Abstract: An interleaver and method of interleaving operate on data represented in a sequence of symbols to produce an interleaved sequence of symbols. The interleaver performs intra-block and inter-block permutations on the sequence of symbols. An encoder and method of encoding operate on data represented in a source sequence of symbols. The source sequence of symbols is encoded into a first sequence of codewords and interleaved using intra-block and inter-block permutations to produce a sequence of interleaved symbols. The sequence of interleaved symbols is encoded into a second sequence of codewords. A decoder and method of decoding operate on data represented in a sequence of received symbols. The sequence of received symbols comprises a formatted copy of the source sequence of symbols and the first and the second sequence of codewords.

Abstract: A Lewis acid catalyst composition comprising a specific mixed medium and a Lewis acid catalyst, wherein the Lewis acid catalyst is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds respectively represented by the following formulae (1) and (2): [(Rf1SO2)(Rf2SO2)N]nM,??(1) and [(Rf1SO2)(Rf2SO2)(Rf3SO2)C]nM. ??(2) A method for continuously performing a reaction which proceeds in the presence of the above-mentioned Lewis acid catalyst by using a specific mixed medium and the above-mentioned Lewis acid catalyst. A novel Lewis acid catalyst.

Abstract: Isolated peptide fragments of the conserved regulatory domain of NFAT protein capable of inhibiting protein—protein interaction between calcineurin and NFAT, or a biologically active analog thereof are described. Isolated polynucleotides and gene therapy vectors encoding such peptide fragments are also described. In addition, methods for treating immune-related diseases or conditions and methods for high throughput screening of candidate agents are described. Pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products for characterizing and using polysaccharides. Low molecular weight heparin products and methods of use are described. Methods for characterizing purity and activity of polysaccharide preparations including glycosaminoglycans such as heparin are also described.

Abstract: An efficient snapshot technique based on a mapping for a large logical volume shared in multiple hosts. According to the present invention, problems of time delays in a conventional snapshot technique is solved by employing a FAB and an SSB, which are bits representing whether a COW operation is carried out to a mapping entry. In other words, the present invention solves the problems of delaying a write operation of corresponding volume, which is simultaneously executed when a snapshot is created, until the snapshot creation is completed.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for improving intra- and inter-cultural communications by having people of one or more cultures develop and build a symbolic vocabulary of what is salient in their work and their lives. Through successive stages of formations that select and arrange building elements into models having one or more symbols of the visual vocabulary. The symbolic vocabulary is developed by a method that includes the step of creating a collective model by a plurality of participants, the collective model having a collective symbol responsive to an assignment. The model creating step further includes, in the preferred embodiment, the steps of: (a) selecting and arranging a plurality of building elements into a model having a symbol responsive to the assignment; and (b) describing the symbol, discussing symbols and developing a vocabulary. Wherein the steps are performed successively by one or more formations of units of the plurality of participants.

Abstract: Multi-modal coils for coupling MRI RF signals from an anatomical region(s) to be imaged. The coil includes a segmented annular base ring conductor including a plurality of capacitances disposed between the segments, and at least one arcuate conductor symmetrically connected at each end to the base ring, one end terminating in direct contact with the base ring, the other end electrically connected to the base ring via two of the capacitive electrical connections. The RF coil is operable in multiple receiving modes in phase quadrature to establish a rotating magnetic field phasor orthogonal to the temporally constant uniform magnetic field of the magnetic resonance instrument. The RF coil can be combined with a second RF coil to simultaneously image two anatomical regions.

Abstract: A method of collision detection is provided that allows for virtual objects having arbitrary shapes to be simulated with six degrees of freedom. The collision detection method is capable of providing full body contact by detecting each intersection between a representation of a first virtual object and a representation of a second virtual object. The full-body contact may be provided as haptic rendering signals indicating the full-body contact between the two virtual objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a probe for detecting surface signals or chemical signals through a long and slender rod-shaped nano structure such as tungsten nanowire, carbon nanotube, boron nanotube, etc., being attached to a tip end portion thereof. According to the method, a holder, acting as the probe, including a first electrode to which the rod-shaped nano structure is attached, and a second electrode at a predetermined distance from the first electrode are partially or fully immersed in a solution containing the rod-shaped structure. When a voltage is applied between two electrodes, an electrical field is generated, and the rod-shaped nano structure is attached to the holder, acting as the probe.

