Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic peptide analog of the Preimplantation factor (PIF) peptide with a sequence length of maximum 20 amino acids consisting in the sequence Xaa1 Xaa2 R3 I4 K5 P6 Xaa7-20 (SEQ ID No1): wherein Xaa can be any amino acid for use in the treatment and/or prevention of Retinitis Pigmentosa and a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more synthetic peptide analog from PIF peptides and one or more acceptable carriers.

Abstract: A method of reducing or delaying the onset of fatty liver disease in a subject comprises enterally administering at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) to a subject in need thereof in an amount effective to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation. In a specific embodiment, the at least one HMO is administered in an amount effective to reduce de novo lipogenesis in the subject. The at least one HMO can be administered to the subject directly or in a nutritional composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to in vitro methods for detecting bacteremia, for selecting a therapy for a subject with cystic fibrosis or for a subject with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and for selecting a subject with cystic fibrosis or with systemic inflammatory syndrome for a particular therapy based on the expression levels of a gene selected from tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?), IL-1b, IL-10, CCL2, interferon beta (IFN-?), IL-17, IL-2, IL-4 and VEGF in a blood sample from the subject. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a TLR-4 agonist and a reagent specific for determining the level of at least one cytokine selected from the group consisting of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?), IL-1b, IL-10, CCL2, interferon beta (IFN-?), IL-17, IL-2, IL-4 and VEGF and to the uses of this kit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system with markers for placing a retaining pile with asymmetrical reinforcement and method for using same, so that the reinforcement is disposed in the correct position. The system comprises at least one positioned separator and a marker-separator attached to transverse reinforcing means, at least one marker disposed on a guide wall or sleeve, the marker-separator being aligned with the marker or separated by a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value. The method for using the system comprises the steps of: positioning a separator and attaching a marker-separator to the transverse reinforcing means, positioning the marker on the guide wall or sleeve; aligning the marker-separator with the marker or positioning at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value, when the asymmetrical reinforcement is placed inside the guide wall or sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including 2?-fucosyllactose (2?-FL) in combination with lutein and RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The nutritional compositions are useful for improving at least one of gut function, health, and development in an individual. In certain embodiments, the nutritional compositions can improve growth or maturation of the gut, as well as promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract thereby treating and/or preventing formula intolerance or other gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders resulting from suboptimal gastrointestinal flora population/balance.

Abstract: An air intake system includes an exterior housing for a vehicle, the exterior housing including an outer surface including a recessed portion defined therein. The recessed portion includes an angled bottom member having a first end and a second end that is coupled to the outer surface. The recessed portion further includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, and an inlet opening defined within the recessed portion. The inlet opening is bounded by the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the second end, and the inlet opening is configured to receive a fluid stream therethrough. The air intake system further includes an actuation component coupled to the angled bottom member. The actuation component includes a shape memory alloy, and the actuation component is responsive to a change in a thermal condition and configured to move the second end, thereby regulating the inlet opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system with markers for placing a retaining pile with asymmetrical reinforcement and method for using same, so that the reinforcement is disposed in the correct position. The system comprises at least one positioned separator and a marker-separator attached to transverse reinforcing means, at least one marker disposed on a guide wall or sleeve, the marker-separator being aligned with the marker or separated by a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value. The method for using the system comprises the steps of: positioning a separator and attaching a marker-separator to the transverse reinforcing means, positioning the marker on the guide wall or sleeve; aligning the marker-separator with the marker or positioning at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value, when the asymmetrical reinforcement is placed inside the guide wall or sleeve.

Abstract: Provided are colored 1,4-benzoquinone compounds obtained by oxidation of precursor molecules from the venom of the scorpion Diplocentrus melici (Diplocentridae family). Schemes for the chemical synthesis of these compounds using reagents commercially available are also provided. Biological assays show that the red compound (3,5-dimethoxy-2-(methylthio)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) is very effective at killing Staphylococcus aureus and that the blue compound (5-methoxy-2,3-bis(methylthio)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) has remarkable activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The blue compound is effective against multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and is not detrimental to lung epithelium. Both compounds were found to be cytotoxic to human neoplastic cell lines and to mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions including 2?-fucosyllactose (2?-FL) in combination with lutein and RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The nutritional compositions are useful for improving at least one of gut function, health, and development in an individual. In certain embodiments, the nutritional compositions can improve growth or maturation of the gut, as well as promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract thereby treating and/or preventing formula intolerance or other gastrointestinal diseases and/or disorders resulting from suboptimal gastrointestinal flora population/balance.

Abstract: A system detects human activity through browser canvas events to mitigate the effects of an attack on a host, such as an application layer (layer 7) DDoS attack. A proxy, such as a HTTP/HTTPS “HTTP(S)” proxy server, configured to handle network traffic between a host and clients challenges clients engaging the host. The proxy challenges the clients by injecting code having a beacon and a shared encryption key into the content received from the host prior to transmission of the client. The code, when executed by the client, is configured to monitor user interactions (or lack thereof) with the content at the client in order to determine whether there is human activity at the client. The proxy receives and analyzes the information about interactions (or lack thereof) to determine whether a client is malicious (e.g., non-human activity) or non-malicious (e.g., human activity).

Abstract: A system (and method, and computer readable storage medium storing computer program instructions) is configured to determine a fingerprint of a client and qualify client behavior. For example, a proxy positioned between a host and the client may determine the fingerprint of the client and qualify the behavior of clients engaging the host. The client fingerprint provides a relatively stable representation of the client such that the client may be distinguished from the other clients engaging the host and the behavior of the client tracked. Clients engaging the host in a positive manner are prequalified to access the host based on the positive behavior they exhibit. During an attack on the host, such as a DDoS attack, prequalified clients retain access to features and functionality provided by the host to maintain legitimate user experience and better enable the proxy to handle malicious clients.

