Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Functionalized nanolipoprotein particle presenting an anchor substrate compound for binding with a corresponding anchor compound presented on a target molecule, and related compositions methods and systems.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for a power supply unit for generating a DC voltage, the power supply unit having a current transformer, a rectifier, a series circuit including a first blocking diode and a charging capacitor, an electronic switch which is in parallel with the current transformer, a comparator, a voltage reference circuit for the comparator. In at least one embodiment, the circuit includes a circuit for monitoring the voltage across the charging capacitor. The comparator is used to control the electronic switch on the basis of the voltage across the charging capacitor in relation to the voltage which is generated by the voltage reference circuit and is applied to the comparator. In at least one embodiment, provision is made of a tap which is located between the rectifier and the first blocking diode and at which the circuit for monitoring the voltage across the charging capacitor is located. The circuit is in the form of an RC combination having a second blocking diode connected in series.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be used by one or more devices within in wireless communication network to request and/or provide code phase related information signals associated with various Satellite Positioning Systems (SPSs).

Abstract: A method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather with a backing layer of a textile sheet, at least one intermediate layer applied to the backing layer and based on an at least to some extent open-cell whipped polyurethane foam and, applied full-surface to the at least one intermediate layer, an outer layer based on a polyurethane.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body extending from a deflectable distal end to a proximal end, and the catheter body includes an actuator lumen. A housing is engaged to the proximal end of the catheter body. A flexible element extends from the housing through the actuator lumen to the deflectable distal end. The deflectable distal end is deflected by pushing and pulling of the flexible element. An actuator is movably coupled with the housing and connected to the flexible element. A tubular support is engaged around the flexible element and connected to the actuator, the tubular support moves with the actuator, and the tubular support substantially constrains lateral movement of the flexible element. The tubular support is telescopically received and engaged with an inner surface of the actuator lumen. The inner surface of the actuator lumen substantially constrains lateral movement of the tubular support and the flexible element.

Abstract: A mopping device includes a mopping head having at least one of a mopping cloth, a mopping cover, a mopping bundle, and a mopping pad. The mopping device further includes a handle and a multi-turn actuator.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of altering organ mass, controlling fertility and enhancing asexual reproduction in plants through the modulation of plant growth and cell proliferation. The methods involve producing transgenic plants comprising a recombinant expression cassette containing an ANT nucleic acid linked to a plant promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for measuring the uniform filling of reactors or columns with solid bodies and to an apparatus for performing the process.

Abstract: A tandem mass spectrometer and method for calibrating a tandem mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectrometer comprises first and second mass analyzers. The first and second mass analyzers form an ion path. The second mass analyzer is positioned downstream from the first mass analyzer and is arranged to receive ions from the first mass analyzer. An electrode arrangement positioned between the first and second mass analyzers. The electrode assembly is configured to selectively deflect ions from the ion path.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease in a patient sample are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to MCM6 or MCM7. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an MCM6 or MCM7 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an MCM6 or MCM7 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in practicing methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease comprising detecting overexpression of MCM6, MCM7, or both MCM6 and MCM7 in a cervical sample from a patient. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an MCM6 or an MCM7 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a focusing image and shifting the focusing image to obtain a shifted focusing image. In the method, a focus metric of the focusing image is calculated from the focusing image and the shifted focusing image, where the focus metric is configured for use as a factor in making an automatic focus adjustment determination. An automatic focusing apparatus includes a controller configured to implement the method.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement including a nonplanar substrate on which an integrated circuit is formed on at least one side, wherein the side of the substrate which has the integrated circuit is arranged on a carrier and the carrier is produced from a chemically resistant material.

Abstract: An antenna for a backscatter-based RFID transponder is provided with an integrated receiving circuit, having a capacitive input impedance, for receiving a radio signal lying spectrally in an operating frequency range, whereby the antenna has two antenna arms, which extend outward in a spiral from a central region in which the antenna arms can be connected to the integrated receiving circuit. According to the invention, a ring-shaped trace is provided, which extends completely around the central region and is formed to connect the antenna arms conductively to one another. The invention relates further to a backscatter-based RFID transponder with an antenna of this type.

Abstract: A meta-material filter that may be used in constructing a duplex filter is provided. The metal-material filter is comprised of a substrate, a plurality of metal strips periodically positioned on the substrate, and a ground plane spaced from the plurality of metal strips. The plurality of metal strips may be arranged mono-periodically or bi-periodically.

Abstract: An electronic ballast presenting an input capacitor (C) and including a step-up converter (LH, DH, SH, CH) for operating a load, for example a discharge lamp (CFL), on a phase control dimmer (DIM) having an integrated or parasite inductance (L). According to the invention, excessive voltage after connection with a phase control can be reduced by adjusting currents via of the step-up converter (LH, DH, SH, CH).

Abstract: Polypeptides with DNA demethylase activity as well as methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film for airbag covers contains a cover layer and a foam layer. The cover layer is made of at least two layers, having an outer layer and an inner layer, and an elongation at tear of the inner layer of the cover layer and of the foamed layer is considerably less than the elongation at tear of the outer layer of the cover layer.

Abstract: A portable electro-therapy device includes a microprocessor configured to generate and control electrical stimulation output signals, an electrode jack, a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to the electrode jack and configured to transmit the electrical stimulation output signals to a patient, a modem communication port, and a modem configured to provide communication between the portable electro-therapy device and a server-based support system. A server-based support system includes an application server configured to provide an interface to the server-based support system to authorized users, a resources server configured to securely store patient data, and a modem bank configured to provide communication between the portable electro-therapy device and the server-based support system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing saturated or unsaturated lactones. This process involves reacting a bicyclic compound or a monocyclic compound with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a first acid having a pKa of 3 or less and a first organic solvent, thereby forming a hydroperoxide. The obtained mixture comprising the hydroperoxide is subsequently metered to a mixture of a second organic solvent and a dissociation-enhancing catalyst, optionally comprising a second organic acid. The invention also pertains to a process of preparing the hydroperoxide.