Abstract: A tagged memory organized is into memory chunks. Each memory chunk has a data field, a type field and an owner address field. The type field indicates type of data stored in the data field. The owner address field indicates which objects own which memory chunks. A memory manager has exclusive ability to allocate the memory chunks, deallocate the memory chunks, write to the memory chunks and read the memory chunks.

Abstract: In an electronic circuit design system, a physical layout of at least part of an electronic circuit design is visually rendered. Magnitude of current loading are determined at one or more of the circuit nodes, or one or more clusters of nodes grouped according to predetermined clustering criteria, for a selected net or nets. The range of magnitudes is mapped to at least one gradation range for visual indicia of preselected type, such as a predetermined color spectrum; preferably, alternative gradation ranges respectively for current sources and current sinks are provided. The visual indicia of the current loading magnitudes are then adaptively displayed to overlay the corresponding circuit nodes or clusters in the rendered physical layout, providing a reference for a designer to proportionately size segments of the selected net or nets, as well as spacing required for the segments.

Abstract: A tagged memory organized is into memory chunks. Each memory chunk has a data field, a type field and an owner address field. The type field indicates type of data stored in the data field. The owner address field indicates which objects own which memory chunks. A memory manager has exclusive ability to allocate the memory chunks, deallocate the memory chunks, write to the memory chunks and read the memory chunks.

Abstract: At least one embodiment relates to a sealing system comprising a first end bracket, a second end bracket, a plurality of sections disposed between the first end bracket and the second end bracket. At least one section comprises three sections comprising a first sealing element a second sealing element, and a third sealing element. The first sealing element has a first hardness, the second sealing element has a second hardness, the third sealing element has a hardness different than the second sealing element hardness. The second sealing element has a larger radius than the first sealing element.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel assay for NS2/3 cleavage detection, particularly, a novel assay for the detection of the NS3 cleavage product in the presence of uncleaved NS2/3 based on discrimination of the activity of the resulting NS3 protease product from the NS3 protease activity of the NS2/3 uncleaved protein. Certain reaction conditions allow this discrimination in situ without having to resort to physical separation of both proteases by decreasing the NS3 protease activity of the NS2/3 protein and increasing the NS3 protease activity of the resulting NS3 protease product, thereby producing a “signal window” upon which it is feasible to distinguish and measure NS3 protease activity produced from the cleavage of NS2/3.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel assay for NS2/3 cleavage detection, particularly, a novel assay for the detection of the NS3 cleavage product in the presence of uncleaved NS2/3 based on discrimination of the activity of the resulting NS3 protease product from the NS3 protease activity of the NS2/3 uncleaved protein. Certain reaction conditions allow this discrimination in situ without having to resort to physical separation of both proteases by decreasing the NS3 protease activity of the NS2/3 protein and increasing the NS3 protease activity of the resulting NS3 protease product, thereby producing a “signal window” upon which it is feasible to distinguish and measure NS3 protease activity produced from the cleavage of NS2/3.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryidiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: A process for the production of plasticised nitrocellulose in the form designated "semi-chips", comprises impregnating nitrocellulose flock while the latter is present in a stirred suspension in water, separating the plasticised nitrocellulose obtained from the suspension, and drying at a temperature not exceeding 60.degree. C.The novel nitrocellulose "semi-chips" and the novel apparatus to carry out the invention are also described.