Abstract: An air intake system includes an exterior housing for a vehicle, the exterior housing including an outer surface including a recessed portion defined therein. The recessed portion includes an angled bottom member having a first end and a second end that is coupled to the outer surface. The recessed portion further includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, and an inlet opening defined within the recessed portion. The inlet opening is bounded by the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the second end, and the inlet opening is configured to receive a fluid stream therethrough. The air intake system further includes an actuation component coupled to the angled bottom member. The actuation component includes a shape memory alloy, and the actuation component is responsive to a change in a thermal condition and configured to move the second end, thereby regulating the inlet opening.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a silica-based structurant and methods of making such a structurant. According to one embodiment, the structurant may include 55 wt % to 90 wt % of a silica having a [Na2O]/[SiO2] molar ratio of from 0.02 to 0.14 and at least 15 wt % of an adjunct salt. The structurant may have a hydrated particle size distribution such that no more than 30 wt % of the structurant has a hydrated particle size greater than 45 micrometers according to the Structurant Residue Test. The structurant may also have a tapped bulk density of from 200 g/L to 300 g/L. Methods of making the structurant include combining starting materials with a non-stoichiometric amount of acid, then drying the reaction mixture without first washing any silica-based particles to produce a silica-based structurant with adjunct salt.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a silica-based structurant and methods of making such a structurant. According to one embodiment, the structurant may include 55 wt % to 90 wt % of a silica having a [Na2O]/[SiO2] molar ratio of from 0.02 to 0.14 and at least 15 wt % of an adjunct salt. The structurant may have a hydrated particle size distribution such that no more than 30 wt % of the structurant has a hydrated particle size greater than 45 micrometers according to the Structurant Residue Test. The structurant may also have a tapped bulk density of from 200 g/L to 300 g/L. Methods of making the structurant include combining starting materials with a non-stoichiometric amount of acid, then drying the reaction mixture without first washing any silica-based particles to produce a silica-based structurant with adjunct salt.

Abstract: A system detects human activity through browser canvas events to mitigate the effects of an attack on a host, such as an application layer (layer 7) DDoS attack. A proxy, such as a HTTP/HTTPS “HTTP(S)” proxy server, configured to handle network traffic between a host and clients challenges clients engaging the host. The proxy challenges the clients by injecting code into the content received from the host prior to transmission of the client. The code, when executed by the client, is configured to monitor user interactions (or lack thereof) with the content at the client in order to determine whether there is human activity at the client. The proxy receives and analyzes the information about interactions (or lack thereof) to determine whether a client is malicious (e.g., non-human activity) or non-malicious (e.g., human activity).

Abstract: A system (and method, and computer readable storage medium storing computer program instructions) is configured to determine a fingerprint of a client and qualify client behavior. For example, a proxy positioned between a host and the client may determine the fingerprint of the client and qualify the behavior of clients engaging the host. The client fingerprint provides a relatively stable representation of the client such that the client may be distinguished from the other clients engaging the host and the behavior of the client tracked. Clients engaging the host in a positive manner are prequalified to access the host based on the positive behavior they exhibit. During an attack on the host, such as a DDoS attack, prequalified clients retain access to features and functionality provided by the host to maintain legitimate user experience and better enable the proxy to handle malicious clients.

Abstract: A privacy sensitive surveillance apparatus for monitoring, detecting, and displaying thermal energy is disclosed. The privacy sensitive surveillance apparatus provides for verification of the presence of thermal energy in response to an external stimulus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a silica-based structurant and methods of making such a structurant. According to one embodiment, the structurant may include 55 wt % to 90 wt % of a silica having a [Na2O]/[SiO2] molar ratio of from 0.02 to 0.14 and at least 15 wt % of an adjunct salt. The structurant may have a hydrated particle size distribution such that no more than 30 wt % of the structurant has a hydrated particle size greater than 45 micrometers according to the Structurant Residue Test. The structurant may also have a tapped bulk density of from 200 g/L to 300 g/L. Methods of making the structurant include combining starting materials with a non-stoichiometric amount of acid, then drying the reaction mixture without first washing any silica-based particles to produce a silica-based structurant with adjunct salt.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a silica-based particle containing at least approximately 5% silica by solid weight, at least approximately 15% alkali metal salt by solid weight; and at least approximately 15% water by total weight. Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a detergent containing a silica/alkali metal salt particle and also containing at least a surfactant. Still another embodiment relates to a method of producing a silica/alkali metal salt particle. According to the method, one may combine a metal silicate and an amount of at least one acid source sufficient to form silica from the silicate and at least one alkali metal salt from the metal and acid, precipitate the silica to form precipitated silica, and, without washing the precipitated silica to remove the alkali metal salt, form a particle comprising the precipitated silica and at least approximately 15% alkali metal salt by solid weight.

Abstract: The device is based on the principle of downhole shut-in of oil producing wells that do not flow to surface self-powered but require the injection of gas to lighten the fluid column and thus enable the well to produce. This downhole shut-in device comprises a check valve, an anchoring system, a seal system; an untethering system, a shock absorber and a sleeve for the protection of pressure and temperature memory probes. The objective of the downhole shut-in device is to obtain characteristic information of the fluid-rock system from variations in the pressures recorded in order to obtain the dynamic characterization of the reservoir.