Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells, Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam-In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

Abstract: A transportable GTL processing facility constructed on an inland barge is provided. Also provided is a process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas utilizing a transportable GTL processing facility. The facility and process may be used to access and convert stranded natural gas in an economical fashion into liquid hydrocarbons. Further provided is a transportable GTL processing facility and process for producing liquid hydrocarbons wherein the liquid hydrocarbons are upgraded into transportation fuels and other locally usable materials. Water facilities of the transportable GTL processing facility are supplied from the sea near the barge.

Abstract: A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6 phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA-2) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autoimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD65, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Abstract: A transportable GTL processing facility constructed on an inland barge is provided. Also provided is a process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas utilizing a transportable GTL processing facility. The facility and process may be used to access and convert stranded natural gas in an economical fashion into liquid hydrocarbons. Further provided is a transportable GTL processing facility and process for producing liquid hydrocarbons wherein the liquid hydrocarbons are upgraded into transportation fuels and other locally usable materials. Water facilities of the transportable GTL processing facility are supplied from the sea near the barge.

Abstract: Spacecraft maneuvers (e.g., orbit transferring, stationkeeping and attitude controlling) of a first spacecraft are realized with conventional force and torque generators (e.g., thrusters and momentum wheels). Spacecraft maneuvers of a second spacecraft are realized through magnetic interaction between the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system. In particular, a magnetic moment vector m1 of a magnetic system of the first spacecraft and a magnetic moment vector m2 of a magnetic system of the second spacecraft are adjusted to apply selected force vectors and torque vectors to the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system.

Abstract: Spacecraft maneuvers (e.g., orbit transferring, stationkeeping and attitude controlling) of a first spacecraft are realized with conventional force and torque generators (e.g., thrusters and momentum wheels). Spacecraft maneuvers of a second spacecraft are realized through magnetic interaction between the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system. In particular, a magnetic moment vector m1 of a magnetic system of the first spacecraft and a magnetic moment vector m2 of a magnetic system of the second spacecraft are adjusted to apply selected force vectors and torque vectors to the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon in which the location of a particular fiber contained in the ribbon can be easily identified in the field. The optical fiber ribbon includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel with and adjacent one another, and a ribbon matrix bonded to the outer coatings and encasing the plurality of optical fibers, wherein the ribbon matrix includes indicia on an outside thereof for directionally identifying a particular one of the optical fibers. According to a first aspect of the invention, the indicia includes triangle, with an apex of the triangle pointing in the direction of the particular fiber. Alternatively, according to a second aspect of the invention, the indicia includes an arrow pointing in the direction of the particular fiber. The indicia is preferably repeated at regular intervals along the length of the ribbon to allow the particular fiber to be identified along the entire length of the ribbon.

Abstract: A porous perform body is infiltrated with carbon by a thermal gradient process using a multi-portion heating element to heat the body. Selected portions of the heating element are supplied with power to create the thermal gradient between different areas of the preform body.