Abstract: An illuminable orthostatic reporting apparatus may include a laser pointer disposed within an adjustable housing mount assembly that may be coupled to a harness assembly; the reporting apparatus may be used with a target; the target may be an electronic target configured to report whether a user wearing the reporting apparatus is maintaining a laser beam, emitted from the laser pointer, in an aligned position with the target.

Abstract: A novel peptide analogue of the Heterometrus spinnifer toxin HsTX1 is disclosed along with its application as, for example, a therapeutic agent for treating an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The analogue comprises a peptide with an amino acid substitution at amino acid position 14 of the wild-type (WT) peptide sequence (or a position corresponding to position 14 of the WT peptide sequence). The analogue exhibits selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1 and other potassium channels relative to the WT peptide.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog.

Abstract: A novel peptide analogue of the Heterometrus spinnifer toxin HsTX1 is disclosed along with its application as, for example, a therapeutic agent for treating an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The analogue comprises a peptide with an amino acid substitution at amino acid position 14 of the wild-type (WT) peptide sequence (or a position corresponding to position 14 of the WT peptide sequence). The analogue exhibits selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1 and other potassium channels relative to the WT peptide.

Abstract: A tether device for pool floats includes a float attachment unit having an elongated cord with connectors permanently affixed to each end. A soft sleeve is positioned along the cord and between the connectors. The device also includes an anchor unit having a tether that is interposed between a weighted element and a hook.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog.

Abstract: A tether device for pool floats includes a float attachment unit having an elongated cord with connectors permanently affixed to each end. A soft sleeve is positioned along the cord and between the connectors. The device also includes an anchor unit having a tether that is interposed between a weighted element and a hook.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv 1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv 1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore and such fluorophore-tagged ShK analogs may be used in flow cytometry alone, or in conjunction with class II tetramers that can detect autoreactive cells.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a filter assembly removably coupled with a manifold. The coupling of the filter assembly coupled with the manifold aligns an intake port of the filter assembly with an inlet tube of the manifold and communicates a flow tube of the filter assembly with an exit tube of the manifold. The filter assembly pushes a shut-off valve of the manifold from its normally closed position to its open position. Liquid then flows into the filter assembly from the inlet tube of the manifold and filtered liquid flows into exit tube of the manifold from the flow tube of the filter assembly. The filter assembly further pushes a pressure relief valve of the manifold from its normally open position to its closed position.

Abstract: A scoop cutter and method for producing shaped food products. A rotating arcuate blade with a cutting edge on at least one side works in conjunction with a thickness spacing sphere to produce a shaped food product having three dimensions. As food product in the form of non-sticky, low tact dough, or raw or whole fruits and vegetables comes into contact with the thickness spacing sphere, the blade slices it, creating shaped food products with uniform thickness. The width to depth ratio of the shaped food product is adjustable depending on the desired texture and size.

Abstract: Analogs of ShK toxin and methods for using such ShK analogs. The ShK analogs generally comprise ShK toxin attached to a chemical entity (e.g. an atom, molecule, group, residue, compound, moiety, etc.) that has an anionic charge. In some embodiments the chemical entity attached to the ShK toxin may comprise an amino acid residue. The ShK analogs may be administered to human or non-human animal subjects to cause inhibition of potassium channels or to otherwise treat diseases or disorders. In some embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may be chosen to provide selective inhibition of certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) over other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.1 channels). In come embodiments, the chemical entity to which the ShK toxin is attached may include a fluorophore, thereby providing a fluorophore tagged ShK analog.

Abstract: A vapor deposition reactor and associated method are disclosed that increase the lifetime and productivity of a filament-based resistive-heated vapor deposition system. The reactor and method provide for heating the filament while permitting the filament to move as it expands under the effect of increasing temperature while limiting the expanding movement of the filament to an amount that prevents the expanding movement of the filament from creating undesired contact with any portions of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the oxidative refolding of a hepcidin polypeptide to a form that is mature, bioactive and folded as in the native configuration and molecular mass; a method for measuring the level of native, bioactive hepcidin in a vertebrate animal; a method for measuring the level of hepcidin gene expression in a vertebrate animal; and a method for regulating the production of native, bioactive hepcidin in a vertebrate animal in vivo. The present invention also concerns an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a continuous, discontinuous, and/or conformational epitope of a mature and bioactive hepcidin folded as in the native configuration; and a pharmaceutical composition that includes the antibody or a hepcidin polypeptide and that provides antimicrobial, agonistic, or antagonistic activities in vivo in a vertebrate animal.

Abstract: A changeable cover for an electronic device and method of using same in a payment system is provided. The cover has a transponder responsive to interrogation by an electric field. The cover provides an electronic identification number and other information in response to the interrogation signal. Also provided is a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (4) which has an associated cover (100) for providing local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one point of sale terminal or the like, which has a second transceiver for providing data transfer.

Abstract: A changeable cover for an electronic device and method of using same in a payment system is provided. The cover has a transponder responsive to interrogation by an electric field. The cover provides an electronic identification number and other information in response to the interrogation signal. Also provided is a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (4) which has an associated cover (100) for providing local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one point of sale terminal or the like, which has a second transceiver for providing data transfer.

Abstract: A changeable cover for an electronic device and method of using same in a payment system is provided. The cover has a transponder responsive to interrogation by an electric field. The cover provides an electronic identification number and other information in response to the interrogation signal. Also provided is a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (4) which has an associated cover (100) for providing local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one point of sale terminal or the like, which has a second transceiver for providing data transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing dilute HF for fluxless soldering, to provide very dilute anhydrous hydrogen fluoride to effect surface modification of the parts to be soldered. There are six main parts of the apparatus: a vacuum sub-system; a source gas sub-system; a dilution gas sub-system; a source gas/dilution make-up sub-system; a diluted gas storage sub-system; and a control system.

Abstract: A plasma generator assembly for treatment of an item to be soldered in a vacuum chamber. The generator includes a chamber having a first opening for placement of a microwave source, formed so that plasma generated from a gas is spread out over a wide area; a second chamber for containing generated plasma effluent; and a partial barrier such as a perforated plate and/or an optical baffle attached to the second chamber. On the opposite side of the partial barrier from the second chamber is the area of the vacuum chamber for treatment of the item.