Abstract: The instant invention provides for methods for detecting the internalization of a transmembrane protein of interest expressed at the surface of a cell. More specifically, the methods involve (a) labelling the protein of interest with a fluorescent metal complex, the lifetime of which is greater than 0.1 ms, (b) adding to the reaction medium a composition capable of causing the internalization of the protein of interest, (c) adding to the reaction medium (1) a modulating agent which is a fluorescent FRET acceptor compound compatible with the fluorescent metal complex, the final concentration of which in the reaction medium is greater than 10?7M; or (2) a reducing agent, the redox potential of which is less than +0.1 V and preferably between 0.25 and 0.

Abstract: A method for detecting the internalization of a transmembrane protein of interest expressed at the surface of a cell, comprising the following steps: a) labelling the protein of interest with a fluorescent metal complex, the lifetime of which is greater than 0.1 ms; b) adding to the reaction medium a composition capable of causing the internalization of the protein of interest; c) adding to the reaction medium a modulating agent selected from: a. a fluorescent or nonfluorescent FRET acceptor compound compatible with said fluorescent metal complex, the final concentration of which in the reaction medium is greater than 10?7M; b. a reducing agent, the redox potential of which is less than +0.1 V and preferably between 0.25 and 0.75 V; c. an agent which binds specifically, by noncovalent bonding, with the fluorescent metal complex; d.

Abstract: Self adjusting grooved pliers include a first section having a jaw portion and a channel formed therethrough, adjacent the jaw portion and a second section having a jaw portion and a pivot extending therefrom. The pivot is slidably received in the channel to allow wider or narrower association between the jaw portion of the first section and the jaw portion of the second section. The pivot pivotally couples the first section to the second section for movement between an open position and a gripping position. A plurality of grooves is formed in the first section and a tongue extends from the second section. The tongue is received in one of the plurality of grooves, locking the pivot in position within the channel only upon the first section and the second section reaching the gripping position. A biasing assembly acts on the pivot, urging the pivot upward in the channel toward the jaw portion of the first section.

Abstract: A self-contained line generating device uses a laser diode and a lens to project a fan-shaped beam of visible light. The lens is useful for receiving light and transmitting light in an asymmetrical planar beam. The light is useful for aligning object in a vertical or a horizontal line. The generator also includes a substantially flat face and leveling devices for leveling and orienting the generator onto a flat surface. Retractable pins enable a user to easily mount the line generator onto a wall and align objects.

Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a read side of an optical disk includes a circumferential frame for receiving and engaging the optical disk and a shield. The frame includes a continuous end wall, an annular base extending radially inwardly from a lower edge of the end wall and a disk engaging element. The shield is transparent and has an inner edge defining a central opening, an outer edge and a generally planar annular surface extending between the outer edge and the inner edge. The shield is carried by an outer surface of the annular base for receiving and covering the read side of the optical disk.

Abstract: Countergravity casting of metals and metal alloys provides for melting of the metallic material under subambient pressure, evacuation of a gas permeable or impermeable mold under subambient pressure, and controlled, rapid filling of the mold while it is maintained under the subambient pressure by applying gas pressure locally on the molten metallic material in a sealed space defined by engagement of a mold base and a melting vessel with a seal therebetween. The gas pressure applied locally in the sealed space establishes a differential pressure on the molten metallic material to force it upwardly through the fill tube into the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and dispersing material, including a vessel having an open end and a dispensing element coupled to and closing the open end. The dispensing element having an aperture, and a carriage coupled to the dispensing element and movable between a closed position covering the aperture and an open position adjacent the aperture. The carriage having a surface for receiving a flowable material dispensed from the aperture in the open position.