Abstract: The present invention relates to an action between an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein and members of the caspase family of cell death proteases, for example, an interaction of the X chromosome linked IAP (XIAP) and caspase-3, caspase-7 or caspase-9, wherein the IAP regulates the activity of the caspases. The invention provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a caspase such as caspase-3 or caspase-7. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a pro-caspase such as pro-caspase-9. In addition, the invention also provides methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of a caspase in the presence of an IAP and that regulate the activation of a pro-caspase by an IAP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an action between an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein and members of the caspase family of cell death proteases, for example, an interaction of the X chromosome linked IAP (XIAP) and caspase-3, caspase-7 or caspase-9, wherein the IAP regulates the activity of the caspases. The invention provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a caspase such as caspase-3 or caspase-7. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a pro-caspase such as pro-caspase-9. In addition, the invention also provides methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of a caspase in the presence of an IAP and that regulate the activation of a pro-caspase by an IAP.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for receiving and ejecting a memory card which is connected to a electronic device, includes an ejection lever being able to slide on a surface of a housing plate for pulling out and disconnect the memory card from connecting pins by hooking at an edge of the memory card, and a rotating axis for enabling the ejection lever to swing on the surface of housing plate and holding the ejection lever rotatable through the housing plate by sliding contact within an internal surface of tubular projection of the lever.

Abstract: A television special effects system which stores a video signal, divides the stored video signal into portions and displays the portions of the video signal, shifted apart from each other, on the television screen.