Abstract: The invention provides novel reagents and methodologies for detecting free versus bound compounds. It is particularly useful to detect thrombin when it is not bound to A2M in the presence of thrombin bound to A2M by using a modified substrate that is sterically hindered from reacting with the bound thrombin.

Abstract: A new application of machine vision for process industries is proposed. The invention consists of: (1) estimation of visual quality of products, (2) modeling causal relationship between estimated quality and process variables, and (3) optimization of visual quality using the causal model. This invention can handle the stochastic nature in visual appearance of products that process industries provide, which has been a main obstacle for the success of machine vision in process industries. Also, it opens new tasks in machine vision such as modeling and optimization of visual quality of products.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of late-onset Gaucher disease are described herein. The compositions comprise compounds having activity as pharmacological chaperones for mutant forms of the beta-glucocerebrosidase. Methods of treatment involve providing therapeutically effective amounts of such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in switching communication operations between a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g. an IEEE 802.11-based network) and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) (e.g. a cellular telecommunications network) for a mobile communication device are disclosed. A network support node which is utilized to facilitate such transitioning has a first communication interface (e.g. an Ethernet interface) for connection with a communication network which includes the WLAN and a second communication interface (e.g. a cellular radio air interface) for communicating with a base station of the WWAN over a wireless communication link.

Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling transmit power in a multi-user wireless communication system is provided, A transmit power, level for a transmitter is determined according to an algorithm based in communication theory, such as an iterative water-filling procedure, which takes into account an assumption of transmit behaviours of transmitters in the communication system. Actual transmit behaviours of transmitters in the communication system are monitored using a learning algorithm to determine whether any transmitters exhibit transmit behaviours which are not consistent with the assumption.

Abstract: If a handoff by a mobile station currently associated with a particular access point is probable, then the particular access point sends an activation alert to one or more other access points. An access point receiving the activation alert that is in a low-power state enters a higher-power state. An access point receiving the activation alert that is in a higher-power state, remains in that higher-power state.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising an arterial natriuretic factor (ANF) amino acid sequence linked to an albumin amino acid sequence by one or more peptide bonds is provided. The ANF amino acid sequence may be linked to the N-terminal, the C-terminal, or both the N-terminal and the C-terminal of the albumin amino acid sequence. Also provided is a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein and a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule. Methods for treating or preventing cardiovascular or renal disease comprising administration of an effective amount of the fusion protein, or nucleic acid encoding the fusion protein, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable robotic system and method for performing surgical operations using a plurality of robotic arms remotely controlled by at least one operator console. The system comprises a track system configured for mounting to a patient support table, such that the track system provides a stable operating platform for the robotic arms and for facilitating placement of a proximal end of each of the arms at a selected position about a periphery of the patient support table.

Abstract: A mesh node of an infrastructure wireless local area network ‘WLAN’ is coupled to a battery which is coupled to a device that is able to harness energy from a source of renewable energy. Energy management of the mesh node includes conducting simulations of a system comprising the mesh node, the device, and the battery in its current state of charge, determining an admissible load for the mesh node from the simulations, and withholding communication services by the mesh node for one or more periods of time a cumulative duration of which is related to power consumption of the mesh node when handling the admissible load. The simulations involve meteorological data related to the source of renewable energy in the vicinity of the mesh node.

Abstract: Methods for the selection of novel signaling allosteric DNA enzymes are provided. In particular, fluorescent signaling allosteric DNA enzymes are described. The selection system is based on the cleavage of an ribonucleotide flanked by a fluorophore modified nucleotide and a quencher modified oligonucleotide. Both cis-acting and trans-acting allosteric DNA enzymes are identified, as well as aptamer/DNA enzyme conjugates.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is able to communicate with wireless local area network and with a cellular network. A communication system is able to route a communication session between the mobile communication device and another communication device either by way of the wireless local area network or the cellular network. The communication system is able to trigger the mobile communication device via the cellular network to search for and attempt to connect to the wireless local area network. The mobile communication device, in response to reception of signaling via the cellular network, is able to activate a wireless local area network interface of the mobile communication device and to establish a connection to the wireless local area network.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending therethrough, a first polymer which durably coats the pores of the support member, the first polymer layer having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, and a second polymer layer disposed on the surface of the first polymer layer, the second polymer being more hydrophilic than the first polymer layer. A process for preparing the composite material, and its use as a separation medium.

Abstract: A surgical system is for use with a surgical tool and a tissue characteristic sensor associated with the surgical tool. The system has an expected tissue characteristic for tissue on a predefined trajectory of the tool in a patient, and a controller to receive a sensed tissue characteristic from the tissue characteristic sensor, such sensed tissue characteristic associated with an actual trajectory of the tool. The controller compares the expected tissue characteristic for the expected location with the sensed tissue characteristic for the actual trajectory. A robot can be used to carry out automated surgical tasks and make adjustments based on differences between the expected characteristic and the sensed characteristic.

Abstract: A wireless access point advertises data rates that it supports. A mobile station is permitted to communicate with the access point at one or more of the lower data rates only if the mobile station satisfies one or more conditions.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is able to communicate with wireless local area network and with a cellular network. A communication system is able to route a communication session between the mobile communication device and another communication device either by way of the wireless local area network or the cellular network. The communication system is able to trigger the mobile communication device via the cellular network to search for and attempt to connect to the wireless local area network. The mobile communication device, in response to reception of signaling via the cellular network, is able to activate a wireless local area network interface of the mobile communication device and to establish a connection to the wireless local area network.

Abstract: A method is presented for adapting the packet size for VoIP communications, determined on-the-fly by the total network delay inherent at the time of packet transmission. If network delays are small relative to the maximum permissible latency for VoIP communications, the payload size per packet may be increased to maximize efficiency for the transmitted call. Alternatively, if network delays are large, the payload size per packet may be decreased in order to assure that the perceived quality of the transmitted call is acceptable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the selection of aptamer sequences and aptamers identified using the method. The method comprises immobilizing a library oligonucleotide by forming a duplex with an antisense oligonucleotide, reating the duplex molecule with a target and collecting oligonucleotide molecules which dissociate from the duplex structure.

Abstract: A wireless local area network includes multiple access points with overlapping coverage, and modes of different power consumption are available to the access points. It is assessed whether the traffic load of the network may be adequately supported using fewer access points in an active mode. If so, the traffic load is redistributed from certain active access points among the remaining access points in the active mode. The certain access points are switched into a mode of lower power consumption than the active mode. Similarly, it is assessed whether the traffic load of the network is adequately supported by the current number of access points in an active mode. If not, certain access points which are in a mode of lower power consumption are switched to the active mode. The traffic load is redistributed among the access points in the active mode including the certain access points.

Abstract: A solid state light emitting device comprises one or more active layers comprising semiconductor nano-particles in a host matrix, e.g. silicon nano-particles in silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. The incorporation of carbon in the active layers provides a great improvement in performance through shortened decay time and enhance emission spectra, as well as reliability and lifetime. The emission wavelengths from the nano-particles can be made to correspond to the quantization energy of the semiconductor nano-particles, which allows the entire visible range of the spectrum be covered. Ideally an engineered structure of alternating active and buffer material layers are disposed between AC or DC electrodes, which generate an electric field.

Abstract: A novel method for assessing the risk of a cardiovascular event is provided. The concentration of 11-dehydro thromboxane in a urine sample is measured and compared to a set of standardized quartile concentrations. A concentration of urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane that falls within the fourth quartile is indicative of a greatly increased risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event.