Abstract: AKR1B1 (EC 1.1.1.21) is an aldose reductase that has mainly been associated with the polyol pathway, and more recently with lipid deperoxidation. We have discovered that the primary activity of this enzyme is rather a PGFS activity, catalyzing the transformation of PGH2 into PGF2?. AKR1B1 as a therapeutic target, and method for modulating its expression and activity are provided. Methods for regulating the expression and activity of PGF2? are also provided.

Abstract: A system for extracting a liquid by pressing a humid mass, the system including at least one extraction channel, while extraction channel being provided with at least one inlet allowing to feed the extraction channel with the humid mass to be treated; with walls provided with holes allowing the flow of the liquid contained in the humid mass being pressed, and with at least one outlet allowing the discharge of the dehydrated mass obtained by pressing in the extracting channel, wherein the outlet of the channel, positioned between the walls provided with holes and the exterior, is free of contraints or only includes weak constraints whose level is controlled as a function of physical parameters. This systems is suitable for the efficient continuous dewatering treatment of a feeding source with a composition, consistency and nature of the solid particles present in the feeding source susceptible to vary during the processing.

Abstract: A system for enabling the use of network features in a network element is provided. The system comprises a softkey assignment system that is operable to perform operations with respect to at least one softkey, the softkey assignment system being operable to assign a softkey value to the softkey and to update the softkey status to an assigned state upon the assignment of a softkey value to the softkey, the softkey assignment system also being operable to update the softkey status to an unassigned state upon the receipt of a deactivated softkey value for the softkey. The system also comprises a network element. The network element comprises a service module and a softkey validation system. The service module provides a first network features that may be optionally enabled or disabled. The softkey validation is operable to enable the use of the first network feature when a received softkey value is the same as a first valid softkey value.

Abstract: A system for extracting a liquid by pressing a humid mass, said system comprising at least one extraction channel, which extraction channel being provided with at least one inlet allowing to feed the extraction channel with the humid mass to be treated; with walls provided with holes allowing the flow of the liquid contained in the humid mass being pressed; and with at least one outlet allowing the discharge of the dehydrated mass obtained by pressing in the extraction channel, wherein said system is characterized in that the outlet of said channel, positioned between the walls provided with holes and the exterior, is free of constraints or only comprises weak constraints whose level is controlled as a function of physical parameters. This system is suitable for the efficient continuous dewatering treatment of a feeding source with a composition, consistency and nature of the solid particles present in the feeding source susceptible to vary during the processing.

Abstract: A method of collecting bodily substances from a subject, comprising the steps of (a) positioning a member in an undergarment; (b) collecting at least one bodily substance from the genital, anal, or urinary regions from the subject on the sampling strip; and (c) removing the sampling strip from the member for analysis of the bodily substances collected thereon. The member comprises a sleeve, a sampling strip, and an absorbent layer. The sleeve comprises upper and lower sheets and is at least partially open ended at one longitudinal end. The upper sheet of the sleeve at least partially comprises a receiving surface, and the lower sheet has an impermeable outer surface with an adhesive thereon for securing the member to the subject's undergarments. The sampling strip is between the absorbant layer and the receiving surface and is removable from the sleeve through the opening at one longitudinal end.

Abstract: “A collection device for self-collecting bodily substances can take the form of a sanitary napkin comprising a porous outer sleeve opened at one end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet is outwardly provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin comprises between the upper and lower sheets an absorbent layer and a removable sampling filter. The filter is slidably received in the outer sleeve, extends between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and is removable from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon for being then sealingly packaged and stored until its analysis. The sampling strip can also be made more or less integral with the sanitary napkin such that the complete napkin is forwarded by the end user to the laboratory.

Abstract: An upright support structure comprises a telescopic post having a number of longitudinally extending grooves circumferentially distributed on the periphery thereof for clamping engagement with support brackets having respective pairs of commonly operable groove engaging members. Each bracket is adapted to support a variety of accessories in one of different available orientations. A locking device is operatively associated with the telescopic post to provide for incremental adjustment of the length thereof. This is useful when it is desired to securely mount the telescopic post between a floor and a ceiling structure. The post can also be mounted on a mobile base or, alternatively, pivotally mounted between a stationary base and an overhead fixture. Finally, the telescopic post is provided with an internal guiding structure to ensure proper alignment of the post segments forming part of the telescopic post.

Abstract: A system for enabling the use of network features in a network element is provided. The system comprises a softkey assignment system that is operable to perform operations with respect to at least one softkey, the softkey assignment system being operable to assign a softkey value to the softkey and to update the softkey status to an assigned state upon the assignment of a softkey value to the softkey, the softkey assignment system also being operable to update the softkey status to an unassigned state upon the receipt of a deactivated softkey value for the softkey. The system also comprises a network element. The network element comprises a service module and a softkey validation system. The service module provides a first network features that may be optionally enabled or disabled. The softkey validation is operable to enable the use of the first network feature when a received softkey value is the same as a first valid softkey value.

Abstract: A collection device for enabling the patient to self-collect substances from the body, such as fluids, secretions, cells, and infectious and non-infectious agents, takes the form in the case of substances from the genital, anal or urinary regions of a sanitary napkin used in a conventional manner in an undergarment and which comprises a porous outer sleeve open ended at one longitudinal end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. An outer surface of the lower sheet is provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered, before use of the sanitary napkin, with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin also comprises between the upper and lower sheet an absorbent layer and a removable sampling strip or filter, the latter being slidably received in the outer sleeve and extending between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and protruding from the open end of the sleeve for removal from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon.

Abstract: A collection device for enabling the patient to self-collect substances from the body, such as fluids, secretions, cells, and infectious and non-infectious agents, takes the form in the case of substances from the genital, anal or urinary regions of a sanitary napkin used in a conventional manner in an undergarment and which comprises a porous outer sleeve open ended at one longitudinal end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. An outer surface of the lower sheet is provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered, before use of the sanitary napkin, with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin also comprises between the upper and lower sheet an absorbent layer and a removable sampling strip or filter, the latter being slidably received in the outer sleeve and extending between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and protruding from the open end of the sleeve for removal from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon.

Abstract: A collection device for enabling the patient to self-collect substances from the body, such as fluids, secretions, cells, and infectious and non-infectious agents, takes the form in the case of substances from the genital, anal or urinary regions of a sanitary napkin used in a conventional manner in an undergarment and which comprises a porous outer sleeve open ended at one longitudinal end thereof and including upper and lower sheets. An outer surface of the lower sheet is provided with an impermeable sheet coated with an adhesive covered, before use of the sanitary napkin, with a removable protective peel-off strip. The sanitary napkin also comprises between the upper and lower sheet an absorbent layer and a removable sampling strip or filter, the latter being slidably received in the outer sleeve and extending between the upper sheet and the absorbent layer and protruding from the open end of the sleeve for removal from the sanitary napkin once bodily substances have collected thereon.

Abstract: A practice bomb designed to train air crews for use of laser-guided bombs. The practice bomb has an approximately similar ballistic coefficient to that of a laser-guided bomb. A laser seeker is fixed to the body of the practice bomb within its nose section. The laser seeker has means to provide an internal signal upon target acquisition. A smoke cartridge is secured in the practice bomb to release a smoke producing chemical to the atmosphere when activated, and appropriate means are associated with the laser seeker and smoke cartridge to activate the smoke cartridge upon receipt of the internal signal from the laser seeker. Such device provides a low-cost trainer which can be used to develop some of the skills required from air crews for delivery of laser-guided bombs.