Abstract: A security element for securing value documents has a first light-polarizing layer that is present at least in some areas and includes a cholesteric liquid crystal material, that selectively reflects light having a predetermined circular polarization, and that selectively reflects light of a firs wavelength range in a first reflection direction and light of a second wavelength range having a second, different reflection direction. A second light-polarizing layer is present at least in some areas and selectively reflects light having the opposite circular polarization to the predetermined circular polarization and selectively reflects light of the first and second wavelength range in the first and second reflection direction, respectively. A semi-transparent filter layer on which the first and second light-polarizing layer are stacked, absorbs light from the visible spectral range and transmits light from the first and/or second wavelength range.

Abstract: A particle sensor for optically detecting an unconstrained particle suspended in a flowing gas includes a sample chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a gas flow system for flowing said gas from said gas inlet through said sample chamber to said gas outlet, a source of light; an optical system directing said light through said sample chamber, an optical collection system located to collect light scattered by said particles in the gas, and a detection system located to detect the collected light. The total pressure drop through said gas flow system is 3 inches of water or less. The gas flow system includes an axial fan, which may be a high static pressure fan or a counter-rotating fan. In a 1.0 CFM system, the gas inlet nozzle has an area of 25 square millimeters or more.

Abstract: Membrane proteins are difficult to express in recombinant form, purify, and characterize, at least in part due to their hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic properties. Membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) assemble with target membrane or other hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins or membrane fragments to form soluble nanoscale particles which preserve their native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles. In the presence of phospholipid, MSPs form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlation, structure determination, bioseparation, and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the severity of appendicitis in a patient that includes testing a blood, serum or plasma sample from the patient for the quantity of MRP8/14 in the sample and comparing it with the quantity of MRP8/14 present in standard samples correlated with an appendicitis severity scoring system. A histologically-based appendicitis severity scoring system is also provided. Immunoassays and kits for performing the appendicitis assays of this invention are also provided, as are standard samples and data correlating MRP8/14 quantities present in patient samples to histologically-based appendicitis severity grades. The methods and immunoassay devices and kits of this invention are useful for managing the treatment of patients presenting with appendicitis symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the communication and virulence of quorum sensing bacteria. In various exemplary embodiments, the invention provides a combinatorial library of quorum sensing compounds including synthetic analogs of naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) analogs, and methods of synthesizing and using these compounds.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition includes: 20 to 50 wt % of compound (A) 0 to 20 wt % of compound (B) 20 to 50 wt % of compound (C) R3—G3—M1—R4??(C); 1 to 15 wt % of compound (D) and 5 to 15 wt % of compound (E) wherein G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, M1, and M2 are independently phenylene or cyclohexylene; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are independently a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, where the alkyl group is optionally substituted and can be replaced with at least one fluorine atom; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Y1, and Y2 are independently H, F, Cl, CF3, or OCF3; a and b are independently 0, 1 or 2; c is 0 or 1; d is 0 or 1, but c+d?1; and e is 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: Compounds and related methods for synthesis, and the use of compounds and combination therapies for the treatment of cancer and modulation of apoptosis in cells are disclosed. The generation of synthetic combinatorial libraries and the evaluation of library member compounds regarding induction of apoptosis selectively in cancer cells are disclosed. Compounds, methods of making the compounds, and therapeutic methods with application against breast cancer cells, melanoma cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and other cancer cells are described.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for making anisotropic solids which may be in the form of films, layers, shaped elements, and other shaped articles. The methods provide anisotropic solids without the need for rolling, rubbing, or stretching to impart orientational alignment of the molecules of the solid. The methods employ organic or organometallic compounds which are soluble orienting molecules. The solvent or solvent system must be sufficiently volatile to be removed without disruption of the molecular orientation. The soluble orienting molecules include those containing one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups and the solvent or solvent system can be a polar organic solvent or solvent system or an aqueous solvent or solvent system. The invention also provides novel compounds having quaterrylene, perylene and naphthalene ring systems carrying one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups.

