Abstract: Oligonucleotides containing unthylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response in a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapies for treating diseases associated with immune system activation that are initiated by unthylated CpG dinucleotides in a subject comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides that do not contain unmethylated CpG sequences (i.e. methylated CpG sequences or no CpG sequence) to outcompete unmethylated CpG nucleic acids for binding. Further disclosed are methylated CpG containing dinucleotides for use antisense therapies or as in vivo hybridization probes, and immunoinhibitory oligonucleotides for use as antiviral therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of simultaneously conducting more than one step of a radiofrequency phase cycle in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment. The method first involves providing a sample. Next, one or more radiofrequency pulses are applied to a plurality of spatially discrete slices of the sample under conditions effective to simultaneously conduct more than one step of a radiofrequency phase cycle in a single transient. Then, NMR signals generated from the step of applying the radiofrequency pulses are acquired. Finally, the NMR signals are processed to obtain an NMR spectrum.

Abstract: A computer-based simulation system of modeling crowd behavior is provided. The system includes a cognition module based upon a model of cognitive elements representative of a crowd. The system also includes a physical-action module for modeling the context and action attributes of a crowd. The system further includes an application program interface (API) comprising a set of computer-implemented functions for running the cognition module in conjunction with the physical-action module in a pre-selected computing environment.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides containing unthylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response in a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapies for treating diseases associated with immune system activation that are initiated by unthylated CpG dinucleotides in a subject comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides that do not contain unmethylated CpG sequences (i.e. methylated CpG sequences or no CpG sequence) to outcompete unmethylated CpG nucleic acids for binding. Further disclosed are methylated CpG containing dinucleotides for use antisense therapies or as in vivo hybridization probes, and immunoinhibitory oligonucleotides for use as antiviral therapeutics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a vertical handoff for a node supporting a WLAN and an IEEE 802.16 communication system are provided. Reception of a handoff request message from the node is monitored, an expected change in the total throughput of the WLAN in the case where the node is connected to the WLAN is calculated and compared with zero, and if the throughput change is equal to or greater than zero, the handoff request of the node is acknowledged and the node is handed off to the WLAN.

Abstract: This invention describes unique patterns of distribution of ganglioside GM1 in non-capacitated sperm and demonstrates that the pattern of distribution of GM1 undergoes changes that can be correlated with the process of capacitation and/or with acrosomal exocytosis. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a method for determining the ability of sperm to respond to capacitation and/or acrosomal exocytosis stimuli. The method comprises determination of distribution pattern for GM1. The method can be used for both diagnostic and predictive purposes when assessing male reproductive fitness, and can also be used to assess the effects on sperm of cryoprotective agents and protocols, and contraceptive agents.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic mice comprising tau transgenes, and methods of preparing and using the transgenic mice. For example, the invention provides a transgenic mouse, the genome of the cells of which stably comprise a DNA molecule which comprises a human genomic DNA sequence comprising a human tau promoter and which DNA sequence encodes human tau.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a composite material of an oxide crystal film and a substrate by forming a Y123 type oxide crystal film from a solution phase on a substrate using a liquid phase method, wherein problems such as cracking of the oxide crystal film, separation of the oxide crystal film from the substrate, and development of a reaction layer between the substrate and the solution can be minimized. The solvent for forming the solution phase uses either a BaO—CuO—BaF2 system or a BaO—CuO—Ag—BaF2 system, and when the substrate with a seed crystal film bonded to the surface is brought in contact with the solution to form (grow) the oxide crystal film on the substrate, the temperature of the solution is controlled to a temperature of no more than 850° C.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new fluorescent and/or colored proteins, and polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. The subject invention further provides materials and methods useful for expressing these detectable proteins in biological systems.

