Abstract: The invention provides human polynucleotide sequences that encode transcription factor polypeptides that are termed ALF and SALF, and an alternative C-termiinal sequence. The invention includes ALF, SALF and alternative C-terminus polypeptides, peptides, fusion proteins, expression vectors, agonists, antagonists, host cells that overexpress these polypeptides, including transgenic animals, and recombinant knock-out animals that cannot express the relevant RNAs and polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, diagnosis, screening, and monitoring disorders related to inappropriate expression, production, or activity of ALF and SALF, and provides methods to increase or decrease gene expression with respect to treating disorders related to inappropriate or ineffectual patterns of gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vibration cancellation device designed to overcome many of the shortcomings inherent in prior devices. In many embodiments, the vibration cancellation device is smaller in scale than prior designs, facilitating more versatility with respect to design options. The device of the present invention achieves a smaller size partly due to the use of suspension springs having an offset, rather than a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for selectively stimulating cortical brain activity of a patient with hemispheric brain differences using light and/or sound includes exposing the patient to one or more lights (12) placed in close proximity to a patient's eyes (20, 30) wherein the one or more of lights (12) selectively stimulate the non-dominant eye (30) connected to the non-dominant cerebral hemisphere.

Abstract: An ascorbic acid-based composition and related method for the treatment of aging or photo-damaged skin is disclosed. The composition includes water and ascorbic acid, at least a portion of which has generally been pretreated by being dissolved under relatively high temperature and concentration conditions. The composition typically includes at least about 5.0% (w/v) ascorbic acid and may advantageously be formulated to have a pH above 3.5. Generally, the composition also includes non-toxic zinc salt, tyrosine compound, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In addition, the composition may include an anti-inflammatory compound, such as aminosugar and/or sulfur-containing anti-inflammatory compound. The topical composition may be in the form of a serum, a hydrophilic lotion, an ointment, a cream, or a gel.

Abstract: A computer implemented transaction processing system is presented for processing transactions between an application and one or more transaction processors. The system utilizes a first communication link between the application and a transaction processor interoperability component. Then, the system determines which of the one or more transaction processors will process transactions for the application and establishes a communication link between the transaction processor interoperability component and the transaction processor that will process transactions for the application.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for mounting two or more tail rotor hubs to a tail rotor mast. The apparatus comprises a mast having an externally-splined inboard section shaped and sized to mate with an internal spline on an inboard trunnion. The inboard trunnion is mechanically fixed to the one or more outboard hubs via a torsionally-rigid connection. The outboard portion of the mast is designed to have reduced torsional stiffness, so that torque is transmitted to the outboard trunnions through the inboard trunnion rather than through the mast.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of psoriasis and related skin ailments are disclosed. The compositions include topical skin formulations of glucosamine in an emollient base such as moisturizing cream. In addition to glucosamine, the formulations may include keratolytic substances such as coal tar extract or salicylic acid. The formulations may also include glucosamine and antioxidant anti-inflammatory herbal extracts such as oleuropein and berberine in an emollient base.

Abstract: A vibration isolator (10) for isolating the vibration of two bodies that are connected together is disclosed. The vibration isolator (10) comprises an inner cylinder (16) and a pair of outer housings (12, 14) concentrically bonded together with elastomer structures (18, 20) to form two chambers (22, 26) that are joined by a tuning port (24). The elastomer structures (18, 20) may serve both as the seals for the chambers (22, 26) and the compliant spring members in the isolator (10). The isolator (10) connects to a vibrating body by a spherical bearing (28). The chambers (22, 26) and tuning port (24) are filled with an inviscid fluid (34) and pressurized to prevent cavitation. In certain embodiments, pressure within the isolator (10) is maintained by a volume compensating device (30) connected to the chambers (22, 26) via a small diameter orifice (36).

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.

Abstract: A random combinatorial selection method is disclosed for the construction of oligonucleotide aptamers in which nuclease resistance is conferred by the inclusion of modified nucleotides. The modified nucleotides are incorporated during PCR amplification to form achiral modified oligonucleotides. Thio-substituted aptamers are provided that bind tightly to the nuclear factor for human IL6 (NF-IL6).

Abstract: A composition and method of making an improved sealant is disclosed. The sealant is made from a base polymer material that includes one or more substantially linear vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate monomers, a hydrolyzable silane that includes one or more substantially linear vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate silanes to produce randomly dispersed silane functionality throughout the polymer and a second hydrolyzable mercapto silane to cap some polymer chains via a chain transfer reaction, wherein the polymer has a glass transition point lower than 10° Fahrenheit and an average molecular weight between about 40,000 and about 500,000. A sealant is made by adding a cross-linking catalyst and other additives to the polymer in such proportions to produce a sealant that cures upon exposure to atmospheric moisture.

Abstract: A method of spectroscopically analyzing amplitude and phase information of a particular sample (510) is disclosed, comprising providing a femtosecond laser source (502) positioned in an angularly distal relationship to the sample, generating from the laser source a primary light pulse (504) of substantial peak intensity and spectral bandwidth directed at the sample, and providing a reference medium (512) interposed between the light source and the sample, fixed in position with respect to the sample. A portion of the primary light pulse is directed through the reference medium generating a reference second harmonic signal (514) directed at the sample, which propagates collinearly with the primary light pulse towards the sample. A spectrometer (520) is provided, positioned in an angularly distal relationship to the sample and opposing the laser source, to receive second harmonic reflections of the primary pulse and reference signal (516 and 514, respectively) from said sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic closing gate having a gate post and at least one self-closing hinge attaching the gate to the gate post. A catch post having a catch holds the gate in an open position for a period of time. The catch releases the gate after the period of time and the gate is free to swing shut.

Abstract: A system (200) for transmitting and focusing surface acoustic waves (208) along a substrate (206) is disclosed. The system (200) comprising a curved transmission element (202) that is disposed upon the substrate (206). The curved transmission element (202) is adapted to propagate an acoustic wave (212). The system (200) also comprises a curved receiving element (206) that is disposed upon the substrate in relation to the curved transmission element (202). The curved receiving element (206) is adapted to receive the acoustic wave (212) and match the acoustic wave's size and shape.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic material is provided. The ceramic material includes a mixture represented by the formula of Bi2−x(Zn2/3Nb4/3)O7−3x/2(BZN), 0≦x≦0.67, and a flux having an eutectic composition for lowering the sintering temperature of the mixture from 950˜1100° C. to 800˜850° C. The dielectric material has a dielectric constant larger than 45 (∈r>45) and a quality factor larger than 1200 (or Q·f>4500) at 3.5 GHz.