Abstract: Transmembrane receptors in the signaling pathways of bacterial chemotaxis systems influence cell motility by forming noncovalent complexes with the cytoplasmic signaling proteins to regulate their activity. The requirements for receptor-mediated activation of CheA, the principal kinase of the Escherichia coli chemotaxis signaling pathway, can be demonstrated using self-assembled clusters of a receptor fragment (CF) derived from the cytoplasmic domain of the aspartate receptor, Tar. Histidine-tagged Tar CF can be assembled on the surface of unilamellar vesicles via a lipid containing the Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid moiety as a headgroup. The stability of such a complex can be controlled by the properties of the template including the size and composition, which can be used, for example, to vary the 2-dimensional concentration of receptor fragments. Surface-assembled CF is also found to serve as a substrate for receptor methylation, which is catalyzed by the receptor transferase.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are tetratopic carboxylic acid phenyl for use in metal-organic framework compounds. These compounds are useful in catalysis, gas storage, sensing, biological imaging, drug delivery and gas adsorption separation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising a neutral bimetallic diphenoxydiiminate complex of group 10 metals or Ni, Pd or Pt is disclosed. The compositions can be used for the preparation of homo- and co-polymers of olefinic monomer compounds.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label.

Abstract: A closure including a top panel and a transition section extending from a peripheral edge of the top panel is provided. The closure includes a skirt extending from a peripheral edge of the transition section such that the skirt extends away from the top panel. The skirt includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly and away from an outer surface of the transition section.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has several electrodes spaced along its ion source region. Voltages are applied to the electrodes to produce a voltage gradient along the length of the ion source region. By varying the voltage gradient, the residence time of ions in the ion source region can be selectively varied. Typically, the spectrometer is arranged to reduce the residence time in response to a decrease in the amplitude, of an ion peak detected at the far end of the drift region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing made at least in part from a material having a lower melting point than material used for the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the material having the lower melting point in the backing be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: A detent assembly—namely of pairs of sub-assemblies of which the individual ones comprise spatially directly associated surfaces at which projecting elements cooperate with engaging elements in prestressed manner—comprises at least one detent element within a detent sub-assembly, said detent element being retained prestressed within an obliquely directed guide in a manner that it projects beyond a detent sub-assembly outer surface and that it enters an aperture sub-assembly while being obliquely prestressed into a recess of an opposite aperture outer surface and rests only unilaterally and point-wise against associated rim sites of the mutually associated interlocking zones. A preferred application relates to a handle being supported rotatably but in axially fixed position by a stop fitted with a disk connected to a handle extension and comprising circumferential interlocking recesses, for instance notches.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds and related methods and apparatus, as can be used in a wide range of RNA and DNA separations.

Abstract: Linear acrylamide copolymer compounds which can comprise monomeric components comprising at least one N-substituted moiety capable of physical cross-linking, and related compositions and methods of use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for estimating and/or precluding stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, through use of a virtual transducer, which precludes the need for having sensors located adjacent to a driven element of the system, or adjacent contact surfaces at which the stick-slip relative motion may occur. Parameters measurable at a drive mechanism are utilized for controlling a system in a manner which precludes stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, of a driven element of the system. Relative motion between contacting surfaces in the driven element, prone to stick-slip behavior, is controlled after sufficient force is applied by the drive element to overcome static friction forces between the contacting surfaces and break them free from one another, relative motion between the surfaces is maintained at a high enough relative speed that the surfaces are precluded from contacting one another, so that stick-slip behavior is precluded.

Abstract: Cleavable, disulfide-coupled block copolymers as can be used in the preparation of nanoporous thin films, micellar configurations and related structures.

Abstract: A novel dietary supplement and methods for the manufacture of the same are disclosed for feeding to equines and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention is beneficial to the health of equines and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention consists of safe and natural ingredients rather than drugs, and is orally administrable. The ingredients of the dietary supplement make the dietary supplement of the present invention highly beneficial to the health of equines and other animals.