Abstract: Tissue Factor (natural or recombinant truncated) can be incorporated into stable, soluble nanoscale particles so that activity is maintained. These particles can be used as a reagent in prothrombin clotting time assays or they can be used in therapeutic compositions for use in humans or animals. Therapeutic settings can include supplementation in the case of a genetic deficiency, uncontrolled bleeding, surgical incisions or seepage, thrombocytopenia, soft tissue trauma or other trauma, to effect tumor regression or to inhibit tumor growth.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for fabricating printable semiconductor elements and assembling printable semiconductor elements onto substrate surfaces. Methods, devices and device components of the present invention are capable of generating a wide range of flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices and arrays of devices on substrates comprising polymeric materials. The present invention also provides stretchable semiconductor structures and stretchable electronic devices capable of good performance in stretched configurations.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly to seal and suspend an in-casing hydraulic drive unit for a downhole pump, including pressure-containing wellhead body members with a vertical bore and a production bore at its uppermost portion. A hydraulic pump hanger is retained and sealed in the vertical bore. The hydraulic pump hanger suspends and seals the hydraulic cylinder, includes a bore extending vertically therethrough, forms at least one hydraulic line to communicate with hydraulic fluid supply lines, forms a hydraulic inlet port to each hydraulic line, and provides a check valve sealed in each hydraulic inlet port. The wellhead body member(s) includes a stem port aligned with each hydraulic inlet port, with a valve actuating stem sealed in each stem port to actuate each check valve between a normally closed and open position. The wellhead body member(s) also includes hydraulic injection port(s) formed to supply hydraulic fluid to each hydraulic inlet port.

Abstract: A silver mirror construction that maintains a high percentage of hemispherical reflectance throughout the UV and visible spectrum when used in solar reflectors, comprising: a) a pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned beneath a silver overlay; b) a polymer film disposed on the silver overlay; c) an adhesive layer positioned on the polymer film; and d) a UV screening acrylic film disposed on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides composite nanofiltration membranes (FIG. 5) with lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer porous membranes (30) attached to a porous support (20). The LLC membranes are prepared from LLC monomers which form the inverted hexagonal or bicontinuous cubic phase. The arrangement, size, and chemical properties of the pores can be tailored on the molecular level. The composite membrane of the invention is useful for separation processes involving aqueous and nonaqueous solutions as well as gases. Methods for making and using the composite nanofiltration membranes of the inventions are also provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring and marking shapes to be duplicated. Such shapes can include electrical outlets, window cutouts, stair step cutouts and such features on drywall or similar panels. The device has a base, a linear measure rotatably attached to the base about a point of rotation, the linear measure being capable of measuring a distance to corners of an outline of a feature to be copied and capable of rotating from a designated point through at least an angle defined by the outline of the feature to be copied. A distance indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates the distance from the point of rotation to each corner of the feature to be copied, and an angle indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates each angle to which the linear measure has been rotated when each distance measurement was taken.

Abstract: A new and distinct transgenic grape plant Vitis vinifera called “Improved Chancellor” which is characterized by greater tolerance to 2,4-diphenoxyacetic acid than is the parent Chancellor grape plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from crossing the apple varieties known as ‘Royal Gala’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,121) and ‘Braeburn’ (not patented). The fruit of the apple tree of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterised by its red colour and obvious lenticels and is notable for its excellent eating quality. The new variety has been named ‘Scilate’.

Abstract: A new and distinct rabbiteye blueberry variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from crossing the blueberry varieties known as ‘Centurion’ (not patented) and ‘Rahi’ (not patented). The fruit of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterised by outstanding fruit quality with a good bloom and little grittiness, and an exceptionally late fruiting season. The new variety appears suitable for the late fresh fruit market and has been named ‘Centra Blue’.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica) named ‘Hortarine1’ is described. The variety results from selection among a population of open-pollinated seedlings of the peach variety known as ‘Peacharine’ (not patented). The fruit of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterized by yellow skin color with dark red blush, yellow flesh with no anthocyanin present, and intense flavor. The new variety appears suitable for the fresh fruit market and has been named ‘Hortarine1’.

Abstract: A new and distinct floricane fruiting red raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from controlled pollination crossing of the unreleased raspberry selections with the breeder codes 86105N26 (not patented) and 87115ZN2 (not patented). This new variety is characterized by very early onset of fruit ripening. The new variety is distinguished from others by its high yields of firm and attractive conical shaped, uniform sized, large, red berries that ripen very early in the season. The plant exhibits a spine-free upright growth habit, of strong vigor. The new variety appears suitable for the fresh fruit market and the plant is also potentially well-adapted to machine harvesting. The variety has been named ‘Awaroa’.