Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an asset communication system are described. One asset communication system includes an active communication subsystem including a first radio transceiver, a passive communication subsystem including a second radio transceiver configured to transmit and receive data using radio waves for communication and power, and a sensory subsystem. The sensory subsystem can include one or more sensors, for example, an ambient environment sensor. The asset communication system further includes a synchronous trigger controller for activing the active communication subsystem according to a schedule, and an asynchronous trigger controller for activating the active communication subsystem based on a signal received from a sensor or the second radio transceiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ ultra-wide band (UWB) time of flight (ToF) distance measurements for locating a portable device relative to a target. Performance and reliability of UWB ToF distance measurements for locating the portable device is improved by adjusting a communication retry strategy based on signal quality calculations. The quality of an UWB signal received by each satellite of a base station is assessed based on factors like signal strength, noise level, and ratio of first path signal power to total signal power. This data is used to direct the retry strategy to the satellites receiving the best signal quality for these satellites to conduct ToF distance measurements with the portable device and/or to add correction factors to calculated ToF distance measurements.

Abstract: A method for managing a sphere of wireless tags, the method comprises programming, by a wireless reader, a group of wireless tags to belong to the sphere of wireless tags; sending by the wireless reader sphere beacons aimed to the wireless tags of the sphere; detecting a loss of a wireless tag of the sphere if the wireless tag did not respond to a predetermined number of sphere beacons; and responding to the detecting of the loss of the wireless tag.

Abstract: The invention provides use of novel compounds for delivery of nucleic acids, and conjugates of these compounds with nucleic acids. Further novel design criteria for chemically stabilized siRNA particular useful when covalently attached to said compounds and co-administered with a delivery polymer to achieve mRNA knock down in vivo are disclosed therein.

Abstract: Genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity are described. Proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidase are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the enzymatic decarboxylation of malonic acid (propanedioic acid) derivatives catalyzed by enzymes structurally and/or functionally related to arylmalonate decarboxylase (AMDase) as isolated from microorganisms of the genus Bordetella. The present invention also relates to novel enzymes with a decarboxylase activity, useful for performing the claimed method, mutants thereof, corresponding coding sequences and expression systems, methods of preparing said novel enzymes, and screening methods for obtaining further suitable enzymes also having said decarboxylase activity.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention pertains to the discovery that inhibition of myosin light chain interacting protein (Mylip) can mitigate one or more symptoms of hypercholesterolemia. Methods of treating hypercholesterolemia and methods of screening for agents to treat hypercholesterolemia are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and article for storing genetic material or analytes from a biological sample by contacting said biological sample with a cellulose substrate comprising structural units of Formula I wherein X and Y are independently N—O-L-A or O, with the proviso that when Y is O, then X is N—O-L-A, and when X is O, then Y is N—O-L-A; L is a direct bond, an aliphatic radical, an aromatic radical, a cycloaliphatic radical, or a combination thereof; and A=COOH, SO3H, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a cellulose substrate comprising the structural units of Formula I, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of using a biological indicator to detect and identify sources of fecal contamination such as leaking sewer lines, septic tanks, and holding lagoons, using a microorganism having a biological indicator including an exogenous DNA indicator sequence incorporated into the genome of the microorganism. The exogenous DNA indicator sequence functions as a detectable signal that may be detected by visual detection methods or direct detection methods of the indicator sequence itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for visual observation and measurement of aggregated, granular and floating or suspended particles samples, which are gravitationally separated is disclosed. The first part of apparatus is the horizontally focused binocular microscope with vertical positioning. The second part of the apparatus is the revolving test tube holder with vertical positioning and rubber ring for soft tube position fixing. The process is consisting in horizontal focusing on the visual sample analyzing it in liquid. The difference from conventional process of sample analyzing is that in vertical position the gravitationally separated fractions of the sample will be not disturbed during the analysis and study of the sample. This will make possible both to study the micro-granulometry samples under horizontally focused binocular microscope and to use different liquids for gravitational separation of particles and granules without contaminating the environments and degrading working conditions.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: A kit and method to perform a biological assay for evaluating the bioleaching potential of minerals, which allows to know the metallurgic response of minerals for geo-mining-metallurgic short and mid term planning, wherein the kit comprises a propylene tube-type container which has a line that specifies the liquid filling level, where is it possible to place a propylene sphere that floats at the liquid level and it has a plastic twist off cup on the upper extreme, while in the lower extreme or base there is a lyophilized biomass (powder) in charge of the mineral leaching.

