Abstract: A method for making an oxidation resistant article, including (a) depositing a layer of a Pt group metal on a substrate to form a platinized substrate; and (b) depositing on the platinized substrate layer of Pt group metal a layer of a reactive element selected from the group consisting of Hf, Y, La, Ce and Zr and combinations thereof to form a surface modified region thereon, wherein the surface modified region includes the Pt-group metal, Ni, Al and the reactive element in relative concentration to provide a ?-Ni+??-Ni3Al phase constitution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides corresponding to all or a portion of amino acid residues 12-26 of human p53 protein, which peptides are lethal to malignant or transformed cells when fused to a membrane-penetrating leader sequence. The subject peptides are thus useful in treating neoplastic disease in an animal, preferably a human. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the subject peptides admixed with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. Methods of treating neoplastic disease in a patient by administering a subject peptide fused at its carboxy terminal end to a membrane-penetrating leader sequence are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular diagnostics. In particular, the present invention relates to PCR based diagnostics for the typing of Group B streptococci.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of signal processing is provided. The method includes generating one or more masking signals based upon a computed Fourier transform of a received signal. The method further includes determining one or more intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of the received signal by performing a masking-signal-based empirical mode decomposition (EMD) using the at least one masking signal.

Abstract: A 23 amino acid peptide, AtPtpl, plays an important role as a signaling component of the innate immune system of Arabidopsis. The peptide precursor gene is transcribed in response to elicitors generated by pathogens, and AtPep1 is produced to amplify the signaling pathways. Seven paralogs of the AtproPep1 gene have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome, and orthologs have been identified in species of several agriculturally important families. AtPcpl and its paralogs and orthologs play important roles as endogenous signals to amplify innate immunity. The sequence of two AtPep1 receptors from Arabidopsis are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for DNA fingerprinting identification of human DNA samples, comprising: a) exposing a DNA sample of an individual to at least one primer specific for a Y chromosome polymorphism at a predetermined loci, said loci being chosen from OSU9, OSU14, OSU22, OSU35, OSU51, OSU57, OSU67, OSU70, OSU73, OSU77, with the proviso that if OSU70 is selected then at least one other OSU locus is also selected; b) amplifying DNA of the DNA sample using the at least one primer specific for a Y chromosome polymorphism; and c) identifying the size of an amplified product. Primers for the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for synthesizing a lithium transition metal oxide nanostructure for the cathode material LiCoO2, by using a molten salts/hydroxides flux method, and a device thereof.

Abstract: Compounds which are active against viruses have the following formulas: wherein B is a purine or pyrimidine heterocyclic ring or base. In a preferred embodiment, the purine include 6-aminopurine (adenine), 6-hydroxypurine (hypoxanthine), 2-amino-6-hydroxypurine (guanine), 2,6-diamino-purine, 2-amino-6-azidopurine, 2-amino-6-halo substituted purines such as 2-amino-6-chloropurine, 2-amino-6-fluoropurine, 2-amino-6-alkoxypurines such as 2-amino-6-methoxypurine, 2-amino-6-cyclopropylaminopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylamino or 2-amino-6-dialkylamino substituted purines, 2-amino-6-thiopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylthio substituted purines, 3-deazapurines, 7-deazapurines and 8-azapurines. The pyrimidine incorporates cytosine, uracil and thymine, 5-halo substituted cytosines and uracils, 5-alkyl substituted cytosines and uracils including derivatives with a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group and 6-azapyrimidines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Compounds of Formulas I-II are described, along with methods of using such compounds for the treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical formulations thereof.

Abstract: Polypeptides of the neuregulin (NRG) heparin binding domain (N-HBD) and nucleic acids coding therefor are disclosed. In particular, fusion polypeptides are produced that comprise, as a targeting structure, a N-HBD polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative and a protein to be targeted. This is fused to a polypeptide or peptide being targeted (Ptrg) to cell surfaces rich in heparan sulfate proteoglycans to either activate or inhibit interactions at tyrosine kinase receptors. Such products are used to treat diseases or conditions where either agonism or antagonism at tyrosine kinase receptors has beneficial effects, including cancer and a multitude of diseases of the nervous system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining indicators of left ventricular function, and for determining the effectiveness of a cardiac therapy are disclosed. The indicators of left ventricular function can include isovolumetric relaxation time and the negative slope of a V wave obtained from measuring changes in left atrial pressure during diastole. The apparatus may include a catheter comprising an inflatable balloon for insertion into the esophagus of an individual, a compressor device for pressurizing the balloon, and a means for sensing and recording pressure changes on the balloon.

