Abstract: The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed.

Abstract: A genetic recombinant human thrombin is provided. Human thrombin is efficiently prepared by the genetic engineering technique comprising the steps: (1) culturing a transfectant animal cell transfected with an expression vector in which a gene encoding human prethrombin is incorporated to the downstream of a promoter so as to produce and accumulate prethrombin in culture supernatant and recovering the produced human prethrombin; (2) treating a solution containing human prethrombin recovered in step (1) with ecarin so as to convert human prethrombin into human thrombin; and (3) purifying the solution obtained after the above activation process to obtain purified human thrombin. The present invention allows for provision of human thrombin in a large scale in a safe and economical manner due to exclusion of blood-derived components.

Abstract: A process for producing a surface finish from natural materials, whereby the obtained surface finish may be in the form of any shape, and preferably is in the form of a thin sheet having a nature that has a relationship with the form of a product desired to be finished.

Abstract: Control apparatus forcefully stops inverter and inverter when DC/DC converter is anomalously stopped. Additionally, when one of inverters is anomalously stopped while DC/DC converter is normal, control apparatus forcefully stops the other inverter. Then, when a recovery condition is satisfied after the other inverter is forcefully stopped, control apparatus recovers the other inverter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for radioactive imaging of a test subject. At least one detector is operative to detect a radiation type associated with the subject. A test bed supports the test subject. A collimator assembly is positioned between the test bed and the at least one detector. The collimator assembly is not mechanically coupled to the at least one detector.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid containing microorganisms or chemical contaminants includes a plurality of photocatalyst surfaces secured to a solid surface upon which a fluid to be disinfected contacts. A structure for removing a portion of the photogenerated electrons is in electrical contact with the photocatalyst layer, wherein an electron-hole recombination rate involving the photogenerated electrons and holes is reduced, thus increasing the removal rate of microorganisms or chemical contaminants from the fluid. The system can include a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to a band gap energy of the photocatalyst to illuminate the photocatalyst layer. The invention can be used in air supply registers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, or in air ducts, or used to disinfect wall coverings, floor coverings, envelopes, packages, and clothing articles.

Abstract: A novel group of aminoglycosides which share some structural features of currently available aminoglycosides with regard to the backbone, while also having significant structural differences, is disclosed. The similarity enables these aminoglycosides to be highly potent and effective antibiotics, while the significant differences enable these aminoglycosides to reduce or even block antibiotic resistance. The aminoglycosides of the present invention are suitable for inhibition of antrax lethal factor, hence are suitable for use as a cure for anthrax.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine, radiographic imaging, material composition analysis, high energy physics, container inspection, mine detection and astronomy. The invention provides detection systems employing one or more detector modules (102) comprising edge-on scintillator detectors (101) with sub-aperture resolution (SAR) capability employed, e.g., in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy. The invention also provides edge-on imaging probe detectors for use in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, or for use in nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a human subject as a candidate for further prostate cancer or melanoma examination are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for determining whether an immune therapy has elicited a tumor-specific immune response in a prostate cancer or melanoma patient. Further disclosed are kits that can be used to practice the above methods. Methods for identifying candidate compounds for further testing as preventive or therapeutic agents for melanoma are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor is provided, which includes a plurality of conducting elements spaced apart from each other and at least one deformable electrolyte bridge contacting each of the conducting elements at one or more contact points having an aggregate contact area. Upon formation of an ionic circuit between two of the conducting elements, a first resistivity between the two conducting element exists. Upon application of a compressive force on the at least one deformable electrolyte bridge directed toward at least one of the conducting elements, the aggregate contact area increases such that a second resistivity between the two conducting elements exists.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fast handover system and a method thereof. The fast handover method can include: allowing a mobile node (MN) to transmit a handover information message to a previous mobile access gateway (PMAG); allowing the PMAG to transmit a fast proxy binding update (FPBU) message to a local mobility anchor (LMA) on the basis of the handover information message received from the MN; allowing the LMA to transmit a handover initiation (HI) message including MN-ID and proxy-care-of address (CoA) of the PMAG to a new MAG (NMAG); transmitting a position update message to the NMAG if the MN is attached to a target BS that is connected to the NMAG; and allowing the NMAG to deliver a buffered packet to the MN.

Abstract: Articles having a first substance, naturally having a first crystalline structure, confined between surfaces of a second substance having a second crystalline structure, whereby the first substance has a third (unusual) crystalline structure different from said first crystalline structure and methods of making same. Substances having unusual crystalline structures and methods of making same.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device of a composite material that includes at least two emissive polymers confined into a layered inorganic host matrix, which effectively isolates the polymer chains from their neighbors, and a method for manufacturing same. The isolation of the emitting chains inhibits energy transfer and exciton diffusion between polymer chains, such that the electrically generated excitons recombine radiatively before their energy could be funneled to the emissive moiety with the lowest band gap. The emission color of such a composite is a combination of the emission of the confined polymers, and can be either white light, or can be tuned by selection of the ratio of the mixtures to output light of any desired color. The different polymers can either be mixed and then intercalated into the host matrix, or they can each be intercalated separately into the host matrix and the resulting composites mixed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of hawthorn, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, which is characterized by unique undulate leaf margins with small leaf margins; petite petals, with both length and width being small; overall plant height and width resulting in a small and wide appearance; relatively few stamens; relatively early full bloom date; and relatively slow growth.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in identifying calcification (e.g., coronary calcification or soft tissue calcification) in mammals and assessing thrombotic risk in mammals. For example, methods and materials involved in using microvesicles as a marker to determine whether or not a mammal (e.g., a human) has calcification or an elevated risk of thrombosis are provided. In addition, methods and materials for determining the amount and source of microvesicles are provided.

Abstract: The present invention purposes to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that minimizes the error rate in a manufacturing process thereof, disperses weight by separating an enlarged hollow fiber membrane module into a plurality of small modules, and provides a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention includes a central water tube having a plurality of inlets formed in the circumferential direction thereof, a central air tube provided in the central water tube, a plurality of housings longitudinally provided in the circumferential direction of the central water tube, a hollow fiber membrane provided in the respective housing and in which water is treated by difference of pressure, a fixing part fixing the lower part of the hollow fiber membrane to the housing, and a collector provided in the lower part of the housing, a plurality of small modules being provided in the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required.

Abstract: As a promising clean fuel for vehicles, hydrogen can be used for propulsion, either directly or in fuel cells. Hydrogen storage compositions having high storage capacity, good dehydrogenation kinetics, and hydrogen release and uptake reactions which are reversible are disclosed and described. Generally a hydrogen storage composition of a metal aluminum hexahydride and a metal amide can be used. A combined system (Li3AlH6/3LiNH2) with a very high inherent hydrogen capacity (7.3 wt %) can be carried out at moderate temperatures, and with approximately 95% of that inherent hydrogen storage capacity (7.0%) is reversible over repeated cycling of release and uptake.

Abstract: A fan system includes a rotor supported for rotation about a fan axis. The rotor has a central hub and a plurality of blades each extending outwardly from the hub to a tip. The rotor blades define a rotor plane perpendicular to the fan axis. A first acoustic resonator has an opening disposed on a first side of the rotor plane and a second acoustic resonator has an opening disposed on a second side of the rotor plane. The acoustic resonators are configured to provide a dipole resonator system operable to at least partially reduce a blade pass frequency tone in an upstream and a downstream direction simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging (incorporation) signal for influenza virus vectors, and methods of using the signal to transmit and maintain influenza viral and foreign nucleic acid in virus and cells.