Abstract: A mechanical assembly for pulling the form work away from a concrete structure after the concrete structure has cured. The form work is typically wood or steel and requires a large mechanically force to free it from the concrete structure. The form puller assembly includes a lever assembly, a fulcrum assembly, and a form pulling assembly. The user pulls down on the opposite end of the lever assembly generating a mechanical force sufficient to free the form work from the concrete structure. Also, the mechanical assembly may include at least one embedded element extracting assembly for removing vertically oriented elements embedded in the soil and/or concrete.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the determination that constitutively nearly silent GrB locus in human breast carcinoma and osteosarcoma cells activated upon retinoblastoma protein (pRB)-induced growth arrest owing to the usage of an alternative promoter/transcription start site. Cloned novel cDNA from the locus adds 34 amino acid residues to the N-terminus of GrB zymogen. The alternate product has been designated as GrB-NIC. Tumor cells with accumulated endogenous GrB-NIC, whose mature form was identical to lymphocyte GrB but with a distinctive glycosylation pattern, undergoes post-growth-arrest apoptosis that occurs concurrently with pRB cleavage, and are capable of inducing rapid apoptosis of bystander pRB? tumor cells. Expression of GrB-NIC is also observed in malignant cells of other types as well as in normal non-immune cells upon cell differentiation, especially in differentiating and differentiated neural cells.

Abstract: A device and methods are provided, the device comprising a conductive union disposed in a conductive holder, a first fitting capable of coupling with the holder and fluidly communicating with the conductive union, and a spray tip disposed in the fitting and communicating with the conductive union along an axis. The device also comprises a ferrule and fitting capable of coupling with a second holder and communicating with a second conductive union, a tube disposed in the ferrule and fluidly communicating with the first conductive union and the spray tip along the axis. The assembly also includes an insulating member removably secured to the first and second conductive unions to electrically insulate them when they are electrically connected to first and second voltage levels, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention reconstructs and illustrates incomplete change records by initially selecting an initial change record. The initial change record describes a change made to a target data object located at a target location in an electronic database. Next, a transaction log associated with the electronic database is searched for change records which modify the target data object. Eventually, a particular change record is located which contains a complete copy of the data object. Finally, the change records are applied to the complete copy of the data object, thereby bringing the complete copy of the target data object to a state as it existed before the change described by the initial change record was made to the target data object.

Abstract: Process and system for evaluating the performance attribution of a private investment portfolio by comparing actual return to return for a portfolio converted to a neutral-weight portfolio in which all assets are based on the same starting date which is the earliest start date in the actual portfolio. Contribution of selection and timing of investments are also determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of calibrating a microfluidic flow sensor, in which the flow of a fluid through a flow sensor is stopped and a first value is read from the flow sensor, then the fluid is pumped through the flow sensor sequentially at first and second selected rates, and readings from the flow sensor of the flow rate are taken for each of the rates. The readings are used in a polynomial equation to determine the actual flow rate, which is used to calibrate the sensor. The flow sensor can be connected to a computer programmed to perform the calibration method, determine the actual flow rate of the sensor, and make appropriate adjustments to the flow rate of a pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions wherein nucleic acids are associated with a solid phase that comprises a carboxylated substrate. In specific embodiments, precipitation of the nucleic acids occurs in the absence of salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of metastatic diseases using metastatic sequences, such as caveolin, to target metastatic cells. According to the methods of the present invention, certain cancers, including metastatic prostate cancer, may be treated by therapies which suppress expression of the caveolin gene. The present invention relates to biological technologies designed to block the activity of caveolin or the function of caveolae, including vector delivery of antisense caveolin sequences, the use of anti-caveolin antibodies, the use of promoters, and other approaches targeting the expression of caveolin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: Methods for chemically modifying peptides, preferably keratinaceous feedstocks, to achieve desired solubility characteristics; stable solvent systems for preparing the modified peptides; and, the resulting chemically modified peptides.

Abstract: Networks, hydrogels, and methods for networks and hydrogels comprising proteinaceous material consisting essentially of water soluble proteins and covalent interprotein crosslinks other than disulfide crosslinks.

Abstract: A hair drying/styling appliance includes an ion emitting circuit which directs ion onto the hair of a user, and in which the level of ion output is variable and adjustable by a user. In preferred embodiments indicators such as a series of lights on the housing indicate the level of ion output.

Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous proteinaceous networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and novel heterogeneous crosslinked networks. Preferred heterogeneous crosslinking agents are silicone-based.

Abstract: A polarization modulation photoreflectance technique has been developed for optical characterization of semiconductor quantum confined structures. By using a tunable laser source in conjunction with polarization state modulation, a single beam modulation spectroscopy technique may be used to characterize the optical response of semiconductor materials and structures. Disclosed methods and instruments are suitable for characterization of optical signatures of quantum electronic confinement, including resolution of excitonic states at the band edge or other direct or indirect critical points in the band structure. This allows for characterization of semiconductor quantum well structures, for characterization of strain in semiconductor films, and for characterization of electric fields at semiconductor interfaces.

Abstract: A durable and maneuverable hand-held or small home appliance having a swivel structure attached at the end handle of the appliance to permit the electrical cord to pivot about the handle of the appliance. Further contemplated by the present disclosure is a swivel structure that permits for an electrical cord having at least about 180 degrees of rotation about a pivot point and operable at elevated wattage levels.