Abstract: Detection of submicron scale cracks and other mechanical and chemical surface anomalies using PET. This surface technique has sufficient sensitivity to detect single voids or pits of sub-millimeter size and single cracks or fissures of millimeter size; and single cracks or fissures of millimeter-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale length, micrometer-scale depth, and nanometer-scale width. This technique can also be applied to detect surface regions of differing chemical reactivity. It may be utilized in a scanning or survey mode to simultaneously detect such mechanical or chemical features over large interior or exterior surface areas of parts as large as about 50 cm in diameter. The technique involves exposing a surface to short-lived radioactive gas for a time period, removing the excess gas to leave a partial monolayer, determining the location and shape of the cracks, voids, porous regions, etc., and calculating the width, depth, and length thereof. Detection of 0.

Abstract: A device for producing microscopic arrays of molecules is provided, the device comprising a plurality of inverted cavities containing solutions, a substrate adapted to be received by the cavities for extracting the solutions, a substrate for depositing the extracted solutions onto a location on a matrix; and a quality control monitoring system for verifying that the solutions are deposited onto the location on the matrix. A process for producing an array of molecules also is provided, the process comprising providing a plurality of inverted solution cavities, wherein each cavity contains a solution; extracting each solution from its respective inverted cavity; loading each solution at a predetermined position in an array; and verifying that each solution is loaded onto its respective position in the array.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

Abstract: Organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices (“OPODs”) which include an exciton blocking layer to enhance device efficiency. Single heterostructure, stacked and wave-guide type embodiments. Photodetector OPODs having multilayer structures and an exciton blocking layer. Guidelines for selection of exciton blocking layers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology, in particular to translational control. The inventors herein disclose compositions and methods useful to alter plant gene translation, which methods enable genetic modification of numerous plant processes, such as inducible or constitutive responses to biotic and abiotic stress, or growth pattern adjustment.

Abstract: A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: Single-chain forms of the glycoprotein hormones LH, FSH, TSH or CG which are lacking at least one disulfide bridge in the sequence representing the &agr; and/or &bgr; subunit are useful as agonists or antagonists of the native glycoprotein hormones.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna has first and second cylindrically-shaped dielectric layers having first sides secured together with an array of conducting strips conformally interposed therebetween, the strips being spaced to define a slot between each pair of adjacent strips. A conductive ground plane is disposed on an interior second side of the first dielectric layer, and an array of spaced apart radiating patches are conformally disposed on an exterior second side of the second dielectric layer, each of which patches is positioned over a corresponding slot. Responsive to electromagnetic energy, a high-order standing wave is induced in the antenna and a directed beam is transmitted from and/or received into the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of avian gametes, comprising reducing endogenous primordial germ cells (PGCs) in a recipient bird in ovo and introducing donor primordial germ cells from another bird into the recipient bird in ovo. The present invention further provides a method of increasing the ratio of male offspring from a female bird, comprising reducing endogenous PGCs in the female bird in ovo, introducing donor PGCs from another bird into the female bird in ovo, and incubating the female bird to hatch. The female bird is raised to sexual maturity and bred to produce a plurality of eggs having a higher proportion of male eggs than in the absence of the inventive methods. In some embodiments, the donor PGCs are from a different species than the recipient bird. In preferred embodiments, endogenous PGCs are reduced using busulfan.

Abstract: Methods of reducing gene expression, protein production and messenger RNA output in a cell are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for delivering a selected ribozyme to a target mRNA in a cell. The methods are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A novel method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of dicarboxylic acids in biological samples is provided. The method includes the steps of esterfying the acid component of the sample and subsequently analyzing the esterified sample using tandem mass spectroscopy using atmospheric pressure ionization techniques in the positive ion mode. The method is particularly useful in the determination of methylmalonic acid in biological samples, and thus, the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Abstract: Method for preparing an implantable device for a sustained delivery of a substance within a body of a human or an animal subject, the method including; dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a suitable solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution; adding the substance to the polymer-solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture; drying the polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to form a substantially dry mass; and one or more of the following three steps: (1) adding a second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to the dry mass and this second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture is then allowed to dry; and/or, (2) refrigerating the mass; and/or, (3) adding a liquid to the mass to cause the mass to soften and thereafter manipulating the softened mass to a desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for maintaining cardiac function by administering dichloroacetate (DCA) in combination with an inotrope.

