Abstract: A multifunctional interaction system which is capable of spatio-temporal context localization of users and of communication of audio/video streams to an entity of interest defined by the user, includes a communication domain supporting a predefined localization service, a server associated with the communication domain, client devices, and a dynamically changing context database which is customized in accord with the dynamics of interaction sessions of client devices with the server. The client communicates with the system to either request services therefrom or to send a message to the entity of interest. The system is provided with a panic alert mechanism which, upon actuation, transmits an audio/video data stream along with the client location tag, time stamp, and client ID, to a police precinct for prompt action.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: A method for preventing or delaying the onset of autoimmune diseases is disclosed.

Abstract: Inhibitors that block the DC-SIGN mediated transmission of the HIV-virus from mucosal infection sites to T-lymphocytes. In one embodiment, the inhibitors include at least one oligosaccharide chain attached to a scaffolding framework in which the number of the oligosaccharide chains attached to the scaffold can be 2, 3, 4 or more. In another embodiment, HIV-I viral infection is treated by administration of a composition including a therapeutically effective amount of an oligosaccharide cluster and/or oligosaccharide/protein cluster binding DC-SIGN, to inhibit DC-SIGN from binding to HIV envelope glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying or assessing probabilities for developing an abnormal condition in subject and for the recurrence of the abnormal condition in the subject after receiving treatment. The method comprises determining the methylation status of at least one gene in the subject and comparing this methylation status to normal methylation status. Differences between the methylation status of the one or more genes is indicative of the subject developing an abnormal condition or for the recurrence of the abnormal conditions after receiving treatment.

Abstract: An actuator cell includes a supply chamber containing fluid, and an expansion chamber for receiving fluid from the supply chamber, and being expandable to deform a predetermined area of the actuator cell. The actuator cell further includes a channel providing a fluid flow passage between the supply and expansion chambers, and a compliant material substantially surrounding the supply chamber, the expansion chamber and/or the channel. An electric circuit applies an electric field adjacent the supply and expansion chambers, and thereby causes fluid flow from the supply to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are scaffolded maleimide clusters, methods of making said clusters and use of said clusters as templates for multivalent peptide assembly. Multiple maleimide functionalities were introduced onto a scaffold molecule by the reaction of a core-centered polyamines with methoxycarbonylmaleimide or with activated esters of maleimide-containing compounds. The scaffolded maleimides allow rapid, highly chemoselective, and high-yield ligation with thiolcontaining peptides under virtually neutral conditions at room temperature. The disclosed mild and highly efficient ligation method is extremely valuable for synthesizing large and complex multivalent peptides that may not be easily obtained by conventional ligation methods. These novel scaffolded maleimide clusters allow a highly chemoselective ligation with a thiolcontaining peptide under virtually neutral conditions, providing a new and efficient approach for multivalent peptide assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for upregulating IL-10 production in a stimulated cell. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying ERK activating agents capable of activating and amplifying the ERK MAPK pathway in a cell. Such ERK activating agents are capable of upregulating the production of IL-10 in stimulated cells. In another aspect, the invention provides ERK activating agents identified by the screening methods of the invention. Methods are also provided for preventing and treating inflammation in a susceptible patient by administering to the patient, a therapeutically effective amount of an ERK activating agent identified in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A data communication resource allocation for OFDMA based wireless systems supporting heterogeneous traffic is provided by allocating the rates to users subject to power/bandwidth constraints, according to a user selection metric and rate allocation based on traffic requirements and channel conditions. Thus, a proportionally fair rate allocation with minimum rate constraint to data sessions and short term rate guarantees to real-time sessions can be provided.

Abstract: The Breast Cancer Resistance Protein is described, as well as the cDNA encoding said protein. This protein has been found to confer resistance to cancer chemotherapeutic drugs.

Abstract: Compounds are described which modulate the tzrosine kinase activity of p56lck and signal transduction pathways in which this enzyme is involved. The invention also relates to compounds which have immunomodulatory activity, e.g., which have immunosuppressant or immunostimulatory activity, and/or which have an antineoplastic effect. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of using them. Compounds are described which modulate the tyrosine kinase activity of p56.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient allylic oxidation of organic molecules, especially olefins and steroids, under aqueous conditions. The invention concerns the use of dirhodium (II,II) “paddlewheel complexes, and in particular, dirhodium carboximate and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as catalysts for the reaction. The use of aqueous conditions is particularly advantageous in the allylic oxidation of 7-keto steroids, which could not be effectively oxidized using anhydrous methods, and in extending allylic oxidation to enamides and enol ethers.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device is provided that includes a damper assembly having inner and outer concentric tubes and a piston movable within the inner tube. The damper assembly is configured to form bi-fold valve-type cavities to operatively connect an inner chamber of the inner tube with an outer chamber formed between the inner and outer tubes. A magnetorheological fluid fills the chambers and the bi-fold valve-type cavities. The magnetorheological fluid preferably contains coated magnetic particles at about 10 to 60 percent by volume. Electrical coils adjacent the bi-fold valves are selectively energizable to such that the energy absorbing device provides a tunable damping force, preferably over the entire range of velocities of the piston, especially in automotive applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel avian pneumovirus strain Colorado (APV/CO) genes and intergenic sequences. Also disclosed are methods of making recombinant avian pneumovirus and live-attenuated APV/CO. Further disclosed are methods of diagnosing avian pneumovirus.

Abstract: Peptide antagonists of zonulin are disclosed, as well as methods for the use of the same. The peptide antagonists bind to the zonula occludens receptor, yet do not physiologically modulate the opening of mammalian tight junctions.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a biological interaction comprising administering a substrate comprising a ligand attached to the substrate wherein the ligand binds to a receptor and wherein a signal is produced. Also disclosed is a biosensor comprising a substrate and a ligand wherein the ligand is attached to the surface of the substrate and wherein the ligand preferentially binds to a receptor.

Abstract: Novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are provided. In particular, Aap and the five gene cluster (aat) of the AA probe region of the pAA plasmid of EAEC 042 have been identified, sequenced, and further characterized. The use of these novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of EAEC infections is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-chip processor/memory arrangement replacing a large computer chip, includes a number of modules each including processing elements, registers, and/or memories interconnected by an optical interconnection fabric providing an all-to-all interconnection between the chips, so that the memory cells on each chip represent a portion of shared memory. The optical interconnect fabric is responsible for transporting data between the chips while processing elements on each chip dominate processing. Each chip is manufactured in mass production so that the entire processor/memory arrangement is fabricated in an inexpensive and simplified technology process. The optical communication fabric is based on waveguide technology and includes a number of waveguides, the layout of which follows certain constraints. The waveguides can intersect each other in the single plane, or alternatively, a double layer of waveguide structures and bent over approach may be used.

Abstract: An audio signal (172) representative of an acoustic signal is provided to an auditory model (105). The auditory model (105) produces a high-dimensional feature set based on physiological responses, as simulated by the auditory model (105), to the acoustic signal. A multidimensional analyzer (106) orthogonalizes and truncates the feature set based on contributions by components of the orthogonal set to a cortical representation of the acoustic signal. The truncated feature set is then provided to classifier (108), where a predetermined sound is discriminated from the acoustic signal.

Abstract: Novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are provided. In particular, Aap and the five gene cluster (aat) of the AA probe region of the pAA plasmid of EAEC 042 have been identified, sequenced, and further characterized. The use of these novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of EAEC infections is also provided.