Abstract: A method for making a mode decision in video coding. The method includes collecting a first portion of video data and labeling the first portion of video data with an optimal mode. The method also includes identifying a feature of the first portion of video data corresponding to the optimal mode and making a mode decision for a second portion of the video data based on a value of the feature in the second portion of the video.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an industrially convenient fructose source for a dehydration reaction converting a carbohydrate to a furan derivative is provided. Recovery methods also are provided. Embodiments of the methods improve upon the known methods of producing furan derivatives.

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a specific embodiment is also disclosed herein. The specific circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses eight solid state switches, such as IGBT's, eight diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radiation shield are disclosed. One non-limiting embodiment of the radiation shield may comprise a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer may include a neutron moderating material. The second layer may be adjacent the first layer and may include a neutron absorbing material. The third layer may be adjacent the second layer, and may include a photonic radiation attenuating material. At least the first layer and the second layer may be removable from the radiation shield.

Abstract: A system for lifting a spa cover lifter. The system includes a pole and a post. The system also includes a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is pivotably connected to the pole. The second support member is pivotably connected to the pole and pivotably connected to the post. The system also includes a first cable connected to the spa cover, a second cable connected to the pole, and a drive mechanism connected to the first and second cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing and/or treating multiple organ failure comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of agent comprising tumor cytotoxic factor-II (TCF-II) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Methods of the present invention will be useful for preventing and/or treating the development of multiple organ failure resulting from burn, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), circulatory failure, hemorrhagic shock, infectious disease, acute pancreatitis, ischemic disorder, hepatorenal syndrome, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, nutritional metabolic failure, terminal cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), deterioration of systemic conditions due to radiation affection, and cachexia.

Abstract: Vaccines based on one or more combinations of majorly abundant extracellular products of pathogens and methods for their use and production are presented. The most prevalent or majorly abundant extracellular products of a target pathogen are selected irrespective of their absolute molecular immunogenicity and used as vaccines to stimulate a protective immune response in mammalian hosts against subsequent infection by the target pathogen. The majorly abundant extracellular products may be characterized and distinguished by their respective N-terminal amino acid, amino acid, or DNA sequences. As the vaccines may comprise different combinations of the extracellular products, subunits thereof, or encoding nucleic acids, a broad range of effective immunotherapeutic compositions are provided by the present invention. In addition to other infectious agents, the vaccines so produced can be used to stimulate an effective immune response against intracellular pathogens and in particular Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: An ORing element for use in a power supply and/or power system. The ORing element may include a field effect transistor (FET), a first bi-polar transistor and a second bi-polar transistor. The FET may be electrically connected between an input and an output. The first bipolar transistor may have an emitter electrically connected to the source of the FET and a collector electrically connected to a gate of the FET. The second bi-polar transistor may be diode connected, with its emitter electrically connected to its base. The emitter of the second bi-polar transistor may also be electrically connected to the base of the first bi-polar transistor. The collector of the second bi-polar transistor may be electrically connected to the drain of the FET.

Abstract: The present invention relates to L-lactic acid producing bacterial strains, including Lactobacilli such as NRRL B-30568 (ADM B64), NRRL B-30569 (ADM DEC2-2B), NRRL B-30570 (ADM RP1A-4E), NRRL B-30571 (ADM RP2-1C), NRRL B-30572 (ADM RP3-1E), NRRL, B-30573 (ADM RP4A-2C), NRRL B-30574 (ADM LC49.25), NRRL B-30575 (ADM LC54.62) and mutations thereof. The present invention also relates to processes of producing L-lactic acid by culturing these strains. The present invention also relates to a method of making a bacterial strain that is capable of producing an increased yield or optical purity of L-lactic acid relative to these strains.

