Abstract: Disclosed are: a eukaryotic amadoriase which is prepared by introducing a mutation into DNA encoding a eukaryotic amadoriase derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Coniochaeta or Eupenicillium so as to introduce a substitution into a specific amino acid residue in the eukaryotic amadoriase, thereby overcoming the defect associated with thermal stability; a gene or recombinant DNA for the eukaryotic amadoriase; and a process for production of a eukaryotic amadoriase having excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method by which optimal paths are found between one or more start destinations and one or more end destinations. First destination and travel data is converted into a node and edge data format, wherein the nodes represent start points and the edges have a weight related to a travel weight. These nodes and edges are subdivided into subsets. The paths between the start nodes and each of the end nodes are determined using the node and edge representations stored in the subsets. A selected union of subsets is determined that contains the start end destinations. The optimal paths are determined by using the travel values associated with the edges connecting the nodes. The union of subsets, which may comprise less than the full amount of subsets, is loaded for the path determination. Or, when the path determination perceives that a relevant boundary has been reached in a path determination, that next subset in the union of subsets is loaded.

Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.

Abstract: A system for extracting, processing, and sending metadata associated with audio data and/or video data is described. In one embodiment, a system includes a sensor configured to acquire image data. A first electronic board with a processor is configured to control the sensor. A second electronic board that is configured to enrich the image data is operatively and removably coupled to the first electronic board.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a integrated semiconductor device includes a first Vertical Junction Field Effect Transistor (VJFET) having a source, and a gate disposed on each side of the first VJFET source, and a second VJFET transistor having a source, and a gate disposed on each side of the second VJFET source. At least one gate of the first VJFET is separated from at least one gate of the second VJFET by a channel. The integrated semiconductor device also includes a Junction Barrier Schottky (JBS) diode positioned between the first and second VJFETs. The JBS diode comprises a metal contact that forms a rectifying contact to the channel and a non-rectifying contact to at least one gate of the first and second VJFETs, and the metal contact is an anode of the JBS diode.

Abstract: A system and a method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The system including an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, an active fiber placed in a center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge and a plurality of pump light sources. The system further includes a plurality of lenses for focusing pump light beams from pump light sources towards a side of the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, wherein the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, couples the pump light beams into the active fiber. A method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The method includes providing an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge. The method further includes providing an active fiber in approximately the center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled high voltage sensor circuit controls resonant operation of an induction coil—capacitor circuit. The sensor circuit includes an input that receives a high voltage signal from the induction coil—capacitor circuit, an attenuator coupled to the input, wherein the attenuator reduces the high voltage signal to a low voltage signal, a peak detector coupled to the attenuator, the peak detector that holds the low voltage signal and detects a peak value of the low voltage signal, a clipper circuit that limits an output voltage from the peak detector so as to prevent damage to components of the high voltage sensor circuit, and a linear amplifier that receives the low voltage signal from the clipper circuit and amplifies the low voltage signal for detection of resonance conditions in the induction coil—capacitor circuit by a microprocessor coupled to the high voltage sensor circuit.

Abstract: An integrated exhaust gas cooling system and method, including an expansion joint linking the system to an upstream source of exhaust gas and a pre-oxidation section through which exhaust gas travels. A hot temperature zone in which the exhaust gas is maintained at a temperature optimal for an oxidation process extends through the pre-oxidation section. An oxidation catalyst in the hot temperature zone is provided. The exhaust gas passes through the oxidation catalyst. Oxidized exhaust gas passes a post-oxidation section downstream of the oxidation catalyst. A tempering air stream is injected into the post-oxidation section to create a cool temperature zone in which the oxidized exhaust gas is cooled below the temperature in the hot temperature zone and to a temperature optimal for a reduction process. The system includes a reduction catalyst in the cool temperature zone through which the oxidized exhaust gas passes.

