Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene being capable of modifying resistance against a heavy metal or salt, or accumulation properties, a recombination vector including the genes, and a transformant using the recombination vector. A gene having heavy metal resistance and accumulation properties includes a sequence encoding a transmembrane protein having five times repeated similar four transmembrane domains. A recombination vector includes the gene having heavy metal resistance and accumulation properties, and further includes a salt or drought resistance gene having at least one selected from the group consisting of a sequence encoding an ABC transporter including twice repeated six transmembrane domains and ATP-binding domains.

Abstract: A compact hydrogen generator is coupled to or integrated with a fuel cell for portable power applications. Hydrogen is produced via thermocatalytic decomposition (cracking, pyrolysis) of hydrocarbon fuels in oxidant-free environment. The apparatus can utilize a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, crude oil (including sulfurous fuels). The hydrogen-rich gas produced is free of carbon oxides or other reactive impurities, so it could be directly fed to any type of a fuel cell. The catalysts for hydrogen production in the apparatus are carbon-based or metal-based materials and doped, if necessary, with a sulfur-capturing agent. Additionally disclosed are two novel processes for the production of two types of carbon filaments, and a novel filamentous carbon product. The hydrogen generator can be conveniently integrated with high temperature fuel cells to produce an efficient and self-contained source of electrical power.

Abstract: Residual tensile stresses can be mitigated through methods and systems provided by the present invention. Such a method can include securing a metal member (10) to a substrate and at least partially surrounding a portion of the metal member (10) with a cooling fluid (18). As a result, the cooled portion of the metal member (10) contracts a predetermined amount. Once cooled, the metal member may be fixed, preferably welded, to another metal member in a constrained relationship. As the portion of the metal member is returned to its original temperature, expansion of the metal member acts to mitigate residual tensile stresses in the metal assembly. Tensile stress in restrained members, cambering, and structural deformation can be readily controlled in an assembled structure.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of ultralow density, high specific surface area gel products is provided which comprises providing, in an enclosed chamber, a mixture made up of small particles of material suspended in gas; the particles are then caused to aggregate in the chamber to form ramified fractal aggregate gels. The particles should have a radius (a) of up to about 50 nm and the aerosol should have a volume fraction (fv) of at least 10?4. In preferred practice, the mixture is created by a spark-induced explosion of a precursor material (e.g., a hydrocarbon) and oxygen within the chamber. New compositions of matter are disclosed having densities below 3.0 mg/cc.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic drug display system is disclosed. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of drug combination effects with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. In particular, this invention is directed to the processing and display of drug data for the use of doctors in the process of monitoring or administering drugs to patients.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect Bordetella pertussis and/or Bordetella parapertussis in a biological sample. Primers and probes for the differential detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting B. pertussis and/or B. parapertussis are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: A water-addition-type surfactant-based composition, containing: at least one of a fatty acid sodium salt and/or potassium salt, as a surfactant component; and at least one of N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamic acid tetrasodium salt, L-aspartate-(N,N)-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt, N-2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid disodium salt, (S,S)-ethylenediaminesuccinic acid trisodium salt, methylglycinediacetic acid trisodium salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitorilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid, 1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid, 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropanetetraacetic acid, dihydroxyethylglycine, glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid, dihydroxyethylethylenediaminediacetic acid, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, inositol hexaphosphate, hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-hydroxysuccinic acid, 2,3

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and formulations for optimizing the anti-cancer and anti-HIV activities of a camptothecin drug, including camptothecin and its related analogs including 9-aminocamptothecin and 9-nitrocamptothecin. The invention involves methodologies and formulations that limit human serum albumin-mediated reduction of the anti-cancer and anti-HIV effects of the camptothecins, and the methods and formulations provide combination therapies in which binding of the camptothecin agent to human serum albumin can be modulated by the administration of a competing agent that also binds human serum albumin. Reduced camptothecin drug binding to human serum albumin can result in elevated camptothecin free drug levels and thus improve the effectiveness of treatment regimens involving these drugs. Further agents such as methotrexate and AZT can also be used in cancer and HIV-positive patients employing camptothecin drugs.