Abstract: A sigmoid notch resurfacing prosthesis for application to the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. The sigmoid notch prosthesis generally includes a saddle and a radius portion for attachment to the distal radius. The saddle may be formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or another durable self-lubricating material. The saddle includes an at least partially concave contoured depression having rounded edges that is securable to the radius portion. The saddle may be secured by a sliding notch snap fit design. The prosthesis may be adapted for articulation with the natural head of the ulna or with an ulnar head prosthesis that has replaced the ulnar head.

Abstract: A novel terthiophene-3-carboxylic acid compound is disclosed that a functionalized conductive terthiophene polymer having carboxylic groups produced in an electrochemical method using the compound as a monomer and a novel process for detecting DNA hybridization through impedance measurement using the polymer. In addition, a method for manufacturing a probe DNA used in the process for detecting DNA hybridization is provided. Since the process can detect DNA hybridization using impedance change, without the use of any indicator, small-sized sensor systems which measure impedance in a particular frequency range can be fabricated. The systems are applicable to portable sensors for identifying DNA sequence hybridization for clinical examination and disease diagnosis. Further, the process has an excellent selectivity of complementary sequences to mismatched sequences.

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1-/2-substituted-1H/-2H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-g]phthalazine-4,9-dione compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, a process for preparing the compounds and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds. The compounds are shown to effectively inhibit cell proliferation and are thus expected to be used for treatment or prevention or treatment of various cancers or as an ancillary(auxiliary) means of the same.

Abstract: A system for electronically disinfecting air includes a first electrode, at least a second electrode, the first and second electrode being spaced apart from one another. The surfaces of the first or second electrode include a semiconductor or a dielectric layer having a thickness of at least 10 angstroms disposed thereon. An electrical power supply is connected between the first and said second electrode, wherein pollutants in air to be disinfected are destroyed by exposure of the air to surfaces of the first or second electrode.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having antibacterial activity, which nucleic acid sequence has the nucleotide sequence of Bases 198 to 452 of Seq. ID No. 13 or is a nucleic acid that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a complement of a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence of Bases 198 to 452 of Seq. ID No. 13, and the polypeptide encoded thereby.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparati for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises dispersion of a metal catalyst in a liquid hydrocarbon to form a feed solution, and volatilizing the feed solution in a reactor through which a substrate is continuously passed to allow growth of nanotubes thereon. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a reactor, a tube-within-a-tube injector, and a conveyor belt for passing a substrate through the reactor. The present invention further discloses a method for restricting the external diameter of carbon nanotubes produced thereby comprising passing the feed solution through injector tubing of a specified diameter, followed by passing the feed solution through an inert, porous medium. The method and apparati of this invention provide a means for producing aligned carbon nanotubes of a particular external diameter which is suitable for large scale production in an industrial setting.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor assembly has a central carrier with a first side and a second side. At least two wear surfaces are releasably secured to the first side and at least two wear surfaces are releasably secured to the second side. A locking mechanism disposed within the central carrier selectively engages and releases the wear surfaces.

Abstract: A method for managing static data traffic of at least one light path in an optical network, comprising the steps of achieving load balanced path routing for the at least one light path, assigning wavelengths to demands of the at least one light path, and, switching the at least one light path according to its assigned wavelength. A method for managing dynamic data traffic of at least one light path in an optical network, comprising the steps of routing the K-shortest path, which has the largest interference length (L), and, assigning waveband with a First-Fit network topology based on band/port number restriction and minimum weight.

Abstract: A multi-leaflet valve adapted to serve as a prosthesis for diseased native valve of a mammal is constructed of biologic membrane or of biocompatible synthetic membrane. The valve has the shape of a truncated cone that has an inflow and an outflow orifice with leaflets forming the outflow orifice and forming a plurality of commissures. A first flexible stent is removably affixed in a substantially circular fashion around the truncated cone in proximity of the inflow orifice, and a second flexible stent is removably affixed at the location of the commissures to form a circle around the truncated cone in proximity of the outflow orifice. The stents maintain the shape of the valve during the surgical implantation procedure. Each stent independently can be left in the valve or can be removed during the implantation procedure based upon the judgement of the cardiac surgeon performing the implantation procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.