Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.

Abstract: A left and right hemisphere independently adjustable azimuth antenna with a new method of electrically floating reflector device when used with the cooperating antenna array geometry, yields an modified directed radiated beam which can be actuated by means of a simple mechanical mechanism. The adjustment in the azimuth pattern is accomplished by means of moving the electrically floating reflector device in an arc around a line parallel to the axis of the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling cargo that includes a motorized electric pallet truck (12) to which a tower (30) having two or more legs (32) is attached, the tower (30) includes a transverse member (34) connected to the two or more legs (32), and at least one mast (36) that extends from the transverse member (34) opposite the two or more legs (32), the mast (36) includes a chamber therein, at least one mechanical arm (40) is operably attached to the mast (36) and includes at least one pneumatically operated device (44) having lifting capability and an electric pump (50) is electrically connected to the electric power supply of the pallet truck (12) and provides pneumatic pressure to the interior of the tower (30).

Abstract: A phased array antenna is disclosed with a new method of phase shifting device when used with the cooperating antenna array feed system structure, yields an adjustable electrically directed radiated beam that may be actuated by means of a simple mechanical mechanism. The phase shift is accomplished by mechanically moving the phase shift coupling device upwards or downwards along the parallel feed body between adjacent feed lines in cavities within the antenna housing.

Abstract: Antimicrobial agents and method for isolation thereof from the gel liquid of Aloe vera includes at least one antimicrobial agent isolated from the clear gel isolated from the whole leaf of the Aloe vera plant, wherein the antimicrobial agent is an agent produced by the Aloe vera and/or indigenous bacteria that colonize the Aloe vera plant, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising a hot-melt extrudable mixture of a therapeutic compound and a high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) in an essentially non-film like preparation. In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises poly(ethylene glycol). The present invention also includes efficient methods for hot-melt extruding pharmaceutical formulations in essentially non-film preparations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for detecting an analyte using a fiber optic electrochemical sensor that includes a fiber optic layer, an electrically conductive translucent metallic layer and a light energy absorbing dye layer.

Abstract: A properly designed and positioned Faraday shield/dielectric spacer/source-coil assembly is used to nearly fix the input impedance of an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) source-coil, making a variable matching network almost unnecessary, and allowing for pulsed plasma processing with very little reflected power. Further, the nearly constant input-impedance also means a nearly constant standing wave pattern on the ICP source-coil and constant power deposition symmetry as well as plasma uniformity independent of RF power, gas pressure and gas composition. This is not possible without a properly designed and positioned Faraday shield because the source-coil impedance is coupled to that of the plasma and changes significantly with the plasma conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides human polynucleotide sequences that encode transcription factor polypeptides that are termed ALF and SALF, and an alternative C-termiinal sequence. The invention includes ALF, SALF and alternative C-terminus polypeptides, peptides, fusion proteins, expression vectors, agonists, antagonists, host cells that overexpress these polypeptides, including transgenic animals, and recombinant knock-out animals that cannot express the relevant RNAs and polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, diagnosis, screening, and monitoring disorders related to inappropriate expression, production, or activity of ALF and SALF, and provides methods to increase or decrease gene expression with respect to treating disorders related to inappropriate or ineffectual patterns of gene expression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for selectively stimulating cortical brain activity of a patient with hemispheric brain differences using light and/or sound includes exposing the patient to one or more lights (12) placed in close proximity to a patient's eyes (20, 30) wherein the one or more of lights (12) selectively stimulate the non-dominant eye (30) connected to the non-dominant cerebral hemisphere.

Abstract: An ascorbic acid-based composition and related method for the treatment of aging or photo-damaged skin is disclosed. The composition includes water and ascorbic acid, at least a portion of which has generally been pretreated by being dissolved under relatively high temperature and concentration conditions. The composition typically includes at least about 5.0% (w/v) ascorbic acid and may advantageously be formulated to have a pH above 3.5. Generally, the composition also includes non-toxic zinc salt, tyrosine compound, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In addition, the composition may include an anti-inflammatory compound, such as aminosugar and/or sulfur-containing anti-inflammatory compound. The topical composition may be in the form of a serum, a hydrophilic lotion, an ointment, a cream, or a gel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of psoriasis and related skin ailments are disclosed. The compositions include topical skin formulations of glucosamine in an emollient base such as moisturizing cream. In addition to glucosamine, the formulations may include keratolytic substances such as coal tar extract or salicylic acid. The formulations may also include glucosamine and antioxidant anti-inflammatory herbal extracts such as oleuropein and berberine in an emollient base.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).

