Abstract: A production apparatus of an interior trim component covered with a surface skin material having a plurality of different portions in such a manner that each boundary line of the different portions is hidden in a groove or valley provided in the substrate of the trim component, which includes a pair of confronted molding dies, a carrying-in device for introducing the surface skin material into a space between the confronted molding dies in such a manner that the boundary line of the surface skin material is positioned in engagement with the corresponding internal projection formed on a molding surface of either one of molding dies, a thrust mechanism including a thrust member assembled within the other molding die to be projected from its molding surface toward the internal projection of the confronted molding die and retractable therefrom and an actuator mounted to the other molding die for forwarding the thrust member toward the internal projection so that a distal end of the thrust member is brought into e

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention prevents the formation of pin-holes during stretching of strip laminates in the cross-machine direction (CD). Pin-holes are prevented by creating slack areas (10a) along the length of the laminate (10) where the edges of the non-woven strips (14) meet with the polymer film (12), pressing the slack areas (10a) into the interdigital stretching rollers (26) without stretching the slack areas (10a), and stretching the remainder of the laminate (10) in a typical manner. The slack areas (10a) are formed prior to interdigitation by, for example, formation of a furrow, a fold or a corrugation.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure according to the present invention includes a top wall and a skirt depending from the top wall. A tamper indicating band is connected to the skirt along a frangible line. The tamper indicating band includes a ring and at least one tab, the at least one tab having a bi-stable geometric shape. In particular, the tab includes a pair of extending members angled toward one another and connected by a transverse member. The shape of the tab allows it to be molded in a downward orientation and later folded to a stable, upward orientation without reheating or otherwise resetting the tab.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink which includes the steps of filling molten ink into a mold cavity defined by a first die and a second die of a mold, allowing the ink to cool down and solidify in the mold cavity, and heating at least one of the first and second dies for re-melting the surface of the ink pellet to facilitate its removal from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method for plugging selected cell channels in a honeycomb structure for the fabrication of a solid particulate filter. The method includes covering a first end face of the honeycomb structure with a mask having openings corresponding to open ends of a first plurality of cell channels; loading powdered plugging material from through the mask openings into the first plurality of cell channels; forming plugs in the first plurality of cell channels at ends opposite the first end face of the honeycomb structure; loading powdered plugging material into the open ends of a second plurality of cell channels open at the second end face of the honeycomb structure; and forming plugs in the second plurality of cell channels at the ends adjacent the first end face of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A squeezable tube-shaped plastic container (10, 100) having a one-piece construction formed by extrusion blow-molding techniques. The container (10, 100) has a retractable end wall (26, 126) which is positionable into an outwardly projecting position and an inverted position. The end wall (26, 126), as blown, is in the outwardly projecting position and is thereafter inverted so that a tamper indicating covering (28, 128) can be attached to the end (14, 114) of the container (10, 100) thereby sealing the end wall (26, 126). The inverted end wall (26, 126) permits the container (10, 100) to be free standing on the standing ring (20, 120). In use, the flexible sidewall (12, 112) of the container (10, 100) is squeezed to snap the end wall (26, 126) from the inverted position to an outwardly projecting position to enable ready access to a dispensing opening (32, 132) on the end wall (26, 126).

Abstract: A process for blowing a balloon from a tubular parison of a thermoplastic polymer material by radially expanding the parison at an elevated temperature and pressure, the process characterized in that: a) the polymer material includes a “H-bonding” polymer which undergoes interchain hydrogen bonding between at least some segments thereof; b) the parison is conditioned in a high moisture environment prior to blowing, and c) the balloon is blown after moisture conditioning of the parison and without an intervening drying thereof. H-bonding polymers may be polyamides, polyurethanes or block copolymers containing a polyamide or polyurethane block. The process reduces occurrence of fish eye defects in the formed balloons.

