Abstract: A control mechanism comprises an elongate handle 10 having an external thread 12 and a barrel 20 with internally projecting pins 21 threaded over handle 10. Rotation of barrel 20 causes handle 10 to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis to retract and advance a catheter sheath to which handle 10 is coupled, thereby enabling an implant to be deployed by the catheter. Rotation movement of barrel 20 and longitudinal movement of handle 10 can be disassociated to enable speedy retraction or advancement of the catheter sheath.

Abstract: A method of treating hyperinsulinemia. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of catalpic acid, glyceride esters thereof, pharmaceutically-suitable salts thereof, and combinations thereof. The compound may be administered orally or parenterally.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for comparing ordered segments of a first DNA restriction map with ordered segments of a second DNA restriction map to determine a level of accuracy the first DNA map and/or the second DNA map. In particular, the first and second DNA maps can be received (the first DNA map corresponding to a sequence DNA map, and the second DNA map corresponding to a genomic consensus DNA map as provided in an optical DNA map). Then, the accuracy of the first DNA map and/or the second DNA map is validated based on information associated with the first and second DNA maps. In addition, a method and system are provided for aligning a plurality of DNA sequences with a ordered DNA restriction map. The DNA sequences and the DNA map are received (the DNA sequences being fragments of a genome and the DNA map corresponding to a genomic consensus DNA map which relates to an optical ordered DNA map).

Abstract: An aeroponic plant growing system includes a water reservoir and growing chambers for growing plants in an aeroponic environment. A pump, a water distribution manifold, and water lines are used to provide water and nutrients from the water reservoir to sprayers in the growing chambers where the water and nutrients are sprayed on the roots of plants growing therein. The water distribution manifold and water lines preferably are provided as closed loop systems, such that water is provided to all sprayers despite a blockage in the manifold or a water line. Non-absorbed water and nutrients are returned to the water reservoir from the growing chambers on water return lines via a filter that includes multiple types of filter media, including filter media that support the colonization of organisms that support plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of ?2-amino acids. The method also provides methods yielding ?-substituted ?-amino aldehydes and ?-substituted ?-amino alcohols. The present method according to this invention allows for increased yield and easier purification using minimal chromatography or crystallization. The methods described herein are based on an aldehyde aminomethylation which involves a Mannich reaction between an aldehyde and a formaldehyde-derived N,O-acetal (iminium precursor) and a catalyst, such as, for example, L-proline or a pyrrolidine. The invention allows for large scale, commercial preparation of ?2-amino acids.

Abstract: A compact, smooth surfaced, flexible and formable, elongate apparatus that has a hair-clog snagging end portion for insertion into drains for snagging and removing the common hair clogs that exist in the upper portion of drains typically around the drain pop-up mechanism and drain trap. The elongate shaft (10) may be bent along its complete length into any shape and remain fixed in that shape to accommodate compact storage as well as forming a grasping and twisting handle for the shaft while it is in the drain or bending the hair-snagging end of the shaft for easier insertion and navigation within the drain. The hair-clog snagging portion, which is at the distal end of the shaft, is in the form of a pad (12), which maximizes the surface area of hair hooking members (38).

Abstract: A mixing bin for the blending of materials (e.g., pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, etc.) bears a spectrometer which monitors the characteristics of the material being tumbled within the bin interior to thereby obtain an indication of the degree to which the material is mixed. An accelerometer also rides on the mixing bin with the spectrometer, and it monitors the position of the mixing bin as it rotates. The accelerometer measurements can then be used to trigger the taking and/or recordation of spectrometer measurements at times during which the material within the bin falls against the spectrometer's input window, thereby promoting greater accuracy in spectrometer measurements, and/or at the same bin position, thereby promoting greater uniformity between spectrometer measurements.

Abstract: A novel bovine P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (bPSGL-1) is disclosed having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ. ID. NO:1. DNA sequences encoding the bPSGL-1 are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of using the bPSGL-1. The invention further provides methods for preventing or reducing acute inflammatory response in a bovine subject by administering bPSGL-1 and fragments thereof (e.g., a bPSGL-1 Ig fusion protein). The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds of reducing or preventing damage to tissue or organs caused by acute inflammatory response in a bovine.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database file and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.

Abstract: A hoist device for lifting persons, said hoist device comprising holding means (27); and a hoist sling comprising attachment means (37), said attachment means (37) being connectable to the holding means (27). Any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises a reference object (8), and any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises sensing means (7) configured to detect the reference object (8), for determining if the attachment means (37) are properly connected to the holding means (27).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for efficiently and accurately performing immunoassays, such as ELISAs. The invention provides an immunoassay assembly which includes a flow-through unit and an aspiration pump. The immunoassay flow-through unit includes an outer seal; at least one bed support; an inner seal; and a packed non-porous bed. The unit is releasably attached to an aspiration pump which enables the controlled flow rate of liquid passing through the packed bed of the flow-through unit. The invention also provides a method of using the immunoassay assembly to identify analytical targets of interest.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted cargo lift including a frame and carry arms suitable for carrying a scooter, a personal transportation device, or other cargo. The frame includes a power inverter/converter, which provides power to a motorized worm drive, which raises and lowers the carry arms. Wheel chocks on the carry arms hold in place the scooter wheels. The cargo lift attaches to the back of a vehicle via a trailer hitch.

