Abstract: An optics element, such as an optical, IR, or X-ray mirror or mirror segment, is made by a combination of replication and lamination by depositing a first metallic layer on a replicating surface of a master or mandrel, depositing a light weight backing layer that adheres on the first metallic layer, and depositing a cover layer that adheres on the backing layer whereby the optics element comprises an in-situ deposited composite lamination of the first metallic layer, the backing layer, and the cover layer.

Abstract: Methods and means are provided for reducing the phenotypic expression of a nucleic acid of interest in eucaryotic cells, particularly in plant cells, by introducing chimeric genes encoding sense and antisense RNA molecules directed towards the target nucleic acid, which are capable of forming a double stranded RNA region by base-pairing between the regions with sense and antisense nucleotide sequence or by introducing the RNA molecules themselves. Preferably, the RNA molecules comprises simultaneously both sense and antisense nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns sensitive methods to measure mRNA levels in biopsied tumor tissues, including archived paraffin-embedded biopsy material. Th invention also concerns breast cancer gene sets important in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and methods for assigning the most optimal treatment options to breast cancer patient based upon knowledge derived from gene expression studies.

Abstract: A brazing product for fluxless brazing comprises a substrate and a filler metal-forming composition applied to the substrate. The substrate preferably comprises aluminum, an aluminum alloy or another metal and may include at least one layer of a ceramic, carbide or nitride. The filler metal-forming composition comprises a liquid-forming layer comprising silicon and a braze-promoting layer comprising one or more metals selected from the group comprising nickel, cobalt, palladium and iron. The liquid-forming layer comprises one or more material layers. Where the liquid-forming layer comprises a plurality of layers, it may include at least one layer consisting essentially of silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endo gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the invention utilises recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in tissue, organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are cap repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or a target gene in an organism when introduced are also provided.

Abstract: A gasket or sealing ring designed to fit over an unrolled or unfolded edge of an inner (male) duct section or connector to be joined, for sealing various types of connections between duct sections and/or connectors, includes a sealing ring having a base portion for receiving an end of an inner (male) duct section or connector to be joined and a substantially J-shaped cross-section, and a flexible hollow sealing portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape affixed to the base portion and protruding in a radially outward direction, for engagement with an outer (female) duct section or connector to be joined. In one embodiment, the base portion also includes a lip protruding in a radially inward direction for engagement with a complimentary groove or depression on the inner (male) duct section to be joined.

Abstract: This invention involves the new idea of modifying beverage and other containers so the people can grasp them without looking when they are positioning the opening for drinking and/or pouring.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention provides novel synthetic genes and generic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or a target gene in an organism when introduced thereto.

Abstract: An arthroeresis-prosthesis (endorthosis) system comprising a sinus tarsi implant for the purpose of blocking abnormal motion between the talus and calcaneus while allowing normal motion and alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the prosthetic device is composed of a non-metallic, specialized medical grade polymer (polyetheretherketone-PEEK) that is a combination of a frustum of a right cine and an axially extending cylinder that is cannulated and partially structured on the exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an immunoglobulin light chain binding protein which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 39, 53 and 57 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions 59 and 60 such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a corresponding immunoglobulin light chain binding domain modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of the positions equivalent to positions 39, 53 and 57 of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions equivalent to positions 59 and 60 of SEQ ID NO:1, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a fragment of (a) or (b) which contains at least one said substitution and/or insertion, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protei

Abstract: The invention is directed towards constructs for RNAi techniques. The invention provides a ribonucleic acid (RNA) for use as interfering RNA in gene silencing techniques to silence a target gene comprising in a 5? to 3? direction at least a first effector sequence, a second effector sequence, a sequence substantially complementary to the second effector sequence and a sequence substantially complementary to the first effector sequence, wherein the complementary sequences are capable of forming double stranded regions with their respective effector sequences and wherein at least one of these sequences is substantially identical to the predicted transcript of a region of the target gene, and a nucleic acid construct encoding such an RNA.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen for a fuel cell from a hydrocarbon fuel composition, by providing a hydrocarbon fuel composition, which is obtained by contacting a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising an alkylating agent with an acidic catalyst, under conditions effective to alkylate at least a portion of the hydrocarbon feed; converting the hydrocarbon fuel composition into hydrogen; and optionally, introducing the hydrogen produced into a fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment the liquid hydrocarbon feed further comprises sulphur-containing impurities, at least a portion of which are alkylated during the alkylation step.

Abstract: An improved method for using a NNRTI in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, comprising administering to a human, needing treatment for HIV-1 infection, a therapeutically effective amount of said NNRTI or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an amount of an inhibitor of the cytochromes P450 that is sufficient to elevate, enhance, or extend plasma concentrations of said NNRTI.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically managing data-type associations and relationships includes providing a first global data-type association ruleset including one or more predefined operational relationships between two or more applications, determining whether an updated global data-type association ruleset is available, and dynamically obtaining the updated global data-type association ruleset to facilitate modification of one or more predefined operational relationships between two or more applications locally installed on the client device.

Abstract: A flood gate is provided that includes a frame defining a fluid passageway, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for movement between a plurality of open positions to permit flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one latching mechanism for holding the door in the closed position. The latching mechanism can release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level, by floatation, or by flow actuation. In addition, the latching mechanism can reset the door to the closed position when the fluid force acting on the door drops below the preset level. The door can include a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the ventilation opening and a screen covering the ventilation opening. The flood gate may include a retention mechanism for preventing the door from opening when the structure in which the flood gate is mounted, such as an overhead garage door is rotated or otherwise moved.

Abstract: A method for defining a numerically controlled (NC) tool path on a identified region of a solid computer model is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes identifying boundary points so as to bound the identified region. The boundary points are processed so as to generate a plurality of bounding curves, wherein the bounding curves are generated so as to conform to a surface of the identified region. The NC tool path is then generated in a manner conforming to the bounding curves.

Abstract: The invention concerns sensitive methods to measure mRNA levels in biopsied tumor tissues, including archived paraffin-embedded biopsy material. Th invention also concerns breast cancer gene sets important in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and methods for assigning the most optimal treatment options to breast cancer patient based upon knowledge derived from gene expression studies.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel composition which is suitable for sue in a fuel cell apparatus and an internal combustion engine comprises at least one saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and is characterised by . an olefin content of less than 20%, by volume, an aromatics content of less than 42% by volume, a final boiling point (fop) of less than 215° C., and a sulphur content of less than 20 ppm.

Abstract: A flood gate is provided that includes a frame defining a fluid passageway, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for movement between a plurality of open positions to permit flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one latching mechanism for holding the door in the closed position. The latching mechanism can release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level, by floatation, or by flow actuation. In addition, the latching mechanism can reset the door to the closed position when the fluid force acting on the door drops below the preset level. The door can include a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the ventilation opening and a screen covering the ventilation opening. The flood gate may include a retention mechanism for preventing the door from opening when the structure in which the flood gate is mounted, such as an overhead garage door is rotated or otherwise moved.

Abstract: A system for on-line enrolment includes an application server for controlling and communicating with an end-user and an institution with which the end-user desires to enroll. The application server has an evaluation service for providing workflow and logic in accordance with the institution's business criteria. When initiated by an end-user a management server determines and downloads appropriate client software to the end-user, which includes a signing agent, that allows the end-user to digitally sign the business agreements needed to complete an account enrolment with an institution such as a bank, stock broker or other financial institution. A verification service authenticates information provided by the end-user. A certificate service sends a digital certificate to an end-user. An evaluation service receives a digitally signed electronic business agreement from the end-user to complete enrolment of the end-user and forms a complete enrolment package.