Abstract: A dispensing closure (40) for a container (44) of a fluent substance is disclosed. The closure includes a body (54) having an inlet portion (68) defining an inlet flow passage (74) for receiving the fluent substance from the container (44) and an elongate outlet portion (70) defining an outlet flow passage (78) for discharging the fluent substance. The closure (40) further has a valve (56) located within the body (54), across the inlet flow passage (74) and spaced axially inwardly of outlet flow passage (78) to define a chamber (216). The valve (56) has a flexible, resilient valve head portion (160) that has confronting, openable portions (212) movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the valve head portion (160) is subjected to a pressure differential acting across the valve head portion (160).

Abstract: A dispensing closure (40) for a container (44) of a fluent substance is disclosed. The closure includes a body (54) having an inlet portion (68) defining an inlet flow passage (74) for receiving the fluent substance from the container (44) and an elongate outlet portion (70) defining an outlet flow passage (78) for discharging the fluent substance. The closure (40) further has a valve (56) located within the body (54), across the inlet flow passage (74) and spaced axially inwardly of outlet flow passage (78) to define a chamber (216). The valve (56) has a flexible, resilient valve head portion (160) that has confronting, openable portions (212) movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the valve head portion (160) is subjected to a pressure differential acting across the valve head portion (160).

Abstract: A policyholder report may be obtained by an insurer from an insured through a series of questions presented by an automated, electronic system. The insured may access the system through a portal, such as a graphical user interface, which may ask the insured a dynamic series of account and/or risk-based questions at or near the expiration of an insurance policy term, and permit the insured to submit verification and supporting information through the portal. Based on the insured's responses to the questions and the information provided, the insurer may complete a review and/or audit, and determine an adjustment to the premium. Additionally, the system may permit the insured and the insurer to review the audit during all stages of completion, and may allow the insured to opt out of the electronic process at any time, or to dispute the results of the audit through the portal.

Abstract: An integrated, hand-held device combining optical bar-code reading means with RFID-transponder commissioning means includes an on-board processing means, such as a portable-data-terminal that releasably couples to the device and wireless communicates with a host or network computer and seamlessly integrates data communication to and from the optical reader means and the commissioning means. A rechargeable battery pack provides power to each component and a single trigger mechanism enables multi-modal operation based on sensed conditions. Blank or pre-encoded RFID-transponders are supplied by a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to regulate gene expression in plants. In particular, manipulation of the expression in a plant cell of a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising a 3?-5? exonuclease domain is disclosed. More stable and predictable expression is thus obtained. The present invention also relates to method of increasing or decreasing post-transcriptional silencing. The invention further relates to novel nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides comprising a 3?-5? exonuclease domain.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that pectin esterase is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of pectin esterase gene expression resulted in seedlings that were damaged, short, and stunted at a very early growth stage. Thus, pectin esterase can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit pectin esterase expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a pectin esterase and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said pectin esterase, or detecting a decrease in pectin esterase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (“FHT”) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of FHT gene expression in plant seedlings results in small and chlorotic seedlings. Thus, FHT can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit FHT expression or activity. The present invention can be used to identify compounds having herbicide activity by contacting a compound with FHT and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between the compound and the FHT, or alternatively, detecting a decrease in FHT expression or activity.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (DET2) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of DET2 gene expression in plant seedlings resulted in seedlings that are shorter than controls and chlorotic. Thus, DET2 can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit DET2 expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a DET2 and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said DET2, or detecting a decrease in DET2 expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase (FNR) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of FNR gene expression in plant seedlings resulted in seedlings that looked pale and very stunted. Thus, FNR can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit FNR expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a FNR and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between the compound and the FNR, or detecting a decrease in FNR expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to regulate gene expression in plants. In particular, manipulation of the expression in a plant cell of a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising a 3′-5′ exonuclease domain is disclosed. More stable and predictable expression is thus obtained. The present invention also relates to method of increasing or decreasing post-transcriptional silencing. The invention further relates to novel nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides comprising a 3′-5′ exonuclease domain.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of SEQ ID NO:1 is essential for plant growth. Thus, this polypeptide can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit the expression or activity of the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:2. Such compounds have use as herbicides. In addition, methods and compositions for modulating plant growth and development are provided.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the germin-like polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are essential for plant growth. Thus, these polypeptides can be used as targets for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit the expression or activity of the polypeptides encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10. Such compounds have use as herbicides. In addition, methods and compositions for modulating plant growth and development are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that 2′-hydroxyisoflavone reductase (IFR) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of IFR gene expression in plant seedlings results in seedlings that fail to produce roots or leaves. Thus, IFR is a useful target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit IFR expression or activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for essentially eliminating ESD damage to integrated circuits being subjected to thermal shock testing includes the utilization of a static dissipative plastic carrier capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., 155.degree. C.) and exhibiting a surface resistivity in the range of, for example, 10.sup.10 -10.sup.12 .omega./.quadrature.. Such a static dissipative plastic support structure will therefore eliminate static buildup during integrated circuit testing and prevent ESD damage to the circuits.

Abstract: A two stroke internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder (1) with exhaust port means (5), the engine further including at least one supplementary passage (9) in addition to the exhaust port means (5) for allowing gas flow from the cylinder (1), and control means (7) for controlling the gas flow through the supplementary passage (9) as a function of predetermined operating conditions of the engine wherein the control means allows at least substantially unimpeded gas flow therethrough during a compression stroke of the engine when the engine is at least at idle, low engine loads and/or engine speeds, and/or during engine start-up and at least substantially prevents gas flow therethrough when the engine is at higher engine loads and/or engine speeds.

Abstract: A merchandising system wherein vertically spaced horizontal brackets are secured to a long wall. Vertical poles are spaced horizontally from the walls to divide the area into multiple sections, two adjacent vertical poles defining a section. The poles have shelf corner supports which, cooperating with the brackets, provide for the mounting of shelves. Other sections are provided with vertical wire grids whereby the system accommodates standup luggage on the shelves and hang-up luggage on the wire grids.