Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and methods for detecting and quantifying RNA viruses, such as enteroviruses and noroviruses. In one aspect, the invention provides amplification primers and labeled molecular beacons for amplification of viral nucleic acid sequences. In another aspect, the invention provides a synthetic RNA internal control. In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for detecting the presence of enterovirus and/or norovirus in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing spreading of a pulse in a transmission line, said spreading being as a result of polarization mode dispersion, comprising inducing predetermined polarization rotations of particle or wave components of the pulse in the transmission line.

Abstract: A hospital bed apparatus includes a supporting frame, a lifting mechanism, and a horizontally moving mechanism; the lifting mechanism includes two horizontal rods on two sides of a hospital bed, and a sheet is disposed between and connected to the horizontal rods; either one of the horizontal rods can be lifted so as to turn and reposition the patient on the sheet; the horizontally moving mechanism includes linearly displaceable transverse rods, and connecting rods pivoted to the transverse rods and the lifting mechanism; the sheet and the horizontal rods of the lifting mechanism will be moved outside of the hospital bed when the horizontally moving mechanism is actuated after the sheet have been lifted off the hospital bed together with the horizontal rods; thus, the patient can be shifted to another hospital bed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for detecting and localizing DNA mutations by DNA microarray. In various embodiments, the described methods include use of restriction endonuclease(s) and/or mismatch-recognition nuclease(s) to detect and/or localize mutations. In one representative method, reference and target DNA are digested using one or more restriction endonucleases, resultant DNA strands are labeled (e.g., using a DNA polymerase), and the labeled mixture of DNAs is hybridized to a microarray. In another representative method, reference and target DNA are denatured and annealed to form a mixture containing heteroduplex DNA, one or more mismatch-recognition nuclease(s) are used to nick or cleave at least a portion of the heteroduplex DNA, resultant DNA strands are labeled (e.g., using a DNA polymerase) and the labeled mixture of DNAs is hybridized to a microarray.

Abstract: A magnetic field detector is provided that makes use of Magneto-Impedance in order to switch an oscillator between operating states as a function of magnetic field strengths.

Abstract: A binary coding and decoding method and apparatus for MVD (Motion Vector Difference) absolute values, includes: dividing symbols for MVD absolute values to be coded into a plurality of subsets according to probability distribution properties; assigning a binary codeword for each subset; assigning a binary codeword for each symbol in each subset; concatenating and outputting the binary codeword for each subset and the binary codeword for each symbol in the subset, as the binary coding result. At the decoding side, decoding operations are performed by using a principle corresponding to that at the coding side. In this manner, the invention makes full use of the source properties on one hand, and effectively prevents the codeword length from being too long on the other hand. It has been experimentally testified that a better compression effect may be achieved during arithmetic coding process and thus the image coding performance may be improved effectively.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system (300) includes a table (304) for holding a patient (302), a first gantry (311) for holding a radiation source (310) which emits penetrating radiation, and a second gantry (313) spaced apart from the first gantry holding a penetrating radiation detector (312) for receiving the penetrating radiation after passing through the patient. The penetrating radiation from the radiation source is angled at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (322) of the table. A third gantry (320) is spaced apart from the first and second gantry including at least one radiation therapy source (321) or other (non-CT) imaging system, wherein the third gantry is located between the first gantry and the second gantry. The CT system thus permits computed tomography to occur simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with other procedures, such as various other radiation therapy systems, imaging modality or surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuous production of carbon nanotubes in a nano-agglomerate fluidized bed, which comprises the following steps: loading transition metal compounds on a support, obtaining supported nanosized metal catalysts by reducing or dissociating, catalytically decomposing a carbon-source gas, and growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst support by chemical vapor deposition of carbon atoms. The carbon nanotubes are 4˜100 nm in diameter and 0.5˜1000 ?m in length. The carbon nanotube agglomerates, ranged between 1˜1000 ?m, are smoothly fluidized under 0.005 to 2 m/s superficial gas velocity and 20˜800 kg/m3 bed density in the fluidized-bed reactor. The apparatus is simple and easy to operate, has a high reaction rate, and it can be used to produce carbon nanotubes with high degree of crystallization, high purity, and high yield.

Abstract: An apparatus for coding a pseudo orthogonal space-time block code in a transmitter using 4 transmission antennas of first to fourth transmission antennas. Upon receiving information symbol streams x1x2x3x4 to be transmitted, a serial-to-parallel converter parallel-converts the received information symbol streams x1x2x3x4 into x1,x2,x3,x4. A pseudo orthogonal space-time block coding (PO-STBC) encoder codes the parallel-converted information symbol streams x1,x2,x3,x4 using a pseudo orthogonal space-time block coding scheme such that the information symbol streams x1,x2,x3,x4 are transmitted via corresponding transmission antennas for first to fourth time periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human gene that is differentially expressed in human carcinoma. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a novel human polypeptide named C35 that is overexpressed in human breast and bladder carcinoma. This invention also relates to C35 polypeptide, in particular C35 peptide epitopes and C35 peptide epitope analogs, as well as vectors, host cells, antibodies directed to C35 polypeptides, and the recombinant methods for producing the same. The present invention further relates to diagnostic methods for detecting carcinomas, including human breast carcinomas. The present invention further relates to the formulation and use of the C35 gene and polypeptides, in particular C35 peptide epitopes and C35 peptide epitope analogs, in immunogenic compositions or vaccines, to induce antibody or cell-mediated immunity against target cells, such as tumor cells, that express the C35 gene.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating an eicosanoid metabolic process in cells of an animal in need thereof, which comprises administering to the animal an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of an eicosanoid oxygenase. In particular, the inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating arachadonic acid metabolism by administering an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: A method of removing a toxic compound comprising contacting the toxic compound with a particle having two regions, the first region containing a detoxifying enzyme and the second region containing a material selected to partition the toxic compound into the second region. The particle may be a nanoparticle.