Abstract: Low pressure sensing and imperviousness to corrosion and to the effects of harsh environments are achieved in a pressure sensor that employs a flexible membrane supporting piezoresistive elements. A plurality of piezoresistive elements are aligned substantially collinearly across one surface of the flexible membrane. Innermost piezoresistive elements are disposed in such a way that they experience tension in response to an applied pressure, whereas outermost piezoresistive elements are disposed in such a way that they experience compression in response to the same applied pressure. Contact pads for each end of each piezoresistive element allow the elements to be configured in any number of desirable arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, four piezoresistive elements are disposed along a main central axis of the membrane. The contacts of the elements are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge.

Abstract: A method and system for hydrogen production in which a feedstock of at least one biodegradable solid is introduced into a first stage anaerobic bioreactor and a liquid effluent formed. The liquid effluent is transferred into a second stage anaerobic bioreactor having a plurality of hollow semipermeable fibers having an outer surface coated with a biofilm formed by at least one hydrogenogenic bacteria, which forms hydrogen gas within the lumen of the hollow semipermeable fibers. The hydrogen thus produced is removed from the lumen of the hollow semipermeable fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic sensor capable of reproducing a magnetic record even if the size of a recorded magnetization is a minute one, directly reading a magnetization recorded on a magneto-optical disk without applying incident light itself to the magneto-optical disk, and obtaining signals of a second harmonic having a high S/N ratio. This magnetic sensor includes a magnetic sensor element (102) having electric polarization disposed with respect to a perpendicular recording medium (101), and laser generating means acting on the magnetic sensor element (102). The magnetic sensor reads information in the perpendicular recording medium (101) based on the variation of the rotation angle ? of the polarization plane of a second harmonic (105) of a frequency 2? exiting the magnetic sensor element (102) by the application of laser light (104) with a frequency ? from the laser generation means to the magnetic sensor element (102).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of immunomodulating therapy and pharmaceutical compositions useful for same. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of ameliorating the effects of autoimmune conditions. Even more particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for preventing, delaying onset of or otherwise ameliorating the effects of insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus (IDDM) by administering a cell wall subunit or a chemical or functional equivalent thereof from Mycobacterium or a related organism or other suitable biological source.

Abstract: A portable slit-lamp apparatus, including a body (11) able to be held in the hand of an operator and a solid state lamp means (55) and associated optics (52) carried by the body for generating a narrow beam of light and projecting the beam onto the cornea of a patient s eye for reflection by structures of the eye, when the body is held at a suitable position in front of the eye. Means (22) is mounted in cooperation with the body and the solid state lamp means to detect a reflection of the narrow beam of light by structures of the eye and to make an image thereof, which image is, or is processable to provide, a digital record of the reflection.

Abstract: Disclosed are a spin injection device applicable as a memory and a logical device using a spin valve effect obtained by injecting a carrier spin-polarized from a ferromagnet into a semiconductor at an ordinary temperature, and a spin-polarized field effect transistor.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode inward rectifier, G-protein activated, mammalian, potassium KGA channel. This invention also provides a nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with the above nucleic acid molecule. This invention further provides a vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode inward rectifier, G-protein activated, mammalian, potassium KGA channel. This invention provides a host vector system for the production of a polypeptide having the biological activity of KGA channel which comprises the above vector in a suitable host.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolates DNA molecules encoding a protein for papaya fruit ripening, DNA constructs, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising the DNA molecules. The invention also relates to methods to promoting or relaying the fruit ripening of papaya plants through transformation of papaya with DNA construct containing the DNA molecules.

Abstract: There are disclosed a novel microorganism Serratia marcescens strain and a prodigiosin isolated from the microorganism. The prodigiosin is useful as an immunosuppressive in various fields, including the treatment of the diseases requiring immunosuppression and the basic research for the diseases, the transplantation of the organs or tissues, and the immune cells.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-stage biofilter reactor system for removing nitrogenous compounds from a recirculating aquaculture system. The system includes a aerobic nitrification unit and a downstream anaerobic denitrification unit, wherein both units have a mobile bed of suspended media whereon bacteria can grow and reduce nitrate and/or ammonia levels in the recirculating aquaculture system. Use of the two-stage system has the advantage of reducing the water exchange rates and consumption of salt when maintaining a saline effluent.