Abstract: Neuregulin, a known neuroprotein, has been found to ameliorate or prevent damage caused by mechanical or chemical assault to blood vessels and, when administered into the cerebral spinal fluid, can ameliorate damage to neuronal tissue caused by stroke or inflammation. Additionally, neuregulin has been found to be useful for enhancement of stem cell migration from the ventricle to the site of injury to the brain.

Abstract: An impact moisture separator for removing entrained liquids from a gas stream includes a plurality of outer vanes, each of the outer vanes oriented in a first direction; and a plurality of inner vanes, each of the inner vanes oriented in a second direction tilted away from the first direction by a specified angle.

Abstract: An automatic advertisement system creates and processes a digital image that includes a user's digital photograph and advertisement images from selected advertisers. The new composed images are larger than the standard photographs in size (e.g., 4?×6?, 5?×7?) to allow the user's photograph to be in the standard size and to allow space for the advertisement images. The system provides a criteria specification tool to allow advertisers to accurately specify their target audiences based on, e.g., zip code, age, education. The system also provides a criteria specification tool to allow the user to specify his/her preferences of advertisement on his/her digital photograph production. The system further provides various layouts to prevent the user from clipping out advertisement images all at once. The system further allows advertisers to track their advertising results and allows the user to maintain his/her privacy.

Abstract: It is possible to inhibit inflammatory processes by administration of antibodies to chemokines. Identification of chemokines which are over-produced makes it possible to block specific chemokine activity using antibodies to the over-expressed chemokines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. An example of a cancer treated by the present method is prostate cancer. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a submerged buoy releasably connected to a vessel adjacent its keel by a structural connector. The structural connector consists of a cylindrical sleeve coaxially movable with respect to a cylindrical housing by circumferential actuators. The lower ends of the connector sleeve and connector housing capture a number of collet segments circumpositioned therebetween that radially pivot in and out as the connector sleeve is moved axially within the connector housing. The lower ends of the collet segments extend downward to a connector hub on the buoy and releasably engage a groove therein, dogging the bearing hub against the vessel. A combined bearing assembly that supports both axial and radial loading revolvably connects the buoy to a moored chain table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of selectively killing epithelial cell carcinomas by administering a CXCR4-specific sequence of the Gp120 protein or Nef proteins or the proteins themselves (the modulators) such as that found in strains HIV-1, HIV-2, SIV, or FIV CXCR4-specific Gp 120 sequences or Nef proteins or sequences may be delivered to the mucosa or systemically. The mucosal means of application include oral, intranasal, ocular, intravaginal, rectal, and/or intraurethral administration in liquid or particulate form.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives and a secure trash can. These and other advantages may be provided by a secure trash can for containing explosions resulting from explosive devices deposited in the secure trash can. The secure trash can includes a curved wall, including an inner liner, a curved ballistic panel, including a three-dimensional core that defines spaces and acts as a truss for ballistic panel and a filler, the filler fills in spaces defined by the three-dimensional core, an outer layer, surrounding the curved ballistic panel, and a base, connected to the curved wall. The secure trash can may also include a lid, placed on the curved wall.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing chemical reactions under controlled temperatures are described. In one embodiment, the devices provided by the invention comprise a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing. The reaction chamber has thermally conductive interior and exterior surfaces defining an internal volume therein at a first temperature. The device also includes at least one thermally conductive temperature-control bladder disposed therein, which bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control substance at a second temperature into said bladder and expel said temperature-control substance from said bladder. The bladder is further configured such that upon receiving the temperature-control substance, the bladder expands to abut substantially at least a portion of said exterior surfaces of said reaction chamber to enable thermal exchange between said temperature-control substance the said internal volume of reaction chamber.

Abstract: A storage system that may include one or more memory sections, one or more switches, and a management system. The memory sections include memory devices and a section controller capable of detecting faults with the memory section and transmitting messages to the management system regarding detected faults. The storage system may include a management system capable of receiving fault messages from the section controllers and removing from service the faulty memory sections. Additionally, the management system may determine routing algorithms for the one or more switches.