Abstract: Expression of a phosphatase inhibitor in heart cells can be used to treat cardiac disorders, e.g., heart failure. Decreasing phosphatase activity can improve ?-adrenergic responsiveness.

Abstract: Expression of a phosphatase inhibitor in heart cells can be used to treat cardiac disorders, e.g., heart failure. Decreasing phosphatase activity can improve ?-adrenergic responsiveness.

Abstract: A sensor (10, 80) for monitoring health of an associated article (A) (e.g., a fluid connector) including a sensing element (12, 84, 86) disposed along a length of an outer surface of the associated article, wherein the sensing element is configured to detect at least one physical property of the associated article and output an electrical signal in proportion to an amount of the physical property applied to the sensing element; and a mounting mechanism (14, 88) configured to secure the force sensing element to at least a portion of the outer surface of associated article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acids which encode novel mutant forms of Inhibitor Protein-1 (I-1). In particular, the I-1 mutant forms comprise altered phosphorylation sites of PKC-?. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of regulating cardiac contractility and function, and for treatment of cardio myopathy and heart failure, which employ the novel nucleic acids and polypeptides. Vectors comprising the novel nucleic acids, Antibodies to the novel proteins, and diagnostic and screening methods associated therewith, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to textiles, reservoirs, or films which may be switchably rendered hydrophilic or hydrophobic for liquid wicking, repelling, moving, holding, absorbing, drying, wetting, dispensing, and other means of electrically manipulation of liquids.

Abstract: Methods of improving cardiac function and/or methods for attenuating and/or prevention cardiac remodeling in an individual's heart comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of Heat-Shock Protein Hsp20 or an agent that increase the levels of and/or the activity of Hsp20 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides gene expression profiles associated with thyroid cancers. Genes identified as cancer markers using the methods of the present invention find use in the diagnosis and characterization of thyroid cancer. In addition, the genes provide targets for cancer drug screens and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Metal ions are adsorbed or absorbed by a combination of a binding ligand and an ionic liquid effective to dissolve the metal complex. The ligand is preferably bound to a solid surface which is coated with the ionic liquid. This method is particularly suitable for adsorbing gaseous mercury, lead, zinc and cadmium.

Abstract: A process for the encapsulation of liquid particles within nanometer thick polymer shells utilizes an interfacial free radical alternating copolymerization process. Encapsulating a liquid material includes providing a mixture comprising the liquid material to be encapsulated, a hydrophobic monomer in a non-polar solution and a hydrophilic monomer in a polar solution. The liquid material is compatible in either the polar solution or the non-polar solution. The polar solution and the non-polar solution are not miscible in each other. The mixture is homogenized to form an emulsion, and then polymerized by an initiator which initiates an interfacial free radical alternating copolymerization process. The copolymerization process is optimally constrained to proceed only at the hydrophobic and hydrophilic interface thus forming a polymer around the liquid material.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a slow-release inhibitor that is applied to a metal surface, such as by way of a paint or primer coating, for corrosion control of the metal. An exemplary embodiment of the slow-release corrosion inhibitor includes a water-soluble particle, or pigment, and an organic polymeric film that encapsulates the particle. This water-soluble particle may be either organic or inorganic and, preferably, is non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. An additional water-soluble particle having an encapsulating, organic polymeric film further may be provided along with a water-soluble, organic compound to form the corrosion inhibitor. The polymeric film(s) are of a desired hydrophobicity and permeability to permit, upon interaction of the particle(s) with water, controlled diffusion of particle ions therethrough.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate, such as a metal surface, by application of a silane coating composition containing at least one water-soluble or dispersible silane and a polymeric resin, which may be provided as a water-based dispersion of polymeric resin, the polymeric resin being present in an amount less than 10% by weight of the composition to slow the rate of corrosion of the metal surface and/or to promote adhesion of rubber thereto. The at least one silane can include a bis-amino silane, a vinyl silane, a bis-sulfur silane, or mixtures thereof and the polymeric resin may include an epoxy resin, acrylate resin, polyurethane resin, novolac resin, or mixtures thereof. The silane coating compositions may be either water or solvent based.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acids which encode novel mutant forms of Inhibitor Protein-1 (1-1). In particular, the 1-1 mutant forms comprise altered phosphorylation sites of PKC-?. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of regulating cardiac contractility and function, and for treatment of cardio myopathy and heart failure, which employ the novel nucleic acids and polypeptides. Vectors comprising the novel nucleic acids, Antibodies to the novel proteins, and diagnostic and screening methods associated therewith, are also provided.

