Abstract: A variable focus liquid crystal lens includes a nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture having a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure, and an electrode for applying a substantially uniform voltage to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture. The lens is created within a cell by applying a substantially uniform electric field to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture within the cell, while simultaneously irradiating the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture using a laser beam having a shaped intensity distribution, so as to induce formation of a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure within the cell.

Abstract: AKR1B1 (EC 1.1.1.21) is an aldose reductase that has mainly been associated with the polyol pathway, and more recently with lipid deperoxidation. We have discovered that the primary activity of this enzyme is rather a PGFS activity, catalyzing the transformation of PGH2 into PGF2?. AKR1B1 as a therapeutic target, and method for modulating its expression and activity are provided. Methods for regulating the expression and activity of PGF2? are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for micro-machining a surface of a workpiece having a complex surface profile including desired profile features and finer undesired profile features to be removed, including shaping a formable polishing tool using either the workpiece itself or a replica of the workpiece to have at least said desired profile features, and using said formable polishing tool to micro-machine said surface to remove said finer undesired profile features while maintaining said desired profile features. The formable polishing tool can be shaped to have at least said desired profile features by pressing the formable polishing tool against either the workpiece itself or the replica of the workpiece when the formable polishing tool is in a formable state, and the formable polishing tool can be used for micro-machining when the formable polishing tool is in a solid state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neuropathological disorders involving impaired locomotor functions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition and method for inducing and restoring locomotor functions, such as basic walking movements in the lower extremities of chronic spinal cord injured animals, such as paraplegic or tetraplegic individuals.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer nanocomposites comprising synthesized lamellar nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The lamellar nanoparticles are synthetically made in a one-step operation by supramolecular assembly of a surfactant and a inorganic precursor and are exfoliated inside the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Based on our identification of silicon influx and efflux transporter genes in plants known to take up silicon efficiently including wheat, horsetail, oat, sorghum, and barley, the present invention features polynucleotides encoding silicon transporters; vectors, cells, and plants including such polynucleotides, and methods for making such plants. The invention also features silicon transporter polypeptides and fragments thereof. Plants expressing heterologous silicon transporters may exhibit both increased silicon uptake and increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In particular, plants such as soybean expressing silicon transporters may exhibit increased resistance to pathogens such as rust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.

Abstract: An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator.

Abstract: The cable lift system provides assistance to movement of a flexibly suspended payload actuated by operator input into one or more sensing devices attached to the payload. The sensing device is configured to collect information about the typical push-pull and lift-lower motions of an operator moving the payload horizontally and/or vertically, such that the operator's input to the sensor is intuitive and is provided in a manner which is substantially transparent to the operator. The assist mechanisms included in the system are actuated by a controller processing signals received from the one or more sensing devices on the payload. Movement assistance is provided such that the manual effort required by the operator to overcome the inertia of the payload in a starting or stopping event is substantially relieved, thus minimizing the ergonomic impact of the starting and stopping events on the operator.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display or other light modulator is provide with an alignment layer with a pretilt that is better than is currently available with rubbing technology. The liquid crystal cell consumes less electrical power to operate. The pretilt can be programmed using suitable field and recorded in the alignment layer.

Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for isolating four cell types from a single umbilical cord as pure cultures. These cell lines (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells) can be characterized and utilized in experimental models and for therapeutic purposes. Particularly, the umbilical cells isolated herein are used to form a tissue replacement or engineered living composition. Also, the isolated umbilical cells of the invention may have the potential of progenitor cells.

Abstract: The immunogenic properties of the potexvirus MaI va mosaic virus (MaMV) and virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising the coat proteins of MaMV are disclosed VLPs prepared from MaMV coat proteins, methods of preparing the VLPs, MaMV coat protein polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the coat protein are taught. Further, immunogenic compositions comprising MaMV or a VLP comprising the MaMV coat protein alone or in combination with one or more antigens and the use of said compositions to vaccinate and/or induce an immune response in an animal are also taught.

Abstract: There is provided a proof body for use in a strain gauge for measuring horizontal strains in a pavement. The proof body is to be inserted in a hole provided in a surface layer of the pavement. The proof body is designed to be embedded in a substitute core designed to be retrofitted in the hole. The proof body is designed to be attached to the walls of the hole, allowing measurement of horizontal strains in the pavement surface layer.

Abstract: An array receiver which reduces complexity and cost by exploiting multiuser information in signals received from a plurality of transmitting users preprocesses (40) samples of antenna signals (x1, x2 . . . , xN) from the antenna elements (22/1, . . . , 22/N) to form basis signals (yO, . . . , yM) together having fewer space-time dimensions than the space-time dimensions of the combined antenna signals. The receiver processes and combines the basis signals to produce sets of estimated received signals (z0, . . . , zM), each for a corresponding one of the users. Each of the basis signals comprises a different combination of the antenna signals. The receiver combines the basis signals to provide a user-specific output signal, and periodically updates parameters of the filters (40/0, . . . , 40/M) used for deriving each particular basis signal such that each user-specific output signal will exhibit a desired optimized concentration of energy of that user's received signal as received by the array antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and materials for enhancing muscle mass or for the treatment of muscle disease in a subject, comprising introducing a cell which has a lower than normal level of myostatin signalling, into the subject.

Abstract: Methods and products for the attenuation or treatment of pain and the reduction of nociception are described. The methods and products are based on the modulation of CNS intracellular chloride levels. The methods and products may also relate to modulation of the activity and/or expression of a chloride transporter, such as the KCC2 potassium-chloride cotransporter. Also described herein are commercial packages and uses based on such modulation. Related methods for identifying or characterizing a compound for the treatment of pain, the reduction of nociception and the diagnosis and prognostication of pain are also described.

Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detection, as well as assays, reagents and kits for the specific detection of 15 clinically important respiratory viruses including influenza A and B viruses, human respiratory syncytial viruses, human metapneumoviruses, human enteroviruses, all serotypes of rhinoviruses, 7 serotypes of adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as coronaviruses NL, 229E, OC43, and SARS-CoV. The present invention allows for the detection of each of these respiratory viruses in a single assay.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of a suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid. The process includes the step of: coating the surface of the magnetic particles with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain prior to the suspension. For preparing a magnetically deformable mirror, the suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid is coated with a reflective surface layer. A ferrofluid includes a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain in a polar carrier liquid.