Abstract: The use of compounds is described which are capable of functionally blocking at least one of the genes chosen from the group composed of EphA1, EphA2, EphA8, EphB2, CSF1R, VEGFR2, RAMP2, RAMP3, CLRN1, MAPK4, PIK3C2A, PIK3CG, GSK3alpha, GSK3beta, IRAK3, DAPK1, JAK1, PIM1, TRB3, BTG1, LATS1, LIMK2, MYLK, PAK1, PAK2, CDC2, BTK, PNRC2, NCOA4, NR2C1, TPR, RBBP8, TRPC7, FXYD1, ERN1, PRSS16, RPS3, CCL23 and SERPINE1, for the manufacture of a medicament destined to diminish the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in the therapeutic treatment of epithelial tumor pathologies. Also described is a method for the determination of the drug resistance in tumor cells, as well as a method for the identification of tumor stem cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a marketing service are described. In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium includes: (1) a preferences module that is configured to collect a set of preferences of a user; (2) a monitoring module that is configured to monitor a web site based on the set of preferences so as to identify relevant content; and (3) a notification module that is configured to generate a message alerting the user of the relevant content.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to produce highly accurate fingerprint images as well as to control electronic devices. Here improved signal analysis algorithms and methods are disclosed that enable finger position to be determined with higher levels of accuracy as the finger is swiped over finger position sensing arrays. These algorithms are particularly useful for deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based sensing arrays.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A system for repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of bone cement components and an inner lumen for passage of a mixing element; an internal bone fixation device releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the internal bone fixation device moves from a first compact state to a second expanded state when the bone cement components are delivered to the internal bone fixation device and mixed within the internal bone fixation device; and a spinning mechanism engaged to a rotatable shaft, wherein the spinning mechanism is inserted into the internal bone fixation device.

Abstract: A connector mating system that can enable the coupling and decoupling of electrical or optical communications channels, while in a deep, sub-oceanic, sea-floor environments, during which time the contacting interfaces of the said channels remain fully protected from the destructive effects of the said environment. The system features a Wet-Mate Connector (WMC) that provides a means for electrical, optical and hybrid inter-connection within an extremely hostile environments.

Abstract: A combination scooter and pogo stick apparatus comprising a set of handlebars connected to a set of side bars serving as a frame; a spring coil located towards the bottom of the frame; a scooter board having a bottom surface with at least two wheels, the scooter board being arranged at the bottom of the frame; a set of footrests located at the bottom of the frame; a rotational member that controls the positioning of a bottom stubbed portion, the bottom stubbed portion positioned at the bottom-most portion of the frame; and a holding member that latches the scooter board in a vertical position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating, preventing, or diagnosing the pathology of progressive cognitive disorders resulting from accumulation of an amyloid peptide, in particular, Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, in mammalian subjects using a composition comprising therapeutically effective amount of a leptin, leptin mimic, leptin derivative, leptin agonist, or AMP-dependent protein kinase activator, alone, or in combination with, one or more lipolytic/antilipogenic compounds. It further relates to methods for improving cognitive function using a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of leptin, a leptin mimic, a leptin derivative, an AMP-dependent protein kinase activator, a leptin agonist, a leptin blocker, a mimic of a leptin blocker, a leptin antagonist, an AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: Voltage balance circuit for dual cell rechargeable battery having a balancing circuit coupled to an integrated control circuit. The balancing circuit can be configured to charge and discharge current during a voltage balancing process allowing a higher charged cell to discharge or dissipate excess capacity to a lower charged cell. The integrated control circuit, having a plurality of modules, can be configured to output balancing directional and timing control signals for signaling the activation and deactivation of the voltage balancing process.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel compositions containing a methylation modifying compound isolated from botanical raw materials, including a fruit of the genus Coffea, and microbial raw materials, methods of making such compositions, and methods of treating or preventing human disease using such compositions. The methylation modifying compound in botanical extracts of the present invention can dramatically increase the level of methylation of PP2A, thus increasing cognitive function, particularly in persons suffering from or prone to developing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Determining a nutritional diet for a canine or feline companion animal comprises employing a computer; at least one electronic database coupled to the computer; and at least one software routine executing on the computer. First data comprises a relationship between expression data from the genomic map and a physiological condition of the animal, and second data comprises an effect of nutrition on the expression data from the genomic map. Based on said first and second data, a nutritional diet for the canine or feline companion animal is determined.

