Abstract: A gas-dispersion apparatus for an additive-manufacturing apparatus includes a pipe defining an axis, an outlet, and a cooling tube coiled about the pipe. The pipe includes a passageway along the axis, and the pipe extends from a first end to a second end. The outlet is positioned to discharge gas into the passageway at the first end. The first end is attachable to a laser so that a beam emitted by the laser travels along the axis.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method for predicting increased risk of obesity on a non-obese subject. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method of predicting increased risk of obesity in a non-obese subject by determining a level of neurotensin expression in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the level of neurotensin expression in the sample with a control level. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to a method of preventing and/or treating obesity in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent that inhibits neurotensin.

Abstract: An additive manufacture apparatus comprising a laser beam and wire supply system, wherein the laser beam and wire supply systems are movable with respect to a surface on which a component is to be built or a preceding weld bead, the laser beam and wire supply system being operable to create a plurality of weld beads and wherein at the end of forming one of said weld beads the weld supply system extends a length of wire and a nozzle forming the end of the wire supply system is simultaneously caused to retract away from the component being formed

Abstract: A gas-dispersion apparatus for an additive-manufacturing apparatus includes a pipe defining an axis, an outlet, and a cooling tube coiled about the pipe. The pipe includes a passageway along the axis, and the pipe extends from a first end to a second end. The outlet is positioned to discharge gas into the passageway at the first end. The first end is attachable to a laser so that a beam emitted by the laser travels along the axis.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method for predicting increased risk of obesity on a non-obese subject. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method of predicting increased risk of obesity in a non-obese subject by determining a level of neurotensin expression in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the level of neurotensin expression in the sample with a control level. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to a method of preventing and/or treating obesity in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent that inhibits neurotensin.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides, compositions including polynucleotides, and the uses thereof for treating cancer in a subject. The polynucleotides silence the expression of coding regions that encode polypeptides such as p85?, p110?, and Akt2. The cancers treatable using the methods described herein include colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and metastases thereof.

Abstract: A computer-and-network based system and method for conducting efficient, third-party-free, direct commercial transactions between qualified purchasers and vendors. Pre-established and pre-agreed-upon relational transactional protocols, which can be selectively revised as necessary by participants, substitute for conventional third-party intermediary activities, such as credit approval and authorization activities.