Abstract: There are various ways to latch a closure onto a container. It has been found that for blowmolded containers that the support flange for the bottle preform can later be used as a part of the latch mechanism to secure a closure onto the container. Preforms have a support flange by which the preform is handled prior to being placed into the mold and in the mold. Prior to being placed in the mold, the preform is heated to about 85° C. to about 200° C. During this time and in the mold, it will be supported by the support flange. This support flange is used after the container is blown and filled as one part of the latching mechanism of the closure. The closure will have a portion that is an interference fit with the support flange of the bottle to thereby secure the closure to the bottle.

Abstract: In a heat-treatment apparatus for heat-treating a V-type cylinder block (W) by induction heating, the block (W) is fixedly mounted on a work table (11) and set at a reference position thereon. A plurality of induction heating coils (23) are disposed in each of opposite sides of a base frame (10) of the work table (11) through Z tables (21), Y tables (18) and X tables (13). These tables (13, 18, 21) enable the heating coils (23) to enter and exit from the corresponding cylinder bores (Wn) of the block (W) in a direction in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (Wn). The Z table (21) moves back and forth in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cylinder bores (wn). The Y table moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the rows of the cylinder bores (Wn). The X table (13) moves back and forth in parallel with the rows of cylinder bores (Wn).

Abstract: An injection lance (26) for injecting hot gas into a vessel includes an elongate gas flow duct (31) which receives hot gas from a gas inlet structure (32) and an elongate central tubular structure (33) which extends within gas flow duct (31) from its rear end to its forward end. Adjacent the forward end of duct (31), central structure (33) carries a series of flow directing vanes (34) for imparting swirl to the hot gas flow exiting the duct. The wall of duct (31) downstream from gas inlet (32) is internally water cooled by flow of water through annular passages (43,44). The cooling water also flows through the interior of a duct tip (36) at the forward end of duct (31). The front end of central structure (33) which carries the swirl vanes (34) is internally water cooled by cooling water supplied forwardly through a central water flow passage (52) from a water inlet (53) at the rear of the lance through to a nose (35) of the central structure.

Abstract: A lining for a bottom of a metallurgical vessel, comprising an impact pad having a plurality of close-packed, pre-formed, high-temperature, high-density refractory bricks, the pad having an upper impact surface, and a monolithic slab of a high-temperature refractory material encasing the pad, the slab encasing the pad wherein the upper surface of the impact pad is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a cemented carbide by mixing powder of WC and possibly other powders forming hard constituents and binder phase and pressing agent, drying, pressing and sintering whereby; the mixing is wet mixing with no change in grain size or grain size distribution of the hard constituent powders; the WC grains are coated with binder metal and deagglomerated prior to the mixing. The sintering is made by microwave sintering at 1325-1410° C. with a holding time of 5-15 min. As a result a cemented carbide with improved properties is obtained.

Abstract: A nickel-base single-crystal superalloy, essentially consists of, in percentages by weight, 4.0% to 11.0% of cobalt, 3.5% to less than 5.0% of chromium, 0.5% to 3.0% of molybdenum, 7.0% to 10.0% of tungsten, 4.5% to 6.0% of aluminum, 0.1% to 2.0% of titanium, 5.0% to 8.0% of tantalum, 1.0% to 3.0% of rhenium, 0.01% to 0.5% of hafnium, 0.01% to 0.1% of silicon, and a balance being nickel and inevitable impurity, a total amount of rhenium and chromium being not less than 4.0% and a total amount of rhenium, molybdenum, tungsten and chromium being not more than 18.0%.

Abstract: An alloy for a sacrificial anode according to a first preferred aspect of the present invention includes about 10% to about 50% of Zn, about 0.03% to about 0.6% of In, and about 0.0005% to about 0.05% of Zr. The balance may be Al and any unavoidable impurities. An alloy according to a second preferred aspect of the present application includes about 10% to about 50% of Zn, about 0.03% to about 0.6% of In, and about 0.05% to about 0.3% of Si. The balance may be Al and any unavoidable impurities. An alloy according to a third preferred aspect of the present invention includes about 10% to about 50% of Zn, about 0.03% to about 0.6% of In, and about 0.02% to about 0.2% of Ce. The balance may be Al and any unavoidable impurities. An alloy according to a fourth preferred aspect of the present invention includes about 10% to about 50% of Zn, about 0.03% to about 0.6% of In, about 0.005% to about 0.1% of Ti, and about 0.001% to about 0.02% of B. The balance may be Al and any unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-temperature solder material which is composed of tin, zinc and silver, or of 0.01 to 2 wt % germanium or aluminum and the balance tin, or tin and zinc at a ratio of 80/20 to 70/30. The tin/zinc/silver solder has a composition ratio that the ratio of till to zinc is within a range of 97/3 to 79/21 by weight, and the ratio of the sum of tin and zinc to silver is within a range of 88/12 to 50/50 by weight, or that the ratio of tin to zinc is within a range of 70/30 to 5/95 by weight, and the ratio of silver to the sum of tin, zinc and silver is 15% by weight or less. The solder material is used for producing electric or electronic devices and equipments.

