Abstract: The present invention describes methods for modulating vascular permeability (VP) in tissues using Src or modified Src protein, Yes protein or modified Yes protein, or mixtures thereof, and nucleic acids capable of expression such proteins. In particular, the invention describes methods for inhibiting VP using an inactive Src or Yes protein or a mixture thereof, or nucleic acids encoding therefor, or for potentiating VP using an active, Src or Yes protein or a mixture thereof, or nucleic acids encoding therefor. Related compositions and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A automation equipment control system comprises a general purpose computer with a general purpose operating system in electronic communication with a real-time computer subsystem. The general purpose computer includes a program execution module to selectively start and stop processing of a program of equipment instructions and to generate a plurality of move commands. The real-time computer subsystem includes a move command data buffer for storing the plurality of move commands, a move module linked to the data buffer for sequentially processing the moves and calculating a required position for a mechanical joint. The real-time computer subsystem also includes a dynamic control algorithm in software communication with the move module to repeatedly calculate a required actuator activation signal from a joint position feedback signal.

Abstract: A system for collecting a whole blood sample includes a fill port (32), a metering chamber (72), a gasket or seal (16) and a reservoir (74). The gasket or seal (16) is positioned to a fill position, and a sample of whole blood is received in the metering chamber (72) until the metering chamber (72) is full. Then the seal (16) is moved to a closed position, thereby moving blood from the metering chamber (72) to the reservoir (74) and also sealing the reservoir (74). The seal (16), metering chamber (72) and fill port (32) together define a passageway at least a portion of which is coated with an anticoagulant. A diluting liquid contained in the reservoir (74) is mixed with the whole blood to dilute and stabilize the whole blood in the reservoir (74) for later analysis of one or more selected blood components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution system for a building is disclosed. Elements of such distribution systems and requirements of relevant standard, are stored in a computer's memory. Building parameters are entered into a computer manually. The user identify the standard to be followed and the element to be optimized. The system divides the building into sections as appropriate to the user identified standard. The system then computes layout needed to comply with the selected standard. The layout is routed and sized to avoid building structural members, yet the elements of the layout are optimized for size and length. The apparatus prints out a hard copy of the design layout which can include an elements listing needed to complete the system. The design layout as well as the building parameters can be edited. The edited layout is checked for compliance with the identified standard as well as avoidance of building parameters.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for intraductal brachytherapy comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A energy transmitting cartridge is mounted in the second passageway. The assembly is inserted into a mammary duct and the interior of the duct is viewed until the abnormality to be treated is determined in the duct. The container is deposited adjacent the abnormal tissue area in the duct and left in place to produce localized radiation or other forms of energy.

Abstract: The dual element water sensing fuel dispenser filter comprises a housing with an open end. An end plate is positioned in the open end. Contained within the housing is a filter element assembly that includes a first filter portion and a second filter portion. The first filter portion is formed from an annular pleated paper filter media comprised of two layers with a water sensing chemical therebetween. Disposed within the pleated paper filter media are a pair of generally concentric perforate cores containing a chemical fill therebetween. The pleated paper filter media will remove particulate matter from the fuel, whether the fuel be gasoline or an alcohol-gasoline blended fuel. The water sensing chemical in the pleated paper filter media will sense and remove water from the gasoline fuel. The chemical fill will sense the phase separation in the alcohol-gasoline blended fuel and will swell and gell to preclude water from passing through the filter.

Abstract: A combination of a flame arrestor with a reflection suppressor is provided which not only arrests an advancing flame front, but also suppresses or mitigates a reflection wave that is generated by a pressure wave that passes through the combination and continues on to a pipe restriction what generates a reflection wave that proceeds back to the combination. At the combination, the reflection suppressor suppresses and/or mitigates the reflection wave, thereby avoiding a heightened pressure in the combination that could cause a re-ignition and a new flame front and pressure front. The reflection suppressor has a tapered profile that permits a pressure wave to pass along and past the reflection suppressor as it leaves the combination but that impedes and mitigates a returning reflection wave produced by the pressure wave striking a pipe restriction and causing such a returning reflection wave.

Abstract: A free-flowing, amorphous paroxetine hydrochloride composition suitable as a therapeutic agent for premature ejaculation can be prepared by dissolving paroxetine free base in a hydrochloric acid-ethanol solution followed by drying. The present compositions comprise amorphous paroxetine hydrochloride and at least one hydroxyl-bearing compound. In one preferred embodiment, the hydroxyl-bearing compound is ethanol and the amount of ethanol present in the amorphous product is in the range of 1 to 4 weight percent based on paroxetine hydrochloride. The amorphous product is stable and substantially non-hygroscopic.

Abstract: In order to machine a workpiece on a machine-tool successively between centers and with the workpiece clamped in a chuck, the workpiece is held during at least one machining operation—and if necessary between different kinds of machining—through the axial pressure of a center pin clamped in a chuck of the machine-tool. To this end the chuck comprises an axial center pin hydraulically movable in axial direction, which can be extended for enough towards the workpiece to be gripped by the jaws of the chuck, and which is journalled in at least one expanded sleeve bearing.