Abstract: A biosensor for metal analysis and speciation is disclosed. The biosensor comprises an electron carrier immobilized to a surface of an electrode and a layer of an immobilized enzyme adjacent to the electrode. The immobilized enzyme comprises an enzyme having biological activity inhibited by a metal to be detected by the biosensor.

Abstract: In order to obtain a novel binding protein against a chosen target, DNA molecules, each encoding a protein comprising one of a family of similar potential binding domains and a structural signal calling for the display of the protein on the outer surface of a chosen bacterial cell, bacterial spore or phage (genetic package) are introduced into a genetic package. The protein is expressed and the potential binding domain is displayed on the outer surface of the package. The cells or viruses bearing the binding domains which recognize the target molecule are isolated and amplified. The successful binding domains are then characterized. One or more of these successful binding domains is used as a model for the design of a new family of potential binding domains, and the process is repeated until a novel binding domain having a desired affinity for the target molecule is obtained.

Abstract: A method (and system) for using information contained within the scanned image to create, in an automated (or semi-automated) process, an accurate data grid. The process has steps: enhance the image; locate blocks of spots; and find each individual spot in each of the blocks. Preferably, the method makes use of image filtering using a “Principal Frequency Filter” based on a mathematical determination of major periodic elements in the image to eliminate noisy, non-periodic signals, and of smoothed intensity profiles of the filtered image data. Here, the term Principal Frequency Filter is used to indicate an image-enhancing filter based upon a mathematical operation which identifies the major periodic components of the image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutinase variants having improved thermostability. The variants have one or more amino acid substitutions within the vicinity of the N-terminal amino acid.

Abstract: A method of detecting a metal in a sample comprising a plurality of metal is disclosed. The method comprises providing the sample comprising a metal to be detected. The sample is added to a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate, where the enzyme is inhibited by the metal to be detected. An array of chelating agents is used to eliminate the inhibitory effects of additional metals in the sample. An enzymatic activity in the sample is determined and compared to an enzymatic activity in a control solution to detect the metal to be detected. A method of determining a concentration of the metal in the sample is also disclosed. A method of detecting a valence state of a metal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunologically active proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi which are present in a form which is free of other proteins derived from Borrelia burgdorferi and which exhibit the sequence of the protein 1829-22A, which has the amino acid sequence (SEQ. ID NO:1) MKKFNLIIEALFAILLTACNFGLMEETKIALESSSKDVKNKILQIKKDAE DKGVNFAAFTSSETGSKVTNGGLALREAKIQAINEVEKFLKRIEEEALKL KEHGNSGQFLELFDLLLEVLESLEPIGIKGLKDFISEEAKCNPISTSER LIEVKVQIENKMEEVKRKQNLNKERKSNKGKKKK or a part sequence therefor having at least 10 consecutive amino acids, or exhibit the sequence of the protein 1829-22B, which has the amino acid sequence (SEQ.

Abstract: This invention provides purified telomerase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including the use of matrices that bind molecules bearing negative charges, matrices that bind molecules bearing positive charges, intermediate-selectivity matrices, methods that separate molecules based on their size, shape, or buoyant density, and by affinity purification.

