Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions for the inhibition of Aldose Reductase by nitric oxide. Certain embodiments of the invention include the induction of nitric oxide by administration of a nitric oxide donor, nitric oxide precursor, inhibitor of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and/or an activator of nitric oxide synthase. Methods may include the treatment of various disease states by inhibiting Aldose Reductase.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a wafer, a proof mass integrated into the wafer, at least one spring member connected to the proof mass, and an optical fiber. A Fabry-Perot cavity is formed by a partially reflective surface on the proof mass and a partially reflective surface on the end of the optical fiber. The two partially reflective surfaces are used to detect movement of the proof mass through the optical fiber, using an optical detection system.

Abstract: A high-surface-area (greater than 600 m2/g), large-pore (pore size greater than 6.5 angstroms), basic zeolite having a structure such as an alkali metal cation-exchanged Y-zeolite is employed to convert NOx contained in an oxygen-rich exhaust to N2 and ON2. Preferably, the invention relates to a two-stage method and apparatus for NOx reduction in an oxygen-rich engine exhaust that includes a plasma oxidative stage and a selective reduction stage. The first stage employs a non-thermal plasma treatment of NOx gases in an oxygen-rich exhaust and is intended to convert NO to NO2 in the presence of O2 and added hydrocarbons. The second stage employs a lean-NOx catalyst including the basic zeolite at relatively low temperatures to convert such NO2 to environmentally benign gases that include N2, CO2, and H2O.

Abstract: A method for forming a multi-layer ceramic electronic device includes the steps of (a) forming a circuit layer with a pattern of contacts on a ceramic substrate, (b) forming at least a dielectric blank sheet with a pattern of through-holes on a supporting film, (c) filling each of the through-holes in the dielectric blank sheet with a conductive paste, (d) drying the conductive paste in the through-holes, (e) overlaying the dielectric blank sheet on the circuit layer on the ceramic substrate in such a manner that the through-holes are registered respectively with the contacts, and (f) pressing and heating the ceramic substrate and the dielectric blank sheet.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically reducing a metal oxide to the metal in an electrochemical cell is disclosed along with the cell. Each of the anode and cathode operate at their respective maximum reaction rates. An electrolyte and an anode at which oxygen can be evolved, and a cathode including a metal oxide to be reduced are included as is a third electrode with independent power supplies connecting the anode and the third electrode and the cathode and the third electrode.

Abstract: Fluorescent sensor compounds having the formula: 1

Abstract: A solution useful for forming a solid that supports mass transfer includes carbon nanotubes and a solvent. Solids formed using the solution thereby have carbon nanotubes dispersed therein that are useful for communicating gas and/or electric charges within the solid. Catalyst layers of the invention that include carbon nanotubes can provide high levels of efficiency while requiring low catalyst concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring visual acuity. In one embodiment, a moving fixation target is displayed. A series of optotype letters appearing offset from the moving fixation target is also displayed, and each optotype letter corresponds to a visual acuity. Each optotype letter appears in one of four possible random quadrant locations adjacent the moving fixation target, and each optotype appears only for a limited time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polypeptide exhibiting substantially the same amino acid sequence as JAGGED, or an active fragment thereof, provided that the polypeptide does not have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6. The invention further provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a nucleotide sequence encoding substantially the same amino acid sequence as JAGGED, or an active fragment thereof, provided that the nucleotide sequence does not encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6. Also provided herein is a method of inhibiting differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells by contacting the progenitor cells with an isolated JAGGED polypeptide, or active fragment thereof. The invention additionally provides a method of diagnosing Alagille Syndrome in an individual. The method consists of detecting an Alagille Syndrome disease-associated mutation linked to a JAGGED locus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a BCNG protein or a portion thereof or BCNG-related protein or a portion thereof. The present invention further provides a method for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample which encodes a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. The present invention also provides a method for testing whether a compound affects the expression of a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. Also, the present invention provides a method for identifing a compound capable of modulating BCNG protein or BCNG-related protein activity. Further, the present invention also provides a method of treating a condition in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the provided compound, effective to treat the condition.

Abstract: Cloning, expression, viral and delivery vectors and hosts which contain nucleic acid coding for at least one peripheral nervous system specific (PNS) sodium channel peptide (SCP), isolated PNS SCP, and compounds and compositions and methods, are provided, for isolating, crystallizing, x-ray analysing molecular modeling, rational drug designing, selecting, making and using therapeutic or diagnostic agents or ligands having at least one peripheral nervous system specific (PNS) sodium channel (SC) modulating activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nematode inducible promoter sequence from maize inbred line Mp307, and DNA constructs and transcription cassettes comprising said promoter sequence, a gene encoding a toxin, and a termination sequence. Methods for inducing nematode resistance in plants and transgenic plants resistant to nematode infection are also provided.

Abstract: A system for assisting in observing a celestial object and providing synthetic guide star generation. A lasing system provides radiation at a frequency at or near 938 nm and radiation at a frequency at or near 1583 nm. The lasing system includes a fiber laser operating between 880 nm and 960 nm and a fiber laser operating between 1524 nm and 1650 nm. A frequency-conversion system mixes the radiation and generates light at a frequency at or near 589 nm. A system directs the light at a frequency at or near 589 nm toward the celestial object and provides synthetic guide star generation.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: A wood composite board or panel, such as particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board or waferboard and a method of producing the same. The composite board or panel comprises a plurality of wood pieces, thermoset resin to bind the wood pieces and a filler having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such a filler include natural and synthetic graphites, metal, carbon, silicon carbide and other similar compounds and their mixtures.

Abstract: Provided are agents that can bind to copper, and form a tripartite complex with protein, and the use of these agents in the prevention and treatment of diseases with a vascular component, such as solid tumors. Compositions and methods for combination therapy of these diseases, including cancer, as well as therapeutic kits, are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide both apparatus and method for the patterning of cells onto non-adhesive substrates and the controlled regulation of cells through the use of photoactivated cellular morphogenic factors.

Abstract: A nozzle attitude controller for use in connection with a farming apparatus for precision farming, the apparatus comprising an applicator vehicle, a boom supported by and extending across the rear of the vehicle, a manifold rotatably supported by the boom, a plurality of nozzles disposed from the manifold and oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the vehicle, but disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal, the attitude controller including a linear actuator operated by a stepper motor and a radar sensor which connects to the stepper motor and which measures the speed of the vehicle such that pulses from the radar sensor to the stepper motor moves the linear actuator to change the angle of the nozzle so that the horizontal component of its velocity is equal and opposite to the speed of the vehicle.

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: Primary receptors and co-receptors for adeno-associated virus (AAV) attachment to and infection of target cells are described. Such receptors can be used to facilitate AAV attachment to and infection of cells, e.g., for gene therapy. Methods for purification and/or concentration of AAV are also described. Methods of facilitating or enhancing AAV infection of a cell are also provided. Also described are methods of inhibiting or preventing infection of AAV into a cell. Cell samples may be screened for permissiveness for AAV attachment and infection by detecting the presence or abundance of cellular receptors that mediate attachment and/or infection of AAV into the cell. Formulations and kits for mediating AAV attachment to, and infection of, cells are also provided herein.