Abstract: A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of suppressing aging; DNA encoding the polypeptide; a method for improving livestock, using the DNA; a recombinant DNA prepared by inserting the DNA into a vector; a transformant harboring the recombinant; a method for preparing the polypeptide of the present invention, using the transformant; an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide; a ligand for the polypeptide of the present invention; a compound inhibiting specific binding between the polypeptide and ligand of the present invention; a compound enhancing the expression of an aging-suppressing gene encoding the aging-suppressing polypeptide of the present invention; an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence of 10 to 50 nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA; and a therapeutic agent for a syndrome resembling premature aging, a therapeutic agent for adult diseases or an aging-suppressing agent, using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are heterogeneous processes (i) for the hydrogenation of a compound containing at least one unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, and (ii) for the hydro-dehalogenation of a compound containing at least one C—Cl, C—Br or C—I bond. The processes comprise reacting said compound with a hydrogenating agent and a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of an ionic liquid.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the amount of resveratrol in a peanut material are provided, comprising the steps of providing a peanut kernel, size-reducing the peanut kernel, abiotically stressing the size-reduced peanut kernel, and incubating the abiotically stressed size-reduced peanut kernel under conditions capable of increasing the amount of resveratrol in the size-reduced peanut kernel. Resveratrol-enhanced peanut compositions prepared according to these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A class of proteins useful as inhibitors of prostasin and method for identifying them are provided. These proteins have the structure wherein the amino acids P1-P4 from the scissile bond are respectively leu-ile-ala-arg and the amino acids at positions P5-P15 are serpin sequences.

Abstract: An amide is formed by reacting an ?-ketoacid or salt thereof in a decarboxylative condensation reaction with an amine or salt thereof comprising a nitrogen covalently bound to an atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The amide bond is formed between the ?-carbon of the ketoacid and the nitrogen of the amine. The ?-ketoacid can be formed using a novel sulfur reagent.

Abstract: Methods, systems, software arrangements and storage medium for measuring the magnetic field correlation function (“MFC”), and more particularly, to methods for measuring the magnetic field correlation function utilizing asymmetric spin echoes. Asymmetric Dual Spin Echo Sequences (“ADSE”) and Echo Planar Imaging Asymmetric Dual Spin Echo Sequences (“EPI-ADSE”) may be employed to apply multiple echoes to a sample and acquire data from which the MFC may be determined.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a substrate, a feed conductor, a ground layer, a resonator and a short-circuited element. The substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface. The feed conductor is formed on the first surface. The ground layer is formed on the second surface, comprising an aperture. The resonator is disposed on the ground layer, comprising a body and a notch, the notch is formed on a first side of the body, wherein the first side is perpendicular to the ground layer. The short-circuited element is disposed on the first side connecting the ground layer.

Abstract: High-frequency couplers and coupling techniques are described utilizing artificial composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL). Three specific forms of couplers are described; (1) a coupled-line backward coupler is described with arbitrary tight/loose coupling and broad bandwidth; (2) a compact enhanced-bandwidth hybrid ring coupler is described with increased bandwidth and decreased size; and (3) a dual-band branch-line coupler that is not limited to a harmonic relation between the bands. These variations are preferably implemented in a microstrip fabrication process and may use lumped-element components. The couplers and coupling techniques are directed at increasing the utility while decreasing the size of high-frequency couplers, and are suitable for use with separate coupler or couplers integrated within integrated devices.

Abstract: A particle having a core and a surface to which are covalently coupled a plurality of reactive ester groups. Methods for using the particle to prepare a particle having one or more of a plurality of a targeting agent, a diagnostic agent, or a therapeutic agent covalently coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for separating and detecting enzyme substrates using separation gels. For example, the apparatus and methods can be used to separate and detect kinase substrates for further analysis. The apparatus and methods can also be used to detect enzyme inhibitors, such as kinase inhibitors.

Abstract: The electroporation system and method combine pulses having different characteristics for delivering molecules to cells in vivo. The pulses include a high-intensity pulse for inducing electroporation and a low-intensity pulse to induce electrophoretic molecule movement within an interstitial space, molecule adherence to a cell membrane, and electrophoretic movement of the molecule through the permeabilized membrane. The use of a high-intensity and a low-intensity pulse achieves improved delivery; reduction of intensity and/or duration of pulses for inducing electroporation; and decreased muscle stimulation, tissue damage, and patient discomfort.

Abstract: A membrane actuator includes a magnetically actuatable membrane and a magnetic trigger. The membrane includes a shape memory alloy (SMA), and the magnetic trigger is configured to induce a martensitic transformation in the SMA, to produce a larger force than would be achievable with non-SMA-based materials. Such a membrane actuator can be beneficially incorporated into a wide variety of devices, including fluid pumps, shock absorbing systems, and synthetic jet producing devices for use in an aircraft. The membrane/diaphragm can be formed from a ferromagnetic SMA, or a ferromagnetic material can be coupled with an SMA such that the SMA and the ferromagnetic material move together. A hybrid magnetic trigger, including a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, is preferably used for the magnetic trigger, as hybrid magnetic triggers are easy to control, and produce larger magnetic gradients than permanent magnets or electromagnets alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for enhancing the traffic carrying capacity of telecommunication networks, in particular those involving optical networks and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic and amino acid sequences of a taste cell receptor that serves as a sensor for the bitter taste of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), antibodies to such PTC taste receptor, methods of detecting such nucleic and amino acid sequences, and methods of screening for modulators of such PTC taste receptor.

Abstract: A storage system for storing jewelry, etc., is shown and described. In one embodiment, the storage system includes a dresser. A mirrored member is fixedly mounted above the dresser. At least one vertically-oriented panel is slidably mounted to the mirrored member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass analyzing apparatus, comprising a first metal electrode plate, a second metal electrode plate, an RF power supply, a reactant gas and a mass spectrometry. The second metal electrode plate is grounded. There is a gap between the first metal electrode plate and the second metal electrode plate. The RF power supply is electrically connected to the first metal electrode plate. Electric discharge is caused between the first metal electrode plate and the second metal electrode plate, so that the reactant gas becomes dissociation plasma. The dissociation plasma reacts with a gas analyte from a sample and then enters the mass spectrometry for a mass analysis. In addition, since the dissociation plasma is generated under low temperature and atmospheric pressure, the mass analyzing apparatus of the present invention is applicable for biological samples that need to be analyzed at a low temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed ?-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the production of polycyclic fused ring compounds. The polycyclic fused ring compounds are produced by protecting a polycyclic fused ring polyol with a bridging silicon-based protecting group and attaching a suitable side chain. Polycyclic fused ring compounds and intermediate compounds are also described.