Abstract: Light energy is utilized to shrink or tighten tissue surrounding a hollow organ, cavity, duct or naturally occurring or surgically created passage by cross-linking the collagen of the surrounding tissue and ccausing scar formation therein. The present device may be used in the esophagus in the area of the sphincter to treat GERD, in the female urethra to treat FSI or at the vesicouretal junction to treat VUR. In the present device, a plurality of plastic tubes, each containing a slidable optical fiber with a sharpened distal end, are affixed to the outer surface of a balloon, which is mounted near the distal end of a closed end catheter. The balloon catheter may be inserted into the body inside a retractable protective sheath. When the sheath is retracted, exposing the balloon, the balloon is inflated, which presses the distal ends of the plastic tubes against the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are hypocretin polynucleotides and hypocretin polypeplides, as well as antibodies, oligonucleotides, diagnostic kits and methods, and therapeutic compositions and methods. Hypocretin, one of several novel liypothalamic-specific polypeptides identified isolated and sequenced, is localized to regions of the hypothalamus involved in appetite and feeding behavior. Hypocretin polypeptides are biologically active, producing electrical changes in neurons, lowering body temperature and reducing food intake.

Abstract: An electronic converter converts high-voltage AC power main voltage, such as 120V, 240V or 277V, to a low-voltage suitable for driving a halogen lamp. The converter includes a rectifier circuit, starter circuit, a driver circuit, a current sensing circuit and a transformer circuit. The current sensing circuit senses an output current of the converter. The sensed current is used to govern pulse-width modulation of the lamp drive voltage, to provide over-voltage protection. Temperature protection can also be provided to reduce drive current when the converter overheats. This enables reliable operation of the converter over an extended temperature range, and reduces the occurrence of converter component failures due to ground faults or overheating.

Abstract: A gauge hatch is provided that has a cover structure that incorporates a pallet/diaphragm combination and that is cooperatively associated with a pressure responsive liquid seal subassembly. The gauge hatch also incorporates a vent neck and a radially adjacent wall that defines with the vent neck a circumferentially extending reservoir. An exterior preferably radially extending arm permits the cover structure to be opened and inclined at an angle relative to the vent neck. Optionally, the cover may be kept in a closed position. The diaphragm normally seats upon the vent neck. A sealing liquid in the reservoir has a closed chamber over the reservoir liquid. When the arm is not held in a cover closed position, and up until a set vent neck pressure is reached, the liquid seal subassembly eliminates low level fugitive vapor emissions escaping from the diaphragm/seat region.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container including a dispensing nozzle and a hollow closure with a lobate region removably secured thereto along a frangible web. The lobate region in the hollow closure reduces the retention of liquid droplets against the closure inner surface. The nozzle includes a straight inwardly and upwardly tapered wall which causes liquid droplets or aliquots in the closure and the nozzle to pass downwardly into the body of the container. As a result, liquid is not splashed when the closure is severed from the nozzle along the frangible web.

Abstract: A reflector is disclosed which enables bright image display with a wide angle of view and can be efficiently fabricated by a a simplified process. The reflector includes a resin layer having at its surface microscopic projections and depressions and formed by application of a coating composition containing a binder resin and crosslinked resin particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic composition and also to a method for seasoning wood, intended in particular for applications in the food industry. The method consists in immersing green wood in an aqueous solution comprising an enzymatic composition. The wood can subsequently be dried very rapidly in a drying facility. The invention makes it possible to improve the aromatic characteristics of the wood by eliminating certain substances judged to be undesirable due to their astringent nature or bitter nature, and transforming them into neutrally-tasting molecules.

Abstract: A multi-use clean air fan and fan motor mount assembly comprising a bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector, a fan motor mount, motor mount supports, a fan motor and a fan, the bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector having a long outer wall, and a short inner wall, the fan motor mount suspended within the bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector by motor mount supports fastened between the outer wall of the bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector and the fan motor mount, an aperture defining a central opening in the top of the bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector, the fan and fan motor having a common longitudinal axis with the longitudinal axis of the bifurcated conical air inlet and blown air deflector, the fan having a series of vanes extending outwardly from the central longitudinal axis of the fan, the inside of the long outer wall of the bifurcated conical inlet and blown air deflector surrounding more than half of the longitudinal heig

Abstract: Novel corrosion inhibiting compositions comprising a combination of amino thiol or amino disulfide compounds with acidic amino acid polymers inhibit carbon dioxide induced corrosion of ferrous metals in aqueous systems. Particularly effective inhibitor compositions are the natural amino acids cysteine and cystine and their decarboxylated analogues cysteamine and cystamine in combination with polyaspartic acid. The inhibitor compositions are particularly useful for preventing corrosion and scale formation in oil production applications.