Abstract: The invention relates to surgical bone cement compositions and more particularly to bone cement compositions having aneasthetic properties, and to methods for producing analgesia.

Abstract: Tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases and nucleic acids encoding the tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases are described. Dual isotopes of the enzyme and of the nucleic acids encoding the enzymes have been identified in human, mouse and C. elegans. The polypeptides and polynucleotides exhibit a wide range of homologies. The polynucleotides can be used to transform or transfect host cells for producing substantially pure forms of the enzyme, or for use in an expression system for post-translational tyrosine sulfation of proteins or peptides produced within the expression system. The enzymes can be used to sulfate peptides or proteins requiring sulfation.

Abstract: A p channel thin-film transistor (TFT) made of directly deposited microcrystalline silicon (uc-Si). The p TFT is integrated with its n channel counterpart on a single uc-Si film, to form a complementary metal-silicon oxide-silicon (CMOS) inverter of deposited uc-Si. The uc-Si channel material can be grown at lower temperatures by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a process similar to the deposition. The p and n channels share the same uc-Si layer. The Figure shows the processing steps of manufacturing the TFT, where (12) represents the uc-Si layer of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are new outer membrane proteins and nucleic acids from Acinetobacter and related biological compositions and methods. The biological materials provided are useful in diagnostic, immunological and therapeutic applications, particularly those connected with peptic ulcers and cancers, respiratory diseases, sepsis and a variety of other conditions.

Abstract: There is a substantial degree of structural similarity (although not sequence similarity) between the carboxy-terminal one-third of Filovirus glycoprotein and the transmembrane proteins of the very distantly related retroviruses, especially those of avian sarcoma viruses. The high degree of structural similarity implies functional homology as well. A number of compounds that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of African hemorrhagic fever (“AHF”) are disclosed. AHF infections (e.g., Ebola, Marburg) may be inhibited with low concentrations of peptides or antibodies of low toxicity. For example, analogs of a portion of the natural fusion glycoprotein of a Filovirus may be used to inhibit the normal fusion process of the virus in vivo, thus preventing or limiting infection.

Abstract: A pacing lead that is useful for transvenous pacing of the left ventricle, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure. The pacing lead includes a tapered body of reduced diameter at its distal end, and at least one electrode positioned in the area of the thin distal end of the tapering body. A floppy coil is attached as an integral part of the tapered body, or provided as a separate component, to serve as a guidewire for steering the pacing lead. Also provided with is a sheath delivery system for delivery of the pacing lead into the coronary sinus or a distal cardiac vein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing polarization division multiplexing to allow recovery of data in different multiplexed channels at a receiving end without recovering multiplexed polarizations used in the transmitting stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for inhibiting growth of a bacterium which consists essentially of contacting the bacterium with a compound having the structure: wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 may be independently H, F, Cl, Br, I, —OH, —OR7, —CN, —COR7, —SR7, —N(R7)2, —NR7COR8, —NO2, —(CH2)pOR7, —(CH2)pX(R7)2, —(CH2)pXR7COR8, a straight chain or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkenyl, thioalkyl, methylene thioalkyl, acyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, or heteroaryl; wherein a linkage to the benzene ring may alternatively be —N—, —S-—, —O— or —C—; wherein R7 or R8 may be independently H, F, Cl, Br, I, —OH, —CN, —COH, —SH2, —NH2, —NHCOH, —(CH2)pOH, —(CH2)pX(CH2), —(CH2)pXCOH, a straight chain or branched, substituted or unsu