Abstract: A method for searching for a lost asset equipped with a short-range wireless transceiver includes a finder service sending out a search request including a lost-asset identifier, this request being sent over a mobile radio infrastructure to a plurality of mobile devices. These devices transmit on the request in their immediate vicinity using short-range wireless transceivers. Upon a mobile device receiving back a response from the lost asset, it returns a found message over the mobile radio infrastructure to the finder service. This message includes location data concerning the whereabouts of the lost asset or the message enables such data to be obtained by the finder service.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an information mart system and information mart browser. The information mart provides an automated mechanism for gathering data that is dispersed among the electronic data storage facilities of an enterprise, and for synthesizing and structuring the gathered data in accordance with the needs of user who require information to analyze the operation of the enterprise. The information mart generates content files that are organized in accordance with a predefined hierarchy of subjects, and a predefined set of relational attributes that are applied to all subjects of the subject hierarchy. The user is thereby provided with both hierarchical and relational access to the data. The user is enabled to browse the data in an intuitive manner through browser navigation tools provided in a graphical user interface that allow the user to provide input specifying a subject of interest and a relational attribute that characterizes the information desired about the subject.

Abstract: Hybrid Tag Device, a Hybrid Tag Protocol, a Methodology and a Hybrid System for tracking assets is disclosed. The Hybrid Tag Device comprises a Beacon Transmitter that transmits a narrow band signal, such as a UHF signal, and a wide band transmitter that transmits a wide band signal that is used to determine a distance from the Hybrid Tag Device to a Hybrid Tag Reader. The Hybrid Tag Device may also comprise a wide band signal receiver to receive a wide band signal transmitted by the Hybrid Tag Reader, which in response thereto transmits the wide band signal. In addition, the Hybrid System may comprise a sign post device that transmits an interrogation signal to the Hybrid Tag Device to enable the Hybrid Tag Device to transmit the narrow band signal.

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: A fluorescence polarization method of determining protease activity is described.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a subject has had a stroke and, if so, the type of stroke which includes analyzing the subject's body fluid for at least four selected markers of stroke, namely, myelin basic protein, S100 protein, neuronal specific enolase and a brain endothelial membrane protein such as thrombomodulin or a similar molecule. The data obtained from the analyses provide information as to the type of stroke, the onset of occurrence and the extent of brain damage and allow a physician to determine quickly the type of treatment required by the subject.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the detection and analysis of information-containing signals in chromatographic data using iterative blind deconvolution and fuzzy logic algorithms. The invented method analyzes chromatographic data from a wide variety of sources of DNA sequencing information, including gel and capillary electrophoresis. Autoradiograms, single-fluor, four-lane and four fluor, single lane fluorescent chromatographic data are suitable sources of unprocessed input data. The output from the invented base calling method includes called (identified) sequence data and quality values for the called bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising colorimetric assay liposomes. The present invention also provides methods for producing colorimetric liposomes and calorimetric liposome assay systems. In preferred embodiments, these calorimetric liposome systems provide high levels of sensitivity through the use of dopant molecules. As these dopants allow the controlled destabilization of the liposome structure, upon exposure of the doped liposomes to analyte(s) of interest, the indicator color change is facilitated and more easily recognized.

Abstract: There are provided Bacillus macerans decomposing turf pseudo thatch and thatch, a microbial mixture composition comprising 1 part by weight of the Bacillus microorganism and 5 to 30 parts by weight of clay minerals, and a microbial material comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 50 to 100 parts by weight of an ionic surfactant, 50 to 100 parts by weight of casein and 50 to 100 parts by weight of a casein hydrolyzate, and 50 to 200 parts by weight of sugars, in 100 parts by weight of said microbial mixture composition. This microbial material decomposes thatch by transferring not only to turf pseudo thatch but also to the soil, also decomposes pseudo thatch layers without exerting any adverse effect on the soil and environments for living creatures, and in golf courses, can promote growth of turf.

