Abstract: A wheel stop is disclosed which is engaged by a wheel of a vehicle in an attempt to be parked in a parking lot, to limit movement of the vehicle. The wheel stop includes a middle extending portion, first and second leg portions, all of which are integrally formed with a metal pipe. The wheel stop further includes first and second anchor plates affixed to the first and second leg portions, respectively, the anchor plates being anchored to the parking lot; an electric cable disposed within the metal pipe; and an electric outlet disposed on an outer surface of the metal pipe, and connected with the electric cable, to thereby allow, when the vehicle parked in the parking lot is an electric car, a power supply cable extending from the electric car to be plugged into the electric outlet.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for flow cytometry are described. In described examples, various sample handling and preparation steps may be carried out within a same microfluidic device as flow cytometry steps. A combination of imaging and flow cytometry is described. In some examples, spiral microchannels serve as incubation chambers. Examples of automated sample handling and flow cytometry are described.

Abstract: A memory access mode detection circuit and method for detecting and initiating memory access modes for a memory device The memory access mode detection circuit receives the memory address signals, the control signals, and the clock signal and generates a first mode detection signal in response to receipt of the memory address signals or a first combination of control signals. An first mode initiation signal is generated a time delay subsequent to the detection signal to initiate the first mode memory access operation. In response to receipt of a second combination of control signals and an active clock signal, the memory access mode detection circuit further generates a second mode detection signal to initiate a second mode memory access operation and to suppress generation of the first mode detection signal, thereby canceling the first mode memory access operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The modified GPCRs of the present invention include GPCRs that have been modified to have altered DRY motifs such that the modified GPCRs are constitutively desensitized. As such, the modified GPCRs of the present invention preferably localize to endocytic vesicles or endosomes in an agonist-independent manner. The invention also relates to methods of screening compounds and sample solutions for GPCR activity using the modified GPCRs.

Abstract: A memory hub includes an on-board diagnostic engine through which diagnostic testing and evaluation of the memory system can be performed. The memory hub includes a link interface for receiving memory requests for access to memory devices of the memory system and a memory device interface coupled to the memory devices for coupling memory requests to the memory devices. A memory hub diagnostic engine is coupled through a switch to the link interface and the memory device interface to perform diagnostic testing of the memory system. The diagnostic engine includes a maintenance port that provides access to results of the diagnostic testing and through which diagnostic testing commands can be received.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises an ion exchange composition formed by reacting unsaturated carbon to carbon moieties pendant from derivatized ion binding cryptands with a support substrate under free radical activation conditions to form a covalent bond therebetween. In another embodiment, a cryptand ion exchange composition is made by covalently bonding unsaturated carbon to carbon moieties pendant from a derivatized ion binding cryptands with unsaturated carbon to carbon moieties pendant from a support substrate under free radical activation conditions to form covalent bond.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention allow the screening of a test composition for non-receptor-specific GPCR desensitization inhibitory activity. The methods involve screening a test composition for an indication of GPCR desensitization inhibitory activity against two or more GPCRs that are different from each other. When there is an indication that a particular test composition has GPCR desensitization inhibitory activity with respect to each of the two or more GPCRs that are different from one another, then, according to the present invention, there is an indication that the test composition has non-receptor-specific GPCR desensitization inhibitory activity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for making a weak cation-exchange (carboxylic acid) medium comprising contacting a solution of a functional organic polymer having carbon to carbon double bond unsaturation and having weak cationic exchange functional moieties or precursors thereof in a solvent with a substrate having an organic polymer surface, evaporating said solvent and breaking said double bond under conditions to cause the functional organic polymer to covalently bond to the substrate surface and to cross-link to form a cross-linked functional polymer layer covalently bound to the substrate surface. The medium produced by the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel proteins with TNF-receptor antagonist activity and nucleic acids encoding these proteins. The invention further relates to TNF-receptor proteins with reduced immunogenicity and the use of these novel proteins in the treatment of TNF related disorders.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for producing functional mammalian inward rectifier, G-protein activated potassium channels (Kir3.0 channels). A channel is a multimeric protein comprising one or more Kir3.0 polypeptides, e.g. Kir3.1, Kir3.2, etc., where the polypeptides may be from the same or different species. The functional channel has the distinctive features of an anomalous rectifier, in that it conducts inward but not outward K+ current; it is blocked by low concentrations of extracellular Cs+ or Ba2+; and the conductance of the channel does not depend solely on voltage, but on (E-EK). The ability of the channel to conduct inward K+ current is modulated by G-proteins, particularly G-proteins of the Gi/Go family. A number of mammalian cell surface receptors activate G-proteins as a consequence of specific ligand binding. The signal transduction from receptor to Kir3.0 channel is therefore coupled through G-protein intermediates. The functional Kir3.