Abstract: A process of preparing a compound of the formula (I) wherein B is chosen from OH, NH2, NHR, H or halogen; D is chosen from OH, NH2, NHR, H halogen or SCH3; R is an optionally substituted alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group; and Z is selected from OH, hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, SQ or OQ, Q is an optionally substituted all, aralkyl or aryl group; or a tautomer thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; or an ester thereof; or a prodrug thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula (II)  with an anion produced by abstraction of the bromine or iodine atom from a compound of formula (XIX),  to form a compound of formula (XX) The compound of formula (XX) is N- and O-deprotected to obtain the compound of formula (I).

Abstract: A system and method for automatically computing pitch contours from a symbolic input, such as text that closely mimics pitch contours in natural speech. The method of the invention comprises estimating component contours, such as “phrase contours” and “accent contours”, from natural speech recordings. The phrase contours are associated with certain sequences of syllables, such as “feet”, or “accent groups.” A natural pitch contour is modeled as a mathematical combination. During synthesis, stored natural speech intervals are retrieved along with the corresponding accent curves. A temporal manipulation of the speech intervals performed by the synthesis algorithms, such as shortening or lengthening algorithms, is identically applied to the corresponding accent curves. The final output pitch contour is generated by mathematically combining (e.g., adding) the temporally manipulated accent curves to a phrase curve.

Abstract: The present invention features an MRI/NMR methodology or process for detecting exogenous amide protons in a region of interest of a body or sample via the water signal. Such methods and processes can be used for any of a number of purposes including determining and assessing the delivery and/or content of a molecular or cellular target(s), such as ligands, oglionucleotides, and RNA/DNA (including plasmids) tagged or labeled by an exogenous contrast agent sourcing such amide protons; detecting and assessing pH effects, more particularly the pH of the liquid pool (e.g., blood); and as a mechanism for MR/NMR signal enhancement (e.g., providing another mechanism for developing contrast between tissues, etc. of the region of interest.

Abstract: Stable cellulosic fiber material for use in forming zeolite/cellulose composites is prepared by suspending loose cellulose fibers in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium silicate, stirring the resulting suspension until it reaches a macroscopically homogenous appearance, heating the resulting mixture at a temperature of 323-423 K until only dry solids remain, contacting the resulting mixture with excess distilled water to remove physically adsorbed or trapped sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium silicate from the fibers, and heating the resulting fiber material at 323-423 K to dry the fiber material. Stable zeolite/cellulose composite material characterized in that leaching of the zeolite phase does not occur upon contact of the composite with water at approximately 373 K comprises a zeolite and a stable cellulosic fiber prepared as described above, the composite material being formed by contacting a zeolite with the stable fiber material.

Abstract: Benzimidazole derivatives and salts and prodrugs thereof are disclosed, together with methods for the treatment of cancers or viral infections in warm blooded animals by administration of these compounds. Such compounds may be used in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or a potentiator.

Abstract: Metallic aerogel compositions comprising an aerogel, e.g., RF or carbon aerogel, having metallic particles dispersed on its surface are disclosed. The aerogel compositions can have a uniform distribution of small metallic particles, e.g., 1 nanometer average particle diameter. Also disclosed are processes for making the aerogel compositions comprising contacting an aerogel with a supercritical fluid containing a metallic compound. The aerogel compositions are useful, for example in the manufacture of fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: A method for forming nanostructures on a workpiece includes the steps of: positioning a counter-electrode and a workpiece electrode arrangement relative to each other, such that, there is a gap between the counter-electrode and the workpiece electrode arrangement; and applying an electrical pulse between the workpiece electrode arrangement and the counter electrode, such that, an electrical discharge in produced in the gap. The electrical discharge forms at least one nanostructure in a first region of a surface of the workpiece electrode arrangement. The electrical pulse has a duration of less than one millisecond. The first region is selectively determined by a shape of the counter-electrode and a relative positioning of the workpiece electrode arrangement and the counter-electrode. The scope of the invention also includes a system for performing this method.