Abstract: A method of forming a pyrolysed biocarbon from a pyrolyzable organic material is delineated. The method involves the conversion of pyrolyzable organic materials to biocarbon for subsequent use. A carbonization circuit is employed with individual feedstock segments being advanced through the circuit. The method facilitates user manipulation of rate of advancement of the feedstock through the circuit, selective collation of volatiles from pyrolyzing feedstock, selective exposure of predetermined feedstock segments to collated volatiles as well as thermal recovery and redistribution as desired by the user. This results in the capacity for a customizable biocarbon product, the latter being an auxiliary feature of the methodology.

Abstract: The HIV regulatory proteins Tat and Rev accumulate in nucleoli of human cells. No functional role has been attributed to this localization. Recently it was demonstrated that expression of Rev induces nucleolar re-localization of some nuclear factors involved in Rev export. Thus, it is likely that the nucleolus plays a critical role in Rev-mediated export of singly spliced and unspliced HIV-1 RNAs. As a test for trafficking of HIV-1 RNAs into the nucleolus, a hammerhead ribozyme which specifically cleaves HIV-1 RNA was joined to the U16 snoRNA resulting in accumulation of the ribozyme within nucleoli of human cells. Stably transduced human T-cells expressing this nucleolar localized ribozyme dramatically suppressed HIV-1 replication, confirming a possible trafficking of the HIV RNA through the nucleoli of human cells. In addition, a TAR element which binds Tat was joined to the U16 snoRNA, also resulting in localization in the nucleoli and inhibiting HIV replication.

Abstract: A brain probe includes: a core probe made from a metal; and n electrode plates attached so as to cover an entire side surface circumference of the core probe and forming n side planes providing an n-angular cross section (n is an integer equal to or greater than 3). Each of the electrode plates is manufactured by a LSI manufacturing process, and provided with at least one electrode and a lead-out wiring extending in a longitudinal direction of a side plane from each of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to improved systems and methods for handing over a UE from a source node to a target node. In some embodiments, the target node receives UL and DL count information directly from the UE being handed over, rather than from the source node or from a core network node.

Abstract: In a method of sorting mailpieces in a plurality of sorting passes in a sorting machine having accumulation sorting outlets, use is made of a technique for identifying the mailpieces by image signatures derived from the images of the mailpieces. The mailpieces are transferred in trays between two sorting passes. A match between a current fingerprint in the second sorting pass and fingerprints generated in the first sorting pass is searched for in an exploration memory space containing a limited number of fingerprints. The size of this exploration space is optimized by associating the signatures and the trays with designation data indicative of sorting outlets, and with time data delivered by a clock.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays includes multiple modules in which aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, pre-heating the sample, incubating the sample, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. A receptacle transporting system moves reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for pre-heating and incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the analyte after the separation step and before incubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivery of siRNA to specific cells or tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for cell type-specific delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs via fusion to an anti-gp120 aptamer.

Abstract: A seed carrier includes a main hopper coupled with a frame via leg members. The main hopper has a discharge. A base plate is coupled with the frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled with the base plate at a first end. A belt driven conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end is rotatably coupled with a second end of said support arm at an approximate center of gravity thereof. A latch mechanism is provided for detachably coupling the first end of the conveyor with the first end of the support arm such that the conveyor hopper is position below the main hopper discharge. When the conveyor is uncoupled from the first end of the support arm, the conveyor can rotate to a loading position wherein the discharge thereof can be positioned over the main hopper.

Abstract: In Caenorhabditis elegans, lin-4 and let-7 enclode 22- and 21-nucleotide RNAs, respectively, that function as key regulators of developmental timing. Because the appearance of these short RNAs is regulated during development, they are also referred to as “small temporal RNAs” (stRNAs). We show that many more 21- and 22-nt expressed RNAs, termed microRNAs, (miRNAs), exist in invertebrates and vertebrates, and that some of these novel RNAs, similar to let-7 stRAN, are also highly conserved. This suggests that sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by small RNAs are more general than previously appreciated.

Abstract: An isolated oligonucleotide comprising at least one ditag, wherein the ditag comprises two joined first and second sequence tags, wherein the first tag comprises the 5?-terminus sequence and the second tag comprises the 3?-terminus sequence of a nucleic acid molecule or a fragment thereof. The ditag analysis is useful for gene discovery and genome mapping.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a medium without exposing the medium to contamination. The systems and methods employ a novel combination of a small sensor device embedded in a Luer cap and capable of wirelessly transmitting data to a reading device.

Abstract: A disposable clip (10) is used to releasably attach an ampoule (13) to a syringe (11). The clip (10) includes an ampoule engaging portion (19) and a syringe engaging portion in the form of a recess (17). The ampoule engaging portion (19) comprises a compressible projection which is inserted into the neck (21) of the ampoule (13). The ampoule engaging portion (19) is thereby compressed and frictionally engages the inside of the neck (21) to secure the ampoule (13) firmly to the clip (10). The clip (10) does not obscure the label on the ampoule (13).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cutting machine capable of sharpening in such a manner that an angle of a cutting edge can be kept constant. A support block 14 is provided with two arms 14a, 14b which are spaced at a certain angle, and the arms 14a, 14b have rotation shafts 12a, 13a of rotary whetstones 12, 13, respectively, extending upright from the vicinities of the front ends thereof. The rotary whetstones 12, 13 has, at front ends thereof, flat surfaces perpendicular to the rotation shafts 12a, 13a to sharpen the one side 11b and the other side 11c of the cutting edge 11a of the cutting blade 11, respectively. The whetstone holding mechanism 15 can be moved in parallel linearly or can swing almost linearly, as mainly indicated by the arrow 15a, to bring the flat surface 12b of the rotary whetstone 12 into contact with the one side 11b of the cutting blade 11, as depicted by a broken line, thereby allowing the switch to the sharpening state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for determining wireless communication cell characteristics related to wireless MIMO transmission mode and dynamically selecting suitable communication transmission mode for certain parts of the wireless communication cell. The solution uses a flatness spectrum analysis of received impulse response from a plurality of measurement points in the cell using a plurality of antennas in a wireless network access gateway, e.g. a base station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a polymerized toner. In the method, a mixture of colloidal silica as an aqueous dispersant and a polyvinylpyrrolidone is used during suspension polymerization. The amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone/colloidal silica aggregates having a diameter smaller than 100 nm is also limited to 1% by weight or less, based on the total weight of all aggregates. A polymerized toner produced by the method has a volume average particle diameter (dv) of 5 to 10 ?m and a volume average particle diameter/number average particle diameter ratio (dv/dp) of 1.5 or less. The polymerized toner is consumed in a small amount during printing. According to the method, the formation of emulsion particles having a size smaller than 0.5 ?m is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing cerium carbonate which enables preparation of hexagonal cerium carbonate by a simplified process, a cerium carbonate powder prepared thereby, and a method for preparing a cerium oxide powder using the same. The method for preparing cerium carbonate comprises the step of contact-reacting orthorhombic cerium carbonate with a primary alcohol aqueous solution comprising water and primary alcohol at a weight ratio of 1:0.1 or more at a temperature of 160° C. or more to form hexagonal cerium carbonate.

Abstract: A polymerized toner is provided. The polymerized toner has cores containing a wax with a polydispersity of 1.05 to 1.1. The fixability of the polymerized toner is improved by the presence of the wax. Further provided is a method of producing the polymerized toner.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention may include a combination of real-time packet detection, processing and routing. When implemented in a distributed architecture, such systems can yield a low cost, high availability and/or secure network capable of switching real-time data and delivering the quality of service expected in mission critical systems.