Abstract: This invention particularly discloses an improved immunoassay method for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. This method employs rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of capsid protein. Use of this antigen composition reduces or eliminates nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive results. A sample diluent comprising urea can also be used in the process to further reduce the occurrence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the differential diagnosis of an individual suffering from Alzheimer's disease versus and individual suffering from another neurological disease. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for the differential diagnosis of an individual suffering from Alzheimer's disease versus an individual suffering from dementia with Lewy bodies, versus an individual suffering from Parkinson's disease without dementia, versus an individual suffering from multi-system atrophy and/or versus an individual suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy, said method characterized that phospho-tau is used as a neurological marker.

Abstract: A portable digital voice recorder is interfaced for data communication with a personal computer. Voice data files are stored in the portable recorder together with header data which indicates the status of the voice data files. In response to a batch upload command, selected ones of the voice data files are uploaded to the personal computer, depending on the status of the voice data files as indicated by the status data. Graphical user interface software running in the PC causes the PC to display icons indicative of voice data files stored in the portable recorder. The header data in the portable recorder may be changed by operation of the PC's graphical user interface. For example, file designations indicated by header data in the portable recorder may be changed by editing corresponding fields displayed by the PC.

Abstract: A method of treating adenosine depletion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject folinic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to treat adenosine depletion. A method of treating asthma in a subject in need of such treatment is also disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject dehydroepiandrosterone, analogs thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in an amount effective to treat asthma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical support standard and track into which the standard can be mounted. The standard contains a plurality of slots in its front surface such that one or more ordinary shelving brackets can be mounted thereon, and contains an opening on its back surface such that it can be mounted to a track upon which the wall standard may be able to slide. The track contains a lip and support portion. The lip extends over the front of the standard to keep it mounted to the track, and the support portion can be inserted into the opening on the back of the standard to provide added support and to allow sliding of the standard if desired. This standard and track configuration thus not only allows greater flexibility for the consumer as to the placement of shelving brackets, but provides greater support and increased loading capacity such that more items can be placed on a shelf that is mounted to the disclosed shelving system.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for coupling between an attendant positioned either behind or in front of a patient on an exercise assembly such as a treadmill for rehabilitation of a functionally impaired leg of the patient such as one suffering from paralysis. The apparatus comprises a leg appliance secured to a patpatient'sg, with a leg bracket adjacent to the knee. A leg brace secured to an attendant's leg also includes a bracket adjacent to the attattendant'see. At least one connecting member provides coupling from the leg bracket to the bracket of the leg brace to transmit motion from an attendant's leg to a patient's leg using forces acting from the leg brace to the leg appliance through the connecting member. An ankle appliance having an upper extension and a lower extension proximate the ankle is attached to a patient's foot and an ankle brace is similarly attached to an attendant's foot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring and quantifying surface finishing defects on a coated opaque test surface including utilizing at least one light source, at least one camera, and a central unit that has image analysis capability. At least two partial images are recorded with the camera while illuminating the opaque test surface using the light source. The two partial images are produced from the test surface by differing the angle of incident light for different partial images. The two partial images are processed by the central unit thereby establishing a difference image that is analyzed to quantify the degree of surface finishing defects on the coated opaque test surface. Optionally, the central unit further has operational control capabilities over at least one of the light sources and camera.