Abstract: A composition and method of making an improved sealant is disclosed. The sealant is made from a base polymer material that includes one or more substantially linear vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate monomers, a hydrolyzable silane that includes one or more substantially linear vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate silanes to produce randomly dispersed silane functionality throughout the polymer and a second hydrolyzable mercapto silane to cap some polymer chains via a chain transfer reaction, wherein the polymer has a glass transition point lower than 10° Fahrenheit and an average molecular weight between about 40,000 and about 500,000. A sealant is made by adding a cross-linking catalyst and other additives to the polymer in such proportions to produce a sealant that cures upon exposure to atmospheric moisture.

Abstract: A method of spectroscopically analyzing amplitude and phase information of a particular sample (510) is disclosed, comprising providing a femtosecond laser source (502) positioned in an angularly distal relationship to the sample, generating from the laser source a primary light pulse (504) of substantial peak intensity and spectral bandwidth directed at the sample, and providing a reference medium (512) interposed between the light source and the sample, fixed in position with respect to the sample. A portion of the primary light pulse is directed through the reference medium generating a reference second harmonic signal (514) directed at the sample, which propagates collinearly with the primary light pulse towards the sample. A spectrometer (520) is provided, positioned in an angularly distal relationship to the sample and opposing the laser source, to receive second harmonic reflections of the primary pulse and reference signal (516 and 514, respectively) from said sample.

Abstract: A system (200) for transmitting and focusing surface acoustic waves (208) along a substrate (206) is disclosed. The system (200) comprising a curved transmission element (202) that is disposed upon the substrate (206). The curved transmission element (202) is adapted to propagate an acoustic wave (212). The system (200) also comprises a curved receiving element (206) that is disposed upon the substrate in relation to the curved transmission element (202). The curved receiving element (206) is adapted to receive the acoustic wave (212) and match the acoustic wave's size and shape.

Abstract: A composition and method for a light activated composition for improved wound closure, is disclosed. The composition includes a biodegradable polymer that is impregnated with a solder that is biologically compatible and a chromophoric dye. The chromophoric dye enhances the amount of light energy that the composition absorbs.

Abstract: A method for making a pure buffalo yarn is disclosed and includes the steps of, scouring a buffalo fleece with detergent and water at a temperature of at least 80 degrees centigrade to clean the fleece, dehairing the buffalo fleece to remove unwanted course hair from the fleece to produce dehaired fine soft fibers, blending the dehaired fine soft fibers with an oil and water emulsion in a mixing picker to produce a mixed fiber, carding the mixed fiber at 50 weight percent of normal to produce a roving of straight and parallel fibers, spinning the roving to produce a yarn and twisting the yarn to increase the bulk and softness of the yarn.

Abstract: A filter-less imaging microscope and method for analyzing samples on a slide at multiple wavelengths of light comprising, a microscope (12), a light dispersive element (28) positioned to receive images from the microscope (12) at multiple wavelengths, the light dispersive element (28) producing an array of light from the image and a camera (30) positioned to detect the light array produced by the light dispersive element (28), wherein the camera (30) detects the light array dispersed by the light dispersive element (28) at multiple wavelengths, is disclosed. The camera (30) can detect the entire spectrum of light produced by the light dispersive element (28).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of gene sequences encoding mammalian cell cycle checkpoints, as well as the expression of the encoded proteins using recombinant DNA technology. The expressed proteins are used to generate specific antibodies and to inhibit the growth of cells. The human checkpoint gene sequences are used as a probe for a portion of the chromosome associated with tumors and other malignancies, as well as growth and/or development deficiencies.