Abstract: A lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. In certain aspects, compounds which can inhibit Skp2 are provided. Specifically chromenone derivatives are disclosed that have the capability toward reducing differentiation of pluripotent, multipotent or totipotent cells and thus have therapeutic utility in the treatment of a proliferative disease such as cancer.

Abstract: Cancer vaccines were demonstrated to be promising strategies for cancer treatment; however these strategies are limited by the paucity of target antigens that provoke an effective immune response. The Inventors of the present patent application propose that sperm fibrous sheet proteins constitute a new class of potential antigens for use in the development of effective, durable cancer vaccines. This hypothesis is supported by the expression of the sperm fibrous sheath protein, known as Sperm protein 17 (Sp17), which is detected in tumors of unrelated histological origin. It has the ability to induce T-cell based immune responses. The expression of the Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) in tumors of unrelated histological origin, and its' natural localization in the human sperm fibrous sheath (FS), led the Inventors to hypothesize that FS proteins might represent a new potential class of target antigens useful for developing cancer vaccines, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. In certain aspects, compounds which can inhibit Skp2 are provided. Specifically chromenone derivatives are disclosed that have the capability toward reducing differentiation of pluripotent, multipotent or totipotent cells and thus have therapeutic utility in the treatment of a proliferative disease such as cancer.

Abstract: A lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount.

Abstract: Cancer vaccines were demonstrated to be promising strategies for cancer treatment but the strategies are limited by the paucity of target antigens that provoke an effective immune response. We propose that sperm fibrous sheet proteins constitute a new class of potential antigens for cancer vaccines. This hypothesis is supported by the expression of the sperm fibrous sheath protein known as Sperm protein 17 detected in tumors of unrelated histological origin. It has the ability to induce T-cell based immune responses. The expression of the Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) in tumors of unrelated histological origin, and its natural localization in the human sperm fibrous sheath (FS), led us to hypothesize that FS proteins might represent a new potential class of target antigens useful for developing cancer vaccines and diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: A disc configured to be secured to a wheel rim through a flange ring at a variety of positions may include a base, a plurality of first securing members, and a plurality of second securing members. The base may be integrally formed with a circumferential wall. The plurality of first securing members extend from the circumferential wall at a first height from the base. The plurality of second securing members extend from the circumferential wall at a second height from the base, wherein the second height is different from the first height.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a user's lower back and hips has a front belt portion and an enlarged rear portion with a molded depression formed inside. A packet has a plurality of separately sealed liquid chambers interconnected to each other by at least one channel for allowing flow of liquid therebetween whereby equal pressure is applied to the user's lower back and hips wherever there is contact with the packet. This packet is attachable to and detachable from the molded depression so that the liquid may be replaced or cleaned by removing the plug before the packet is refilled with fresh liquid.

Abstract: A reservoir system for storing and selectively outputting a large quantity of water for flushing animal wastes from adjacent hoghouses or other pens. An above-ground tank is provided with a plurality of water output orifices which are sealed against leakage by flexible seal plates adapted to be selectively opened and closed by flushing valves. Each of the flushing valves comprises a rigid, tubular valve guide sleeve mounted within the water output orifices. Each sleeve includes a plurality of vent mouths radially spaced apart about its lower base. An elongated, rigid piston fitted within each sleeve is controlled by a rigid rod which extends downwardly from a top-mounted crank assembly. The crank is driven by a motor actuated by a user-programmable timer circuit. When the motor is actuated the crank assembly rotates and raises the pistons, and water flows through the vent orifices, the output orifices, to be channeled onto the subfloor of the hoghouses.