Abstract: The invention provides isolated Pre-Ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD) polypeptides which inhibit multimerization of a receptor complex comprising an IL-17R family member. Related PLAD-binding polypeptides, chimeric proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, and methods are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Pre-Ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD) polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence of a domain (e.g., a Fibronectin Ill-like domain) of an IL-17 Receptor (IL-17R) family member, wherein the PLAD polypeptide inhibits multimerization of a receptor complex comprising an IL-17R family member. Also provided are isolated PLAD-binding polypeptides, e.g., antibodies and avimers, which specifically bind to a PLAD polypeptide described herein. Related chimeric proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells are provided herein. Further provided are methods of treating an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, methods of inhibiting IL-17-mediated signal transduction, methods of inhibiting IL-17 ligand binding, methods of inhibiting multimerization of IL-17R complexes, and methods of inhibiting the production of at least one cytokine, chemokine, matrix metalloproteinase, or other molecule associated with IL-17 signal transduction are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Pre-Ligand Assembly Domain (PLAD) polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence of a domain (e.g., a Fibronectin Ill-like domain) of an IL-17 Receptor (IL-17R) family member, wherein the PLAD polypeptide inhibits multimerization of a receptor complex comprising an IL-17R family member. Also provided are isolated PLAD-binding polypeptides, e.g., antibodies and avimers, which specifically bind to a PLAD polypeptide described herein. Related chimeric proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells are provided herein. Further provided are methods of treating an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, methods of inhibiting IL-17-mediated signal transduction, methods of inhibiting IL-17 ligand binding, methods of inhibiting multimerization of IL-17R complexes, and methods of inhibiting the production of at least one cytokine, chemokine, matrix metalloproteinase, or other molecule associated with IL-17 signal transduction are provided.

Abstract: A package for handling and shipping optical fiber jumpers which permit testing during manufacturing and by the end user, which package includes a sheet having allochiral halves each with cut-outs to form ears upon which to spirally wind a length of optical fiber having a connector plug formed on each end. The halves are folded together and subsequently the length of fiber bridging the fold line can be cut to provide two pigtails.

Abstract: In a pair of eyeglasses or the type having side members which hook over the user's ear. An adjustment is provided to adjust the length of the side pieces. The adjustment may be screw type adjusting means or ratchet type adjusting means. An adjustment is also provided to adjust a side hinge to vary the pressure of a side piece against the head.

Abstract: A finder for a T.V. remote control box has an elongated flexible tail connected to the remote control box. The tail preferably has a color contrasting with the color of newspapers and has at least one bell attached to it, and at least one aperture for hanging up the control box.

Abstract: Means to provide additional electrical power in an electrically powered vehicle. An air scoop is mounted on the vehicle. The air scoop opens in a generally forward direction. A turbine wheel is mounted in the rear of the air scoop. An electric generator is connected to the turbine wheel, whereby air passing through the air scoop will generate additional electricity for the vehicle batteries. The air scoop is rotatable and means are provided to lock it in position.

Abstract: Guard means for a rotary power mower of the type having a hollow base member, a horizontal blade rotatably mounted in the base member, the base member being adjustably elevated off the ground by a plurality of adjustable wheels. Guards are provided to prevent a person's foot from extending under the base member into contact with the blade. The guards are mounted around the periphery of the base member. The guards extend to close proximity with the ground.