Abstract: A removable cover support system and method for supporting a cover of a cover assembly having a cover support extension and a cover flange having cover flange holes has a cover flange securing base assembly having a base member and a securing mechanism slidably insertable through at least one of a cover flange hole of a cover assembly having a cover support extension and a cover flange, a retaining sleeve connected to the securing base assembly, a swingarm assembly rotatably supported by the retaining sleeve, and a lifting mechanism connected to the swingarm assembly. The securing mechanism is operably connected to the base member and the lifting mechanism is operably connected to the cover.

Abstract: Improved molecular vaccines comprise nucleic acid vectors that encode a fusion polypeptide that includes polypeptide or peptide physically linked to an antigen. The linked polypeptide is one that (a) promotes processing of the expressed fusion polypeptide via the MHC class I pathway and/or (b) promotes development or activity of antigen presenting cells, primarily dendritic cells. These vaccines employ one of several types of nucleic acid vectors, each with its own relative advantages: naked DNA plasmids, self-replicating RNA replicons and suicidal DNA-based on viral RNA replicons. Administration of such a vaccine results in enhance immune responses, primarily those mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, directed against the immunizing antigen part of the fusion polypeptide. Such vaccines are useful against tumor antigens, viral antigens and antigens of other pathogenic microorganisms and can be used in the prevention or treatment of diseases that include cancer and infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule selected from the group: a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in embryonic seed tissues and a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in chlorophyllous tissues. Use of the promoter-effective DNA molecules in chimeric genes, and preparation of expression systems, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic plant seeds containing such chimeric gene is also disclosed. Methods of expressing a heterologous mRNA molecule or protein or polypeptide in chlorophyllous tissue of plants or embryonic seed tissues are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a bottle-shaped can manufacturing method and a bottle-shaped can, a necking process is performed on an opening portion of a cylindrical workpiece with a bottom several times to form a body, a shoulder, and a portion for forming a neck that is continuously connected to an upper end of the shoulder in the axial direction of the bottle-shaped can and extends upward, and a first convex is formed in at least one of a connection portion between the shoulder and the portion for forming the neck and a connection portion between the shoulder and the body. Then, the shoulder is pressed to the inside of the body while the first convex is recessed inward in the radial direction, thereby forming grooves in the shoulder.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier including: a differential amplification unit amplifying and outputting a difference between a first input signal and a second input signal inputted via a first input terminal and a second input terminal, respectively, according to a first bias current of the first input terminal and second input terminal, to a first output terminal and a second output terminal; a diode-connected load unit comprising loads diode-connected to the first output terminal and second output terminal, respectively, the load receiving a second bias current; and a gain control unit controlling a gain between the input terminals and the output terminals of the differential amplification unit by controlling the size of the first bias current and second bias current.

Abstract: A linear actuator is provided, comprising a housing defining an interior channel, a stop extending from the housing and displaceable relative to the housing, and at least one wire formed of a shape-memory alloy, the wire being attached at a first end to the stop and at a second end to the housing. When heated to a predetermined temperature, the wire applies a pulling force to the stop to cause the stop to slide in a first direction into the housing interior channel. A spring located in the housing interior channel applies a biasing force to the stop in a second direction counter to the first direction when the wire cools, thereby returning the stop to the unactuated position. A wire heater is provided, which may be an electrical source for resistive heating of the wire. Multiple actuators of the present invention may be configured in parallel to increase the force generated by the wires.

Abstract: A method of treating an autoimmune disease (for example, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) comprises administering to the subject a treatment effective amount of a histone hyperacetylating agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of screening compounds useful for the treatment of autoimmune disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: The low power consumption CMOS high voltage driving circuit relates to a kind of high voltage driving circuit for output driving, and there is an out buffer stage between the output end of the level switch stage and the input end of the high voltage output stage, comprising a high voltage PMOS pipe and a high voltage NMOS pipe. The source of the high voltage PMOS pipe is connected with the power supply, its gate electrode is connected with the output end of the upper level out buffer unit as the input end of the current level out buffer unit. The source of the high voltage NMOS pipe is put to earth, and its gate electrode serves as the receiving end of the 3ith sequence signal. The drain region of the high voltage PMOS pipe is connected with that of the high voltage NMOS pipe and is connected with the input end of the lower level out buffer unit as the output end of the current level out buffer unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing transmission delay occurring when transmitting packet data to a destination in a transmission module including a first memory having a first memory area for storing packet data to be transmitted and a second memory area for backing up the first memory area, a second memory connected to a transmission link, and a frame processor. The method comprises storing a copy of the packet data stored in the second memory area according to a state of the second memory; deleting the packet data stored in the second memory area if copy of the packet data stored in the second memory is transmitted; determining whether packet data combining is possible according to a state of the second memory area; and if the packet data combining is possible, combining the packet data stored in the first memory area with the packet data stored in the second memory area and storing the combined packet data in the second memory.