Abstract: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FDA) is an enzyme reversibly catalyzing the reaction converting triosephosphate into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. In the leaf, this enzyme is located in the chloroplast (starch synthesis) and the cytosol (sucrose biosynthesis). Transgenic plants were generated that express the E. coli fda gene in the chloroplast to improve plant yield by increasing leaf starch biosynthetic ability in particular and sucrose production in general. Leaves from plants expressing the fda transgene showed a significantly higher starch accumulation, as compared to control plants expressing the null vector, particularly early in the photoperiod, but had lower leaf sucrose. Transgenic plants also had a significantly higher root mass. Furthermore, transgenic potatoes expressing fda exhibited improved uniformity of solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modelling a circuit travelled by a drilling mud during drilling, the circuit including both the well and the surface equipment, in particular solid separation devices, in which method, for each time sequence, there are calculated the mass concentration of each liquid and solid species present in the mud, the total flow rate, and the grain size distribution of each solid species downstream from each item of equipment. The invention also provides inversion of the above method to estimate the size of the cuttings on the basis of the measured efficiency of solid separation devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitor module for a converter. The capacitor module contains a capacitor which can be fastened to a base frame or to a cooling body by means of lateral, mechanical holding devices. In addition, the capacitor comprises at least one additional mechanical holding device for fastening at least one electronic terminal of the converter and of at least one measuring sensor, especially of a current transformer and/or of a voltage transformer. The inventive capacitor module makes it possible to realize a construction of a converter which is compact and has a reduced weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of matter which allow for the extended release and enhanced bioavailability of biologically-active polypeptides following parenteral delivery to an animal. More particularly, it concerns compositions comprising biologically-active somatotropin formulated for extended release, methods of preparing these compositions, and methods of using the same. These compositions comprise somatotropin, a pH-adjusting constituent (PAC), and a substantially non-aqueous, hydrophobic excipient. The PAC may comprise any suitable, biocompatible compound including, but not limited to one or mixtures of two or more of the following: acetic acid, phosphoric acid, monobasic phosphate. The PAC is added to the compositions of matter in an amount effective to adjust the pH to or near to the isoelectric point (pI) of the somatotropin component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hot water dispenser capable of heating water to near boiling temperatures (e.g., 205° F. to 212° F.). When water at near boiling temperatures is required, a secondary heating element is activated. The secondary heating element is in thermally coupled to the dispensing tube so that the water in the tube may be further heated as it passes through the dispensing tube from the tank to the dispensing outlet. Heating the water to near boiling just prior to its being dispensed reduces energy costs because the near boiling temperature water is not stored and allowed to cool. Additionally, the need for expensive insulation or expensive thermostats is eliminated.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of 3-dimethylaminopropylamine in high (>99%) purity from N,N-dimethylaminopropionitrile utilizing a low pressure hydrogenation process is described. The basic process comprises contacting the nitrile with hydrogen at low pressure in the presence of a sponge nickel catalyst under conditions sufficient to effect the conversion of the nitrile to the primary amine product. The improvement in the process resides in a combination of carrying out the hydrogenation process at low pressures and temperatures in the presence of a catalytic amount of caustic base in order to give an improved selectivity of greater than 99.60% of DMAPN to DMAPA.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve particularly useful in a diesel internal combustion engine with a closed crankcase is provided. The valve includes a body coupled to a bonnet with an internal movable piston. The movable piston maintains a substantially constant pressure in the crankcase by adjusting a fluid flow in response to changes in pressure. The movable piston also includes an integral relief valve to prevent overpressure in the event of a crankcase pressure in excess of the designed limits of the pressure-regulating valve.

Abstract: An improved control for a hematology analyzer. In one embodiment, blood cells are treated for permitting the cells to simulate nucleated red blood cells for detection or analysis by the hematology analyzer.

Abstract: A method of producing calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate is disclosed, including the steps of exposing a mixture including a calcium sulfate form selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate &bgr;-hemihydrate, water-soluble calcium sulfate anhydrite, and mixtures thereof, water, and a crystallization catalyst, to microwave radiation to produce calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate; and separating at least a portion of the calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate to provide a solid comprising calcium sulfate &agr;-hemihydrate and a filtrate and/or remainder that can be recycled to provide at least one of a calcium sulfate form, water, a crystallization catalyst, a crystal habit modifier, and a surfactant for use in production of additional &agr;-hemihydrate.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a process for producing synthetic hydrocarbon products in a reactor. The focus of the present invention is on a novel filtering system for separating synthetic hydrocarbon products from catalyst within the reactor. The filtering system of the present invention could also be used for a variety of similar processes where it is desirable to separate a solid from a liquid within the solid/liquid mixture. Finally, the present invention discloses a novel filter and a method for making the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of monitoring, via polymerase chain reaction, the clinical progression of human immunodeficiency virus infection and its response to antiretroviral therapy. According to the invention, polymerase chain reaction assays may be used to predict immunological decline and to identify, at an early stage, patients whose infection has become resistant to a particular antiretroviral drug regimen.