Abstract: A crude oil simulant is disclosed that is an emulsion of an organic continuous phase, an aqueous dispersed phase, and an emulsifier. To enhance the biodegradability rate of the simulant various strains of bacteria can be added to the aqueous phase. Nutrients can be added to the aqueous phase to increase activity of the bacteria. The components of the simulant of the invention can be mixed under high shear conditions such as 1,000-12,000 reciprocal minutes. The emulsion based oil simulants can be prepared on-site and can be readily tailored to simulant a wide variety of crude oils under various conditions.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for conducting a clinical trial. Medical data is obtained from a patient participating in the clinical trial. Then, the medical data and at least one identifier are transmitted, via a communications network, for storage at a remote server. The at least one identifier links the medical data to a record of the patient. Access to at least portions of the medical data is provided, via the communications network, to trial participants based on predefined clinical trial procedures. The remote server tracks accessing of the medical data by the trial participants and generation by the trial participants of work product responsive to the medical data.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate the cleaning of arenas, such as stadiums having different seating levels. Pivotable bins can collect and funnel trash from different levels such as the concourse level. A series of tubes or chutes can be fixed to the arena structural undercarriage. Approximately 24? diameter tubes can be used to funnel trash from the bins located on perimeter arena walkways to receptacle containers, recycling containers at ground levels, and even refuse removal trucks. The chutes and tubes can be located adjacent to walkway aisles on different levels of the arena. The chutes/tubes can be vertically oriented and/or be inclined as long as refuse can move down the chutes by gravity. Grates can be also used beneath the bins. And locks can further provide safety.

Abstract: Provided is a band-gap reference voltage generator for low-voltage operation and high precision. The band-gap reference voltage generator minimizes voltage drop by connecting resistors in parallel to bipolar transistors, and cancels temperature dependence by properly adjusting a resistor of an output stage, so that it can provide a stable reference voltage that is unaffected by a change in temperature in spite of a low power supply voltage. Further, the band-gap reference voltage generator minimizes variation of the reference voltage caused by offset noise by switching of input and output voltages at input and output stages of a feedback amplifier, so that it can provide a precise reference voltage.

Abstract: System and method that can monitor pulse rate and passively produce a blood pressure measurement and automatically log the data for the user. Additionally, coupling to the Internet or Information Systems expands the options for the early detection of diseases, based on sudden detected changes and trend analyses, and the successful treatment of these patients while reducing the high costs associated with invasive procedures and in-hospital care.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for determining electron transfer rates in systems involving metalloproteins. Metalloprotein/substrate electron transfer rates as well as metalloprotein self exchange rates may be modeled. Such electron transfer rates are useful in smart drug design and enzyme engineering.

Abstract: A turbocharged engine includes an internal combustion engine and a turbocharger powered by engine exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine to supply the engine with compressed intake air. The turbocharged engine further includes a turbocharger booster system with a dry low emissions burner. The burner fluidly communicates with an exhaust manifold of the engine and is operable to inject a combustion gas flow into the engine exhaust flow. The hot combustion gas flow is operable to increase the exhaust energy available to the turbocharger and thereby increase the output of compressed intake air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting angiogenesis with sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, in mammals including animals and humans. Sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, can be used alone or in combination with standard therapies to inhibit angiogenesis-mediated disorders. The present invention also relates to the combined use of sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, with other anti-angiogenesis agents, with various anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents as well as with radio-therapeutic agents in cancer, and with laser, photodynamic therapy for ocular-related disorders such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A method for efficient generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, osteoclasts, dendritic cells an Langerhans cells from human embryonic stem cells is disclosed.

Abstract: Serum amyloid P component, oxidized LDL and ?2-glycoprotein I can together form a complex. The presence of a disease such as hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis can be determined by detecting the complex by using either one of an anti-serum amyloid P component antibody and an anti-?2-glycoprotein I antibody.