Abstract: In general, the invention features a method of marking a product for identification in which a marker, composed of a print molecule, print molecule analogue, or molecularly imprinted molecule, are added to the product and subsequently measured in a specific binding assay.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nucleic acids derived from the pol region of the genome of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The nucleic acids are useful as probes for the detection of HIV-1. More particularly, this invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a pol region of HIV-1 extending from about nucleotide 1856 to about 1906 and extending from about nucleotide 2048 to about nucleotide 2797.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the severity of a cancer in a subject by stimulating the subject's immune response against the cancer. The invention provides, for example, a method of stimulating an immune response in a subject by administering to the subject tumor cells that are substantially similar to the subject's cancer cells and that are genetically modified to reduce or inhibit the expression of one or more immunosuppressive agents. The invention also provides a method of preventing or reducing the severity of cancer in a subject by stimulating the subject's immune response against the cancer by administering to the subject tumor cells that are substantially similar to the subject's cancer cells and that are genetically modified to prevent the expression of an immunosuppressive agents and, in combination with the genetically modified tumor cells, an immunostimulatory agent. The invention further provides compositions useful for practicing the claimed methods.

Abstract: A method of recovery of DNA of a microorganism in soil is provided which comprises addition of nucleic acid to a liquid suspension containing the soil and the microorganism before lysis of the microorganism and recovery of the desired DNA.

Abstract: Enzyme activity is measured promptly with a high accuracy by introducing an enzyme, the activity of which is to be measured, into a column comprising a hollow tube packed with a filler comprising a support and a substrate that can be recognized by the enzyme, which is immobilized on the support, and measuring the amount of the obtained decomposition product of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterization of in-situ microbial biofilm populations in subsurface groundwater. The device permits biofilm-forming microorganisms to adhere to packing material while emplaced in a groundwater strata, so that the packing material can be later analyzed for quantity and type of microorganisms, growth rate, and nutrient requirements.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for detecting the presence of an organism in a sample of liquid involves collecting an extinction spectrum of liquid sample, deconvoluting the spectrum to obtain a particle size distribution for the sample, comparing the spectrum and the particle size distribution with, respectively, a control spectrum and a control particle size distribution for the organism, and determining from the comparisons whether the organism to be detected is present in the sample. The apparatus and method permit on-line real-time quantitative classification, identification, and viability assessment of an organism such as a harmful microorganism in a water supply line.

Abstract: A leach solution comprises water, glucose and glucose oxidase. The oxidase acts upon the glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The leach solution reacts with mineral elements and compounds to produce a leach reaction solution from which metal values can be obtained. The leach solution can also contain ascorbic acid, catalase, galactose, galactose oxidase and a salt such as water soluble metal cyanides and water soluble metal halides.

Abstract: A system is provided for locating and delineating sea floor occurrences of petroleum seepage, achieved by apparatus for the detection of the resulting abnormal distribution of electrical potential within the affected sediments. The system uses an electrically insulating probe, deployed by steel cable from a ship, for the implantation of numerous electrodes within the sediment at depths between 60 cm and 5 m. Insulated conductors within the probe connect the electrodes to a reference electrode by way of an electrometer which facilitates measurement of the difference in electrical potential between any one of the probe electrodes and the reference electrode. Digital measurements are conducted to an associated acoustic modem and thence to the ship through the water. The system allows rapid assessments of sedimentary electrical conditions over large areas of seafloor by the repeated introduction, utilization, withdrawal, and relocation of the probe.

Abstract: A method for compensating toxicity test data for the measured toxicity of a reference sample by the steps of:a. obtaining toxic response data for a plurality of concentrations of at least two different test samples, including reagent controls having zero sample concentration for each sample;b. defining the sample having the smallest toxic response at high concentrations as the reference sample;c. computing the toxic response of the test sample relative to that for the reference sample for at least two concentrations in accordance with the equation:relative gamma=.GAMMA..sub.R =(L.sub.SC /L.sub.SX)(L.sub.RX /L.sub.RC)-1, where L.sub.SC =light output of the test sample control (i.e. for X=0),L.sub.SX =light output of the test sample for concentration X,L.sub.RX =light output of the reference sample for concentration X,L.sub.RC =light output of the reference sample control (i.e. for X=0); andd. generating a dose-response curve of concentration versus relative .GAMMA.