Abstract: A method for continuous heat sterilization of liquid includes a continuous pre-heating step of preheating the liquid, a final heating step of heating the preheated liquid to reach a predetermined sterilizing temperature, a holding step of holding the liquid which has reached the predetermined sterilizing temperature for a predetermined period of time, and a cooling step of cooling the held liquid. The final heating step comprises the following steps (a) and (b): (a) a step of continuously pressurizing the liquid by a high pressure pump; and (b) a step of releasing the liquid continuously to a normal pressure within a time period of less than 10 seconds after the pressurizing step to thereby make the liquid reach the predetermined sterilizing temperature. An apparatus for automatically carrying out the method is provided. According to the continuous heat sterilization method and apparatus, scorch during the final heating step is dispensed with and accordingly, a long period of continuous operation is feasible.

Abstract: A method for simplified sterilization is provided which does not use a harmful medium such as a disinfectant and ultraviolet radiation and which is able to reach all portions of objects to be sterilized, where sterilization is realized without high temperatures being generated. After applying a small amount of water or mixture of water and ethanol to an object to be sterilized, or after spraying a liquid gas, far-infrared radiation is applied using a carbon lamp which has high far-infrared radiation efficiency.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior of a diffusion restricted area by introducing a sterilant in a chamber, condensing the vapor, reducing the pressure in the chamber to revaporize the condensed vapor, and maintaining the device in the chamber until the device is sterilized. The sterilant has a vapor pressure less than the vapor pressure of water and is preferably hydrogen peroxide. The pressure in the chamber while maintaining the device in the chamber may be held constant, varied, or increased. Plasma may additionally be introduced into the chamber to improve the rate of sterilization.

Abstract: A hemofiltration machine at a local treatment site is linked to a remote main data base server by a local transmitting/receiving device. The machine acts as a satellite of the main data base server. The machine performs specified therapy tasks while monitoring basic safety functions and providing the person at the treatment location notice of safety alarm conditions for resolution. Otherwise, the machine transmits procedure data to the main data base server. The main data base server relieves the machine from major data processing tasks and related complexity. The main data base server, remote from the machine, controls the processing and distribution of the data, including the flow of information and data to the person undergoing therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for facilitating the creation and study of biological substrates. In particular, the present invention allows the location of materials deposited on a substrate to be identified, and communicated with great precision. This in turn allows additional biological materials to be deposited as probes over target locations. The present invention also allows for small regions of biological materials deposited on a substrate to be identified and repeatedly accessed, even when the biological substrate has been removed from the device originally used to review the region of interest and is then reinserted into the original device. Furthermore, the present invention allows a region of interest to be accurately located even using a machine that is different from the machine originally used to identify the region of interest.

Abstract: A synthesis experiment automation system is provided with a robot, which transports synthesis reaction containers from a reaction container rack to a dispensing/separation position of a dispensing and separation device, and transports the synthesis reaction containers to a predetermined position in a temperature regulator unit of a reaction device, where a reaction is carried out under previously set experiment conditions; and with a computer, which controls the actions of the robot and the operations of the dispensing and separation device and the reaction device in accordance with a plurality of previously set experiment conditions. Accordingly, the synthesis experiment automation system is capable of simultaneously performing a plurality of different experiments as complex as those usually performed by researchers, and, moreover, has a large number of possible experiment operations, and can easily be improved and/or extended.