Abstract: Cutting tool assemblies and wear and retention sleeves. The assemblies may include a support block that has a sleeve-receiving hole therethrough and a cutting tool that has an elongated shank. Various configurations of sleeves are disclosed for supporting the elongated shank of the cutting bit in the support block. Such sleeve embodiments may be provided with a plurality of axially extending overlapping notches to establish segments of various degrees of interference fit between the sleeve and the support block when seated in the sleeve-receiving hole of the support block. Some sleeve embodiments are configured to permit the shank of a cutting bit to freely rotate therein. Other sleeve embodiments are configured to prevent rotation of the cutting bit shank when inserted therein.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions, organisms and methodologies employing a novel human protein kinase, MCRK1. The novel human kinase has sequence homology to rat myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42 binding kinase (MRCK) alpha. The gene encoding the novel kinase is localized in locus 11q13 of human chromosome 11. The novel protein kinase comprises multiple functional/structural domains that include a kinase domain, a pkinase_C domain, a DAG-PE binding domain, and a CNH domain. The sequence and structure similarity between the novel human protein and rat MRCK alpha indicates that the novel human protein may function as a downstream effector of Cdc42 in cytoskeleton reorganization.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell exhibiting an overall conversion efficiency of at least 9.0% is prepared from a copper-indium-gallium-diselenide thin film. The thin film is prepared by simultaneously electroplating copper, indium, gallium, and selenium onto a substrate using a buffered electro-deposition bath. The electrodeposition is followed by adding indium to adjust the final stoichiometry of the thin film.

Abstract: The present invention provides amplification and hybridisation method for detecting and typing human papillomavirus (HPV), and the primers and hybridisation probes used in the method. The invention relates to a concrete part of the HPV genome, which is suitable for designing HPV genus-specific and HPV genotype-specific hybridisation oligonucleotide probes.

Abstract: An automated method for quickly determining whether a job seeking candidate is qualified for an available position by accepting the candidate's resume for storage, presenting the candidate with employer-created criteria and/or questions, rating the candidate's responses and forwarding only the resumes of qualified candidates to the employer.

Abstract: A method of deterministically generating maximal nonlinear block substitution tables for a predetermined block size is disclosed. The method includes selecting a first generating function and selecting a second generating function. The method also includes selecting first and second sets of complete linearly independent numbers, and calculating first and second linear orthomorphisms from the generating functions and the sets of linearly independent numbers. The method further includes creating maximal nonlinear block substitution tables by combining the linear orthomorphisms. The block substitution tables are for use in encrypting clear text messages.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical capacitor with its electrodes made on a conducting substrate with a layer of a redox polymer of the poly[Me(R-Salen)] type deposited onto the substrate. Me is a transition metal (for example, Ni, Pd, Co, Cu, Fe), R is an electron-donating substituent (for example, CH3O—, C2H5O—, HO—, —CH3), Salen is a residue of bis(salicylaldehyde)-ethylendiamine in Schiff's base. The electrolyte comprises of an organic solvent, compounds capable of dissolving in such solvents with the resulting concentration of no less than 0.01 mol/l and dissociating with the formation of ions, which are electrochemically inactive within the range of potentials from ?3.0 V to +1.5 V (for example, salts of tetramethyl ammonium, tetrapropyl ammonium, tetrabutyl ammonium), and a dissolved metal complex [Me(R-Salen)]. The method of using the capacitor contemplates periodically alternating the connection polarity of the electrodes, causing the electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes to regenerate.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or and isoflavone selected from genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, and their naturally occurring glycosides, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.49% of the composition, by weight. The present invention is also a method for decreasing the blood concentration of total and LDL cholesterol in a human in which a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or an isoflavone are co-administered to the human, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.49%, by weight, of the combined weight of the plant sterol and the soy protein material and/or the isoflavone. The present invention is also a method for preventing or minimizing the development of atherosclerosis in a human in which a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or an isoflavone are co-administered to the human, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.

Abstract: A new and distinct Buxus cultivar is provided. The attractive evergreen hedge/shrub displays a dense columnar, somewhat pyramidal, upright growth habit, and is particularly fast growing relative to many other Buxus variants. No pruning is required to maintain the attractive growth habit. The new variant commonly displays a single sturdy trunk or a multi-trunk base, depending on the cutting at time of propagation, that develops multiple pliable fast-growing branches with glossy deep green foliage. The foliage displays deep green color in all weather conditions, temperatures, and degrees of sunlight and shade. The new variant exhibits excellent endurance to both high and low temperatures, and has exceptional tolerance to wind, snow, and ice due in part to the yielding characteristic of its branches. No typical boxwood fragrance is emitted by the foliage or branches. The new variant's growth habit and shape make it suitable for a multitude of landscape and other uses.