Abstract: A formulation of Coenzyme Q10, beta-carotenes, Vitamin E, and medium chain triglycerides in rice bran oil and an optional thickener, such as bee's wax, is provided in a soft gel capsule so that a maximum of the Coenzyme Q10 is absorbed by the human body. Generally, about 60 mg of Coenzyme Q10 is the normal amount provided daily to a healthy sedentary adult.

Abstract: A self contained, user powered, portable bidet apparatus to facilitate and provide cleansing action with versatility, comfort and convenience. An ergonomically designed vessel (20) with a discharge nozzle (22) and nozzle tip (24) attached and angled (FIG. 6A) so as to vigorously discharge a cleansing stream of fluid when the vessel (20) is filled with fluid, inverted, pivoted into position under the anus or genital area and user compressed with hand pressure. Easy to fill with a wide range of solutions, and solution temperatures, lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, unbreakable, and versatile the apparatus can incorporate detachable nozzle tips (26) allowing the user to customize water pressure and flow characteristics.

Abstract: A sub-system and method to receive input image pixel amplitude data at an input pixel resolution and to output image pixel amplitude data in one or two dimensions at a higher pixel resolution includes a computer system-executable algorithm with user-programmable coefficients. The programmable coefficients are user-selectable according to the nature and quality of the input image data such that sharpness of the output image data can be at least partially tailored to the image.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for polishing and planarizing a substrate (105) is provided that reduces non-uniformities in the removal of material from the edge of the substrate due to a rebound effect. In one embodiment system (100) includes a polishing head (140) having a carrier (155), a subcarrier (160) carried by the carrier and adapted to hold the substrate during a polishing operation, and a retaining ring (170) having an inner edge (220) disposed about the subcarrier. A lower surface (210) of the retaining ring (170) is in contact with a polishing surface (125) during the polishing operation, and has at least one annular recess (215) formed therein to enable the polishing surface compressed under the retaining ring to rebound into the annular recess, thereby reducing the rebound effect and inhibiting non-planar polishing of the surface of the substrate (105).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a generally uniform liquid layer on a surface of an upper surface microelectronic substrate. The apparatus can include a support that engages less than the entire lower surface of the microelectronic substrate and rotates the microelectronic substrate at a selected rate. A barrier can extend over the upper surface of the microelectronic substrate and can rotate at about the same rate as the substrate to separate a rotating air mass adjacent to the upper surface and within the barrier from a stationary air mass external to the barrier. The rotating air mass can reduce the likelihood for liquid/air interface disturbances that create non-uniformities in the liquid layer. Accordingly, the method and apparatus can increase the range of thicknesses to which the liquid layer can be formed and can reduce the topographical non-uniformities of the liquid layer.

Abstract: A standing wave electron beam accelerator and x-ray source is described. The accelerator has a plurality of on-axis resonant cells having axial apertures electrically coupled to one another by on-axis coupling cells having axial apertures. The accelerator includes a buncher cavity defined in part by an apertured anode and a half cell. The buncher cavity is configured to receive electrons injected through said anode aperture and r.f. focus them into a beam which is projected along the axis through said apertures. An x-ray target is supported in spaced relationship to said accelerator by a support having a smaller diameter than the accelerator.

Abstract: A private multiplexing cellular network for facilitating cellular communication for private mobile stations (MS's), public MS's, and hybrid MS's. The private multiplexing cellular network includes a multiplexing circuit coupled to its radio subsystem. The multiplexing circuit is in turn coupled to two A-interfaces: a private A-interface for coupling the private radio subsystem with the private Mobile Switching Center (MSC), and a public A-interface for coupling the private radio subsystem with the public MSC. Intelligence is also provided with the multiplexing circuit to decide, based on a number of parameters, whether the public MSC or the private MSC should handle a given service request.

Abstract: A method for efficiently removing vapor-phase contaminants from gas streams is described. A powdered adsorbent such as activated carbon is ground into a fine powder by wet grinding to form a slurry. Chemicals are added to the slurry to impregnate the sorbent to enhance sorbent effectiveness. The slurry chemical mixture is sprayed into the gas stream in the form of small droplets which evaporate to produce an aerosol of fine adsorbent particles. Vapor-phase contaminants in the gas stream adsorb onto the fine adsorbent particle surfaces and the adsorbent particles are removed from the gas stream by a conventional particle collection method.