Abstract: Techniques for using instant messaging preferences and settings are used for predictive communications, including routing of data traffic, are provided. A voice call can be routed over a packet-based network if a voice network is not available, or for other reasons. In addition to voice calls, embodiments of the invention can route video calls, multimedia communications and other communications. In some implementations, an instant message presence can be queried for in determining how to route a voice-over-IP or PSTN telephone call. Thus, a call might be routed to a computer or computing device unrelated to the location of the PSTN telephone line being called, if an associated instant messenger presence is detected on that computer or computing device.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a cartilage repair assembly comprising a shaped allograft structure of subchondral bone with an integral overlying cartilage cap which is treated to remove cellular debris and proteoglycans and milled allograft cartilage in a bioabsorbable carrier. The shaped structure is dimensioned to fit in a drilled bore in a cartilage defect area so that either the shaped bone or the cartilage cap engage the side wall of the drilled bore in an interference fit and is in contact with a milled cartilage and biocompatible carrier mixture allowing cell transfer throughout the defect area. A method for inserting the shaped allograft structure into a cartilage defect area is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.

Abstract: An amorphous alloy having the general formula of: (ZrxAlyCuzNi1-x-y-z)100-a-bSCaYb, wherein x, y, and z are atomic percents, and a and b are atom molar ratios, in which: about 0.45?x?about 0.60; about 0.08?y?about 0.12; about 0.25?z?about 0.35; 0<a?about 5; and 0?b<about 0.1.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toggle assembly that can be used with a curtain wall system to retain infills of panel members. A toggle assembly of the present invention is sufficiently designed to simultaneously retain in place a first infill of a first panel member and a first infill of a second panel member on both sides of a mullion, wherein at least a portion of the toggle assembly directly engages at least a portion of the first infill of the first panel member and at least a portion of the first infill of the second panel member.

Abstract: An antioxidant-promoting composition that increases antioxidant defense potential in a subject is disclosed comprising Bacopa monniera extract; milk thistle extract, ashwagandha powder, green tea extract, Gotu kola powder, Ginko biloba leaf extract; Aloe vera powder; turmeric extract; and N-acetyl cysteine. The antioxidant-promoting composition of the invention safely induces cellular antioxidant potential to achieve an overall net decrease in oxidative stress without the undesirable side-effects associated with the individual components of the antioxidant-promoting composition. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the undesirable side-effects of free radicals in a subject by administering to a subject in need of such antioxidants an effective amount of antioxidant-promoting composition of the invention.

Abstract: A face tip assembly for an endoscope for viewing a visually obscured portion of a body cavity and for surgically treating a portion of a body cavity with an operating tool may include at least one operating tool port located in an outer wall surface of the face tip assembly, and the outer wall surface may generally lie in a plane which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the face tip housing. This outer wall surface may have a generally U-shaped configuration. At least one optical image channel port may be located in another outer wall surface of the face tip housing, and this outer wall surface faces toward the distal end of the face tip housing. The outer wall surface in which the tool port is located extends from the outer wall surface in which the at least one optical image channel port is located, toward the distal end of the face tip housing.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in this disclosure includes a doorway mountable runner restraint device. The device has a generally rigid, preferably padded, belly pad that is placed against and in front of a user's pelvis and abdominal area. A pair of cords are attached to the belly pad, each having an opposite end attached to an elastic member. Each of the elastic members is, in turn, attached to an anchor which is removably fastened to a stationary object such as a closed door, a doorway frame, or sandwiched between a closed door and the doorway frame. A user fastens the apparatus in place in a doorway, faces away from the doorway, and places the belly pad against his or her torso directly over the pelvis area, and then runs in a direction away from the doorway. The elastic members resist and restrain the user from substantial movement away from the doorway but stretch to allow forward running movement during each step.