Abstract: Statistical timing analysis methods for circuits having latches and feedback loops are described wherein the circuit yield, and/or the critical cycle mean (the largest cycle mean among all loops in the circuit), may be iteratively calculated with high speed and accuracy, thereby allowing their ready usage in the analysis and validation of proposed circuit designs.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress has two sets (A, B) of cells, which are inflated and deflated cyclically and in sequence, to provide alternating support for a patient. Each set (A, B) has central transverse cells (11a, 11b) and side forming cells (14a, 14b). The central cells (11a, 11b) provide a central region for the patient. The side forming cells (14a, 14b) protrude, when inflated, higher than the central cells, to act as side barriers preventing rolling of the patient off the mattress. At each side of the mattress a plurality of the side forming cells (14a, 14b) of both sets (A, B) is present, these cells inflating and deflating with the respective central cells (11a, 11b), so that the side barrier effect is provided by the two sets (A, B) cells alternatingly.

Abstract: An insertion device (10), by which a medical instrument or an electrode line or a guide wire or a medical therapeutic agent may be inserted into a body cavity, comprises a lumen section (11) manufactured from a flexible plastic material, having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal end area enclosing the distal end, at least one electrically conductive means (20) in the distal end area to sense physiological signals or stimulate the surrounding body tissue suitably, as well as at least one conductor, which extends from the proximal end to the distal end and is capable of conducting physiological signals to the proximal end and/or stimulation pulses to the distal end. The at least one electrically conductive means is produced from a flexible, not exclusively metallic, electrically conductive substrate.

Abstract: Sleeves for different portable electronic devices (portable media players, wireless telephones, handheld computers, etc.) adapt the outer contours of the devices such that all can fit within the pocket of a standard device dock. Each sleeve situates its portable electronic device within the pocket of the dock such that at least one of its power/communications ports is situated at a standard location. The device dock then also accommodates a connector which fits within the dock pocket, and which has power/communications ports situated at the standard location, such that when the sleeved device is inserted into the pocket, its power/communications ports interface with the power/communications ports of the connector. The connector can incorporate data storage devices, power supplies, interface cables extending to other devices (such as personal computers, stereo systems, etc.) such that it lends the functionality of these devices to the sleeved device situated within the pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition for treating damaged ligaments. Neurogenic compounds in general and neuropeptides in particular have been found to be highly effective in stimulated repair of ligaments damaged due to traumatic injury, ligament disease, and disuse. Preferred active ingredients for use in the method and corresponding pharmaceutical composition include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), dynorphin, enkephalin, galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P (SP), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).

Abstract: A credential communication device and method adapted to transmit and receive data, including means to process said data in order to effect credential verification and trusted mutual recognition between the device and a second credential communication device, without reference to a third party, further including at least one proximity conductor adapted to transfer at least some data only when in such physical proximity to a second credential communication device as to effectively exclude the possibility of third party involvement in the transaction.

Abstract: In an atom probe or other mass spectrometer wherein a specimen is subjected to ionizing pulses (voltage pulses, thermal pulses, etc.) which induce field evaporation of ions from the specimen, the evaporated ions are then subjected to corrective pulses which are synchronized with the ionizing pulses. These corrective pulses have a magnitude and timing sufficient to reduce the velocity distribution of the evaporated ions, thereby resulting in increased mass resolution for the atom probe/mass spectrometer. In a preferred arrangement, ionizing pulses are supplied to the specimen from a first counter electrode adjacent the specimen. The corrective pulses are then supplied from a second counter electrode which is coupled to the first via a passive or active network, with the network controlling the form (timing, amplitude, and shape) of the corrective pulses.

Abstract: An archery bowstring release includes a string grip for holding and releasing a bowstring, and a band for mounting the string grip about an archer's wrist or hand. The string grip may rotate about the band between an in-use position wherein the string grip is adjacent the archer's fingers, and a stowed position situated away from the archer's hand. This rotating arrangement is biased such that the string grip resists being situated in other than the in-use and stowed positions. Thus, the archer may “snap” the string grip into the in-use position when the string grip is desired for use in shooting, and may “snap” the string grip to the stowed position when the string grip is not needed. In this manner, the string grip does not interfere with use of the archer's hand when it is not in use.