Abstract: In order to provide an automatic testing apparatus with improved reliability of test results, capable of conducting automatically such operations as sterile testing, microorganism limit testing, insoluble particulate measurement testing, divided portion testing for chemical analysis and chemical reaction testing, etc., and capable of accommodating changes in the specimen or the test container with each sample as well as changes in operating procedures with each sample so as to eliminate the possibility of human error and prevent contamination of the operating environment by human hands, the automatic testing apparatus of the present invention prepares a sample by mounting a set of various pieces of equipment including the specimen or test containers required to be changed with every sample atop a same work base and providing that work base as a unit to within the operating range of a robot, with the robot then handling the various pieces of equipment atop the work base to prepare the sample.

Abstract: A pipette has a tip having at the front end thereof an inlet/outlet hole through which a liquid is sucked up and delivered. The pipette is fitted at an opening formed therein with an air passage through which air is sucked out from inside the pipette tip or supplied into the pipette tip. The pipette includes an inflatable member secured to the pipette body and which can be inflated with a fluid charged therein. The pipette body has formed therein separately from the air passage a fluid passage through which a fluid is charged and discharged. The inflatable member when charged with the fluid through the fluid passage in the pipette body and thus inflated closely adheres to the inner wall or outer surface of the top end portion of the pipette tip where the opening is formed, to thereby securely catch the pipette tip.

Abstract: A vessel centering system comprises a vessel, an annular spacer member, a fastening element, and a first magnetic element. The vessel includes an outer surface and a vessel groove formed on a circumference of the vessel outer surface. The spacer member is fitted in the vessel groove and extends outwardly with respect to the vessel. The first and second lateral end surfaces define a spacing therebetween. The spacer member includes a tangential bore extending along a line generally tangential to a curvature of the spacer member. The fastening element, which could be a screw, is disposed in the tangential bore in engagement with the ring member and extends across the ring spacing. The first magnetic element is supported by or enclosed within the spacer member. A vessel plate with a vessel mounting aperture is structured to accommodate the mounting or installation of the vessel. A second magnetic element is supported by the vessel plate.

Abstract: In an exhaust converter, where a casing is made by fastening and welding a cylindrical metal plate wrapped on an outer periphery of a supporting mat that is wrapped on an outer peripheral surface of a catalyst carrier, recovering means is formed at either or both of the supporting mat and the casing for recovering positional shifts of the supporting mat, thereby preventing positional shifts of the supporting mat in conjunction with fastening work of the metal plate from occurring. Such recovering means can be structured by a recess formed at an end of the casing, plural spaces formed of a crank shaped supporting mat, or a space formed at an overlapped portion at which each end of the casing is overlapped to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution, which contains dissolved metals, into a space between two elongated electrodes of a treatment chamber. A very high voltage electric field is created in the treatment chamber and is accompanied by a very small trickle current charge to enhance adsorption, polarization, ion exchange or to otherwise agglomerate the dissolved metal, which is then recovered by filtering, adsorbing, exchanging or otherwise separating the metal from the water.

Abstract: A process for the production of a clean burning combustible gas by flowing a liquid through an electric arc. The electrodes have several configurations. The invention prevents the production of carbon dioxide in the gas thereby reducing its presence when combusted and exhausted to about half that associated with gasoline exhaust; increases the cost efficiency of the process by eliminating secondary chemical reactions; and increases the life of the electrodes. The chemical structure of the combustible gas is composed of stable magnetically bonded clusters of conventional molecules and atoms that are fully detectable via peaks in conventional mass spectrometric detectors, yet such clusters remain unidentifiable by the computer search among all known molecules, and have no infrared signature other than those of the conventional molecules constituting the clusters. The liquid which is flown through the arc also acquires the chemical structure of magnetically bonded clusters.

Abstract: A method for reducing hazardous gases exhausted from a process chamber includes an effluent gas treatment system with a gas energizing reactor and an additive gas source. Additive gas comprising reactive gas is introduced into the effluent from the process chamber in a volumetric flow rate in relation to the hazardous gas content in the effluent.

