Abstract: The methods of the present invention are useful for determining whether an individual has or is at risk of developing an affective disorder by detecting the expression level of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a biological sample. The methods of the present invention are also useful for identifying compounds that modulate (e.g., decrease) the expression level or activity of CTGF. The present invention further provides therapeutic methods that target CTGF for the treatment of an affective disorder.

Abstract: An abrasive pad assembly, comprising having an abrasive layer having first and second surfaces with the first surface being coated with material particles having predetermined hardness characteristics, a substrate having first and second surfaces with the first surface attached to the second surface of the abrasive layer, the substrate being composed of a material having stiff and resilient characteristics, and a fastening layer having first and second surfaces with the first surface being attached to the second surface of the substrate and the first surface having fastening material disposed thereon.

Abstract: A system measures the stability of a live a.c. power distribution grid, without disrupting sensitive loads on that grid. The system applies repetitive time-synchronized loads to create current pulses, and resulting voltage instabilities, on the grid. The current pulses are sized to ensure that the resulting voltage instabilities are too small to affect the sensitive loads. Time-synchronized voltage measurement devices record the voltage instabilities. The time synchronization, and the repetitive nature of the current pulses, allow the voltage instabilities caused by the current pulses to be extracted from the larger background voltage variations.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention are useful for determining whether an individual has or is at risk of developing an affective disorder by detecting the expression level of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a biological sample. The methods of the present invention are also useful for identifying compounds that modulate (e.g., decrease) the expression level or activity of CTGF. The present invention further provides therapeutic methods that target CTGF for the treatment of an affective disorder.

Abstract: A composition for promoting gastrointestinal and immune health in animals, such as canines and felines, contains a blend of dietary fiber, dietary sugar, dietary protein, and an effective amount of a probiotic microorganism including one or more unique strains of beneficial gastrointestinal microbial flora. At least 95% by weight of the composition can include certified organic ingredients.

Abstract: A composition for promoting gastrointestinal and immune health in animals, such as canines and felines, contains a blend of dietary fiber, dietary sugar, and an effective amount of a probiotic microorganism including one or more unique strains of beneficial gastrointestinal microbial flora. At least 95% by weight of the composition can include certified organic ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating or alleviating one or more symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of an NCAM peptide mimetic to the subject. The symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are typically observed in or associated with a neurological condition. The present invention also provides methods for treating a neurological condition such as a psychiatric disorder in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of an NCAM peptide mimetic to the subject.

Abstract: A variable-air-volume system for modulating the speed of a supply fan by measuring a plurality of inlet static pressures within the inlet of a corresponding plurality of terminal boxes within the system; calculating a plurality of setpoint errors equal to the difference between the plurality of inlet static pressures and a corresponding plurality of terminal box setpoint pressures; selecting minimum setpoint error out of all of the calculated setpoint errors; and modulating the fan speed as a function of the minimum setpoint error. The system can also utilize a power adjustment factor to modify the terminal box set point pressures.

Abstract: The present application relates to the treatment and diagnosis of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression disorder and schizophrenia. The invention provides novel diagnostic markers and assays, as well as research tools for the development and discovery of agents and compounds which are useful for treating patients who suffer from mental illness.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig comprises an elongate body having first and second ends and a fluid passage defined therein. The fluid passage has an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at the second end of the body. At least two support members project radially outwardly from the body and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body. A valve means is located within the passage and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet. A projecting member extends longitudinally from the first end of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing mental disorders (e.g., psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia). The invention also provides methods of identifying modulators of such mental disorders as well as methods of using these modulators to treat patients suffering from such mental disorders.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle comprises a main body (10) driven through a pipeline by fluid flow against resilient cups (12). Resilient fingers (20) carry a circumferential array of magnetic proximity sensors for sensing the spacing between each sensor and the metal of the pipeline wall. Wheels (18) biased into engagement with the pipeline wall provide one form of distance measurement. The vehicle has on-board data storage by way of a memory housed within a pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present application relates to the treatment of anxiety in a subject. The invention provides novel diagnostic markers and assays, as well as agents and compounds useful for treating patients who suffer from mental illnesses and anxiety disorders.