Abstract: The present invention is directed to labeled compounds, [2H1, 13C], [2H2, 13C] and [2H3, 13C]methyl aryl sulfides wherein the 13C methyl group attached to the sulfur of the sulfide includes exactly one, two or three deuterium atoms and the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, substituted 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, substituted 2-naphthyl, and phenyl groups with the structure wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each independently, hydrogen, a C1-C4 lower alkyl, a halogen, an amino group from the group consisting of NH2, NHR and NRR′ where R and R′ are each a C1-C4 lower alkyl, a phenyl, or an alkoxy group. The present invention is also directed to processes of preparing [2H1, 13C], [2H2,13C] and [2H3, 13C]methyl aryl sulfides wherein the 13C methyl group attached to the sulfur of the sulfide includes exactly one, two or three deuterium atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel anti-neoplastic pharmaceutical composition. Specifically, the present invention provides for phytochemotherapeutic compositions produced from aqueous extracts (and fractions thereof), derived from Vernonia amygdalina leaves. These pharmaceutical compositions inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells, including human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the instant invention provides for methods of producing the compositions and methods of using the compositions to inhibit the proliferation of neoplastic cells.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging technique and apparatus with a portable scanning head. In one form of the scanning head, a reflective scanner is provided with a variable focus, and in another form the scanning head has several reflective facts of respectively different focal lengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for storing a particle-containing liquid. The storage apparatus comprises a microfluidic convoluted flow channel having a plurality of particle capture regions. The storage channel is preferably an isotropic spatially periodic channel. Sedimented particles can be resuspended following storage. This invention further provides a microfluidic analysis cartridge having a convoluted storage channel therein. The sample analysis can use optical, electrical, pressure sensitive, or flow sensitive detection. A plurality of analysis channels can be included in a single cartridge. The analysis channels can be joined to reagent inlets for diluents, indicators or lysing agents. A mixing channel can be positioned between the reagent inlet and the analysis region to allow mixing and reaction of the reagent. The cartridge can include additional valves and pumps for flow management.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active lactone compound by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of a cyclic ketone compound with at least one kind of oxidants selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and urine-hydrogen peroxide adduct (UHP) using a cobalt(salen) complex having a cis-&bgr; structure expressed by the following formula (I) or (II) as a catalyst. in which X and Y independently denote H, a t-butyl group or an electron-withdrawing substituting group and W is a halogen element. in which X and Y independently denote H, a t-butyl group or an electron-withdrawing substituting group and Z− is a monovalent anion. The optically active lactone compounds can be used for the synthesis of medicines and argochemicals.

Abstract: Elongase KCS polypeptides with altered substrate specificity and/or catalytic activity are disclosed. Such elongase KCS polypeptides are effective for producing very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) fatty acids. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding elongase KCS polypeptides, and yeast and plants expressing these polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for temperature control in microwave processing of materials, for example microwave sintering, annealing and other forms of microwave heating, are disclosed in which the material is formed into a selected shape and size such that at least a part of the materials reaches a state of thermal equilibrium at a desired temperature.

Abstract: Use of a tablet diet supplement for administration to a dialysis patient comprising a mixture of L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine and L-valine, for preventing and/or correcting hypoalbuminemia in a patient on dialysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite comprising: a. preparing an organoclay material by reacting a swellable layered clay with an onium ion represented by Formula (I): wherein i) M is nitrogen or phosphorus, ii) R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms, iii) R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from organic or oligomeric ligands or hydrogen, and iv) at least one of R2, R3, and R4 comprises an alkylene oxide group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a polyalkylene oxide group, and b. melt mixing the organoclay material with an expanding agent, and c. melt extruding the expanded organoclay and a polymer to provide a nanocomposite.

Abstract: A non-linear, semi-parametric neural network-based adaptive filter is utilized to determine the dynamic speed of a rotating rotor within an induction motor, without the explicit use of a speed sensor, such as a tachometer, is disclosed. The neural network-based filter is developed using actual motor current measurements, voltage measurements, and nameplate information. The neural network-based adaptive filter is trained using an estimated speed calculator derived from the actual current and voltage measurements. The neural network-based adaptive filter uses voltage and current measurements to determine the instantaneous speed of a rotating rotor. The neural network-based adaptive filter also includes an on-line adaptation scheme that permits the filter to be readily adapted for new operating conditions during operations.

Abstract: In the invention, an analog signal is converted to an optical deflection. In preferred embodiments, an N-bit parallel output is obtained. A particularly preferred embodiment patterns the light beam with a spatial filter into an N-bit binary light pattern that is then collected and sensed by optical detectors.