Abstract: The invention relates to differentially expressed disease - associated proteins that have potential to identify patients with cardiovascular disease including ventricular dysfunction and heart failure and the potential to predict heart failure in patients. In particular, the invention relates to the use of a panel of biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of cardiovascular patients. One of the markers is Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG).

Abstract: A game carcass retrieval system has a frame and a removable retrieving head. The head may be coupled to a game carcass and then retracted by a winch coupled to the frame. The winch may pull the carcass into an upright position for easy loading into a vehicle or easy processing of the game carcass. A processing table may be coupled to the game carcass retrieval system. The table may include a grapple that helps pull meat away from the carcass and a skinning arm to further separate the meat from the carcass.

Abstract: The problems presented in hunting industry are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a game carcass retrieval system is provided. The game carcass retrieval system has a frame and a removable retrieving head. The head may be attached to a game carcass and then retracted by a winch attached to the frame. The winch may pull the carcass into an upright position that allows for easy loading into a vehicle or easy processing of the game carcass. The head may rotate to provide for easy processing. An additional processing table may be attached to the game carcass retrieval system to assist in processing. The table may include a grapple that help to pull meat away from the carcass and a skinning arm to further separate the meat from the carcass.

Abstract: The problems presented in hunting industry are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a game carcass retrieval system is provided. The game carcass retrieval system has a frame and a removable retrieving head. The head may be attached to a game carcass and then retracted by a winch attached to the frame. The winch may pull the carcass into a n upright position that allows for easy loading into a vehicle or easy processing of the game carcass. The head may rotate to provide for easy processing. An additional processing table may be attached to the game carcass retrieval system to assist in processing. The table may include a grapple that help to pull meat away from the carcass and a skinning arm to further separate the meat from the carcass.

Abstract: The invention describes the method and apparatus for enhanced efficiency in a laterally-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser. In a device featuring the effective ridge design, lateral confinement of the guided optical modes is provided by a surface etched grating, which also serves as a DFB element of the laser. Coupling and quantum efficiency of such a LC-DFB laser both improve with an increase of the lateral mode order. In accordance with this invention, a dramatic enhancement of the laser efficiency is achievable by designing it to operate in one of the higher order modes, notably the first order mode, while all the other lateral modes, including the zero order mode, are suppressed through gain-loss discrimination.

Abstract: The invention describes the method and apparatus for enhanced efficiency in a laterally-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser. In a device featuring the effective ridge design, lateral confinement of the guided optical modes is provided by a surface etched grating, which also serves as a DFB element of the laser. Coupling and quantum efficiency of such a LC-DFB laser both improve with an increase of the lateral mode order. In accordance with this invention, a dramatic enhancement of the laser efficiency is achievable by designing it to operate in one of the higher order modes, notably the first order mode, while all the other lateral modes, including the zero order mode, are suppressed through gain-loss discrimination.

Abstract: A saddle for a vehicle lift provides a flip-up bracket and a body portion that mates with an insert, with the flip-up bracket overlying the body portion when the flip-up bracket is in its extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded, one-piece, chilling pitcher with a compartment for holding a beverage, and an integral dividing wall that forms a wedge-shaped cooling chamber for holding a cooling medium such as ice. The main body of the pitcher is formed by a conical exterior wall and an integral base. The cooling chamber is formed between the arcuate shaped exterior wall and the dividing wall to produce a wedged-shaped configuration that facilitates the filling and emptying of ice into and from the chamber. This wedge-shape and the relatively wide radius of the dividing wall allow ice cubes or chips to be poured into the cooling chamber in a relatively compact manner, and allow the surface of the ice to flushly engage the surface of the dividing wall to improve the cooling rate of the pitcher.