Abstract: Embodiments provided herein include CPR assisting devices. Certain embodiments pertain to a device that may be adhered to patient's chest to aid in active compression/decompression CPR. The device may be incorporated with the AED pad for implementation in conjunction with defibrillator machine.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for treatment of allergic diseases by administering a natriuretic hormone peptide (NHP), or a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP, to a patient in need thereof. In another aspect, the present invention concerns an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a host cell genetically modified with a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising NHP or a nucleic acid sequence encoding NHP and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, the present invention pertains to novel fragments of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) exhibiting bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity, and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the fragments.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to an embodiment includes a symbol display and a controller. The symbol display configured to display an arrangement and a rendering movement of a plurality of symbols for a game, and the plurality of symbols including first and second symbols different from each other. The controller is configured to receive an input from a player, to determine whether a time of the input from the player is within a predetermined time duration during the rendering movement when the rendering movement satisfies a first condition, the predetermined time duration starting at a predetermined frame before the first symbol reaches at a predetermined position, and to stop a group of the symbols including the first symbol in response to the input from the player when the time of the input is within the predetermined time duration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition and a method for producing mesoporous silica materials with a chiral organization. In the method, a polymerizable inorganic monomer is reacted in the presence of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) to give a material of inorganic solid with cellulose nanocrystallites embedded in a chiral nematic organization. The NCC can be removed to give a stable porous structure that retains the chiral organization of the NCC template. The new materials may be obtained as iridescent free-standing films with high surface area. Through control of the reaction conditions, the color of the films can be varied across the entire visible spectrum. These are the first materials to combine mesoporosity with long-range chiral ordering that leads to photonic properties.

Abstract: The present invention describes a number of different microorganisms that have been genetically-engineered to optimize ethanol production. The present invention also describes methods of using such microorganisms to efficiently make ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that home to a joint of an animal, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid motif selected from the group consisting of NQR and ADK. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having an arthritic joint, comprising the step of administering to said subject a pharmacologically effective dose of a composition provided herein.

Abstract: A generator structure has alternating linear regions which are respectively relatively absorbing and relatively non-absorbing. When the structure is illuminated, the spatial contrast in the absorption created by the characteristics of the regions gives rise to mechanical effects within the workpiece, such as localized heating. This results in ultrasound being created to propagate through the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for using processed-cellulose. Preferably, the processed cellulose is a highly refined cellulose (HRC). The HRC is useful in a number of medical and nutritional applications. These medical and nutritional applications can include, but are not limited to, administering effective amounts of the HRC for lowering values of risk factor measurements for such diseases as arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Treatment of other diseases and conditions with the HRC is also possible.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for screening potential inhibitors of MutS? by screening agents for the ability to selectively inhibit interaction between MutS? and MutL?. Also disclosed are kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The door latch mechanism independently operated by first and second handles of the door handle assembly comprising a cam member having a cam surface which facilitates translation of movement of the handles to displacement of the cam member. The cam member can be coupled to a latch member and move the latch member between an extended and retracted position. A door lock mechanism can prevent displacement of the second door handle while simultaneously allowing displacement of the first door handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of selecting a cardiomyocyte from a cell population derived from a whole heart or a differentiated cell population derived from a stem cell without genetic alteration. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of selecting a cardiomyocyte from a cardiomyocyte-containing cell mixture without genetic alteration of a cardiomyocyte, on the basis of a relative content of cellular mitochondria and/or a relative mitochondrial transmembrane potential of the cell. The invention also relates to methods of enriching a cardiomyocyte from a cardiomyocyte-containing cell mixture without genetic alteration of a cardiomyocyte, producing a cardiomyocyte without genetic alteration of a cardiomyocyte, and evaluating the ratio of a cardiomyocyte in a cardiomyocyte-containing cell mixture.

Abstract: A gaming machine runs a base game in which symbols 501 are rearranged and a base payout is awarded according to the rearranged symbols 501, when a game value is bet, runs a bonus game in which the symbols 501 are rearranged with a higher payout rate than that of the game and a bonus payout is awarded according to the rearranged symbols 501, if the symbols 501 are rearranged in a predetermined condition in the base game, makes an insurance bet by using at least a part of the bonus payout awarded in the bonus game, determines whether a rescue start condition is established, if the insurance bet has been made, and performs a rescue process if the rescue start condition has been established.

Abstract: A zero-crossing-based analog-to-digital converter having current mismatch correction capability, that can raise resolution, energy efficiency, and sampling rate of a fully differential zero-crossing circuit, is realized through a 90 nm CMOS technology. The circuit is used mainly to correct offset error, to use a current supply separation technology and a digital correction mechanism to correct mismatch among a plurality of current supplies.

Abstract: Ghrelin analogues having high affinity for a target receptor in diseased cells are provided, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment utilizing such analogues.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-15Ra or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object to measure a position of a feature around a road. An image memory unit stores images in which neighborhood of the road is captured. Further, a three-dimensional point cloud model memory unit 709 stores a point cloud showing three-dimensional coordinates obtained by laser measurement which is carried out simultaneously to the image-capturing of the images as a road surface shape model. Using an image point inputting unit 342, a pixel on a feature of a measurement target is specified by a user as a measurement image point. A neighborhood extracting unit 171 extracts a point which is located adjacent to the measurement image point and superimposed on the feature for the measurement target from the point cloud. A feature position calculating unit 174 outputs three-dimensional coordinates shown by the extracted point as three-dimensional coordinates of the feature for the measurement target.

Abstract: Fibrocartilage implants characterized by circumferential fiber networks embedded in arcuate or torroidal scaffolds with orthogonal fiber networks embedded therein to prevent separation of the circumferential fiber networks. The fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential fibers. Artificial knee meniscus and vertebral disc implants are disclosed, as well as articular disc implants for joints such as the temporomandibular joint and wrist. Methods for implanting the fibrocartilage devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing chitosan and xylan composite thereto-gelling solutions to allow regulating the conditions in which the chitosan and xylan solution will gel. The present invention also provides methods for using chitosan/xylan solutions as compositions and for using chitosan/xylan solutions in vitro and in vivo. A thermally-responsive composite hydrogel has been developed and synthesized from the natural polymers chitosan and xylan. The new material is a viscous liquid at room temperature, but turns to a solid gel at physiological temperature (37 C). Rate of gelation is controlled with addition of a salt solution. Applications are for tissue engineering and local delivery of therapeutic agents, including proteins and drugs, as wells as cells.

Abstract: The variety ‘T-959’ ripens around the first week of June in southern Georgia. The fruits of the new ‘T-959’ variety are very large, firm, and have good flavor. The new ‘T-959’ variety is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 500 to 550 hours at or below approximately 7° C. The new variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.