Abstract: A compact whole-body open circular magnet system for MRI purposes includes a protrusion overhanging the central homogeneous field region. The overhanging protrusion permits a reduction of the total magnet homogeneity requirements of the MRI system. Further reducing the radius of this protrusion increases access to a patient under examination but diminishes the homogeneity. Active shimming means incorporated in a gradient coil can regain the original homogeneity while maintaining increased patient access.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating access to online employment opportunities between employers and job seekers, wherein the system will rank both job seekers and employers based on a predetermined points schedule, and wherein the system will automatically match job seekers with job listings, and employers with job seekers, and finally wherein employers will purchase contact information for job seekers they are interested for a system-determined price based on job seeker's rank within the system.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention of erosion utilizing a sub-tidal platform designed to be lodged at a beachhead. The sub-tidal platform will be placed under water and will contain at least one or a plurality of main trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates and at least one or a plurality of intermittent trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates which, when in their closed position, decelerate material entrained with liquid and allow for deposit of said material in the spaces formed by the trusses.

Abstract: A method for operating a first computational device to facilitate the secure transfer of a message between the first computation device and a second computational device is described. The method comprises operating the first computational device according to the following steps: forming an encrypted message from the message on the basis of a key derived from one or more codes associated with the second computational device; transmitting the encrypted message to the second computational device; purging the message and the encrypted message from the first computational device; receiving the encrypted message and said one or more codes from the second computational device; upon decrypting the message on the basis of the one or more codes transmitting the decrypted message to the second computational device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a general methodology for efficient creation of trimeric soluble receptors for therapeutic applications. The process involves gene fusion between a soluble receptor with a ligand binding domain and a trimerization tag from the C-propeptide domain of pro-collagen, which is capable of self-assembly into a covalently linked trimer. Using both in vitro bioassays and an in vivo mouse model for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), we show that the homotrimeric soluble TNF receptor produced with such method is a more potent blocker than dimeric TNF receptor decoys in inhibiting TNF-? mediated inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A device for mixture of substances, whether in the form of a fixed or removable cap or in the form of emersion within a container, utilizing individual internal substance containment vessels, controlled by an external actuation mechanism. The system actuation mechanism can be placed in a locked position for storage, shipping or to ensure integrity of solutions. Multiple containment vessels may be utilized, as well as multiple compartments within an individual container to produce multiple mixtures. A further embodiment encompassing a pivotal actuator and removably attached mixing mechanisms is also illustrated.

Abstract: A clamp for connecting flanged tubes comprising a pair of tangs having a tampered groove around their insides to engage the flanges. One of the tangs is provided with a pivotally connected screw, which passes through an aperture in one end. A nut attached to the screw holds the tangs in position. To prevent rotation of the tang about the screw, the lower shaft of the screw is provided in a non-circular shape, with the aperture in the tang being provided in mating conformity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing secreted soluble receptors and biologically active polypeptides in trimeric forms are disclosed. The process involves fusing the DNA template encoding a soluble receptor with a ligand binding domain or biologically active polypeptide to a DNA sequence encoding a C-propeptide of collagen, which is capable of self-assembly into a covalently linked trimer. The resulting fusion proteins are secreted as trimeric soluble receptor analogs, which can be used for more efficient neutralization of the biological activities of their naturally occurring trimeric ligands.