Abstract: A method for maximising critical current density (Jc) of high temperature superconducting cuprate materials (HTSC) which comprises controlling the doping state or hole concentration of the materials to be higher than the doping state or hole concentration of the material that provides a maximum superconducting transition temperature (Tc), and to lie at about a value where the normal-state pseudogap reduces to a minimum. Jc is maximised1 at hole concentration p≈0.19. HTSC compounds are also claimed.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods are disclosed which are adapted to transport and lyse cellular components of a test sample for analysis. The disclosed microfluidic systems and methods, which employ an electric field to rupture the cell membrane, cause unusually rapid lysis, thereby minimizing continued cellular activity and resulting in greater accuracy of analysis of cell processes.

Abstract: In a seat in which the seat is placed so as to be freely moved by a slide rail 4, a striker lock 7 retained and mounted to a striker 8 standing up from a vehicle body floor F is provided in a lower portion close to a rear end of a lower rail 4b, and the seat is placed so as to be freely kicked up from a rear portion side to an upper side in a folded state around a supporting shaft 6 axially supporting and pivoting a front end side of the lower rail 4b corresponding to a supporting point, there is provided a switching mechanism 10 which makes it impossible to unlock the striker lock 7 by an operation lever when the seat is kept at a front seated position, and makes it possible to lock the striker lock 7 by the operation lever when the seat is moved to a predetermined rear position, whereby it is possible to mechanically execute a step of moving the seat to the predetermined position in the rear side within the vehicle, thereafter unlocking the striker lock 7 and kicking up the seat.

Abstract: Photoreleasable compounds comprising a caging moiety linked to an effector moiety represented by structural formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen; C1-10 alkyl or substituted alkyl; O(CH2)n—Y; N(COZ)(CH2)mY; or N[(CH2)mY′[(CH2)NY]; R2 and R3 are independently selected from: hydrogen; C1-10 alkyl or substituted alkyl; or R2 and R3 together are cycloalkyl; R4 is hydrogen; C1-10 alkyl or substituted alkyl; phenyl or substituted phenyl; (CH2)nY; or (CH2)mO(CH2)nY; wherein m and n are independently between 1 and 10; Y and Y′ are independently selected from hydrogen, CO2H or salts thereof or OPO32−, Z is hydrogen or C1-10 alkyl or substituted alkyl; and, X is an effector moiety or a group capable of being coupled or converted to an effector moiety, which are capable of releasing the effector moiety on irradiation, typically by flash irradiation with UV light.

Abstract: Novel used for WIPK, a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, are provided, based on the discovery that the WIPK protein is activatable in association with development or enhancement of resistance to microbial pathogens. Thus, WIPK may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against certain microbial pathogens. Methods are disclosed for making WIPK transgenic plants with enchanced resistance to disease causing agents. In addition, transgenic plants transformed with WIPK and having enhanced disease resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise system comprising a rocking chair and a footstool. The rocking chair comprises a seat, a back support, a base, and rocking means. Rocking resistance means are provided for requiring that an additional force be applied to the rocking chair to maintain a rocking motion. The footstool comprises a foot rest positionable with respect to the rocking chair such that the feet of a user are supported on a foot support surface of the foot rest when the user is seated upon the rocking chair. Means for adjusting the height and angle of the foot rest are also provided. A method for selectively exercising specific muscle groups in a user's legs with the exercise system is also described.

Abstract: Baton (1) includes two handles (14, 16), a first body portion (2) and a second body portion (3) which telescopically slides between a retracted and an expanded configuration. Retaining device (6) holds body portion (3) within body portion (2) when baton (1) is in the retracted configuration. First handle (14) is oriented perpendicular to body portion (2) and is mounted on collar (15) for rotation around body portion (2). Second handle (16) is moveable between a first position wherein handle (16) is aligned with the outer end of body portion (3), and a second position wherein handle (16) is spaced from the outer end of body portion (3) and is arranged perpendicular to second body portion (3). Baton (1) is telescopically expanded by pulling handle (16) away from body portion (2) until the pulling force exceeds the retaining force provided by retaining device (6).

Abstract: Compounds having a mimetic or antagonistic property of an inositol phosphoglycan, and the uses of these compounds are disclosed, together with the use, e.g. to treat a condition ameliorated by administration of an IPG second messenger or an IPG antagonist thereof. Preferred compounds of the invention are based on the substituted cyclitols, and in particular cyclitols linked to a sugar moiety where the molecule is substituted with a negatively charged group such as phosphate.

