Abstract: A mechanical adaptation to a vehicle power window controls is provided that require less hand/finger coordination and less force to actuate, therefore becoming useful for persons with limited control of their hands (e.g., arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury, among others). A power window control includes four levers, one on each control switch. Two of the levers are long and the other two are shorter. The long levers are provided on the two switches further away from the user (which control the front and rear left side windows). The short levers are attached to the two switches closer to the user (which control the front and rear right side windows).

Abstract: A simple and flexible drape arrangement is by provided including a cover and associated actuation mechanism to selectively cover and uncover a fenestration, the cover is coupled to a medical drape and the fenestration cover is under tension due to elastic filaments and operated via a tether that can be operated by mechanical or manual actuation, where neither of these methods, are dependent on the distance proximity of a medical practitioner's hands. The drape arrangement can also be attached to an existing fenestrated drape that can be easily carried in a sterile package in a field backpack. The drape arrangement conforms to a patient's body to permit the medical practitioner normal access to the body area.

Abstract: The invention is a high-throughput voltage screening crystallographic device and methodology that uses multiple micro wells and electric circuits capable of assaying different crystallization condition for the same or different proteins of interest at the same of different voltages under a humidity and temperature controlled environment. The protein is solubilized in a lipid matrix similar to the lipid composition of the protein in the native environment to ensure stability of the protein during crystallization. The invention provides a system and method where the protein is transferred to a lipid matrix that holds a resting membrane potential, which reduces the degree of conformational freedom of the protein. The invention overcomes the majority of the difficulties associated with vapor diffusion techniques and essentially reconstitutes the protein in its native lipid environment under “cuasi” physiological conditions.

Abstract: A mechanical adaptation to a vehicle power window controls is provided that require less hand/finger coordination and less force to actuate, therefore becoming useful for persons with limited control of their hands (e.g., arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury, among others). A power window control includes four levers, one on each control switch. Two of the levers are long and the other two are shorter. The long levers are provided on the two switches further away from the user (which control the front and rear left side windows). The short levers are attached to the two switches closer to the user (which control the front and rear right side windows).

Abstract: A gas sensor and a method of fabrication wherein the sensor includes a polymer fiber substrate and a metal oxide nanoshell. The nanoshell is deposited on the substrate using magnetron sputtering deposition. The sensor can be designed to detect specific gases, such as NO2 or NH3, by using different metal oxides such as tin oxide or zinc oxide. The polymer fiber substrate can be a cellulose acetate substrate prepared by electrospinning. The method for making the sensor involves electrospinning polymeric fibers, depositing a metal oxide on the fibers to produce a nanoshell, and heating the fibers and oxide in air to remove the fibers. The gas sensor uses the nanoshell for the transduction process.

Abstract: A mechanical adaptation to a vehicle power window controls is provided that require less hand/finger coordination and less force to actuate, therefore becoming useful for persons with limited control of their hands (e.g., arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury, among others). A power window control includes four levers, one on each control switch. Two of the levers are long and the other two are shorter. The long levers are provided on the two switches further away from the user (which control the front and rear left side windows). The short levers are attached to the two switches closer to the user (which control the front and rear right side windows).

Abstract: A device that uses a UV sensing element capable of converting photons from a high temperature thermal source, to an electrical current. Such current is then compared with the theoretical current to be obtained from a source with the dimensions of the actual source. The theoretical current is obtained by integrating.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed that inhibit RhoGTPases that are useful for inhibiting hyperprofilerative and neoplastic diseases. Specifically, the compounds inhibit the GTPases Rac and Cdc42 that are overactive or overexpressed in signaling pathways in cancer and metastasis. Methods for treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for the expression and purification of a recombinant form of FABP (Fh15) exhibiting a similar suppressive effect on TLR-stimulation and inflammatory cytokine expression from macrophages than those previously demonstrated for the native molecule. Fh15 suppresses the expression of IL-1? and TNF? in murine macrophages and THP1 Blue CD14 cells. Additionally, Fh15 suppress the LPS-induced TLR4 stimulation. This effect was not impaired by a thermal denaturing process or blocked by the presence of anti-Fh12 antibodies. Fh15 also suppressed the stimulation of various TLRs in response to whole bacteria extracts so that Fh15 could be an excellent alternative for an anti-inflammatory drug in preclinical studies in the near future.

Abstract: A series of pharmaceutical metal complexes (pMCs) were produced and characterized using the mast cell stabilizer, cromolyn, and bioactive metal ions (Zn+2, Mg+2, and Ca+2). Three novel pMCs, Cromolyn-Zn, Cromolyn-Mg, and Cromolyn-Ca were formed through reactions under controlled temperature and pH conditions. TGA demonstrated that these metal complexes showed an enhanced thermal stability due to the strong coordination with the ligand, cromolyn. PXRD data indicates a high degree of crystallinity as well as a unique packing arrangement for each pMCs. SEM analysis showed materials with well-defined morphologies while EDS presented elemental evidence for the unique composition of each pMCs. The crystal structure for these materials was elucidated through SCXRD, and a variety of binding modes and packing motifs were found within each respective metal complex. Only 2D structures were achieved under the conditions studied.

