Abstract: An optical nose for detecting the presence of molecular contaminants in gaseous samples utilizes a tunable seed laser output in conjunction with a pulsed reference laser output to generate a mid-range IR laser output in the 2 to 20 micrometer range for use as a discriminating light source in a photo-acoustic gas analyzer.

Abstract: An electroluminescent material slot waveguide generates light in response to current injection. In one embodiment, the waveguide is formed as part of an optical resonator, such as ring resonator waveguide or distributed Bragg reflector with an anode and cathode for electrical stimulation. A compact, electrically-driven resonant cavity light emitting devices (RCLED) for Si microphotonics may be formed. Several different rare-earth ions, such as erbium, terbium and ytterbium, can be used to dope SiO2 in order to emit light at different wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention provides an X-ray crystal structure of the 30S ribosome, obtained from Thermus thermophilus 30S subunit, having a tetragonal space group P41212 with unit cell dimensions of a=401.4±4.0 ?, b=401.4±4.0 ?, c=175.9±5.0 ?. An advantageous feature of the structure is that it diffracts beyond 3 ? resolution. The invention also provides a crystal of 30S having the three dimensional atomic coordinates of the 30S ribosome, the coordinates being provided in Tables 1A and 1B. The data may be used for the rational design and modelling of inhibitors for the 30S ribosome, which have potential use as antibiotics.

Abstract: Novel chimeric nucleic acids, encoding chimeric Borrelia proteins comprising OspC or an antigenic fragment thereof and OspA or an antigenic fragment thereof, are disclosed. Chimeric proteins encoded by the nucleic acid sequences are also disclosed. The chimeric proteins are useful as vaccine immunogens against Lyme borreliosis, as well as for immunodiagnostic reagents.

Abstract: A process for sequestering carbon dioxide, which includes reacting a silicate based material with an acid to form a suspension, and combining the suspension with carbon dioxide to create active carbonation of the silicate-based material, and thereafter producing a metal salt, silica and regenerating the acid in the liquid phase of the suspension.

Abstract: Novel methods, compositions, and devices for achieving optimal cooling of living cells during cryopreservation are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises gradually cooling the cell to a first predetermined temperature, followed by rapidly cooling the cell to a second predetermined temperature. In another aspect, a device is described for achieving a desired cooling rate for a cell, comprising a first container for holding a cell, a second container for holding the first container, and optionally a frame for holding the first container in a spaced apart relationship with the second container. The method of the invention comprises placing cells into the first container, placing the first container in the second container and sealing the second container, and placing the second container in a suitable cooling device. In yet another aspect, novel cryoprotectant compositions are provided comprising conventional cryoprotectant plus one or more high molecular weight cryoprotectants.

Abstract: A system and method for installing aggregate piers is provided. A cylindrical hollow mandrel is driven to a desired depth. Aggregate is fed through the mandrel in steps. The mandrel is raised and driven to tamp the aggregate. Physical members in a tamping head of the mandrel allow aggregate to remain in a cavity formed by the mandrel, and prevent aggregate from entering the mandrel during driving.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing memory in animals, including humans by the administration of an effective amount of an atypical form of protein kinase C such as protein kinase M zeta (PKM?) or protein kinase C iota/lambda.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds having the following general formula (I): wherein X, R1, R2, R7 and Z are as described herein.

Abstract: A process of detection of the causative agent of Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) (MAP) by detecting shedding of surface protein of MAP. A preferred way is use of surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The system of detecting MAP shedding of protein provides early detection and diagnosis, and therefore allows early treatment for Johne's disease in ruminant animals.

Abstract: Provided are a lossless audio coding/decoding apparatus and method. The lossless audio coding apparatus includes a first coder to directly code first symbols; a second coder module comprising a plurality of second coders to convert the first symbols into second symbols and to code the second symbols; a first selector to compare the performance of the first coder to the performance of the second coders and to output a coding mode in accordance with a comparison result; and a second selector to output a final bitstream by coding the first symbols in correspondence with the coding mode. According to the present invention, the performance of audio coding may be improved.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for a liquid crystal display panel having a first substrate with a color filter, an over-coating and a common electrode. The second substrate includes an insulating layer surface facing the first substrate, a pixel electrode, a plurality of common and pixel domain guides formed on the common and the pixel electrodes, a plurality of electric shields on one of the common or pixel electrodes and a liquid crystal layer vertically aligned between the first and second substrates. The panel also includes a drive circuit for applying a voltage to generate an electric field to control liquid crystal molecule orientation corresponding to the plurality of domain guides and electric shields to form a multi-domain liquid crystal display panel device. The plural domain guides are either protrusions or slits formed in the common electrode and the pixel electrode to form the multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing a subject suffering a pathological condition characterized by parvovirus infection by detecting the presence of IgE anti-Parvovirus B 19 antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for detecting and modulating the expression and activity of REX-1. As described herein, REX-1 is expressed in certain cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. The invention also provides methods for detecting and/or treating cancer.

Abstract: The synthesis of the naturally occurring kaempferol glycoside SLO1O1-1, as well as analogs thereof, has been accomplished, as has its biochemical evaluation. SLO1O1-1 exhibits selective and potent p90 Rsk inhibitory activity at nanomolar concentrations without inhibiting the function of upstream kinases such as MEK, Raf, or PKC. The synthetic scheme of the invention verified the structural assignment of the natural product and has provided access to material sufficient for detailed biological evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined anaerobic process apparatus for treating organic wastes, comprising: a first solid-liquid separator to separate organic wastes into liquid wastes and solid wastes; an acid-forming tank to decompose the liquid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator using acid-forming microorganisms; a USAB reactor to decompose the liquid wastes discharged from the acid-forming tank using anaerobic microorganisms; a crushing tank to crush the solid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator finely; a mixing tank to mix solid wastes crushed through the crushing tank with microorganisms; and a dry-anaerobic tank to dry solid wastes mixed with microorganisms through the mixing tank, in an anaerobic manner.

Abstract: The disclosed system uses seismic signaling to locate survivors in a mine collapse. A separate transmitter with a specific pre-selected frequency or frequencies is placed in pre-positioned safety zones of a mine. The system generates frequency-locked, unmodulated seismic energy, which allows rescuers to identify the safety zone where a transmitter is activated. The transmitter comprises an oscillator that generates the signal. The oscillator drives the transducer. The transducer causes the inertial mass to move. The movement of the inertial mass generates the seismic waves, which are conducted through the pressure plate to the earth. The seismic signal is detected then amplified, filtered, converted and then processed. The use of a continuous signal enables the processing unit to identify the frequency of the signal with a very low error rate, using frequency content identification. The disclosure also describes a method for transmitting seismic waves through the earth using the above described system.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying a molecule in a sample, the molecule comprising an electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety. The method comprises contacting the sample with a plurality of chemosensors, each of the chemosensors comprising a ?-conjugated system and a moiety having a nucleophilic property or an electrophilic property; and measuring an electromagnetic property of each of the chemosensors in the sample; whereby the pattern of changes in the electromagnetic properties of the plurality of chemosensors after chemically reacting with the electrophile or nucleophile of the molecule identifies the molecule in said sample.

Abstract: A new apple variety distinguished by the following unique combination of characteristics: It is field-immune to apple scab disease, has good resistance to the bacterial disease fire blight, and moderate resistance to the fungal disease powdery mildew. This new apple is relatively late ripening. It has medium-large fruit size, red colored fruit, with excellent flavor (full favored, fruity, sweet, mild-subacid). The fruit hangs well on the tree, even after ripening. The tree is highly productive on an annual basis.