Abstract: Apparatus for outputting a sequence of vectors includes a first storage that stores vector x having a dimension of at least 1. A first calculator calculates vector function x?=f(x) which utilizes a first rational vector map f to which the stored vector x is input. A second storage stores vector y having a dimension of at least 1. A second calculator calculates vector function y?=g(x, y) which utilizes a second rational vector map g to which the stored vectors x and y are input. An output outputs vector z? which is an association of the resultant vectors x? and y?. A first update updates the first storage by storing the resultant vector x? and a second update updates the second storage by storing the resultant vector y?.

Abstract: A direct backlight module is disclosed, which comprises: a frame; at least a light source, being arranged in the frame; a diffuser, being disposed over the frame; and at least an optical film, being disposed over the diffuser, comprising a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein a diffusion unit and a collimation unit are formed on the top surface while using the diffusion unit for diffusing light incident to the bottom surface and the collimation unit for collimating light incident to the bottom surface. The direct backlight module of the invention is capable of enhancing luminous efficiency, and further, it has a comparatively simple structure so that the manufacturing cost of the optical film can be reduced.

Abstract: A porous inorganic membrane comprises at least one inorganic phase having separating properties. Said membrane has a carbon content representing 0.05% to 25% by weight with respect to the mass of said inorganic phase and is selective to non-condensable gases. It is obtained by means of a selectivation treatment of a porous carbon-free inorganic membrane using a hydrocarbon feed. It is used in processes for separating non-condensable molecules such as hydrogen, and in association with a catalyst in a catalytic membrane reactor.

Abstract: Methods for screening for neurological disorders are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed for screening for neurological disorders in a subject by analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject for the presence of elevated levels of neurotoxic amino acids or neurotoxic derivatives thereof associated with neurological disorders. In particular, methods are disclosed for diagnosing a neurological disorder in a subject, or predicting the likelihood of developing a neurological disorder in a subject, by determining the levels of ?-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a tissue sample obtained from the subject. Methods for screening for environmental factors associated with neurological disorders are disclosed. Methods for inhibiting, treating or preventing neurological disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for driving an actuator. The method includes applying an electrical potential across an electrostrictive material relative to a counterelectrode disposed within an electrolyte, thereby creating a double layer potential across a region of enhanced ionic concentration. A current flowing between the electorostrictive material and the counterelectrode is measured. A portion of the applied potential appearing across the electrolyte and counterelectrode is calculated and subtracted from the applied potential to obtain an estimated double layer potential. The applied electrical potential is adjusted to obtain a specified double layer potential.

Abstract: A beam splitter includes a substrate. A thin film layer stack is formed on the substrate to achieve the same group delay dispersion (GDD) for both reflection and transmission from any input port and output port of said beam splitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inferring a plant organ, in which a certain gene is to be expressed, using a part of a base sequence, a method for searching for a gene which is to be expressed at a desired site, and a composition, kit, system and program for carrying out these methods. The present invention also relates to a method for inferring a plant organ, in which a plant gene is to be expressed, based on information about the presence or absence of a base sequence which is highly similar to a transposable element in the vicinity of a protein coding region of a plant gene.

Abstract: Relative and controlled sealing between a pipe (1) and a ceramic tube (7) utilizes a cylindrical chamber (5) that is attached in a sealed manner to the pipe (1), and to one end of the ceramic tube that is placed inside the chamber. At least two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) are placed in an annular space between the ceramic tube and the chamber. A crosspiece (4) is interposed between the two sets sealing of fixtures (3, 3?). A metal mating flange (6) is pressed against a compression ring (4?) to compress the sealing fixtures (3, 3?). Injection of a fluid (8) between the two sets of sealing fixtures (3, 3?) applies a pressure differential that is determined on each of the fixtures.

Abstract: A composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate layer that includes a powder having a Tamman temperature higher than the Tamman temperature of the porous metal substrate and wherein the intermediate layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense hydrogen-selective membrane, wherein the dense hydrogen-selective membrane overlies the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, a composite gas separation module includes a porous metal substrate; an intermediate powder layer; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the intermediate powder layer.