Abstract: A method of geochemical prospecting where samples of soil, sediment and rock in a geological area are collected and each sample is contacted with a leach solution of water, glucose and glucose oxidase. The oxidase acts upon the glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The leach solution reacts with manganese dioxide carrying trace metal elements and compounds in the samples to produce a leach reaction solution. The leach reaction solution and the residue of the said sample are separated, and the leach reaction solution is analyzed to determine the trace metal content present. From the analysis, the mineral content of the geological area is predicted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for collecting, concentrating and detecting microorganisms from difficult-to-separate environmental samples e.g. oil well samples and the like, for the purpose of their analysis or identification; and apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents and kits for determining the presence of aromatic ring-containing compounds by immunoassay techniques, including enzyme, fluorescent, chemiluminescent and biosensor immunoassay, as well as radioimmunoassay. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies may be used in the practice of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the degree of freshness of raw, frozen and processed edible fish by monitoring the degradation of adenine triphosphate to inosine monophosphate, inosine and hypoxanthine. This method comprises simultaneously determining, by use of a suitable amperometric electrode such as platinum vs. silver/silver chloride polarized at 0.7 V, the amount of uric acid and hydrogen peroxide resulting from the degradation of hypoxanthine by xanthine oxidase, the degradation of inosine by the combined action of nucleoside phosphorylase and xanthine oxidase and the degradation of inosine monophosphate by the combined action of nucleotidase, nucleoside phosphorylase and xanthine oxidase. Also within the scope of this invention is a method for the immobilization of nucleotidase on the walls of a polymeric tube such as polystyrene tube and the co-immobilization of nucleoside phosphorylase and xanthine oxidase on a porous polymeric membrane such as a nylon membrane.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin and for improved radiohalogenation of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for prospecting for subterranean oil and gas deposits by detecting the presence of hydrocarbon-consuming microorganisms in soil samples taken from a field of interest for production. A preferred method of this invention comprises suspending and diluting each soil sample in mineral salt solution, combining the sample with a selective growth, substrate such as an alcohol or aldehyde, and an oxidation-reduction dye in a gas-tight tube, incubating the sample and measuring the color change of the dye. Advantages of this system include: results obtained in short times (24 to 72 hours), substantially eliminates false positives, accurate results particularly when a spectrophotometer is used to measure the color changes, and it is automatable with computer controlled systems for processing samples, reading the color changes and calculating and plotting test results.

Abstract: Geomicrobiological exploration method employing one or more culture, luminometry or tritiated thymidine assays of microbes (bacteria) for sensitivity, determined as survival rate in percentage, of the microbes to selected toxic materials, preferably heavy metals and/or hydrocarbons. The survival assay values are plotted as contours on a geophysical map and target areas of potential interest are identified and further evaluated by inspection or other techniques. Examples show actual use of the techniques to identify a target area in a raw prospect petroleum lease area which was drilled to successful oil discovery thus proving the method. Sensitivity test incubation ranges from 1-3 hours (preferably 2 hours) for heavy metals at 20-25 degrees C., and 3-10 min. for pentene/hexane at 15-20 degrees C. Luminometry is fastest, being run in 1.5-30 minutes and most suitable for field surveys. Toxics concentrations may range from 0.001 ug/ml to 15,000 ug/ml for heavy metals to 0.001-25 vol % for hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Method and kit useful in geochemical exploration for petroleum oils. The method involves contacting a soil sample with serum from a rabbit that has not been immunized with petroleum oils, and determining the amount of the bound serum as indicative of the presence of petroleum oils in the geographic region from which the sample was obtained.

Abstract: Sulfate reducing bacteria are detected by preparing a lysate so as to release an enzyme essential to derive energy by reduction of sulfate such as adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APS reductase), containing the lysate with an antibody for the enzyme, and detecting the presence of the reaction product of the enzyme and the antibody. In one aspect, sulfate reducing bacteria are controlled responsive to such assay. In another aspect, a "test kit" is provided for carrying out the assay.