Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting and/or measuring serum antibodies to antigenic proteins in a sample, comprising adding a labeled antigenic protein or fragment thereof to a sample derived from serum and expected to contain serum antibodies and measuring differences in at least one characteristic between (a) a labeled serum antibody-antigenic protein complex; (b) an serum antibody-antigenic protein complex in the sample; and/or (c) displaced lableled or unlabeled serum antibody, antigenic protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Citric acid and conjugate bases thereof are useful for stabilizing stabilized chlorine dioxide in the presence of therapeutically active agents and excipients in a composition. Ophthalmic compositions and methods related thereto are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using function blocking tissue factor antibodies to enhance graft survival in mammals. Function blocking antibodies having the effect of blocking activated tissue factor (TF), TF and its ligand FVII as either the inactive TF:FVII or active TF:FVIIa complex, or block the formation of the TF:FVIIa:FX ternary complex are useful in the method. These properties provide a therapy that has directed action towards thrombotic events involving tissue-plasma interactions but does not prevent the intrinsic pathway for coagulation. Activated TF arises on cells, tissues, and organs during or after transplantation and is a major cause of graft loss.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: Reduced-immunogenic fusion compounds are disclosed. The fusion compounds of the invention comprise immunogenic compounds linked to auto-antigenic sequences which render the compound less immunogenic. In addition, a method of reducing the immunogenicity of an immunogenic compound is disclosed. The method comprises linking an auto-antigenic sequence to an otherwise immunogenic compound. Recombinant nucleotide sequence encoding auto-antigenic sequences are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical system and method for providing power to a truck's cab while the truck's engine is turned off. An already available primary power supply of the truck and a secondary power supply generally located on a trailer being hauled by the truck, are used to charge auxiliary power storage units. The secondary power supply is further used to maintain charge of the auxiliary power storage units while the truck's engine is off. The system may provide power to electrical devices within the truck as DC, or as AC by means of an inverter. The system may further include thermostatic controls to protect the secondary power supply when high-voltage electrical devices such as space heaters are being used. Separate operating circuits are employed that include switching means to enable an operator to, or to automatically, control operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides epitope-tagged mammalian recombinant Growth Arrest Specific Gene 6 (Gas6) proteins or polypeptides that retain their biological activity of Gas6, including a novel method of generating and purifying the aforesaid proteins or polypeptides. Such biolgically active eptitope-tagged Gas6 proteins or polypeptides can be used when the presence of Gas6 is required and/or when Gas6 antagonists and receptors need to be identified. Prior to being expressed from a mammalian cell, the recombinant Gas6 protein or polypeptide is tagged with either Flag or polyhistidine to the C-terminus. After expression, the protein or polypeptide is purified in a single step affinity purification using either anti-Flag antibody resin or nickle resin. The purified epitope-tagged mammalian recombinant Gas6 protein or polypeptide maintains its biological activity and can be used thereafter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of cdk inhibitors as inhibitors of microbial gene expression, replication and reactivation.

Abstract: An archery apparatus for viewing and recording the continuous trajectory of the flight of an arrow released from a complex archery bow that has a vibration damping rod extending therefrom. A movie or video camera is mounted on the distal end of the vibration damping rod. The camera is aligned with the line of sight of the target. The camera records the arrow trajectory after release of the arrow from the bow. The archery bow is operative in either one of two modes: (a) a target shooting mode, or (b) a hunting mode.

Abstract: A communications system within a vehicle, typically an airplane, is provided. In one embodiment, the communications system comprises a plurality of nodes and wherein each node has a network interface component connected to a communication network. The communication network is configured to communicate data in a serial, time-division multiplexed (TDM) format using an embedded clock signal. Further, a primary master clock within one of the plurality of nodes provides a clock signal for the embedded clock signal for use with the TDM protocol. At least one input device is connected to one of the nodes and converts analog input to a digital format at a sample rate determined by the primary master clock. Additionally, at least one output device is also connected to one of the nodes and output device also converts digital data to an analog format at the same sample rate determined by the primary master clock.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for inhibiting angiogenesis and thus treating inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, and macular degeneration), inhibiting and preventing tumor growth and preventing metastases in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a monoclonal antibody which is an antagonist of the integrins, GPIIb/IIIa (&agr;IIb&bgr;3) and &agr;v&bgr;3.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiment of an aromatic mist delivery system is disclosed which includes a container housing a cartridge or reservoir of fragrance or additive designed to be attached to water delivery systems or misting devices. As water passes through the container, scent or additive is transferred to the water for delivery throughout the system.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump pumps liquids from natural gas wells. First and second pneumatic rams have first and second pistons housed in first and second cylinders with a lifting beam connecting the first and second pistons above the first and second cylinders and connectable to sucker rods for lifting liquids from a well. First and second gas connections are provided beneath the first and second pistons in the first and second cylinders. First valves are connected to the first and second gas connections to introduce compressed gas beneath the first and second pistons for raising the lifting beam during an upstroke of the sucker rods and a first control valve regulates the up-stroke rate of the lifting beam. Second valves are connected to the first and second gas connections to exhaust gas beneath the first and second pistons for lowering the lifting beam during a down-stroke of the sucker rods and a second control valve regulates the down-stroke rate of the lifting beam.

Abstract: A sorting system wherein particulate material is dispersed by centrifugal force in a layer on an inner surface of a rotating drum, and particles which possess at least one predetermined characteristic are removed from the layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing laminated integrated circuit cubes includes a hermetically sealable oven chamber. At least one conductive heating device is used to heat the cube to a cure temperature. A vacuum source is connected to the oven chamber to remove gas from between the integrated circuit layers prior to curing. A press device applies pressure to the cube while it is heated under vacuum. A cooling gas is circulated through the oven chamber after curing. A cooling fluid can also be circulated through cooling channels in at least one wall of the oven chamber to cool the chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing laminated integrated circuit cubes includes applying conductive heat to the cube using at least one conductive heating device. A vacuum is created around the cube to remove air and other gases from between the integrated circuit layers prior to curing. A force is applied to the cube while it is heated under vacuum. A cooling gas is then circulated over the cube. Temperature and force sensing can be performed, and the process can be controlled by programmable logic controllers and the like.

Abstract: An oven for making laminated integrated circuit cubes includes an oven chamber with at least one access opening. A closure member for the access opening is capable of hermetically sealing the chamber. A hermetic connection is provided for supplying power to within the chamber. Structure permits the withdrawal of air and other gases from within the chamber. Hermetic structure permits the application of a press force to a workpiece within the chamber from an actuator outside the chamber. Hermetic temperature sensing devices measure the temperature of a workpiece within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a force to laminated integrated circuit cubes in an oven chamber includes a force-applying member, an actuator for the force-applying member, and sealing structure for sealing the force-applying member to an opening permitting access by said force-applying member into the oven chamber. The sealing structure has a flexible sleeve, and the force-applying member passes through the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is hermetically sealed to the force-applying member, and a second end of the sleeve can be hermetically sealed about the opening. The force applying member can move within the opening and the flexible sleeve will flex with this movement.

Abstract: An infrared imaging composition contains two essential components, namely an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a phenolic resin that is either mixed or reacted with an o-diazonaphthoquinone derivative. These compositions are useful in photosensitive elements such as lithographic printing plates that can be used to provide images using laser imaging, followed by uniform exposure and development.