Abstract: Compositions and methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are provided. The compositions are based on use of a transdermal gel formulation delivery system for androgens, either alone or in combination with other hormones.

Abstract: A streamlined method for purifying alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) from an AAT-containing protein mixture, such as a Cohn fraction IV precipitate, is provided. In the method of the invention, contaminating proteins are destabilized by cleavage of disulfide bonds with a reducing reagent, such as a dithiol, which does not affect AAT. The destabilized proteins are then preferentially adsorbed on a solid protein-adsorbing material, without the addition of a salt as a precipitant. Separation of the solid adsorbent from the solution leaves a purified AAT solution that is directly suitable for chromatographic purification, without the need for extensive desalting as in prior art processes. A process incorporating this method, which provides pharmaceutical grade AAT in high yield on a commercial scale, is also described.

Abstract: Emulsified liquid shortening compositions comprising amorphous insoluble dietary fiber gel, water and lipid, as well as a method for making the compositions, are disclosed. According to the present invention, dietary fiber gel can be subjected to micro-particulation by high shear via homogenization and combined with water and lipid. These ingredients are mixed to form a mixture. The mixture can then be subjected to colloid milling or other equivalent methods of emulsification, for example homogenization and ultrasonification treatment, in the presence of food grade emulsifiers, for example lecithin, and the emulsified mixture can be pasteurized.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified DNA encoding feline CD80 (B7-1) ligand, feline CD86 (B7-2) ligand, feline CD28 receptor, or feline CTLA-4 (CD152) receptor, as well as vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a host cells transformed with CD80-encoding vectors, CD86-encoding vectors, CD28-encoding vectors, or CTLA-4-encoding vectors. The invention provides polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention provides a vaccine comprising an effective amount of polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid of feline CD80, feline CD86, feline CD28, or feline CTLA-4. The present invention also provides vaccines which further comprise immunogens derived from pathogens. The invention provides for vaccines capable of enhancing an immune response. The invention also provides for vaccines capable of suppressing and immune response.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a metallic material having catalytic activity that includes synthesizing a material composition comprising a metal content with a lower Pt content than a binary alloy containing Pt but that displays at least a comparable catalytic activity on a per mole Pt basis as the binary alloy containing Pt; and evaluating a representative sample of the material composition to ensure that the material composition displays a property of at least a comparable catalytic activity on a per mole Pt basis as a representative binary alloy containing Pt. Furthermore, metallic compositions are disclosed that possess substantial resistance to corrosive acids.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a session file, session file editor, annotation window, concatenation software and training software. The session file includes one or more audio files and text associated with each audio file segment. The session file editor displays text and provides text selection capability and plays back audio. The annotation window operably associated with the session file editor supports user modification of the selected text, the annotation window saves modified text corresponding to the selected text from the session file editor and audio associated with the modified text. The concatenation software concatenates modified text and audio associated therewith for two or more instances of the selected text. The training software trains a speech user profile using a concatenated file formed by the concatenating software.

Abstract: Fasteners for suspending aperture curtains, such as shower curtains, from a horizontal rod comprise pivotally connected top and bottom members adapted to close and lock through the insertion of a male protrusion on the bottom member into an aperture on the top member.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming data input by dividing the data input into a uniform dataset with one or more data divisions, processing the uniform dataset to produce a first processed dataset with one or more data divisions, processing the uniform dataset to produce a second processed dataset with one or more data divisions, wherein the first and second processed datasets have the same number of data divisions, and editing data selectively within each one of the one or more divisions of the first and second processed dataset. This apparatus has particular utility in error-spotting in processed datasets, and toward training a pattern recognition application, such as speech recognition, to produce more accurate processed datasets.

Abstract: A peripherals device for coupling with a handheld communication device includes an interface to the handheld communication device and a processor for performing functions complementary to the communications device. According to another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a conformal cavity for receiving a handheld communications device in a secure fashion. According to yet another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a data collection device for collecting data and using the interface for sending the collected data to a remote processor for further processing. The data collection device can include an image reader, a barcode reader, a signature capture device, an optical character recognition. In yet another embodiment, there is a power subsystem that powers the peripherals device and the handheld communications device. The power system has a low power state to conserve energy.

Abstract: A watering system that has first and second upright supports, a plurality of bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels and a first spray head is disclosed. Each of the first and second upright supports have substantially laterally oriented brackets dimensioned to releasably hold objects having a first outer diameter, including the bendable water conduits and substantially rigid water channels. The substantially rigid water channels each have a central body and left and right hose barbs in fluid relationship to one another through the central body. The central body has an aperture dimensioned to receive and mechanically engage the insertion end of the first spray head. The first spray head has a spray jet with a first water flow rate. The system may further include second and third spray heads with second and third water flow rates each different from each other and the first water flow rate.

Abstract: A method for producing amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber gel, preferably in the form of a dietary fiber gel, and an aqueous product comprising soluble cellulose for use as an adhesive component from the fiber-containing by-products from a variety of grain manufacturing processes is described. The treatment of the fiber residue in the presence of alkali and mechanical shear produces a slurry containing amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber. The slurry can be further processed to improve color attributes. The amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber can be separated from the slurry to produce a dietary fiber gel. Water and solute are separated from a liquid component of the slurry. The solute can be yielded as an aqueous product that contains soluble cellulose and can be used as an adhesive component. The recovered water can be recycled within the method so as to reduce waste disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cell (e.g., hepatocyte, etc.) compositions and methods for their preparation and use. In particular, the invention concerns methods of processing preparations of such cells so as to permit their repeated cryopreservation and thawing while retaining substantial viability. The invention also concerns preparations of cells (e.g., hepatocytes) that have been repeatedly cryopreserved and thawed.

Abstract: A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate-metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.

Abstract: A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a telecommunication device wake-up (TWU) so vital communication, including but not limited to, priority and emergency calls, can be delivered to a telecommunications device that is turned from its normal “On-mode”, to a “Listening Mode” (LM). Telecommunication device wake-up (TWU) is crucial. Important and emergency calls need to be completed regardless of the status of a Telecommunication User's (TU's) communication and/or telephony device—“off” or “on”. The method comprises a system in which a telecommunication device (TD) can employ a Listening Mode (LM) that will process vital communication and then turn on said telecommunication device (TD) so as to facilitate vital communication.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a final text from an audio file. This has particular utility in completing forms with speech-to-text conversion. The system and method includes transcribing the audio file into a transcribed text file using a speech recognition program. They further include comparing the transcribed text file with a previously created text file to determine differences between the transcribed text file and the previously created text file. Finally, the system and method includes correcting one of the transcribed text file or the previously created text file based upon the differences to create the final text.

Abstract: A salad container having a container body with an open top, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, the cavity divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a selective barrier cooperatively configured to rest on the interior surface of the body to selectively exclude relatively large ingredients such as salad roughage from entry into the lower chamber and to provide passage therethrough of relatively small food ingredients, such as granular ingredients including, for example, ground pepper and/or such as liquids, including, for example, salad dressing, into and out of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A testing system includes a hand-held transmitter that plugs into a receptacle electrically coupled to a selected branch circuit. The transmitter includes a circuit effective to test an arc fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a first pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the arc fault circuit interrupter. The transmitter can perform an additional test of determining whether the receptacle is wired properly.

Abstract: A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.