Abstract: A method of reducing damage to cells and tissue caused by an ischemic or hypoxic event is disclosed. The method includes administering to the cell or tissue, either in vivo or ex vivo, ??RACK peptide. The peptide can be administered before, during or after the ischemic or hypoxic event.

Abstract: A three terminal electrical bistable device that includes a tri-layer composed of an electrically conductive mixed layer sandwiched between two layers of low conductivity organic material that is interposed between a top electrode and a bottom electrode. The conducting mixed layer serves as the middle electrode. The device includes two memory cells composed of electrode/organic layer/mixed layer, where the interfaces between the electrically conductive mixed layer and the low conductivity organic layer exhibit bistable behavior.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the control of body weight of animals including mammals and humans, and more particularly to materials identified herein as modulators of weight, and to the diagnostic and therapeutic uses to which such modulators may be put. In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to the elucidation and discovery of nucleotide sequences, and proteins putatively expressed by such nucleotides or degenerate variations thereof, that demonstrate the ability to participate in the control of mammalian body weight. The nucleotide sequences in object represent the genes corresponding to the murine and human ob gene, that have been postulated to play a critical role in the regulation of body weight and adiposity. Preliminary data, presented herein, suggests that the polypeptide product of the gene in question functions as a hormone.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel 1,4-benzothiazepine intermediates and derivatives, methods for synthesizing same, and methods for assaying same. The present invention also provides methods for using these novel compounds to limit or prevent a decrease in the level of RyR2-bound FKBP12.6 in a subject; to prevent exercise-induced sudden cardiac death in a subject; and to treat or prevent heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia in a subject. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that enhances binding of RyR2 and FKBP12.6, and agents identified by these methods. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for identifying agents for use in treating or preventing heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia, and in preventing exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. Also provided are agents identified by such methods.

Abstract: A device comprises a multi-layered thin film having excellent adhesion due to the method of fabricating the same. More particularly, the device includes a multi-layered thin film consisting of a tantalum nitride layer, a tantalum layer formed on the tantalum nitride layer, and a gold thin film formed on the tantalum layer.

Abstract: New Gp32F protein for determining, localizing or quantitating single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules comprises a Gp32 protein conjugated at an environment-sensitive amino acid (e.g. cysteine-166) to a fluorescent label.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a composite comprising an organic fluid-swellable, fibrous matrix, such as collagen, and a mineral phase, such as calcium carbonate or phosphate mineral phase, for use as a biomimetic of bone. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns a process for making a composite involving the inclusion of acidic polymers to a supersaturated mineralizing solution, in order to induce an amorphous liquid-phase precursor to the inorganic mineral, which is then absorbed (pulled by capillary action) into the organic matrix. Advantageously, once solidified, a high mineral content can be achieved, with the inorganic mineral crystals embedded within the collagen fibers (intrafibrillarly) and oriented such that they are aligned along the long axes of the fibers of the organic matrix, thereby closely mimicking the natural structure of bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a target detection device and its detection method, comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting a detecting pulse to detect target which then reflects the detecting pulse to generate a reflected pulse; a plurality of measuring units, located at different positions respectively which receive said reflected pulse and generates measured values of distance and measured values of velocity according to the reflected pulse received; a plurality of two-stage linear Kalman filters, corresponding to said plural measuring units respectively, each of said plural two-stage linear Kalman filters proceeds an operation according to the measured values produced by corresponding measuring unit so as to generate respectively the estimation values of distance, velocity and acceleration; an arithmetic unit connecting to said plural two-stage linear Kalman filters, which proceeds a triangulation operation according to said estimation values so as to generate distance component values, velocity compon

Abstract: A heteropentamer composed of a fusion monomer (32) comprising a fusion protein of an antigenic amino acid sequence and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein and a nonfusion monomer (20) of an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. A homopentamer composed of a fusion monomer including a fusion protein of an antigen derived from an envelope protein of Japanese encephalitis virus and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. These heteropentamer and the homopentamer can be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding information in the topology of superpositions of helical modes of light, and retrieving information from each of the superposed modes individually or in parallel. These methods can be applied to beams of light that already carry information through other channels, such as amplitude modulation or wavelength dispersive multiplexing, enabling such beams to be multiplexed and subsequently demultiplexed. The systems and methods of the present invention increase the number of data channels carried by a factor of the number of superposed helical modes.

Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent, wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80° C. or less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants. In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A condition analysis apparatus capable of grasping the condition of an object easily and accurately is provided. The condition analysis apparatus 1 includes a three-dimensional sensor 10 for measuring sampling-point-moves in the height direction of an object 2 existing in a target area at a plurality of sampling points, and area definition means 22 for defining an area where a plurality of the sampling-point-moves are in the generally same phase. The thus constructed condition analysis apparatus 1 can grasp the condition of the object 2 easily and accurately. Preferably, the condition analysis apparatus 1 includes information output means 40 for outputting information of an area including the area defined by the area definition means 22.

Abstract: A method of providing an interface between a brain and a data processor may include generating stimuli and detecting one or more signals indicative of brain activity. The one or more signals may be processed, and a portion indicating attention to stimulus may be used to determine an attended-to symbol.

Abstract: Methods are described for efficient reconstruction of MRI data. In one practice, new reconstruction algorithms for non-uniformly sampled k-space data are presented. In the disclosed algorithms, Iterative Next-Neighbor re-Gridding (INNG) and Block INNG (BINNG), iterative procedures are performed using larger rescaled matrices than the target grid matrix In BINNG algorithm, the sampled k-space region is partitioned into several blocks and the INNG algorithm is applied to each block. In another practice, a novel partial spiral reconstruction (PFSR) uses an estimated phase map from a low-resolution image reconstructed from the central k-space data and performs iterations, similar to the iterative procedures with INNG, with an imposed phase constraint. According to yet another practice, an off-resonance correction is performed on matrices that are smaller than the full image matrix. All these methods reduce the computational costs while rendering high-quality reconstructed images.

Abstract: A system and method for managing imaging data related to a biological trait, including generating a three-dimensional representation of the external surface of the body a patient; obtaining the imaging data; associating the imaging data with a coordinate location of the three-dimensional representation, to generate an associated imaging data; and managing the associated imaging data using the surface representation. The association includes uniquely associating numerical values (e.g., Cartesian coordinates) to particular surface features. The three-dimensional model includes the ability to adjust the pose of the 3D models made from data taken at different times so that the coordinate systems closely correspond.

Abstract: A discrete multi-tone (DMT) communication system is provided herein, replacing the conventional inversed discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) and DFT with IDHT (together with the complex-to-real transformation) and a DHT alone respectively at the transmitting end and the receiving end. A DHT-based frequency-domain equalizer (FEQ) at the receiving end equalizes each of the 0-th to (N?1)-th DHT subchannels, where N is the number of point of the DHT. Finally, each of the 0-th to ( N 2 - 1 ) - th subchannels of the DMT system is obtained by combining the k-th and (N-k)-th subchannels of the DHT-based FEQ for k=0, 1, . . . , ( N 2 - 1 ) .

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent stem cells, purified from the peripheral tissue of mammals, and capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The present subject matter concerns methods for determining platelet medicated clot formation. Specifically, the subject matter provides a method for determining platelet-medicated clot formation in a blood sample. The method may include obtaining sample of blood, and optionally mixing same with an anti-coagulant in an amount effective to inhibit clot formation. Additionally, the method may include mixing the sample in a vessel with a minute amount of an initiator to obtain a mixed sample, the amount being effective to initiate coagulation. The method may further include rotating the mixed sample inside the vessel, whereby shear forces are developed at the surface of the vessel in a manner and for a time sufficient to allow adhesion of platelets at the surface of the vessel. In addition, the method may include determining clot formation at the surface of the adherent platelets.

Abstract: Existing pressure sensing fabrics may involve two portions, i.e., insulating and conductive portions in the fabric, which increases the complexity of the fabric system and more important, and the instablization of the resistance-strain relationship during dynamic deformation which limits the application fields due to intrinsic properties difference between the two portions. These fabrics commonly employ two or more layers to accomplish the detecting functions. Such arrangements increase the thickness, weight, and cost of the sensors with some other disadvantages such as low accuracy, instability, etc. This invention describes a pressure sensing fabric have a general structure as simple as a plurality of electrically conducting yarns forming interlocking loops of yarns. The pressure sensing fabric is found not only be able to sense pressure but also the magnitude of the pressure.