Abstract: The invention proposes the photosensitized generation of nitric oxide (NO) from alanosine (3-(hydroxynitrosoamino)-D,L-alanine) by aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS4). While NO is obtained in nitrogen-saturated solutions, the invention proposes that both NO and peroxynitrite are produced in air-saturated solutions. Enhancement of NO production occurs in the presence of ubiquinone-0. The invention evidence that NO is produced by the photosensitized oxidation of alanosine. Both NO and peroxynitrite are detected during photoirradiation of AlPcS4 in the presence of 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) and hypoxanthine, but not in the absence of hypoxanthine, in air-saturated solutions, where HX is acting as sacrificial electron donor, thus promoting superoxide formation.

Abstract: The invention is a high-throughput voltage screening crystallographic device and methodology that uses multiple micro wells and electric circuits capable of assaying different crystallization condition for the same or different proteins of interest at the same of different voltages under a humidity and temperature controlled environment. The protein is solubilized in a lipid matrix similar to the lipid composition of the protein in the native environment to ensure stability of the protein during crystallization. The invention provides a system and method where the protein is transferred to a lipid matrix that holds a resting membrane potential, which reduces the degree of conformational freedom of the protein. The invention overcomes the majority of the difficulties associated with vapor diffusion techniques and essentially reconstitutes the protein in its native lipid environment under “cuasi” physiological conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides extended bisphosphonate-based metal complexes using benzene1,4-bis(bisphosphonic acid) (BBPA), an analog of benzene 1,4-dicarboxylic acid (BDC). Hydrothermal synthesis of BBPA with the bioactive metals Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ leads to four crystals phases, namely, BBPA-Ca forms I and II, BBPA-Zn form I, and BBPA-Mg form I. Out of the three structures, BBPA-Ca form II presents large channels (8 ?×12 ?), potentiating the use of this framework to load drugs. Cytotoxicity effects of BBPA was elucidated in a human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and a normal osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell lines. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for BBPA used to treat both cell lines were >200 ?M at 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment. The BBPA in the range of concentration employed (0-200 ?M) was not cytotoxic against these cell lines.

Abstract: A new passive control building arrangement is provided for improving the seismic response of structures. The proposed control arrangement was incorporated to a 1/20 scale model of a steel structure. The SAP2000 software program was used to develop an analytical model of the constructed scale model. After using a series of experimental data to calibrate the analytical model, valuable information of the dynamic properties of the arrangement was obtained. Different configurations with distinct parameters of the control arrangement were analyzed in the program to evaluate the variables that affect the dynamic properties of the model. It was determined that the geometric configuration of the arrangement and the spring stiffness value of a spring used in the arrangement affect considerably the dynamic properties. Simulated earthquake tests were performed in two proposed alternatives of the control arrangement to evaluate their effectiveness in improving the seismic response of the scale model.

Abstract: A simple optical layout for a grazing angle probe mount that allows coupling to a mid-infrared (MIR), laser-based spectrometer is provided. The assembly enables doing reflectance measurements at high incident angles. In the case of optically thin films and deposits on MIR reflective substrates, a double pass effect, accompanied by absorption by the chemicals or biological samples deposited in an Infrared Reflection-Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy (IRRAS) modality is achieved. The optical system includes a probe that allows the passage of MIR light through the same sampling area twice. Initially, the infrared beam produces a spot on the surface, and then the light is returned in back reflection to the sample surface producing a new little slightly larger spot onto the selfsame position.

Abstract: An access control apparatus having a protective covering configure to cover at least one of a subject or an object inside said protective covering is provided, where an opening is configured to provide access to the at least one of a subject or an object and a covering element configured to selectively cover said opening. A receiving element is provided on the protective covering and an activating device with an activating element is provided external to the protective covering.

Abstract: A series of novel EHop-016 derivatives is presented herein via designing and synthesizing compounds that mimics its more favorable “U-shaped” conformation that appears to be critical for inhibitory activity against Rac. Based on modeling studies on EHop-016, compounds with a more rigid structural conformation can mimic this “U-shaped” conformation and would improve the anti-migration activity against metastatic cells. Compounds are disclosed that inhibit RhoGTPases that are useful for inhibiting hyperprofilerative and neoplastic diseases, for instance compounds of formula Specifically, the compounds inhibit the GTPases Rac and Cdc42 that are overactive or overexpressed in signaling pathways in cancer and metastasis. Methods for treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a high-throughput voltage screening crystallographic device and methodology that uses multiple micro wells and electric circuits capable of assaying different crystallization condition for the same or different proteins of interest at the same of different voltages under a humidity and temperature controlled environment. The protein is solubilized in a lipid matrix similar to the lipid composition of the protein in the native environment to ensure stability of the protein during crystallization. The invention provides a system and method where the protein is transferred to a lipid matrix that holds a resting membrane potential, which reduces the degree of conformational freedom of the protein. The invention overcomes the majority of the difficulties associated with vapor diffusion techniques and essentially reconstitutes the protein in its native lipid environment under “cuasi” physiological conditions.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed that inhibit RhoGTPases that are useful for inhibiting hyperproliferative and neoplastic diseases. Specifically, the compounds inhibit the GTPases Rac and Cdc42 that are overactive or overexpressed in signaling pathways in cancer and metastasis. Methods for treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: Effective monitoring of the acid/base physiology of dental plaque is considered in caries risk assessment. The invention provides a methodology for caries risk assessment and a kit of biochemical tests for acid/alkali generation in dental plaque and in saliva as a screening instrument for identifying subjects with caries. The invention provides simple chair-side tests that measure the ability of dental plaque and/or saliva to metabolize sugars concomitantly with the ability to metabolize urea and other salivary nitrogenous substrates.