Abstract: A tunable optical component includes comprises a plurality of individual tunable liquid cells regularly arranged and integrated to at least one cell structure forming an array on the supporting substrate. A single liquid cell comprises several integrated cell walls, the cell walls projecting away from the supporting substrate and having a closed base area and an open cell surface at the cell wall edges. The liquid cell is filled with at least two liquids or fluids to provide at least one tunable interface area for varying the optical characteristic of the liquid cell.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket (39) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber (2, 3, 4, 5) of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket (39) by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket (39) provides protective and stabilizing openings (8, 9, 10) for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms (37, 38) that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Abstract: Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Abstract: A silane film that can be used in a wide range of environments, on metals of engineering interest, as a standalone process or as a primer for a top-coating by common paint systems. The film generally comprises: a) at least one bis-silane; b) a water soluble or dispersible polymer; c) nanoparticles; and, d) a water soluble solvent. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a leachable inhibitor into the silane film. In sum, the present invention teaches a silane composition that may be applied by dipping, wiping, spraying, brushing, or other conventional techniques, whereby the film composition provides a metal treatment that is water soluble and may provide the availability of the coating to “heal” by utilizing a leachable inhibitor whenever damage occurs from scrapes or scratches.

Abstract: Organofunctional silanes are applied to metal surfaces using an oil bath. Metal is immersed in an oil bath containing approximately 2% silane. In a preferred embodiment, the metal is a tire cord. The silane can either be hydrolyzed or unhydrolyzed. The hydrolyzed silanes can be in combination with a water dispersible resin. When the tire cord is coated with silane using the present method, it allows a tire to be formulated with lower sulfur levels and without cobalt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particle reinforced noble metal matrix composites and a method of making the same. The composites include a noble metal such as silver, gold, and alloys thereof, as a base or matrix, and a particle reinforced filler material, such as a carbide. A pressureless infrared heating, or superheating, process is used to produce the particle reinforced noble metal matrix composites thereby providing a composite with at least sufficient hardness, i.e. wear resistance, and/or low resistivity. The composites may be used in the jewelry industry, such as for making watches, rings, and other jewelry, and/or in the power, automobile, and aircraft industries, such as for making electrical contact materials.

Abstract: A system for optically characterizing an acoustic beam generally includes an immersant, which is an immersion medium seeded with a plurality of seed particles that respond to illumination with fluorescence indicative of at least one parameter of the immersant such as flow or temperature. Optical transmitters illuminate the immersant slicewise, and optical receptors receive the fluorescence in order to generate a three-dimensional map of the parameter over time. A processor back-calculates one or more characteristics of an acoustic beam that results in the map. The processor initially generates a behavior model of an acoustic beam propagating in the immersant by utilizing initial guesses for the characteristics. The initial guess model is compared to the map, and an optimization routine is used to refine the initial guesses. The process repeats iteratively with refined guesses until the difference between the model and the map is minimized.

Abstract: A silane film that can be used in a wide range of environments, on metals of engineering interest, as a standalone process or as a primer for a top-coating by common paint systems. The film generally comprises: a) at least one bis-silane; b) a water soluble or dispersible polymer; c) nanoparticles; and, d) a water soluble solvent. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a leachable inhibitor into the silane film. In sum, the present invention teaches a silane composition that may be applied by dipping, wiping, spraying, brushing, or other conventional techniques, whereby the film composition provides a metal treatment that is water soluble and may provide the availability of the coating to “heal” by utilizing a leachable inhibitor whenever damage occurs from scrapes or scratches.