Abstract: Antibodies, particularly humanized and variant antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to TGF-?1 are provided, recognizing human and mouse TGF-?1, particularly that preferentially bind TGF-?1, including which do not recognize or bind TGF-?2 or TGF-?3. Humanized and variant antibodies provided are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?1, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens, and in fibrotic conditions. The anti-TGF-?1 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in lymphoid cell-mediated, including T cell-mediated, therapy and/or combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Antibodies, particularly humanized antibodies and variant antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-?3) are provided, recognizing human and mouse TGF-?3, particularly antibodies and fragments that do not recognize or bind TGF-?1 or TGF-?2. Humanized and variant antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-?3 and are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?3, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens, and in fibrotic conditions. The anti-TGF-?3 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in lymphoid cell-mediated, including T cell-mediated, therapy and in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a halide-free catalyst system and method for oxidizing toluene to form benzoic acid in benzoic acid solvent. The catalyst system contains Co, at least one of Zr and Hf, and an alkali metal basic salt.

Abstract: Carbonylation catalysts and methods for using them are disclosed. In some embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst includes the contact product of: (a) a nitrogen compound selected from monomeric pyridines and imidazoles; (b) a Group VIII metal; and (c) an alkali metal compound; wherein the catalyst material is on a solid support.

Abstract: Carbonylation catalysts and methods for using them are disclosed. In some embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst includes the contact product of: (a) a nitrogen compound selected from monomeric pyridines and imidazoles; (b) a Group VIII metal; and (c) an alkali metal compound; wherein the catalyst material is on a solid support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a halide-free catalyst system and method for oxidizing toluene to form benzoic acid in benzoic acid solvent. The catalyst system contains Co, at least one of Zr and Hf, and an alkali metal basic salt.

Abstract: System and methods for managing boundaries of a vehicle being guided toward a target are provided. In some aspects, a system includes a first gate module configured to receive primary positional information of the vehicle and secondary positional information of the vehicle, to compare the primary positional information with the secondary positional information, and to generate a first pass indicator or a first fail indicator based on the comparison. The system also includes a first boundary module configured to confine navigation of the vehicle to within one of a plurality of termination boundaries based on which of the first pass indicator and the first fail indicator is generated. Each of the plurality of termination boundaries is confined within a range boundary of the vehicle and offset from the range boundary at a different magnitude.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, implemented by a webserver in communication with a database, for facilitating blogging by members of a number of social networks, said members being in communication with the web-server via a data network, for example the Internet, the method comprising the steps of: capturing login information for a plurality of users, said login information identifying the users; prompting the users to enter blog entries on one or more topics; updating the database to associate the blog entries with respective users and topics; and publishing web-pages presenting topics with links to said blog entries associated therewith.

Abstract: System and methods for managing targets of a vehicle is provided. In some aspects, a system may include a boundary check module configured to receive boundary information from a flight safety system. The boundary information comprises a selected termination boundary of a plurality of termination boundaries confining navigation of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of termination boundaries is associated with a target of a plurality of targets of the vehicle. The system may further include a target modification module configured to select the target associated with the selected termination boundary, and a target guidance module configured to provide the selected target to a guidance and control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving load balancing and management for file servers in a cloud network. More particularly, this invention relates to a de-centralized file server network which does not require a main central load balancer. The present invention relates to a methodology that results in a self governing network of file servers that create and destroy themselves, modeling similar biological processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for varying a trim of a vehicle are provided. A nose cone assembly for a vehicle includes an angle cone portion and a nose cone portion rotatably coupled to the angle cone portion. The angle cone portion and the nose cone portion are arranged such that a plane of rotation between the angle cone portion and the nose cone portion is slanted at an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to a long axis of the vehicle. The angle cone portion rotates relative to the vehicle body about the long axis. The nose cone portion rotates relative to the angle cone portion about an axis normal to the plane of rotation. A tip of the nose cone portion varies in position relative to the long axis of the vehicle based on the rotation of the angle cone portion and the rotation of the nose cone portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for driving rotational elements of a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a first driving member configured to rotate a first rotational element of the vehicle relative to a body of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a second driving member. The second driving member includes a drive structure rotatably coupled to the body. The second driving member also includes a gimbal element coupled to the drive structure via a first joint pin. The gimbal element is configured to couple to a second rotational element of the vehicle such that when the drive structure is rotated relative to the body, the second rotational element rotates relative to the first rotational element. The gimbal element is configured to pivot about the first joint pin relative to the drive structure based on the rotation of the first rotational element and the rotation of the second rotational element.

Abstract: A system for reducing plasma induced communication disruption utilizes an electrophilic gas injectant, bent reentry vehicle nose shaping and a number of flaps configured to provide 3-axis steering capability. Injecting electrophilic gas injectant into plasma accomplishes reduction of plasma induced communication disruption by removing free electrons in the plasma which causes the communication disruption. For reentry vehicles, a bent biconic nose also reduces plasma effect during reentry. By combining electrophilic gas injection and bent nose shaping, the system reduces and/or eliminates plasma induced communication disruption, such as, GPS communication blackout, for a reentry vehicle during reentry. Furthermore, the 3-axis steering capability renders the reentry vehicle more maneuverable. Performance of the reentry vehicle during reentry, such as, target accuracy, is thus improved.

Abstract: A pacifier assembly includes a teat holder component having a teat connector on a first side thereof and a display face on a second side thereof. A soft elastomeric pacifier teat is preferably securely mounted to the teat connector. A plurality of gemstones is mounted to the display face, preferably in an aesthetically pleasing decorative pattern. Glitter material may be added to the decorative pattern in order to enhance the decorative effect. The pacifier further includes a mouth plate and a protective cover. The protective cover is preferably mounted to the teat holder so as to prevent infants, small children and consumers from touching for gemstones. The protective cover is further preferably constructed so that the gemstones may be visible to infants, small children and consumers therethrough.

Abstract: A system for reducing plasma induced communication disruption is disclosed. The system utilizes an electrophilic gas injectant, bent reentry vehicle nose shaping and a number of flaps configured to provide 3-axis steering capability. Injecting electrophilic gas injectant into plasma accomplishes reduction of plasma induced communication disruption by removing free electrons in the plasma which causes the communication disruption. For reentry vehicles, a bent biconic nose also reduces plasma effect during reentry. By combining electrophilic gas injection and bent nose shaping, the system reduces and/or eliminates plasma induced communication disruption, such as, GPS communication blackout, for a reentry vehicle during reentry. Furthermore, the 3-axis steering capability renders the reentry vehicle more maneuverable. Performance of the reentry vehicle during reentry, such as, target accuracy, is thus improved.

Abstract: A toilet training device for children that is placed over existing toilet seats has handles that extend into and out of the training device. The handles are individually adjustable and are capable of assisting a child in being able to have a secure grip on the training device. Additionally, stand members are provided that enable the training device to be stored in a convenient fashion.

Abstract: A disposable pad for use with pets is compact, simple to use and promotes improved hygiene in handling pet waste. The pad has an absorbent top layer and a bottom layer that is fabricated from a nonabsorbent material such as plastic. A pouch is located at one side of the disposable pad. After an animal relieves itself on the absorbent layer, the pad is folded and rolled into a compact shape. It is then placed within the pouch for disposal.