Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-21 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-21 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Using the expression vectors, the IL-21 gene was produced in E. coli to a level of greater than 1 g/L in fed batch fermentation. Also included are OmpT deficient E. coli strains transformed with an IL-21 expression vector.

Abstract: A holder, electrical supply, and optional RF transmitter unit to hold, supply power to, and receive a data signal from an operating electronic device when the device (e.g., MP3 player) is held in the unit is disclosed. Electrical power enters the unit's power acquisition portion (e.g., cigarette lighter adapter) from an external source and flows to the electronic device via the holder. A data signal from the electronic device is processed by an RF transmitter in the unit, and the resulting RF signal is broadcast by an antenna (e.g., gooseneck) that preferably forms a repositionable mechanical connection between the holder and the power acquisition unit.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, with a body comprising of a first body portion and a second body portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high density material in the first body portion with a low density material in the second body portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. Thickening the lower area of the front face lowers the center of gravity and upwardly shifts the coefficient of restitution to the geometric center of the face.

Abstract: Compositions comprising thrombin and methods of preparing them are disclosed. The composition may be in the form of an aqueous solution at pH 5.7-7.4 consisiting essentially of 0.1 mg/mL to 5.0 mg/mL thrombin, 2% to 4% (w/v) sucrose, 3.5% to 5% (w/v) mannitol, 50 mM to 300 mM NaCl, 0-5 mM CaCl2, 0.03% to 1% (w/v) of a surfactant or high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol, and a physiologically acceptable buffer, or may be in lyophilized form.

Abstract: A golf club including a head, a bore-through hosel insert, and a shaft is disclosed and claimed. The head includes a passage in which the bore-through hosel insert is positioned and retained. The bore-through hosel insert has a specific gravity much lower than the club head specific gravity. This allows mass that would necessarily have been located in the hosel in the heel of the club head to be relocated to more beneficial areas of the club. This allows the club designer to, for example, increase the overall size of the club head, expand the sweet spot, enhance the moment of inertia, and/or optimize the club head center of gravity location.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a mechanism to create and maintain web pages and other types of output pages. The system and methods use an author markup language (AML) to define output pages. Additionally, a Component Markup Language (CML) may be used to define components that may be referenced by the AML. The AML and CML may be translated to an intermediate format, which may then be further processed at runtime to combine dynamic data with the intermediate format to produce the output page.

Abstract: An access point or on-ramp includes a web server interface that couples one or more guests to the Internet. A usage collector monitors the usage patterns of the guests, and web cache software selects web pages that may be of interest to the guests based on their usage patterns. Another embodiment includes a remote management server managing a plurality of access points. The remote management server also may be used to enhance the functionality of access points by providing enhanced recognition of usage patterns. Information may be downloaded from the remote management server to the access point once the server recognizes usage patterns.

Abstract: A hollow golf club shaft of circular cross-section comprises a tubular core layer, a tubular outer layer, and a tubular intermediate member juxtaposed to both the core layer and the outer layer, wherein the core layer and the outer layer coextend substantially the entire length of the shaft.

Abstract: An access point communicates wirelessly with one or more guests requesting Internet access. The access point includes authentication and authorization logic that determines if a guest is authorized to request Internet access, and the level of the guest's privileges. The authentication and authorization logic may be configured by a host to identify multiple privilege levels and the usage permitted for each privilege level. If a guest is unauthenticated, or if a guest requests a usage exceeding that guest's privilege level, then the access point provides basic services or a basic screen to the guest.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, with a body comprising of a first body portion and a second body portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high density material in the first body portion with a low density material in the second body portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios.

Abstract: A hybrid golf club having a hollow club head construction including a lightweight composite core inserted into a club head cavity and juxtaposed against a front face by compressed gas to provide support to the front face therein. The core material is less dense and having greater flexibility than the front face. The front face has a variable stiffness so as to create a variable Coefficient of Restitution (COR) across the face, therein normalizing the hitting area over a greater portion of the face. The composite core supports the front face to provide a COR from about 0.8 in the middle of the face to about 0.9 in the outer section. The body of the club head has at least one opening wherein the composite core is visible and provides the shell for that portion of the club head. The composite core comprises a plurality of unidirectional layers with horizontal oriented layers alternating with vertical oriented layers to provide extra strength.

Abstract: Stacked wheels of the rotor of a rotary machine are axially coupled to one another by tie bolt assemblies. Each tie bolt assembly includes a stud having forward and aft ends. The aft end of the stud includes a self-locking nut to thereby lock the stud/nut assembly against rotation relative to the rotor.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam formulation includes a non-foam forming amount of a saponin, such as a tri-terpene type saponin. The formulation may be an aqueous film forming foam (of either the alcohol resistant type or non-alcohol resistant type) which use a synthetic hydrocarbon surfactant as a foaming agent, a fluorocarbon surfactant to suitably lower the surface tension, and a non-ionic hydrocarbon surfactant to lower the amount of fluorocarbon surfactant required. The saponin significantly improves the heat resistance of the foam formulation when applied to fires, and can eliminate the need to use the non-ionic hydrocarbon surfactant. The saponin can replace part of the hydrocarbon surfactant component of the formulation so that a reduced amount of hydrocarbon surfactant is required in the formulation. The preferred concentration range of saponin in the formulation is between 0.3% and 1% by volume.

Abstract: An earth mover scraper combination having chain driven elevator drive sprockets for each of two chains which are mounted on plates that include pins extending into the frame of the elevator support. Two jacks are likewise inserted into the frame of the elevator support and can be used to force the pins away from the frame support thereby forcing the sprocket away from the frame support and tensioning the chain. Preferably, the jack is a hydraulic jack that can be operated with a simple grease gun. Metal shims are then placed between the mounting bracket and the frame assembly to maintain the chain tension.