Abstract: Assay systems and methods are provided for detecting a target antigen in a physiological fluid (e.g., blood, serum, or urine). The method includes linking via a first antibody a magnetic microparticle to the target antigen in the physiological fluid; linking via a second antibody a glucose molecule to the target antigen; utilizing a magnetic field to separate the magnetic microparticle-linked antigen from the physiological fluid to form a test sample; and detecting the glucose in the test sample to determine the concentration of target antigen in the physiological fluid. The target antigen can be a protein or marker resulting from cardiac tissue injury, which can be used to assess acute myocardial infarction. An exemplary target antigen is myoglobin. The glucose detection preferably is one that can be done rapidly, e.g., with a conventional glucometer, and may include measuring the electrical resistance, color, or pH of the test sample.

Abstract: A silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is anodically bonded to a glass substrate in a MEMS structure with or without electrically bypassing the insulator layer by electrically comprising the silicon layers. The insulator layer serves as an etch stop to create a well-defined, thin silicon membrane for a sensor. A second glass substrate is anodically bonded to the other side of the SOI substrate, and debonding of the existing anodic bond prevented by eliminating any potential drop across the existing bonded surface.

Abstract: Assay systems and methods are provided for detecting a target pathogen, such as a microorganism (e.g., bacterium, bacterial toxin) which may be present in a fluid or other location. The method can include linking a magnetic microparticle to a first epitope of the target microorganism in a fluid via a first antibody; utilizing a magnetic field to separate the magnetic microparticle and linked targeted microorganism from at least a portion of other components in the fluid, thereby forming a test sample; linking a glucose molecule to a second epitope of the target microorganism via a second antibody; and detecting the glucose in the test sample to determine the presence or concentration of the target microorganism in the fluid. The glucose detection preferably is one that can be done rapidly, e.g., with a conventional glucometer, and may include measuring the electrical resistance, color, or pH of the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antisense poly-2?-O-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oligoribonucleotides which are capable of down regulating the expression of the RI? subunit of protein kinase A. An example is 5?-GGCUGCGUGCCUCCUCACUGG (named antisense poly-DNP RNA-21) or a sequence which has a one-base mismatch therewith. The antisense oligoribonucleotide can be synthesized by in vitro transcription followed by chemical derivatization. The base sequence of the oligoribonucleotides is complementary to that of nt 110 to 130 in RI?/PKA mRNA. The antisense poly-DNP RNA-21 was found to inhibit cell growth with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. These oligonucleotides can be used as effective anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: Orthoborate salts suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium batteries and methods for making the electrolyte salts are provided. The electrolytic salts have one of the formulae (I). In this formula anionic orthoborate groups are capped with two bidentate chelating groups, Y1 and Y2. Certain preferred chelating groups are dibasic acid residues, most preferably oxalyl, malonyl and succinyl, disulfonic acid residues, sulfoacetic acid residues and halo-substituted alkylenes. The salts are soluble in non-aqueous solvents and polymeric gels and are useful components of lithium batteries in electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Administration of modified transposon-based vectors has been used to achieve stable incorporation of exogenous genes into animals. These transgenic animals produce transgenic progeny. Further, these transgenic animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene. Transgenic egg-laying animals produce large quantities of desired molecules encoded by the transgene and deposit these molecules in the egg.

Abstract: Buddleja ‘Blue Chip’ is a new and distinct variety of butterfly bush that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Moderate vigor resulting in compact growth habit. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. 3. Spreading growth habit with multi-branched stems. 4. Male sterility, and low female fertility and reduced seed set, resulting in less opportunity for seedlings to originate in the landscape setting. 5. Blue flower color.