Abstract: An aqueous composition for coating substrates comprising a blend of a metal-containing crosslinkable polymer, acrylic polymer, and an epoxysilane and method therefore.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for utilizing a form of optimized suspension culture to examine the infectivity of pathogenic organisms and agents in human cells and tissues. Also provided are methods using a rotating wall vessel to predict chemosensitivity of cells and tissues to toxins and chemotherapeutic agents. These culture conditions potentiate spatial colocalization and three-dimensional assembly of individual cells into large aggregates which more closely resemble the in vivo tissue equivalent. In this environment, dissociated cells can assemble and differentiate into macroscopic tissue aggregates several millimeters in size. These culture conditions allow for better cellular differentiation and formation of three-dimensional cellular aggregates, more efficient cell-to-cell interactions, the in in vivo-like exchange of growth factors and greater molecular scaffolding facilitating mechanical stability for cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for production of functional proteins including hormones by renal cells in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel. Natural mixture of renal cells expresses the enzyme 1-a-hydroxylase which can be used to generate the active form of vitamin D: 1,25-diOH vitamin D3. The fibroblast cultures and co-culture of renal cortical cells express the gene for erythropoietin and secrete erythropoietin into the culture supernatant. Other shear stress response genes are also modulated by shear stress, such as toxin receptors megalin and cubulin (gp280). Also provided is a method of treating in-need individual with the functional proteins produced in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of culturing cells and inducing the expression of at least one gene in the cell culture. The method provides for contacting the cell with a transcription factor decoy oligonucleotide sequence directed against a nucleotide sequence encoding a shear stress response element.

Abstract: An aircraft ground power unit (GPU) is equipped with a device that warns personnel with a flashing light and a siren when the unsafe condition exists of the GPU being connected to both the tug and the aircraft at the same time. Similar devices can be used on other towed vehicles that can cause damage to vehicles or structures if towed away while still attached to the vehicle or structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for utilizing a form of optimized suspension culture to examine the infectivity of pathogenic organisms and agents in human cells and tissues. Also provided are methods using a rotating wall vessel to predict chemosensitivity of cells and tissues to toxins and chemotherapeutic agents. These culture conditions potentiate spatial colocalization and three-dimensional assembly of individual cells into large aggregates which more closely resemble the in vivo tissue equivalent. In this environment, dissociated cells can assemble and differentiate into macroscopic tissue aggregates several millimeters in size. These culture conditions allow for better cellular differentiation and formation of three-dimensional cellular aggregates, more efficient cell-to-cell interactions, the in in vivo-like exchange of growth factors and greater molecular scaffolding facilitating mechanical stability for cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for production of functional proteins including hormones by renal cells in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel. Natural mixture of renal cells expresses the enzyme 1-a-hydroxylase which can be used to generate the active form of vitamin D: 1,25-diOH vitamin D3. The fibroblast cultures and co-culture of renal cortical cells express the gene for erythropoietin and secrete erythropoietin into the culture supernatant. Other shear stress response genes are also modulated by shear stress, such as toxin receptors megalin and cubulin (gp280). Also provided is a method of treating in-need individual with the functional proteins produced in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel.

Abstract: A system allows the retrieval, indexing and searching of information stored on computers connected by a communications network, where that information comprises ideographic, logographic or pictographic characters, which are encoded using two bytes per character. The binary value, which encodes a particular character contained in a given document, is converted into hexadecimal text format, which is then prefixed with a predetermined marker character to indicate that it is the hexadecimal value of a double-byte character. That value is then added to a sequential string of such values for each of such characters in that document. The marker characters are then removed from this string, leaving a series of alphanumeric characters separated at set intervals by blank spaces. Each set of characters demarcated by a blank space is then indexed as if it were a standard word such as an English word, albeit a meaningless one.

Abstract: A system retrieves and processes information stored on computers connected by a communications network. A central computer receives notification from a remote computer that the computer is available to receive data. In response to that notification, the central computer sends address data to the remote computer. To utilize the available network resources with maximum efficiency, the central computer optimizes performance of the distributed system by allocating address data to the remote computer based on at least one characteristic of the remote computer, such as a measure of network connectivity and/or on a performance characteristic of that remote computer. This allocation may take place in accordance with the relative importance of the data for indexing purposes. The remote computer uses a communication interface connected to the Internet to retrieve the information stored at the locations specified by the address data, and stores that information.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions containing at least 2 polymer components which provide adhesion and improved durability as measured by improved gloss retention or dirt pick up resistance in dried coatings made from the coating composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A variable magnification telescopic rifle sighting means includes an externally-located zoom adjusting ring rotatable about sighting means axis and modified to provide a digitally-activated zooming feature, permitting an essentially instantaneous switching over the range of magnification settings. The switching means includes an annular recess on the periphery of the magnification adjusting ring suited to receive on end of a flexible cable. The cable length is adapted to extend and be coupled to a grippable means that can slide longitudinally upon manipulation within a slotted bracket mounted on the rifle stock. A second protective collar embraces the modified magnification ring and has an aperture for control cable translation. The movement of the grippable means through its line of travel via the cable effects a concurrent shifting of the zoom adjustment ring setting.

Abstract: A fixture device and method for uniformly and efficiently treating an article in a gaseous atmosphere. The fixture device provides a plurality of point contact support locations for supporting the article during the treatment. The fixture device and treatment method are especially useful in the plasma treatment of contact lenses to improve surface biocompatibility and hydrophilicity.