as AC and DC power receptacles that is capable of operating from either an AC source or a DC source. A 110-volt AC lamp, as well as a 12-volt DC lamp are provided within a reflector housing. The reflector housing has a mask that fits onto the reflector housing. An insulating handle that contains a switch that controls AC power to the AC lamp provides insulation and improved gripping ability for a user. An electrical cord provides electrical current for both the AC and DC lamps. The electrical cord has a pair of adapters, that are compatible with first, a 110-volt AC outlet, for providing power to the AC lamp. Secondarly, the other adapter is compatible with a receptacle used for an automobile cigarette lighter, for providing power to the DC lamp.

Abstract: The assembly of a large size pneumatic tire for a heavy off the road vehicle and an annular bead seat for a bead of the tire is characterized by the fact that said annular bead seat has a lateral face terminating in a flange and an inner face with a heel portion adjacent said lateral face and a toe portion meeting at a vertex and forming in radial cross section the shape of a very open V open toward said bead, and said bead has a reinforcing bead wire so arranged that the median plane of the bead wire intersects the toe portion of the inner face at a distance from the vertex at least equal to one-tenth of the diameter of the cross-section of the bead wire, the outer surface of the bead being thus in permanent contact with the lateral face and the inner face of the annular bead seat and the assembly being slidably mountable on a wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Tire with a radial carcass reinforcement, a tread reinforcement and a tread having transverse grooves and a nongrooved portion arranged between the bottoms of the transverse grooves and the tread reinforcement is improved due to the fact that the tread comprises, in said non-grooved portion, at least one ply of relatively inextensible oblique wires or cables forming an angle of at most 60.degree. with the circumferential direction, the axial width of said ply being between 1/4 and 1/2 of the width of the tread.

Abstract: A process for producing hydraulic binders comprising essentially calcium and silicon oxides by adding, to a mixture composed of compounds containing oxygen, calcium, silicon, and optionally other elements which are normally encountered in conventional raw materials, particularly aluminium, at least one disturbing agent capable of modifying the crystallinity of the minerals normally formed by the firing of said mixture of compounds at high temperatures, firing said mixture of compounds containing said disturbing agent, and recovering a mineral product possessing hydraulic properties.

Abstract: Magnesium dialkyl phosphates capable of thickening or gelling nonpolar organic solvents are prepared by reacting a dialkyl acid phosphate with a magnesium oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate in organic solvent solution in the presence of a small amount of water within defined limits of time, temperature, mole ratios of reactants, and size of alkyl groups. The products are useful as thickening agents and vapor pressure depressants for nonpolar solvents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage tray and waste container, and particularly, to a novel storage tray for holding crackers and a wrapper container mounted on the storage tray. The storage tray, or holder member, has a peripheral wall, and a central locking device for removably securing an upstanding waste container. The locking device can comprise scallop-shaped fastening ears on the surface of the tray that are capable of interlocking with peripheral detents on the bottom of the waste container. The top of the waste container further has a pair of spring-biased closure members. The closure member can be formed with a pair of integral pivot pins for pivotal connection with the waste container walls and a pair of punched slits on the surface of the closure member to receive a band spring that can bias the closure member to a closed position.Another embodiment of the present invention includes a waste container that can be hooked, or attached, to the side of a storage container, such as a basket.