Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment; the device includes: a wireless transceiver; an interface for connecting with a terminal running one of the first and second operating systems; memory storing the driver software for installation on the terminal if running the second operating system; and processing apparatus operable to output a first definition of a configuration of the device and a second definition of a configuration of the device; wherein the first definition defines configuration of the device as a storage device for providing the driver software to the terminal; and on condition that the terminal is running the first version of the first operating system, the second definition defines configuration of the device as a modem.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein. In one embodiment; the device includes: a wireless transceiver; an interface for connecting with a terminal running one of the first and second operating systems; memory storing the driver software for installation on the terminal if running the second operating system; and processing apparatus operable to output a first definition of a configuration of the device and a second definition of a configuration of the device; wherein the first definition defines configuration of the device as a storage device for providing the driver software to the terminal; and on condition that the terminal is running the first version of the first operating system, the second definition defines configuration of the device as a modem.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting mutations that can be linked to dementia. For example, methods and materials for detecting one or more mutations within PGRN nucleic acid are provided. This document also provides methods and materials for detecting the level of progranulin expression. In addition, this document relates to methods and materials for treating mammals having a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., dementia). For example, methods and materials for increasing PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals are provided, as are methods and materials for identifying agents that can be used to increase PGRN polypeptide levels in mammals.

Abstract: LDL receptor-related proteins 1 and 2 (LRP-1 and LRP-2) and interaction between lactoferrin and LRP-1, LRP-2, or p42/44 MAP kinase in diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as bone or cartilage disorders. Also disclosed are methods of screening for related therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: Methods for increasing osteoblast proliferation with N-terminal fragments of preptin are provided herein.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin comprising partially combusting in a reaction zone a mixture of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which is capable of supporting combustion beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability to produce the olefin, wherein the superficial feed velocity of said mixture is at least 250 cm s?-l? at standard temperature and operating pressure with the proviso that where the catalyst is an unsupported catalyst, the superficial feed velocity of said mixture is at least 300 cm s?1 at standard temperature and operating pressure.

Abstract: A catalyst system capable of supporting combustion beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability comprising a catalytic component, a first support and a second support and wherein the catalytic component is present on both the first and the second support, and a process for the production of an olefin, said process comprising passing a mixture of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas over said catalyst system to produce said olefin. The first support and the second support must differ in at least one of the following aspects: support material, support type and/or structural dimension.

Abstract: A process for the production of olefins from a hydrocarbon comprising the steps of: a) passing a first feed stream comprising gaseous reactants to a first reaction zone wherein said gaseous reactants react exothermically to provide a product stream b) producing a mixed feed stream comprising oxygen by passing the product stream produced in step (a) and a second feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon feedstock to a mixing zone, oxygen being passed to the mixing zone via (i) the product stream produced in step (a), (ii) the second feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon feedstock and/or (iii) a third stream comprising an oxygen-containing gas c) passing the mixed feed stream directly to an essentially adiabatic second reaction zone wherein in the absence of a supported platinum group metal catalyst at least a part of the oxygen is consumed and a stream comprising olefins is produced e) cooling the stream comprising olefins exiting the second reaction zone to less than 650° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor design that enables an auto-thermal cracking process to be conducted at any suitable pressure wherein the gaseous reactants are preheated separately before mixing and then presented to the reaction zone in a uniformly distributed manner.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon, which process comprises: partially combusting the hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst, characterised in that the catalyst comprises platinum and at least one further metal, said further metal being a Group IIIA, Group IVA, VA or a transition metal; wherein said catalyst is: a) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with Sn, Cu or mixtures thereof, and b) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with Sb or a mixture of Sb and Sn.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon, which process comprises: contacting the hydrocarbon and a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst under auto-thermal conditions sufficient to produce the olefin wherein the catalyst comprises a component (a) and a component (b) wherein component (a) is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IIIA, Group IVA, Group VA and the transition metals and component (b) is at least one transition metal wherein said catalyst (i) comprises palladium and/or platinum at a total concentration of 0 to 1 wt % inclusive or (ii) is substantially free of palladium and/or platinum added independently of the other metal components. Preferred catalysts comprise rhodium/tin, rhodium/copper and cobalt/tin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for contacting (a) at least one gaseous reactant and (b) at least one liquid selected from the group consisting of reactants, coolants and mixtures thereof in the presence of a fluidised bed of catalyst, in which the liquid is introduced into the reactor through at least one inlet located within the fluidisation zone and the gaseous reactant is introduced into the reactor through at least one inlet located within the fluidisation zone adjacent the support means.

Abstract: This invention is directed to new therapeutic uses which involve the stimulation of chondrocyte prloliferation. More particularly, it is directed to the use of amylin and adrenomedullin as agents which stimulate chrondrocyte proliferation and which therefore have utility in the treatment of cartilage disorders and/or cartilage mediated bone growth.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon, said process comprising partially oxidising in a reaction zone, a mixture comprising a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which is capable of supporting oxidation of the hydrocarbon, wherein prior to said partial oxidation, said mixture comprising the hydrocarbon and the oxygen-containing gas is passed through a heat exchanger. Preferably the heat exchanger is a compact heat exchanger. Prior to passage through the heat exchanger a mixture of hydrocarbon and oxygen-containing gas may be passed through a baffle zone which comprises a housing containing at least one baffle plate. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of an olefin such as ethylene by the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid (WBM) comprises as additive a reaction product of a polyhydroxyalkane and alkylene oxide. The polyhydroxyalkane is desirably based on a monosacchoride, and is preferably sorbitol. The alkylene oxide may comprise ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) and/or butylene oxide (BO). Good results have been obtained with additives including Sorbitol+18EO, Sorbitol+9PO, Sorbitol+4EO+6BO, Sorbitol+6EO+6BO, or Sorbitol+6BO. Drilling fluids in accordance with the invention have been found in laboratory tests to exhibit improved shale inhibition properties as compared with known polyol containing WBM, particularly in the absence of added potassium ions. This is environmentally advantageous.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detecting and responding to a ground fault on either side of a two wire filtered, or unfiltered, power supply. A first voltage divider is bridged across the lines of the power supply and an intermediate point is grounded. A second voltage divider is bridged across the lines and two intermediate junctions provided. First and second voltage responsive means are coupled from ground to the first and second junctions of said second voltage divider, respectively, for comparing the potentials between the coupled points and providing an alarm in response to a variation indicative of a ground fault on either line below a predetermined threshold impedance. Filtering may be used to reduce the sensitivity of the system to noise or extraneous signals on the line. The sensitivity of the entire system and/or either line to ground may be adjusted by changing the relative values of the elements of the voltage dividers.