Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a redemption of a benefit provided by an organization for the purchase of non-prescription items from a retail store including associating a plurality of non-prescription items with a list; linking a plurality of members with the list, receiving a request for an account balance check of a member for one or more non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase by the member; determining if an account balance for the member has sufficient funds to cover the non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase by the member; and transmitting to the retail store an approval for the purchase by the member of the one or more non-prescription items on the list if the retrieved account balance for the member had sufficient funds to cover the non-prescription items on the list that were presented for purchase.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a redemption of benefits for a customer with the use of a benefit card is provided that includes associating an identification code with the customer, the identification code being stored on the benefit card, accessing an account record associated with the identification code, and determining if an item presented for purchase by the customer is eligible for a benefit discount. Also included is calculating an appropriate discount for the item if it is determined that the item was eligible for a benefit discount.

Abstract: Novel aggrecanase proteins and the nucleotide sequences encoding them as well as processes for producing them are disclosed. Methods of identifying and developing inhibitors of the aggrecanase enzymes and antibodies to the enzymes for treatment of conditions characterized by the degradation of aggrecan are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides assay systems for evaluating the presence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activity in a cell by evaluating the gene expression of secreted Frizzled Related Protein 2 and 3 (sFRP2 and sFRP3). The sFRP2 and sFRP3 gene expression may be detected at the RNA or protein levels. The methods include methods for evaluating exogenous and endogenous BMP expression and utilize both genomic sFRP2 and sFRP3 genes and reporter constructs.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides, particularly those with hyalectenase activity, and more particularly those with aggrecanase activity, that exhibit greater stability and homogeneity and higher expression yields than their full-length counterparts. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides and methods for producing the truncated biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating biologically active ADAMTS polypeptides, particularly those compounds that inhibit aggrecanase activity.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of using ADAMTS-8 proteins or their functional derivatives to cleave aggrecan or other proteoglycan molecules. The present invention also features methods for identifying ADAMTS-8 modulators that are capable of inhibiting or enhancing ADAMTS-8 proteolytic activities. In addition, the present invention features pharmaceutical compositions comprising ADAMTS-8 proteins or their derivatives or modulators. These pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat diseases that are characterized by deficiencies or abnormalities in proteoglycan cleavage or metabolism.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a redemption of benefits for a customer with the use of a benefit card is provided that includes associating an identification code with the customer, the identification code being stored on the benefit card, accessing an account record associated with the identification code, and determining if an item presented for purchase by the customer is eligible for a benefit discount.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: An elongated channel has an entrance leg and a parallel exit leg and a loop therebetween at one end and a sump at the other end into which the exit leg empties. A power supply operates a fluid in the sump to deliver fluid into the entrance leg. A plurality of spaced paddle wheels are mounted for rotation on supports above the channel with each paddle wheel having a plurality of spaced substantially radially directed paddles conforming in shape to the space within the channel and being slightly spaced therefrom to inhibit any contact therewith. A plurality of generators are driven by the plurality of paddle wheels, and the generators are coupled to utilization or storage devices for using or storing the energy harnessed by the generators. Additional intermediate legs of the channel and other loops can form a sineous path from the location of delivery of fluid by the pump to the location of emptying of the exit leg into the sump.

Abstract: A reversible buoyant and non-buoyant flush tank valve is adapted for use in various types of flush tanks each having different selective valve operating attachments for moving the valve. The valve for use in one type of tank includes an elongated base with opposite end portions with a valve operating attachment selectivity at one end for opening and closing the valve. The other end portion of the valve is selectively attachable to the overflow pipe. The base has opposite sides with a vertically extending hollow frusto-conical cup member on one side. When the valve is used in another type of tank the opposite end portions are removed for connecting a vertical rod valve operating attachment to a first and second oppositely disposed bores to selectively position the cup member upwardly for non-buoyant operation or downwardly for buoyant operation.

Abstract: A flush valve for use in a flush tank for control by the operator of the amount used in flushing, the valve including an elongate body having a solid generally hemispherical protuberance extending outwardly on one side and a hollow frusto-conical cup member extending outwardly from the other side. A tab and opening therethrough on the forward portion of the body for connection to the valve operating system allows the valve to be alternatively turned with the cup member facing upward and being non-buoyant or having the cup member facing downwardly whereby air trapped therein renders the valve buoyant for substantially a full flush. Spaced arm members extend laterally from the rearward portion of the valve body and have one or more openings pivotally mounting the valve to the normal overflow tube to position the valve with respect to the water outlet in either selected position.

Abstract: A dual flush valve assembly for a toilet tank including an overflow pipe, a pair of spaced inlets communicating with the pipe, a pair of flap valves selectively closing the inlets, a pair of spaced handles connected to respective valve operating rods controlling the flap valves, a fitting disposed in an opening in a front of a tank mounting the handles thereto in substantially the same vertical plane one above the other, and two spaced pairs of shoulders extending outwardly from the fitting with the handles being movable between a respective spaced pair of shoulders to limit the movement thereof. The flap valves have a wedge shaped body and are reversible for increased life thereof. The pipe and pair of inlets are removably mounted to a drain extending within the tank from the toilet basin without removal of the drain pipe.

Abstract: Employing a relatively short cable in a drum with a closely spaced inner portion, an effective floor-standing drain cleaner is provided which is portable, usable in most simple situations, is light in weight and drivable by a removable electric hand drill.