Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing ratiometric data, e.g., ratiometric image data such as fluorescent image data, may generate a correlation matrix for the ratiometric data, generate a plurality of eigenvalues and a plurality of eigenvectors based on the correlation matrix, select a set of eigenvectors from the plurality of eigenvectors, and reconstruct a set of enhanced ratiometric data for use in analysis.

Abstract: Cyclic alkynes (e.g., cyclooctynes such as dibenzocyclooctynes) can be photochemically generated from cyclopropenones as disclosed herein. The cyclic alkynes can be reacted (e.g., in situ) with materials having alkyne-reactive groups (e.g., azide groups in a “click” reaction). In preferred embodiments, the generation and reaction of the cyclic alkyne can proceed in the absence of a catalyst (e.g., Cu(I)). These reactions can be useful, for example, for the selective labeling of living cells that are metabolically modified with azido-containing surface monosaccharides, or for light-directed surface patterning.

Abstract: Robotic vehicle systems and methods regarding such systems, such as, e.g., methods of movement for such robotic vehicle systems (e.g., movement across varying terrain including steps).

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes, wherein the cell free preparation of protozoan microsomes demonstrate the ability to translocate a protozoan polypeptide into the microsome, methods of preparing cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes, and methods of using cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes.

Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.

Abstract: A test battery method and system (10, 100, 200, 225) for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control (426) static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

Abstract: A benefit management system and method provides a portal-based information management and collaborative business process application. Preferably, the system and method is focused at the benefit broker/consultant and is configured to capture employee benefit management data, such as demographic data and plan data. Further, preferably, one or more users are provided with customized user access to the centralized application for use in performing one or more various benefit plan management functions, such as, for example, marketing, plan design; enrollment; administration; and communication between one or more application users.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved transposons and transposases. The present invention also includes gene transfer systems, methods of using the transposons and transposases, and compositions including the transposons and transposases.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel block copolymer containing a controlled distribution copolymer block of a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, where the controlled distribution copolymer block has terminal regions that are rich in conjugated diene units and a center region that is rich in mono alkenyl arene units. Also disclosed is a method for manufacture of the block copolymer.

Abstract: Implantable drug infusion devices, systems and methods for delivering therapeutic substance to a subject that include a bulkhead and an attached reservoir formed by an elastic bladder are disclosed. When filled with therapeutic substance, the elastic bladder is elastically expanded such that the therapeutic substance is held at a pressure above ambient pressure. As the therapeutic substance is removed from the reservoir, the bladder collapses and may conform to the shape of the bulkhead surface over which it is located.

Abstract: Kits and methods for submucosal endoscopic access into body cavities such as the peritoneal cavity and the posterior mediastinum through a submucosal endoscopic procedure in which an opening is formed through the muscularis propria within a bleb. The procedure may result in a mucosal flap formed by separated mucosal tissue within the bleb and the mucosal flap may be advantageously used to assist in closure of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual fuel system and a dual fuel system assembly where liquid LPG and diesel are mixed and then distributed via the common rail to the combustion chambers. The liquid fuel mixture remains in a liquid state and under pressure for introduction to the combustion chambers. With the preferred embodiment of the dual fuel system, only minor changes are required to the diesel engine without altering the manufactures specifications and voiding the manufacturer's warranties. The resultant combustion of the liquid fuel mixture provides a cleaner emission and relatively cheaper vehicle operational costs.

Abstract: Garments designed to be worn in conjunction with conventional chaps to protect the lower abdomen of the wearer and upper legs of a wearer are described herein. Also described are garments that replace conventional chaps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new fluorescent protein, engineered to facilitate release from self-cleaving peptides.

Abstract: A class of topomimetic calixarene-based peptide mimetics is described. Calixarene-based peptide mimetics have various biological activities such as, for example, bactericidal activity, antiangiogenic activity, and/or antitumor activity. Methods of use and methods of designing calixarene-based peptide mimetics are described.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a dual pivot mechanism. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides, compositions including polynucleotides, and the uses thereof for treating cancer in a subject. The polynucleotides silence the expression of coding regions that encode polypeptides such as p85?, p110?, and Akt2. The cancers treatable using the methods described herein include colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and metastases thereof.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device and a method of using the same. The device includes an outer, flexible guide catheter having a distal end for introduction beneath the skull of a patient and a proximal end remaining external of the patient. A flexible infusion fiber is located within the guide catheter and has a distal end extending outwardly from the guide catheter to be located in a target area within the patient's brain. The infusion fiber can be fixed or axially movable within the guide catheter. In the latter embodiment, the proximal end of the infusion fiber extending outwardly from the guide catheter can be manipulated to locate the distal end of the infusion fiber in the target area. An infusion pump is connected to the proximal end of the infusion fiber to infuse a minute quantity of fluid at an extremely low flow rate into the brain of the patient.