Abstract: A class of novel agents that are able to modify nociceptive afferent function is provided. The agents may inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from discrete populations of neurones and thereby reduce or preferably prevent the transmission of afferent pain signals from peripheral to central pain fibres. They comprise a galactose-binding lectin linked to a derivative of a clostridial neurotoxin. The derivative of the clostridial neurotoxin comprises the L-chain, or a fragment thereof, which includes the active proteolytic enzyme domain of the light (L) chain, linked to a molecule or domain with membrane translocating activity. The agents may be used in or as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain, particular chronic pain.

Abstract: A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide, is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.

Abstract: A heat shield and heat shield assembly for protecting components exposed to heat are disclosed. The heat shield includes a shroud shaped to cover the component, the shroud having heat reflective layers and a heat insulating layer. The shroud is attached to a clip for removable attachment to the component. A flexible, resilient tab extends from the shroud, the tab providing a means for attaching the heat shield to a wiring harness to form an assembly connectable to the component. The tab is bendable for relative movement of the shroud from a position spaced from the component to a position in which the shroud covers the component upon connection of the wiring harness to the component.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions are provided comprising a single chain polypeptide comprising first and second domains, wherein said first domain is a clostridial neurotoxin light chain or a fragment or a variant thereof and is capable of cleaving one or more vesicle or plasma membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis; and said second domain is a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain HN portion or a fragment or a variant thereof, wherein said second domain is capable of (i) translocating the polypeptide into a cell or (ii) increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own or (iii) both translocating the polypeptide into a cell and increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own; and wherein the second domain lacks a functional C-terminal part of a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain designated HC thereby rendering the polypeptide incapable of binding to cell surface receptors that are the natural cell sur

Abstract: A method of controlling an antenna signal combiner in a vehicle having multiple antenna elements, a navigational system and a receiver comprising the steps of receiving signals from at least one transmitter, determining first position coordinates of the vehicle using the navigational system, determining second position coordinates of the at least one transmitter, and combining signals from the multiple antenna elements to steer an antenna beam from the first position coordinates to the second position coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention provides, e.g., methods to recycle and/or reduce plastic, non-plastic, or a combination thereof, from a waste stream. The methods of the present invention include contacting the plastic waste with infrared (IR) energy at one or more frequencies and at one or more intensities, over a period of time effective to heat plastic present in the plastic waste.

Abstract: A method of charging one or more cells including: obtaining one or more cell parameters, or changes in said cell parameters; determining a charge parameter in accordance with the measured cell parameter(s); and supplying energy to the cell(s) in accordance with the determined charge parameter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the inflation status of a tire comprising a sensor mounted to the wheel rim and adapted to transmit a distance signal indicative of a measured distance from the wheel rim to the inside surface of the tire adjacent the riding surface; a control unit in communication with the sensor and adapted to receive the distance signal, wherein the control unit determines the inflation status of the tire and transmits an inflation status signal indicative of the inflation status; and an indicator located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit to receive the inflation status signal, wherein the indicator presents the inflation status of the tire.

Abstract: A coating color composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of (a) a pigment, (b) a binder, (c) a fluorescent whitener and (d) a water-soluble polymer formed from a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer or monomer blend, characterised in that the water-soluble polymer consists essentially of, (i) 90 to 100 mole % hydrophilic essentially nonionic repeating units and, (ii) 0 to 10 mole % anionic repeating units and has an average molecular weight of between 50,000 and 500,000.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a turbine wheel (4) mounted to a seal boss (19) provided at one end of a shaft (8) and a compressor wheel (6) mounted to the other end of the shaft (8). The shaft (8) rotates on bearing assemblies (13,14) housed within a bearing housing (3) located between the compressor housing (7) and the turbine housing (5), the turbine wheel (4) being separated from the interior of the bearing housing by a housing wall (3a). The seal boss (19) extends through an annular passage (20) provided through the housing wall (3a) and is sealed with respect thereto by a seal ring (21). The seal boss (19) has an inboard axial end which extends into the bearing housing and has an annular face (31) forming a radial shoulder around the shaft (8). The bearing housing has an oil collecting groove (28) adjacent the bearing housing wall (3a), having an opening (2a) at least partially surrounding the shaft (8) and axially overlapping the inboard end of the seal boss (19).

Abstract: Disclosed are stable recombinant multi-gene nucleic acid constructs, such as plant binary vectors, comprising (i) a gene encoding &ggr;-glutamylcysteine synthetase and (ii) a gene encoding glutathione synthetase, plus preferably at least one, preferably two, genes which encode enzymes involved in the redox cycling of glutathione between its reduced and its oxidised forms e.g. glutathione reductase and/or glutathione peroxidase. Preferably the promoters linked to the genes are different and of different strengths, and may optionally be inducible. Also provided are related materials and corresponding methods and uses e.g. in plants to improve oxidative stress tolerance enhance root development, or to increase the post-harvest shelf life of the plant or part thereof.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the inflation status of a tire comprising a sensor mounted to the wheel rim and adapted to transmit a distance signal indicative of a measured distance from the wheel rim to the inside surface of the tire adjacent the riding surface; a control unit in communication with the sensor and adapted to receive the distance signal, wherein the control unit determines the inflation status of the tire and transmits an inflation status signal indicative of the inflation status; and an indicator located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit to receive the inflation status signal, wherein the indicator presents the inflation status of the tire.

Abstract: A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.

Abstract: A polyester film having an opaque core layer having on both surfaces a white outer layer.

Abstract: A polymer composition including polymer particles containing a first polymer and a second polymer is disclosed. The first polymer has a crosslinked core and has a glass transition temperature in the range of −30° C. to 100° C. The second polymer containing select crosslinking groups and has a glass transition temperature in the range of −10° C. to less than 18° C. A process to prepare the polymer composition is provided. Also provided are a coated article containing a coating prepared from the polymer composition and a method of preparing the coated article. The polymer composition has good low temperature film formation and provides a film with an acceptable level of hardness.

Abstract: An enantiomerically enriched compound of formula 1, 1

Abstract: A method of controlling an antenna signal combiner in a vehicle having multiple antenna elements, a navigational system and a receiver comprising the steps of receiving signals from at least one transmitter, determining first position coordinates of the vehicle using the navigational system, determining second position coordinates of the at least one transmitter, and combining signals from the multiple antenna elements to steer an antenna beam from the first position coordinates to the second position coordinates.

Abstract: An enantiomerically enriched compound of formula 1, wherein Ar is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from haloalkyl, alkyl and halide. This compound can be isolated in crystalline form, and used in the preparation of (+)-16-[3-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF2&agr; isopropyl ester.

Abstract: An enantiomerically enriched compound of formula 1, 1

Abstract: A method of showing approval or disapproval of an item overheard on an audio system. The method includes sending an item via radio waves to an audio system, listening to the item on the audio system and activating a button to indicate approval or disapproval of the item.