Abstract: The invention provides a tension structure for constructing a seat back of a seat for an automotive vehicle. Coil springs 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b are provided as tension members which are bridged between respective side portions 11, 12 of a seat back frame 1 and respective vertical bars 20, 21 of a tension assembly 2 in an upper portion and a middle portion. On the contrary, linear wires 5a, 5b in which one wire end is entwined and fastened to axes of the vertical bars 20, 21 and another wire end is inserted and fastened to stop rings 14, 15 of the side frame portions 11, 12 are provided in a lower portion. Accordingly, a sitting attitude is intended to be stabilized by increasing a supporting pressure of a lumbar part applied by the tension assembly 2 by means of the linear wires 5a, 5b.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing standing tree stems for readiness for harvesting, or for determining cutting points for processing of felled tree stems, logs, or wood pieces, or for assessing stems, logs, or wood pieces for a particular end use, includes scanning with short-wave or microwave electromagnetic energy and processing the scan data to produce an image indicating the external shape or dimensions of the stem or log and hidden internal characteristics and their position, and assessing the image. Knots and/or whorls, which are not visible from the exterior and the depth of the clear wood sheath from the surface, may be determined.

Abstract: Immunoassay displacement methods for detecting (preferably identifying) the presence or amount of a target analyte (e.g. drug) in a sample comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a complex comprising an immobilized antibody capable of specifically binding the analyte, said antibody being specifically bound to a displacement agent, wherein said agent comprises: (I) an analyte analog capable of specifically binding the antibody, (ii) a surface enhanced resonance raman scattering (SERRS) or a surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) active label, (iii) a SERRS or SERS surface-seeking group (e.g. benztriazole), whereby any analyte present in the sample causes the displacement of agent from the antibody; (b) exposing any displaced agent to a SERRS or SERS surface; and, (c) detecting any displaced agent associated with said surface using SERRS or SERS. In preferred forms of the invention several target analytes are detected from a single source or sample simultaneously.

Abstract: A composition for the control of smoking which comprises: (a) a flavonoid in the form of an extract from Eupatorium cannibium or Eupatorium Fortunei, preferably euparin; (b) a cytochrome P450 inhibitor; (c) a sugar; (d) a source of phosphate; and, optionally, (e) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: A magnetic particle composition which can be used for separating biomolecules comprises magnetic materials of preferably less than five micron diameter bound to a negatively charged ion exchanger. The composition can be used to separate DNA from mixtures and to separate out cell debris.

Abstract: The use of polymer latices is described for fluid loss control in water-based drilling fluids. The latices used are water insoluble. The latices are essentially non-swelling in an aqueous solution. The latices are selected from known latices such that they are absorbed within a filter cake building up at the interface between the wellbore and porous formations in essentially the same state as they are in the aqueous drilling fluid during circulation.

Abstract: Compounds having a mimetic or antagonistic property of an inositol phosphoglycan, and the uses of these compounds are disclosed, together with the use, e.g. to treat a condition ameliorated by administration of an IPG second messenger or an IPG antagonist thereof. Preferred compounds of the invention are based on the substituted cyclitols, and in particular, the compounds are based on the 1,6 linkage of two or more sugar residues to a cyclitol.

Abstract: A solderable flexible adhesive interposer having solderable contacts includes low-modulus-of-elasticity (i.e. molecularly flexible) conductive adhesive vias to which contacts of an electronic device, such as a semiconductor chip or die or other component, are connected. The flexible adhesive interposer substrate includes a sheet or layer of a molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive having via holes therein through which the flexible conductive adhesive vias reside. A thin layer of solderable metal, preferably a plating of gold or nickel-gold, on at least one exposed surface of the flexible conductive adhesive vias provides the solderable contacts connecting electrically to the conductive vias. The electronic device may be covered by a lid or by an encapsulant attached to the flexible adhesive interposer substrate and/or the electronic device.

Abstract: A device (10) for mounting gemstones and decorative components on a jewelry piece (1). The mounting device (10) has a mounting stud (30) configured for supporting a gemstone (5) or other decorative component on the jewelry piece (1). A mounting base (40) is connected to the mounting stud (30) and disposed inside a cavity (28). The mounting base (40) is held in an abutting relationship with a toggling mechanism (50) that permits rotation of mounting base (40) within the cavity (28). The mounting stud (30) is adjustable to orient a gemstone (5) or decorative component in a plurality of orientations relative to the jewelry piece (1).

Abstract: A handcuff key that is partially enclosed in a grip housing having the ends of the handcuff key plate extending out of the grip housing. The external portions of the middle of the handcuff key plate are ribbed and attach to the external end portions of the handcuff key plate. The grip housing has a depression button on one side and a threaded notched cover that can be removed for cell replacement on the other. The grip housing includes a cell that sits in a recess on one side of the handcuff key plate and is lined with a circular conductive strip. The recess surrounds a hole that is integrated in with the structure of the key. An insulated wire is connected to the circular conductive strip and runs to the terminals of two light emitting diodes and then to another conductive strip that is affixed to the internal side of a depression button. The two light emitting diodes sit in grooved slots of the grip housing and face opposite each other toward the respective ends of the handcuff key plate.