Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for determining cellular response to stimuli. The cells to be tested, for example, may be contained in a section of taste-bud containing lingual epithelium.
Abstract:
The present invention provides novel multi-functional methacrylic copolymers that exhibit cationic pH-sensitive behavior as well as good water solubility under acidic conditions. The copolymers are constructed from tertiary amine methacrylates and poly(ethylene glycol) containing methacrylates. The copolymers are useful as gene vectors, pharmaceutical carriers, and in protein separation applications.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for use in providing discounted call rates for wireless communications are described. In one particular implementation, the method includes the steps of receiving a call record having an originating telephone number, a terminating telephone number, and one or more system identification codes (SIDs); determining whether the one or more SIDs are included as part of a predetermined geographic area that is smaller than and included within boundaries of a home area of at least one of the telephone numbers; determining whether a predefined relationship exists between the originating telephone number and the terminating telephone number; and providing data that is indicative of a discounted wireless call rate if it is determined that the one or more SIDs are included as part of the predetermined geographic area and the predetermined relationship exists between the originating telephone number and the terminating telephone number.
Abstract:
A software modeling environment is presented that supports the development and execution of software that can be dynamically configured. This is achieved by introducing a design-time object modeling construct called a dynamically configurable type (DCT) that supports the subdivision of an object into a plurality of subsets of semantics and allows dynamic merging of these semantic subsets together in different combinations in order to allow the resultant object to exhibit different semantics over time to serve different purposes. Specific process modeling constructs are included which take advantage of this semantic merging capability. Also included are other supporting design-time and run-time constructs and services. One embodiment of the present invention allows this software modeling environment to be integrated into a standard software development environment, enhancing the modeling capabilities already present.
Abstract:
A dyestuff of the formula ##STR1## where D is a chromophoric residuen is 1 or 2Z is ##STR2## where R is H, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl substituted by OH, OSO.sub.3 H, CN or SO.sub.3 H or is phenyleach hal independently represents a chlorine or fluorine atom occupying one of the remaining 2-, 4- and 6-positions of the pyridine nucleusX is F, Cl, CN or NO.sub.2Y is H, F, Cl, CN or NO.sub.2.These dyestuffs reactively dye cellulose at low temperatures and are less prone to "acid bleeding" than some known reactive dyes.
Abstract:
A continuously-operable flow stream processing system and method has two or more fluid processing media arranged in a fluid conduit network to provide alternate flow paths for a flow stream to be processed (e.g. filtered). Valves and other flow control devices, e.g. controller module and sensors, are used to redirect the flow stream from one or more service-needed fluid processing media to service-ready fluid processing media without taking the system offline to remove, repair, replace, clean in situ, or otherwise service the service-needed fluid processing media, so that the system may operate continuously to process the flow stream without stoppage. Redirection into alternative flow paths and media may be automatically implemented based on a predetermined threshold or trigger condition, such as may be detected by sensors directly or indirectly monitoring media condition.
Abstract:
A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.
Abstract:
An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.