Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the coagulation characteristics of a test liquid (1), in particular of a blood sample, is provided. According to the present invention standardized geometrical dimensions of a cup (2) and a respective pin (3) are modified for receiving maximum elasticity signal per volume test liquid without resulting in irreversible inelastic effects. In particular, the test liquid gap (8) between the cup (2) and the pin (3) is reduced, the diameter of the cup (2) and the pin (3) are increased and/or the geometry of test liquid accommodating portions (7; 10; 10?) are optimized for increasing the ratio between signal amplitude and a needed amount of test liquid (1) compared to standardized equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for quantification of transverse relaxation times (T2) using steady-state free precession sequences (generally known as fast imaging sequences) and their sensitivity to a quadratic increase of the RF pulse phase, also known as RF spoiling. Using at least two image acquisitions with different partial RF spoiling increments, T2 can be assessed with high precision and with short acquisition times in the limit of large excitation angles being independent on the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and magnetization transfer effects as compared to other SSFP based quantitative T2 methods. This invention is not restricted to any kind of target and may be applied in 3D as well as in 2D.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a three compartment structured polymer nanoparticle (core-shell-corona) for multimodal imaging with specificity for cells or cellular components, thus enabling more advanced diagnostic approaches and targeted therapy on the cellular level without the use of additional biologically active materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modification of the frequency response profile of steady-state free precession (SSFP) type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Using alternating dephasing moments within succeeding radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulses, the frequency response function of SSFP sequences can be modified to different shapes such as near triangular or bell shaped. The particular response function as produced by alternating dephasing moments can be used, among others, for functional brain MRI, MR spectroscopy or spatial encoding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated DNA sequences having protein production increasing activity and more specifically to the use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) for increasing protein production activity in a eukaryotic cell. Also disclosed is a method for the identification of said active regions, in particular MAR nucleotide sequences, and the use of these characterized active MAR sequences in a new multiple transfection method.

Abstract: Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, and derivatives thereof directed to the human melanocortin-4 receptor, as well as pharmaceutical compositions including the same, and therapeutic uses, including methods for treating cachexia and related conditions and diseases, using such monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), which can be used particularly as structural mimetics of proline-rich peptides and are therefore capable of binding PRM binding domains (proline-rich motif binding domains) of proteins. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds as pharmaceutical active agents and the use of these pharmaceutical active agents for treating bacterial diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye loaded zeolite material comprising: a) at least one zeolite crystal having straight through uniform channels each having a channel axis parallel to, and a channel width transverse to, a c-axis of crystal unit cells; b) closure molecules having an elongated shape and consisting of a head moiety and a tail moiety, the tail moiety having a longitudinal extension of more than a dimension of the crystal unit cells along the c-axis and the head moiety having a lateral extension that is larger than said channel width and will prevent said head moiety from penetrating into a channel; c) a channel being terminated, in generally plug-like manner, at least at one end thereof located at a surface of the zeolite crystal by a closure molecule hose tail moiety penetrates into said channel and whose head moiety substantially occludes said channel end while projecting over said surface; and d) an essentially linear arrangement of luminescent dye molecules enclosed within a terminated chann

Abstract: Methods for in vitro diagnosis of carcinoma are disclosed. In one aspect the invention relates to methods such as detecting the level of transketolase like-1 polypeptide, which are especially useful for the detection of tumors and their precursory stages based on the detection of overexpression of human transketolase like-1 gene in biological samples. In another aspect the invention relates to methods for treatment of disorders associated with the overexpression of human transketolase like-1 gene. Methods for treatment may include gene therapeutic approaches as well as methods for inhibiting or reducing the activity of transketolase like-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: With certain technical applications actuation has to be carried out at positions where the required energy supply is costly or difficult to provide. The invention offers a solution to this problem with a mechanical process, which functions without energy, for those cases where operation-related variable force or torque occurs, or where such force or torque fluctuations can be artificially produced. The invention concerns, on the one hand, the storage of rope segment that, multiplied by existing force, represents stored work, whereby the force contact point moves against the direction of force. On the other hand, it concerns the subsequent utilization of this stored rope segment for actuation, with actuation being gained from the stored rope segment through force prevailing at this time, whereby the force contact point moves in the direction of force.

Abstract: A device and a method for analyzing sound based on a biomorphic design are disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of amplification/filtering stages (S1, . . . , Sn) connected in a series configuration. Each amplification/filtering stage comprises at least one nonlinear amplification module (100a, . . . , 100c), preferably a Hopf amplifier, and at least one filter module (200a? . . . , 200c; 200a?, . . . 200c?) providing high-frequency attenuation.