Abstract: A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply.

Abstract: A diving stick of the type that, after being tossed into a swimming pool, sinks to the bottom while maintaining an upright posture so that it be can easily grasped by a diver. The stick includes a soft hollow shank designed to prevent accidental impalement.

Abstract: A secure photomask including a substrate having one or more pattern layers formed thereon and a blocking aperture disposed below the one or more pattern layers that prevents at least one of unauthorized use and copying of the photomask.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with a chassis having an anterior portion and a crotch portion and a belt coupled to the chassis. The belt has end portions extending outwardly beyond side edges of the chassis. The end portions of the belt are configured to be fastened between the crotch portion and the anterior portion, and the belt is configured to draw the crotch portion toward the anterior portion of the chassis about a body portion of a wearer to limit sag and leakage at the crotch portion of the chassis.

Abstract: Peptides comprising an Rpt1 domain of an INI1/hSNF5 which inhibit HIV-1 production in a human cell, and vectors encoding those peptides are provided. Also provided are methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by treating the cells with the above peptides or vectors. Other methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by inhibiting production of INI1/hSNF5 are provided. Additionally, methods of determining whether a test compound inhibits HIV-1 virion production in a mammalian cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, are provided. Those methods comprise determining whether the test compound inhibits the production of INI1/hSNF5 or disrupts the interaction of HIV-1 integrase with INI1/hSNF5.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assaying at the light microscopic level for the presence or absence of nucleolar channel systems (NCSs) in an endometrial tissue sample, as are methods for determining whether or not a postovulatory human endometrium is in a state that is receptive for implantation of a human embryo, where the presence of NCSs indicates that the endometrium is in a state that is receptive for implantation of an embryo and the absence of NCSs indicates that the endometrium is not in a state that is receptive for implantation of the embryo, and methods for determining the effectiveness of a contraceptive in a woman, comprising assaying an endometrial tissue sample for the presence or absence of NCSs.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a method for determining the prognosis and probable clinical course of a subject diagnosed with B-CLL. Specifically, the invention involves comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein an elevated level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level of CD38 expression may indicate poor prognosis or aggressive course of disease in the subject. Also disclosed is a method for determining whether the Ig V genes of the B-CLL cells of a B-CLL patient are mutated, comprising comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein a lower level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level indicates IG V gene mutation.

Abstract: A surface cleaning pad is provided comprising a pad body including a primary portion and a secondary portion contiguous with the primary portion. An attachment member is coupled to the primary portion of the pad body, whereby the attachment member is configured for releasable attachment to a primary surface of a cleaning implement. An attachment member is coupled to the secondary portion of the pad body, wherein the attachment member is configured for releasable attachment to a secondary surface of a cleaning implement. The primary portion and the secondary portion of the pad body are each configured to be independently positioned against a soiled surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an absorbent composite for an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent composite comprising fibrous material and superabsorbent material having a Column Absorbency Under Load (CAUL) above 10 g/g. Such an absorbent composite provides a superabsorbent material having superior AUL and permeability, thereby providing improved absorption and rewetting properties. An absorbent article that contains such a composite provides improved ability to absorb and retain fluids, thus preventing excessive rewetting and leakage and making the article more comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A vertical blind panel including a plurality of substantially opaque louvers and a plurality of sheer transparent or translucent spacers. Each of the plurality of spacers is disposed between a respective pair of the plurality of louvers. At least one of the plurality of louvers includes a first vertically oriented louver portion connected to a second vertically oriented louver portion.

Abstract: A medical glove is provided for protection against the transmission of infectious agents. The glove comprises a glove body sized to tightly enclose a wearer's hand. The glove body has a palm portion and adjoining finger portions. A webbing adjoins two of the finger portions. The webbing is sized to receive a stethoscope head between the finger portions when the finger portions are separated. The glove is formed of an acoustically transmissive elastomeric material that is substantially non-porous and sufficiently thin to allow tactile sensitivity and dexterity.

Abstract: Provided are absorbent articles for retaining a malodorous bodily fluid. The absorbent articles comprise an additive that is a quaternary ammonium salt that is water soluble at 37° C., comprises an alkyl C16-C21 chain, and contains at least two oxygen atoms in the anionic portion of the salt. Also provided are methods of preparing absorbent articles, including disposable absorbent articles, containing the above additive.

Abstract: An economical and disposable cleaning tool which may be prepared by a simplified manufacturing process involving a reduced number of steps. The cleaning tool includes a cleaning pad and a handle, the cleaning pad having a pocket for receiving the a handle. The cleaning pad may be provided with a top sheet and a fiber bundle. The top sheet is folded over and bonded to provide a cleaning portion and a back portion, and the fiber bundle is disposed on the cleaning portion. The cleaning portion and the back portion of the folded sheet are bonded together forming the pocket for a handle to be disposed therein. The handle may include a hinge to enable the handle to be repeatedly folded over for convenient storage or easily extended for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical mineral matter suspension sector, and, before and/or after drying, their applications in the fields of paper, paint and, after drying, plastics. It also relates to the use of a copolymer having at least one alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkylene glycol function grafted onto at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, as agent whose role is to enhance the gloss of the final product and, in particular, the gloss of the sheet of paper, irrespective of the viewing angle.

Abstract: Methods of determining whether a cancer is progressing by measuring surface-bound collagen VI?3 are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying hyperplasia in a tissue by measuring surface-bound collagen VI?3. Additionally, methods of identifying carcinoma in a tissue by measuring surface-bound collagen VI?3 are provided. Further provided are methods of imaging carcinoma in a tissue by staining the tissue with a specific binding partner to collagen VI?3. Methods of treating a cancer by preventing binding of collagen VI?3 onto cells of the cancer are additionally provided.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity including a vertical oriented tower comprising an intake opening for receiving fluid flow, a scoop that is moveably mounted to a base for directing the fluid flow to the intake opening, a fluid-activated mechanism that is automatically oriented in response to direction of the fluid flow, the fluid-activated mechanism being operatively connected to the scoop so that orientation of the fluid-activated mechanism in response to the fluid flow angles the scoop in the direction of the fluid flow, and a turbine that receives the fluid flow directed by the scoop to generate electricity.

Abstract: Methods for treating a demyelinating condition in a subject in need of treatment are provided. In some aspects the methods encompass administering to the subject an amount of a Ca2+-channel blocker effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In other aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject an amount of a glutamate inhibitor effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In additional aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject a Ca2+-channel blocker in combination with a glutamate inhibitor, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In still other aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject a Ca2+-channel blocker in combination with a hypertensive agent, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions having a Ca2+-channel blocker, a glutamate inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A hanger includes at least one pinch-grip attached to the hanger for receiving an article for hanging. The pinch-grip includes first and second components extending substantially vertically from the hanger and cooperatively defining a pivot axis, each of the components including an upper end extending above the pivot axis and a lower end extending below the pivot axis. A spring force biases the lower ends together to a closed position and permits separation of the lower ends to an open position by pivotal movement of at least one of the upper ends towards the other upper end. A releasable lock can be activated to hold the lower ends of the components in the open position.