Abstract: Wnt3a proteins represented by SEQ ID NO:2, etc. are used as the active ingredient of remedy for nerve cell regeneration, in particular, remedy for retinal cell regeneration which is useful in treating retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, cone dystrophy and so on.

Abstract: A microphone-capsule includes a vibrator implemented by a conductor having a flat vibration surface, a dielectric-polarization plate that is defined by a flat first principal surface facing the vibration surface of the vibrating plate and a second principal surface facing parallel to the first principal surface and in which polarization directions are aligned, a back electrode joined to the second principal surface of the dielectric-polarization plate, and an induced-charge measuring unit configured to measure the charges induced between the vibrating plate and the back electrode, in association with the displacement of the vibration surface. The induced-charge measuring unit includes an amplifier connected to the back electrode and an output circuit connected to the amplifier.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for providing drought resistant grass plants comprising Festuca mairei plant germplasm. Specifically, the inventions relate to providing compositions and methods for introgressing Festuca mairei germplasm and/or specific Festuca mairei genes into grass plants, such as Lolium perenne plants. Further, the invention relates to methods of grass plant breeding comprising genetic markers for identifying the preferred Festuca mairei germplasm introgressed into grass plants, and providing commercially desirable drought resistant cultivars of grass plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of T-helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated disorders using antagonists of IL-11.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: A novel method for measuring airborne radon and thoron capable of separately measuring radon and thoron with high sensitivity, having a small-sized device structure, and free of the influence from its measurement environment. In the method, by measuring Cherenkov light generated when airborne radon and thoron are adsorbed to an absorbent and then ? rays emitted in process of disintegrations of radon and thoron pass through the absorbent, radon and thoron are measured. Based on a decay time of the Cherenkov light, a mixture ratio between radon and thoron is measured. As the absorbent, porous glass is preferably employed which is provided with fine pores of 0.3 to 30 nm in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibitors of mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic use. In particular, the present invention provides the compound PK11195 and structurally and functionally related compounds as F1F0-ATPase inhibitors, and methods of using such inhibitors as therapeutic agents to treat a number of conditions.

Abstract: A polymer-based PLOT column prepared by in situ copolymerization of a functional monomer, which usually contains the retentive chemistries, and a crosslinking monomer, which enhances the strength of the polymer matrix, is disclosed. Styrenic based monomers such as styrene and divinylbenzene or meth/acrylic based monomers such as butyl or stearyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, are preferred. Columns of the invention can be prepared in a robust fashion with a very narrow i.d., e.g., 5-15 ?m. Thus, they are suitable for commercial use in ultratrace LC/MS proteomic analysis. Columns according to the invention are characterized by high resolving power, high column-to-column reproducibility and relatively high loading capacity. When these columns are coupled on-line with, e.g., ESI-MS detection, the resulting systems provide high sensitivity for analysis of complex proteomic samples, even down to the low attomole to sub-attomole level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fluorescent protein variants of DsRed and eqFP578. Fluorescent protein variants having increased photostability and/or having reversible photoswitching behavior, as well as polynucleotides encoding such variants are provided herein. Methods of using these novel fluorescent protein variants and methods for constructing other fluorescent protein variants having increased photostability are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells.

Abstract: A tissue, such as an amniotic or chorionic membrane, harvesting device that integrates a system facilitating subsequent storage of tissue samples. The device cuts a sample of the target tissue and automatically deposits the sample in a storage vessel. A method of collecting and storing a sample from a target tissue using a tissue harvesting device. A kit for collecting and storing samples of the target tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for producing Factor VIII proteins. Such methods include introducing into a cell a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Factor VIII protein operably linked to a promoter, wherein the promoter is characterized by the ability to produce commercially viable Factor VIII protein; and incubating the cell under conditions for producing commercially viable Factor VIII protein. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules which encode a Factor VIII protein operably linked to a Chinese hamster elongation factor 1-? (CHEF1) promoter, which may be used in the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present application provides novel human gene B7330N whose expression is markedly elevated in breast cancers. The gene and polypeptide encoded by the gene can be used, for example, in the diagnosis of breast cancers, as target molecules for developing drugs against the disease, and for attenuating cell growth of breast cancer.

Abstract: A signal processing device is provided, the device having a signal input for receiving a signal conveyed over a channel and defining a received signal. The device further includes one or more filters for generating a signal response based upon the received signal. The signal response includes an estimated value of a correntropy statistic. Additionally, the device includes a decision module connected to at least one of the filters for probabilistically deciding whether the received signal contains an information signal component based upon the estimated value of the correntropy statistic. The device further includes a signal output to convey a signal output indicating the received signal corresponds to a known signal template if the decision module decides that the received signal contains the information signal component.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes filled with a suspension or colloidal solution of functional nanoparticles and methods for production of carbon nanotubes loaded with functional nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: A preferred method for making a carbon nanotube-based field emission cathode device in accordance with the invention includes the following steps: preparing a solution having a solvent and a predetermined quantity of carbon nanotubes dispersed therein; providing a base with an electrode (101) formed thereon; forming a layer of conductive grease (102) on the base; distributing the solution on the layer of conductive grease, and forming a carbon nanotube layer (103) at least attached on the surface of the conductive grease after the solvent evaporates; and scratching the layer of conductive grease, in order to raise first ends of at least some of the carbon nanotubes from the conductive grease and thereby attain an effective carbon nanotube field emission cathode.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: Disclosed are surprising discoveries concerning the role of anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids in tumor vasculature and in viral entry and spread, and compositions and methods for utilizing these findings in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Also disclosed are advantageous antibody, immunoconjugate and duramycin-based compositions and combinations that bind and inhibit anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids, for use in the safe and effective treatment of cancer, viral infections and related diseases.

Abstract: Pathways to rapid and reliable fabrication of nanocylinder arrays are provided. Simple methods are described for the production of well-ordered arrays of nanopores, nanowires, and other materials. This is accomplished by orienting copolymer films and removing a component from the film to produce nanopores, that in turn, can be filled with materials to produce the arrays. The resulting arrays can be used to produce nanoscale media, devices, and systems.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method and system for designing the monomer sequence of a polymer to produce a particular polymer that adopts an initially specified, 3-dimensional conformation in a specified chemical environment. In one specific embodiment, the method and system produces amino-acid sequences for polypeptides in order to generate polypeptides that adopt initially specified, 3-dimensional conformations. Additional embodiments determine sequences for various other types of biopolymers in order to produce biopolymers that adopt specific conformations in specified chemical environments. For example, these method embodiments may be used to design sequences for polysaccharides, polynucleotides, and hybrid biopolymers.