Abstract: A device (20) for manufacturing a carbon nanotube array (10) includes a reaction chamber (220), a gas introducing tube (228), and a quartz boat (240). The reaction chamber includes a first gas inlet (222), a second gas inlet (224), and a gas outlet (226). The first gas inlet is configured for introducing a reaction gas, and the second gas inlet is configured for introducing a disturbance gas. The quartz boat is disposed in the reaction chamber. The quartz boat is used to carry a substrate (12) from/upon which the carbon nanotube array grows. The gas introducing tube is connected to the second gas inlet and to the quartz boat. The gas introducing tube is used to transport the disturbance gas introduced from the second gas inlet to the quartz boat to disturb/interrupt nanotube growth.

Abstract: Methods for forming colloidal metal chalcogenide nanoparticles generally include forming soluble inorganic metal chalcogen cluster precursors, which are then mixed with a surfactant and heated to form the colloidal metal chalcogenide nanoparticles. The soluble inorganic metal chalcogen cluster precursors are generally formed using a hydrazine-based solvent. The methods can be used with main group and transition metals.

Abstract: A method for assisting multi-tasking computer users includes receiving from a user a specification of a task being performed by the user or an indication of completion of a task, collecting state changes in multiple executing programs, predicting a current task being performed by the user based on a recent state change event, a past specification of a task being performed by the user, and past events and associated tasks. Based on the predicted current task, user interface elements in multiple executing programs are adapted to facilitate performance of the task. The method may also allow a user to specify a new task based on a task template derived from a completed task to facilitate completion of the new task. The task templates also may be shared among users, and active tasks may also be team tasks shared among users.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus for forming low-melting-point metal mold. The spraying apparatus includes a frame body having a platform. A close space having an operation area is defined above the platform. An adjustment seat having an operation table is arranged on one side of the platform corresponding to the operation area. The adjustment seat is multidirectionally displaceable and 360-degree rotatable and adjustable in angle. A spraying system is mounted on the other side of the platform. The spraying system includes a material-supplying container, a high-pressure pump and a spraying gun. A temperature-controlling box is disposed on a lower side of the frame body. The temperature-controlling box has a power switch, a first-stage temperature control, a second-stage temperature control and a third-stage temperature control which are respectively electrically connected to the material-supplying container, the high-pressure pump and the spraying gun for heating the same to a set temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding data received from a channel experiencing two-dimensional inter-symbol interference, as well as systems implementing such a decoding method and system, are disclosed. The method includes an iterative multi-strip equalization method that receives a plurality of channel values associated with a plurality of locations in a plurality of rows of a matrix, computes initial probability values based upon those channel values, applies a BCJR algorithm to symbol probability values based upon bands of rows of the initial probability values, and resolves the results of applying the BCJR algorithm to arrive at a plurality of bands of rows of revised probability values, which are subsequently combined/substituted with one another. The process iteratively repeats until the revised probability values attain a sufficient degree of convergence. By utilizing data from overlapping bands to perform the BCJR algorithm, ISI in both dimensions is addressed.

Abstract: A method of using reflected satellite signals, such as GPS signals or high orbit satellite signals, to determine information including the steps of: receiving direct and reflected satellite signals from the same satellite at one or more receivers, comparing a power of said reflected satellite signal with a power of the direct satellite signal from the same satellite to obtain a ratio, comparing the ratio to at least one calibrated ratio obtained from calibration data; and determining information from a result of said step of comparing said ratios. The method is useful for the purpose of determining information about the presence or absence of an object, person or animal, the volume of motor vehicle or foot traffic, the aridity of land, monitoring an area for intruders, monitoring parking lots and enhancing security systems.

Abstract: A design strategy for constructing hierarchically structured materials using nanoparticles and synthetic biopolymers has been developed. Block copolypeptides or homopolymer polyelectrolytes are used as structure-directing agents to arrange nanoparticles (composed of metals, metal non-oxides, metal oxides, or organics) into unusual microstructures, such as spheres, “apples” and “cups.” Hollow spheres can be made wherein nanoparticles of one composition are spatially oriented completely interior or exterior to nanoparticles of a second composition. These aggregates contain nanoparticles only in the shell walls, and maintain their hollowness upon calcination. These shapes can also be fabricated into films. These robust materials are anticipated to have great promise in applications that require surface catalysis, magnetic/electronic/optic properties, transport capabilities, and combinations thereof, such as drug delivery, packaging, catalysis, and sensors.