Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for assessing radiation exposure. For example, methods and materials that can be used to determine whether a mammal (e.g., a human) has been exposed to radiation and/or whether a mammal (e.g., a human) is at risk of developing one or more radiation injuries (e.g., cutaneous radiation injury (CRI) and/or acute radiation syndrome (ARS)) following radiation exposure (e.g., radiation therapy) are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds containing a cyclobutene or cyclobutane moiety. In some embodiments, the compounds are useful for treating infection by Mycobacterium such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cyclobutene containing compounds are also useful as monomers in the preparation of amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Biomarkers of neurological autoimmune diseases are described, and methods of using such biomarkers also are described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds containing a cyclobutene or cyclobutane moiety. In some embodiments, the compounds are useful for treating infection by Mycobacterium such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cyclobutene containing compounds are also useful as monomers in the preparation of amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Biomarkers of neurological autoimmune diseases are described, and methods of using such biomarkers also are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an adaptive display lockout system. The apparatus comprises means for monitoring user initiated display changes with a device having a display and one or more inputs, means for comparing the user initiated display changes to a display lockout criteria, and means for temporarily disabling the display if the user initiated display changes meets or exceeds the display lockout criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for real-time assessment of driver workload by a vehicle device. To determine driver workload, the system monitors the driver interaction with the vehicle device. The driver interaction is then used to determine an estimated driver workload based on the driver interaction. In one embodiment, the vehicle device has one or more buttons configured to be pressed by the driver and each of the one or more buttons has an assigned driver workload value. The system sums the workload value of the buttons pressed by the driver over a moving time window to determine the estimated driver workload.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining access to private stored in an automobile. The apparatus comprises a means for identifying user classification. The apparatus further comprises a means for selecting an information access state based on the user classification. The apparatus further comprises a means for restricting access to private data based, at least in part, on the information access state.

Abstract: An assisted learning (AL) system for a vehicle including vehicle systems with input devices is provided. The AL system includes: memory that stores usage instructions for the input devices; an AL input device; an audio output device; and a control module that retrieves a respective one of the usage instructions associated with a selected one of the input devices when the selected one of the input devices is actuated after the AL input device is actuated and that outputs the usage instructions to the audio output device.

Abstract: A lading storage device is provided for more effectively utilizing the interior of the storage device. The storage device comprises a pair of at least generally opposed walls and a retractable lading support on each of the walls. The retractable lading supports are in opposed relation to each other and each comprise a retractable support member. Typically, each retractable support member is movable between an extended position, wherein the retractable support member extends into an interior of the lading storage device, and a retracted position, wherein the retractable support member is generally upright. Preferably, at least one of the walls includes a recess in a portion of the wall, wherein the retractable lading support is disposed within the recess when the retractable lading support is in its retracted position. A method of using the lading storage device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the three dimensional structure of human collagenase 3 (MMP-13), as well as to (i) methods of using the MMP-13 structure to rationally design or identify compounds or molecules that inhibit or activate MMP-13 activity, and (ii) compounds identified using said methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods of evaluating binding or a compound to a biomolecule. The methods utilize 1D NMR of the compound and 1D or 2D NMR of the biomolecule-compound mixture, along with 2D HSQC or TROSY methodology if a biomolecule-compound complex is formed. These methods are useful for evaluating biomolecule binding with more than one compound, e.g., a library of compounds, either individually or in mixtures. The methods are also useful for NMR evaluation of the effects of competition between a compound and a known binder such as an inhibitor of biomolecule activity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the crystal structure of Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase (ACPS) complexed with Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), the solution structure of B. subtilis ACP, and to the use of these structures in rational drug design methods to identify agents that may interact with active sites of ACPS and ACP, and to the testing of these agents to identify agents that may represent novel antibiotics.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the crystal structure of Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase (ACPS) complexed with Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), the solution structure of B. subtilis ACP, and to the use of these structures in rational drug design methods to identify agents that may interact with active sites of ACPS and ACP, and to the testing of these agents to identify agents that may represent novel antibiotics.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the crystal structure of Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase (ACPS) complexed with Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), the solution structure of B. subtilis ACP, and to the use of these structures in rational drug design methods to identify agents that may interact with active sites of ACPS and ACP, and to the testing of these agents to identify agents that may represent novel antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution structure of free RGS4 determined using NMR techniques. The structure includes a G&agr; binding site and an allosteric binding site. The structural information provided can be employed to identify, select or design agonists and antagonists of RGS4 activity. The invention includes two dimensional and three dimensional models and representations of the structure of free RGS4 based upon structural coordinates that are provided that are useful in the methods described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the three dimensional solution structure of interleukin-13 (IL-13), as well as the identification and characterization of various binding active sites of IL-13. Also provided for by the present invention are methods of utilizing the three dimensional structure for the design and selection of potent and selective agents that interact with IL-13.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of structure-based drug design using mass spectrometry/NMR.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a pattern where the shape of the pattern is replicated on a surface, where fine areas are identified within the pattern and are combined with neighboring areas so as to reduce the number of areas within the pattern too fine to properly resolve, thereby increasing the efficacy with which the pattern is replicated.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum feed and hold down system is provided having a transport belt with vacuum grippers, a peripheral vacuum channel surrounding the platen, and a lead edge blow apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the transport belt consists of polyester fabric selectively coated with plastisol sealant to define a window area similarly shaped but smaller than the platen and suction grippers within the window area. In the preferred mode of operation a lifting apparatus raises the belt away from the exposed photosensitive sheet on the platen and the natural curl of the sheet, together with the lead edge blow, cause the sheet to release from the platen. The lifting apparatus then lowers the belt and suction is reapplied to the grippers, whereafter the belt and sheet are raised and advanced to deliver the exposed photosensitive sheet for processing.