Abstract: A process for treating a dust containing, gaseous or liquid feed stream in a reactor containing a plurality of particle beds, which have the capability, once the pressure drop across a bed has reached a maximum allowable level, to distribute most of the feed stream to a point directly upstream of each of the subsequent beds in a series, stepwise manner. The beds contain particles in the form of pellets, cylinders, granules, rings, or mixtures thereof, and at the end of an operation period, the primary fraction of the feed flow is directed through the downstream-most bed in the reactor. By providing for removal of dust in each of the beds, the process enables the reactor to operate with a conventional pressure drop profile, but for an extended on-stream period of time.

Abstract: A process for treating a waste gas containing condensable organic compounds in the form of an aerosol of liquid particles, in a regenerative thermal oxidation system comprising a combustion chamber and at least two regenerators. During a first period of time, the waste gas is directed through a first one of the regenerators wherein the waste gas is heated by contact with a packing material contained therein, then through the combustion chamber wherein oxidation of the organic compounds contained in the waste gas is achieved and finally through a second regenerator wherein the oxidized gas coming from the combustion chamber is cooled by contact with a packing material contained in the second regenerator, such a contact causing simultaneous heating of the packing material contained in the second regenerator. The oxidized gas which leaves the second regenerator is then purified and may be discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for reducing perfluorinated compounds and/or hydrofluorocarbon compounds in a sample uses a catalyst made from aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and one or more enhancers selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and sulfate. Another useful catalyst comprises zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and/or aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and nickel as an enhancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the selective catalytic oxidation of carbonmonoxide (CO) in H2-rich, CO2- and H2-containing gases in the presence of a noble metal catalyst on an alumina carrier with the addition of air as oxidizing agent. According to the invention, with this method &agr;-AL2O3 carrier can be less than 25 m2/gram. The noble metal can be ruthenium or platinum and preferably a combination of ruthenium (Ru) and platinum (Pt), the sum of the quantities of RU and Pt being less than or equal to 1.0% (m/m).

Abstract: A thermally conductive carbon foam is provided, normally having a thermal conductivity of at least 40 W/m·K. The carbon foam usually has a specific thermal conductivity, defined as the thermal conductivity divided by the density, of at least about 75 W·cm3/m·°K·gm. The foam also has a high specific surface area, typically at least about 6,000 m2/m3. The foam is characterized by an x-ray diffraction pattern having “doublet” 100 and 101 peaks characterized by a relative peak split factor no greater than about 0.470. The foam is graphitic and exhibits substantially isotropic thermal conductivity. The foam comprises substantially ellipsoidal pores and the mean pore diameter of such pores is preferably no greater than about 340 microns. Other materials, such as phase change materials, can be impregnated in the pores in order to impart beneficial thermal properties to the foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for preparing fluorosulfonic acid having low contents of low-boiling compounds in which hydrogen fluoride and sulfur trioxide are combined in stoichiometric amounts in a reaction vessel or by means of a reaction nozzle, the hot, gaseous fluorosulfonic acid that is formed is fed directly into a distillation column, and the fluorosulfonic acid is taken off at the bottom of the column or in the stripping section of the distillation column.

Abstract: A single crystal of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate may be grown from a melt of a composition having a molar excess of Li compared to a melt having the stoichiometric amount of lithium, and having a molar fraction of Li2O/(Nb2O5+Li2O) or Li2O/(Ta2O5+Li2O) within a range of at least 0.490 and less than 0.500. The single crystal also has at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Zn, Sc and In, in an amount of from 0.1 to 3.0 mol % based on the total amount of the elements, Nb and Li, or the total amount of the elements, Ta and Li.

