Abstract: An array of photon sensitive devices is configured to provide outputs. Pulse shaping circuits operate to shape a respective output of the array in a normal mode of operation and shape a calibration signal in a calibration mode of operation.

Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, the person lifting device automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the person lifting device provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.

Abstract: A person lifting device may comprise a lift actuator operatively connected to an accessory coupling. The person lifting device may also comprise at least one imaging sensor. An electronic control unit may be communicatively coupled to the lift actuator and the at least on imaging sensor, the electronic control unit comprising a processor and a non-transitory memory storing a computer readable and executable instruction set. When executed by the processor, the instruction set collects, with the at least one imaging sensor, at least one image of a person to be lifted with the person lifting device; determines a characteristic of the person to be lifted with the person lifting device based on the at least one image; determines an identification of a lift accessory for attachment to the accessory coupling based on the determined characteristic; and, in some embodiments, communicates the identification of the lift accessory.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a radiation source configured to emit a primary radiation beam and a primary detector configured to pick up a reflected primary radiation beam. The radiation source is further configured to emit stray radiation. The sensor further includes a reference detector arranged to receive the stray radiation. The stray radiation may, for example, be emitted from either a side of the radiation source or a bottom of the radiation source.

Abstract: A method of data replica recovery that is based on separate storage drives connected to a network where each storage drive has a storage space divided to contiguous storage segments and is electronically connected to a memory support component via a connection. Pairs of replicas, each of one of a plurality of data units, are stored in a manner that allows, in response to detection of a storage failure in one storage drive, to create replacement replicas in the memory support components of the other storage drives to assure that two replicas of each data unit can be found in the storage system.

Abstract: A search of the public human genome database identified a human EST, GenBank accession number AW293249, which has high homology to known pufferfish urocortin sequences. The full length sequence was amplified from human genomic DNA and sequenced. Sequence homology comparisons of the novel sequence with human urocortin I and urocortin II revealed that the sequence encoded a novel human urocortin, which was designated urocortin III (UcnIII). While urocortin III does not have high affinity for either CRF-R1 or CRF-R2, the affinity for CRF-R2 is greater than the affinity for CRF-R1. Urocortin III is capable stimulating cyclic AMP production in cells expressing CRF-R2? or ?. Thus, the affinity is high enough that urocortin III could act as a native agonist of CRF-R2. However, it is also likely that urocortin III is a stronger agonist of a yet to b e identified receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosafety and promoters such as the EF1? promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs.

Abstract: Novel medical devices and uses thereof for lining a blood vessel and/or treating an aneurysm are disclosed herein. The device comprises a non-metallic expandable tubular structure, implantable in a body vessel and being made, at least in part, from a polymeric system characterized by a stiffness which changes upon stimulation under physiological conditions. Novel polymeric systems are further disclosed herein, which are configured to produce a polymeric material upon stimulation under physiological conditions, such that a stiffness of said polymeric material is higher than a stiffness of said system. Uses of polymer systems in the manufacture of a device are further disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a unique class of foam materials characterized by regions of material unidirectionality. The foam materials are configured for a great variety of end-use applications as core materials or as materials in construction of multilayered structures. The novel and ingenious process for making the composite materials of the invention, permits modifying the foam materials to suite any specific end use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of substituted threonolactone and substituted threose compounds which are intermediates in the synthesis of phosphonate nucleosides being useful antiviral agents.

Abstract: The present application provides mutants of wild type phospholipase C (PLC) specific to phosphatidylcholine from Bacillus cereus. The related mutations include mutation of asparagine at position 63 to another amino acid, also including mutation of arginine at position 20 to histidine and of alanine at position 83 to aspartic acid. The present application also provides a nucleic acid molecule encoding the mutant, a vector containing the nucleic acid molecule, and a cell containing the nucleic acid molecule or vector. The present application also provides uses of the mutant, nucleic acid molecule vector, and cell.

Abstract: Provided is a nanoparticle including a water-soluble protein, a glucan and a hydrophilic active agent, the glucan being at least partially cross-linked by a metaphosphate.

Abstract: The invention is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor to determine the presence and quantity of biological or chemical entities in an analyte. The sensor comprises a metal periodic structure deposited as a thin layer of a noble metal, comprising a one dimensional array of nanoslits or a two dimensional array of nanoholes on a transparent dielectric substrate, a nm-thick layer of transparent dielectric protection layer on top of the metal periodic structure and a functionalization layer, which acts as a binding layer to biological or biochemical entities in an analyte that is in contact with the functionaliztion layer.

Abstract: An array of image sensing elements is arranged in rows and columns. A readout circuit for each column includes a circuit configured to receive a column select signal. A memory stores data indicative of a voltage of an image sensing element which is being read. An analog to digital conversion circuit provides an output to the memory to control the storing of data. The output is dependent on the voltage of the image sensing element. Power control circuitry operates to disable, at least partially, the analog to digital conversion circuit when the column has not been selected.

Abstract: A device for use in reducing or preventing the occurrence of restenosis following procedures such as PTCA, in which a stent is used to hold a bodily lumen open. The device comprises a two layered stent, one lying within the other. Both stent layers have an open weave structure, such that they can expand to the correct dimensions after implantation. The outer stent layer is static and grips the inner wall of the lumen in which it is deployed in the usual manner. The inner layer stent is constructed such that it can be vibrated relative to the outer static stent layer. The inner layer stent may be made of a material which can be vibrated from an external source, such as a ferromagnetic material. This vibration prevents restenosis of the treated lumen. Alternatively, a vibrator, such as a piezoelectric device, can be installed on the inner stent layer.

Abstract: Dominant negative (DN) variants of transcriptional enhancer factor 1-related (RTEF-1) are described. DN RTEF-1 polypeptides may be directly targeted to cells or delivered in nucleic acid expression vectors to alter cellular transcription. Methods for inhibiting VEGF production and thereby treating angiogenic disorders such as cancer are described. For example, in certain aspects, DN RTEF-1 may be used to treat angiogenic disorders of the eye such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: The invention provides scalable, modular, mobile systems and methods for the continuous on-site production of carbonaceous pyrolysis by-products having physical properties which may be tailored for specific market requirements. The system includes at least on scalable modular unit having a primary reaction chamber, an input aperture for introducing biomass feedstock and atmosphere into the reaction chamber, an external heat source for initiating an exothermic pyrolysis reaction therein, an internal mechanism for controllably agitating the feedstock, atmosphere and pyrolysis by-products to sustain the reaction at a preselected operating temperature range, and an apparatus for removing the by-products from the systems.

Abstract: A hollow-type planet speed reducer includes a body. The body includes at least one driving gear driven by a power input source. The driving gear is connected to a transmission gear, and the transmission gear is connected to a first gear. Based on this, the output rotation speed can be reduced by the incorporation of the driving gear, the transmission gear and the first gear. Besides, a tubular member passes though the body and has an accommodating space to receive wires of the hollow-type planet speed reducer.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis includes an implanting end, a coupling end, and a screw portion between the implanting end and the coupling end. The dental prosthesis further includes a positioning marker portion located adjacent to the coupling end of the dental prosthesis. The dental prosthesis can be precisely located in an alveolar bone of a patient. A dental implant includes the dental prosthesis and an abutment. The abutment includes a prosthesis coupling end. The prosthesis coupling end of the abutment is coupled to the coupling end of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns gp36 immunoreactive compositions for E. canis and gp 47 immunoreactive compositions for E. chaffeensis. In particular, epitopes for E. canis gp36 and E. chaffeensis gp 47 are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive compositions comprise tandem repeats having carbohydrate moieties.