Abstract: A device for dissecting an object, such as a cell colony includes a handle and an incision knife module that can dissociate the colony into several colony pieces. In accordance with features of the invention, users can use this dissecting device to cut an object into several pieces quickly and smoothly at a time.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a novel ?-glucosidase and a gene that codes for the enzyme, and to develop a technique of utilizing the ?-glucosidase or a composition that contains the enzyme for processing plants or plant-derived substances. According to the invention, there are provided a novel enzyme showing a ?-glucosidase activity and derived from filamentous fungi of the genus Acremonium, a gene that codes for the enzyme, a method of using the gene for expressing ?-glucosidase, an enzyme composition that contains ?-glucosidase, and a method of processing plants or plant-derived substances with the enzyme or the enzyme compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for synthesis of IV–VI nanostructures, and thermoelectric compositions formed of such structures. In one aspect, the method includes forming a solution of a Group IV reagent, a Group VI reagent and a surfactant. A reducing agent can be added to the solution, and the resultant solution can be maintained at an elevated temperature, e.g., in a range of about 20° C. to about 360° C., for a duration sufficient for generating nanoparticles as binary alloys of the IV–VI elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that provides a semiconductor device having improved channel mobility includes a process of forming a gate insulation film of silicon oxide film, silicon nitride film or silicon oxide nitride film or the like on a silicon oxide substrate, and following formation of the gate insulation film on the silicon oxide substrate with heat treatment for a given time at a temperature range of 900° C. to 1000° C. in an atmosphere containing not less than 25% H2O (water).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating cytokine signaling and agents useful for same. The method of the present invention is predicated in part on the identification of the molecular target of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) interaction in controlling cytokine signaling. The identification of the molecular target permits the development of assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists useful in modulating cytokine function. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays and more particularly high through-put screening assays for agonists and antagonists of SOCS-receptor interaction. Such agonists and antagonists are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for controlling cytokine signaling. Control of cytokine signaling is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders and any other conditions involving aberrations of signal transduction.

Abstract: In the inter-working method of wireless Internet (gateways) according to the present invention described above, DIAMETER which is the first version of the IETF-RFC standard of mobile IP application is applied to the application scenario based on wireless Internet gateway of a home network, not on FA or HA of Mobile IP. After all mobile communication providers connect to wireless Internet, subscribers are not bounded to the network of their mobile communication provider and have the freedom to select any external wireless Internet portal site and use the service of it. Such a wireless Internet connection method will make wireless Internet contents popular in the open wireless network epoch and provide wireless Internet contents providers with an excellent chance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a forward channel configuring method in an OFDMA FDD system. The method comprises: classifying the cells into a specific number of patterns based on location relations of the respective cells; allowing the respective base stations of the cells having different classified patterns to transmit control information to the mobile station at different times within a period of the forward channel, and allowing the respective base stations of the cells having the same classified patterns to transmit control information to the mobile station at the same time; and allowing the respective base stations to transmit traffic data to the mobile station irrespective of the classified patterns when the control information is transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over multiple frequency bands include a driven antenna element and a parasitic element communicatively coupled to the driven antenna element, the parasitic element including at least a first and a second conductive section. The parasitic element can include two or more conductive sections, and the sections can be coupled using a connector (e.g., switching element or trap). Further, some driven antenna elements may be associated with two or more parasitic elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pre-concentrating gaseous vapors for analysis. The invention finds application in conjunction with, e.g., analytical instruments where low detection limits for gaseous vapors are desirable. Vapors sorbed and concentrated within the bed of the apparatus can be thermally desorbed achieving at least partial separation of vapor mixtures. The apparatus is suitable, e.g., for preconcentration and sample injection, and provides greater resolution of peaks for vapors within vapor mixtures, yielding detection levels that are 10-10,000 times better than for direct sampling and analysis systems. Features are particularly useful for continuous unattended monitoring applications.

Abstract: The invention provides caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-containing polypeptides, CARD, NB-ARC, ANGIO-R, LRR and SAM domains therefrom, as well as encoding nucleic acid molecules and specific antibodies. The invention also provides related screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Various phenylamine derivatives are described as well as the use of compounds to inhibit BID protein for controlling apoptotic cascade.