Abstract: A titanium hydroxide is provided which can be utilized for producing a photocatalyst exhibiting a superior photocatalytic activity by irradiation of visible light. The titanium hydroxide has a primary differential spectrum (of radial structure function in connection with titanium K absorption edge) having maximal intensities (U1 and U2) and minimal intensities (L1 and L2) at interatomic distances in the range of from 1.4 Å to 2.8 Å, the maximal intensities being at an interatomic distance of from 1.4 Å to 1.7 Å and of from 2.2 Å to 2.5 Å and the minimal intensities being at an interatomic distance of from 1.9 Å to 2.2 Å and of from 2.5 Å to 2.8 Å; and index X calculated by the equation X=(U2−L2)/(U1−L1) of about 0.06 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable to assess, characterize, and identify inhibitors of neuronal transport of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for imaging cancer.

Abstract: Highly hydrophilic indole and benzoindole derivatives that absorb and fluoresce in the visible region of light are disclosed. These compounds are useful for physiological and organ function monitoring. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnosis of renal and cardiac diseases and for estimation of blood volume in vivo.

Abstract: According to the subject invention, dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based compositions are provided, including methods for their manufacture and dry powder dispersion devices. A dispersible dry powder pharmaceutical-based composition is one having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight (%w) water, usually below about 5%w and preferably less than about 3%w; a particle size of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median diameter (MMD), usually 1.0-4.0 &mgr;m MMD, and preferably 1.0-3.0 &mgr;m MMD; a delivered dose of about >30%, usually >40%, preferably >50%, and most preferred >60%; and an aerosol particle size distribution of about 1.0-5.0 &mgr;m mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), usually 1.5-4.5 &mgr;m MMAD, and preferably 1.5-4.0 &mgr;m MMAD. Such compositions are of pharmaceutical grade purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate which can be used for preparing dermatological and cosmetic compositions. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such conjugate and to its use.

Abstract: Compositions useful for improving effectiveness of alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include carrier components, alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components, solubility enhancing components which aid in solubilizing the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components. In one embodiment, the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. In another embodiment, the solubility enhancing components include carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: The invention provides NO— or NO−-releasing imidate, thioimidate, and amide diazeniumdiolates, in which the N2O2− functional group is bonded to a carbon atom. The invention also provides compositions comprising such diazeniumdiolate compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions. The invention further provides a method of preparing NO— or NO−-releasing imidate, thioimidate, and amide diazeniumdiolates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthetic kidney, to methods of making a prosthetic kidney and to methods of treating kidney disease with a prosthetic kidney. The prosthetic kidney comprises nephron analogs on the exterior surface and an enclosed porous membrane structure equipped with an effluent channel for collecting and draining urine from the device. The nephron analogs are prepared by implanting a device containing renal tubule analogs on the membrane structures and inducing angiogenesis to form glomeruli-like structures. The renal tubule analogs are prepared by seeding kidney cells on the porous membrane structure and culturing this composite in vitro.

Abstract: Novel insect toxins are disclosed for use in pesticidal compositions and methods. According to the invention basement membrane degrading proteases are identified which are capable of acting as insecticidal agents. Polynucleotides are provided which include expression constructs for the expression of the recombinant insecticidal proteases of the invention as recombinant insect pathogens, as well as transgenic plants with a substantial degree of insect resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inhibiting proliferative diseases characterized by TGF-&bgr;-mediated angiogenesis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of use that comprise engineered IgA antibodies that, when administered to a host are secreted across the epithelium into the mucosal barriers of the body providing external passive immunotherapy against agents such as viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens. Also disclosed are mini antibodies comprising the minimal transcytosis domains.

Abstract: Agonist antibodies are disclosed which bind to the extracellular domain of receptor protein tyrosine kinases pTKs, and thereby cause dimerization and activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain thereof. The antibodies are useful for activating their respective receptor and thereby enabling the role of the tyrosine kinase receptor in cell growth and/or differentiation to be studied. Chimeric proteins comprising the extracellular domain of the receptor pTKs and an immunoglobulin constant domain sequence are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human chemokine polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemokine polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemokine polypeptides for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, fibrotic disorders, wound healing and psoriasis. Antagonists against such chemokine polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever and bone marrow failure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parasite astacin metalloendopeptidase proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, antibodies raised against such proteins and compounds that can inhibit the activities of parasite astacin metalloendopeptidases. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors as well as their use to protect animals from disease caused by parasites, such as heartworm infection.