Abstract: The invention describes a method for determining aggregation in protein, peptide or peptoid formulation, without the use of probes or additives. The method uses FTIR spectroscopy combined with the two-dimensional correlation analysis (2DCOS) which allows for the determination of the presence of aggregates, the determination of the mechanism of aggregation, allowing for correction in the pipeline manufacturing process of the protein to once again generate viable protein. In addition, the thermal transition of the protein can also be determined and a 2DCOS plot generated to compare with the established viable protein, allowing for quality control, stability and viability of the desired protein product. The ease of sample preparation and data analysis allows for the automation of this method.

Abstract: The metallic formwork system of the invention is used for concrete molding in constructions, by virtue of a diversity of metallic accessories that allow interconnection between metallic formwork modules providing a versatile, easy-to-use and portable system.

Abstract: A bathing chair which has a water-spraying function for simultaneously effecting a shower discharge from each of a plurality of shower discharge ends and thus assist a person with severe disabilities while cleansing him or herself or while being assisted by a third person. The bathing chair including strategically located nozzles to wash critical body parts, a main control system with manual and electro-mechanical operated valves, two main flow paths with independent control systems, means for combining a soap product and water, a water temperature sensor, and a pump/reservoir system for water pressure adjustment.

Abstract: A method of securing an installed metal roof deck covered with at least one layer of insulation and/or sealer. The metal roof deck is supported by a plurality of parallel metal beams. Access holes are drilled through the insulation and/or sealer at opposite ends of a beam. Self-drilling, self-tapping screws are positioned through the pilot holes and turned through the metal roof and beams. A guide is used to drill additional access holes aligned with valleys in the metal roof deck. Self-drilling, self-tapping screws are drilled through the metal roof and beams. When no access is available for visual inspection of the deck and or the beams, the same locating process is followed in a “Blindly”, or by “Feel” way.

Abstract: Mononuclear phagocytes are reservoirs, vehicles of dissemination, and targets for persistent HIV infection. However, not all MP population equally support viral growth. Such differential replication is typified by the greater ability of placental macrophages (PM), as compared to blood borne monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), to restrict viral replication. A SELDI-TOF protein peak with an m/z of 11,100 identified as cystatin B (CSTB), was significantly lower in uninfected and HIV-infected PM than in MDM. HIV replication can be reduced by down regulating the expression of Cystatin B.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing arrangement is provided to maintain moistened wipes wet. The moistened wipes are rolled around a core tube and placed inside a first housing. The first housing is then placed inside a second housing having a closing door to isolate the first housing from external environment. The unit is then hanged into a stand, a rack or a wall.

Abstract: A high sensitivity strain sensor that utilizes a micro-scale cavity built in a multi-layer structure, with a pair of interdigitalized capacitor incorporated on one of the layers, is described in this document. The device's capacitance changes produced by unattended deformations of the cavity can be used to measure the associated strain without using any movable electrodes. The sensor can be remotely energized from a radio frequency wave sent by a reader antenna to construct a battery-free wireless instrument. Changes on the sensor's resonant frequency are remotely detected so that a strain level is measured from fluctuations in the received signal. This detection method provides a simple, reliable and sensitive technique to measure small strain changes down to the pico-scale. Materials with a highly strain-dependant permittivity are integrated in the sensor to enhance its sensitivity. The proposed sensor consists of a simple planar structure.

Abstract: A novel compound showing anti-tumor properties was synthesized by reacting Cp2TiCl2 with maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) and a pH of 5.4, leading to a complete replacement of Cp and chloride ligands affording, Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2. The further crystallization of Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2 at pH of 8.4 leads to the formation of the novel anti-tumor compound [Ti4(maltolato)8(?-O4)].

Abstract: A method of producing microbead populations that mimics the fluorescence intensity profile distribution of fluorescent biological cells so that they may be used a standard for flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel, but simply structured pest control system that protects structures such as buildings and humans by providing a system that is selectively attached to the exterior of structures and/or to the surrounding perimeter of structures which creates a physical and chemical barrier where crawling insects and/or pests cannot survive without food and/or exposition to chemical agents such as pesticide. Alternatively the pest control system provides for the possibility that the crawling insects and/or pests agents may abandon the structure without exposition to the chemical agent, thus furthering an ecological homeostasis.

Abstract: A new technique on the dithering of one-dimensional signals is presented. The novel technique determines whether dither is needed when reducing the bit depth and evaluates whether the total error of the un-dithered quantization is white noise. If this is the case, then no undesired harmonics are added in the quantization or re-quantization process. The novel technique presents a state of the art signal-dependent dither having a lower quantization noise.

Abstract: A contrast agent having a metal core and an inert shell forming a single cluster is disclosed. The metal core is iron-based and has an octa-nuclear structure. It is surrounded by a cluster of pyrazolate groups. Ligands can be attached to the cluster to provide water solubility and to target specific tissues or provide specific contrast properties.

Abstract: An integrated surveillance and transaction record system is used to monitor a bank and to save records of transactions. The integrated system includes a central database and server. When a teller executes a transaction, an interface detects relevant transaction data and communicates this with the central database and server. An image of the customer is also captured. The transaction data and customer image are saved as a record in a database. In a drive-in system, a teller identification module obtains a teller identifier and corresponding lane number. This permits the central database and server to match a transaction record with an image of a customer at one of multiple drive-in lanes.

Abstract: A method of attaching an installed concrete roof is disclosed. The installed concrete roof consists of rectangular panels positioned along a grid. The concrete panels are supported by metal beams. Smaller metal panels, having a hole in each corner, are positioned over the joints formed by the corners of the rectangular panels. A hole is drilled through the concrete panels and into the supporting beams. A self-tapping screw is positioned through the hole and fixedly attaches the concrete panels to the supporting beams.