Abstract: A composition for the formation of an electric field programmable film, the composition comprising a matrix precursor composition or a dielectric matrix material, wherein the dielectric matrix material comprises an organic polymer and/or a inorganic oxide; and an electron donor and an electron acceptor of a type and in an amount effective to provide electric field programming. The films are of utility in data storage devices.

Abstract: Peptide analogues of S. mutans CSP peptide which inhibit biofilm formation, uses thereof in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, antimicrobial compositions and uses thereof in the treatment and prevention of infections caused by biofilm forming bacteria, dental plaque formation, and conditions caused by dental plaque associated bacteria are provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a chewable composition for oral delivery of bioactive agents having nanoparticles that are composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery.

Abstract: A damaged layer repairing method repairs a damaged layer formed in a surface of a SiOCH film having a low dielectric constant film, containing silicon, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen and formed on a substrate through the elimination of carbon atoms by the decarbonizing effect of plasmas used in an etching process and an ashing process. CH3 radicals are produced through the thermal decomposition of C8H18O2 gas represented by a structural formula: (CH3)3COOH(CH3)3. CH3 radicals are brought into contact with the damaged layer in the SiOCH film and are made to bond to the damaged layer to repair the damaged layer.

Abstract: Methods of preventing or reducing ototoxicity in patients undergoing treatment with therapeutically effective amounts of platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics are provided. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of an otoprotective agent comprising methionine or a methionine-like moiety to said patient prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequently to administration of the platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent or aminoglycoside antibiotic. Combinations of these time periods can also be employed.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the chemical composition of a sample, comprising exciting a portion of the sample to generate atomic spectral emissions; a spectrometer for determining atomic emission characteristics; processor for receiving an output from the spectrometer, analyzing said output to determine atomic composition, said processor predicting at least one of (i) an origin of the sample, (ii) a treatment applied to said sample, (iii) a composition of the sample, and (iv) a feedback signal for controlling a process. Calibration samples are also provided for standardizing readings from the spectrometer.

Abstract: Wax esters are prepared by reacting a solution of palm oil in an organic solvent with oleyl alcohol in the presence of an immobilized lipase wherein molar ratio of palm oil to oleyl alcohol is between 1:2 and 1:4. Immobilized lipase used is present in an amount which is equivalent to not less than 1000 ?g of protein per milli-mole of palm oil used and the reaction is carried out at 40° C. to 50° C. for a period of not less than 5 hours. The organic solvent used has a value of log P not less than 3.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequence of the novel I-1 and I-2 polypeptides, which are associated with human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods of diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease using the IBD-associated I-1 and I-2 antigens also are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating odor sensitivity, as well as screening methods for detecting compounds that modulate odor sensitivity.

Abstract: A microthermophotovoltaic (micro-TPV) system is a novel micro power device. The system fully utilizes the high surface-to-volume ratio of a microcombustor, and is able to deliver and electrical power output of 0.5-10 W in a package of the order of centimeters. The system comprises mainly a combustor-emitter, a filter, a photovoltaic (PV) cell array, and cooling fins. The combustor-emitter functions to convert chemical energy into radiative heat energy. The filter is able to recycle a large part of the unusable energy that cannot be converted into electricity by the PV cell array. The PV cell array is used to convert radiative heat energy into electricity. The system has no moving parts. Its fabrication and assembly are relatively easy. As a result, it can be readily used as a power source of micro mechanical devices and portable devices, in which convenience and low cost reliability and ease of maintenance are the key factors of consideration.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a positive A-film and a negative A-film between a top polarizer and a bottom polarizer to increase the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display by reducing or eliminating light leakage at voltage-off state when viewed from an oblique angle. Method of increasing the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display by reducing or eliminating light leakage at voltage-off stage when viewed from an oblique angle. The compensation is applicable to use with liquid crystal displays having a liquid crystal layer that is homogenously aligned at off-state when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, such as IPS and FFS mode liquid crystal displays.