Abstract: Nanoliposome compositions and methods of making the same for selective targeting, image analysis and therapy (e.g., cancer therapy) are provided. In some aspects, the nanoliposomes comprise membrane material derived from cells (e.g., tumor cells) in order to selectively target agents (e.g., chemotherapeutic agents) to cancer cells. Membranes used to generate the nanoliposomes provided herein may be derived from cells in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro. The disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising nanoliposomes and methods of treatment by administering the same.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticle compositions comprising paramagnetic particles, radiolabels, fluorophores, and/or positron emission tomography agents encapsulated within a biocompatible vehicle. In addition, methods of multi-modal diagnostic imaging and treating diseased tissues are disclosed, wherein the methods comprises administering a nanoparticle composition to a subject in which the nanoparticle composition comprises paramagnetic particles, radiolabels, fluorophores, and positron emission tomography agents encapsulated within a biocompatible vehicle.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: Anti-angiogenesis agent-linked liposomes and micelles, methods of making such liposomes and micelles, and methods of using such liposomes and micelles, such as for delivery of therapeutic and detection agents to tumor cells, are described.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad, an electric field generated about the touch pad and also having a preferably integrated and local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. Practical applications for touch switch apparatus, including use of touch switch apparatus in connection with other structure to emulate mechanical switches.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that increase the cellular uptake of a chemotherapeutic agent are provided. Also provided are methods of increasing access to the cell surface by antibodies and ligands. The methods are useful in treating any mucinous carcinoma characterized by an increased expression and/or secretion of mucins. In addition, these methods provide an improvement in existing methods of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that angiogenic vessels have heterogeneous surface charge and that cationic liposomes actually target human tumor blood vessels only in irregularly shaped patches. The invention thus features methods for delivering therapeutic compounds to angiogenic vascular endothelial surfaces using a mixture, or “cocktail”, of positively charged and neutral liposomes. The new methods can be used to target multiple regions on the same tumor vessel and/or clusters of vessels within the same tumor. Liposomes with different chemical and/or physical properties (e.g., charge, stability, solubility, diameter) can be delivered simultaneously, and can target tumor vessels and other angiogenic vessels with greater efficiency compared to cationic liposomes alone.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional map for ski areas or other such regions is provided. The map is preferably constructed of flexible latex rubber or other suitable material with “memory” that may be repeatedly unfolded or unrolled and expanded to display the contours of the area and folded up again for convenient storage and/or transport when not in use. The surface of the map is painted, printed or otherwise formed to show pertinent information to visitors of an area. The flexible map may also be embodied in hat or cap designs as a novelty.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that angiogenic vessels have heterogeneous surface charge and that cationic liposomes actually target human tumor blood vessels only in irregularly shaped patches. The invention thus features methods for delivering therapeutic compounds to angiogenic vascular endothelial surfaces using a mixture, or “cocktail”, of positively charged and neutral liposomes. The new methods can be used to target multiple regions on the same tumor vessel and/or clusters of vessels within the same tumor. Liposomes with different chemical and/or physical properties (e.g., charge, stability, solubility, diameter) can be delivered simultaneously, and can target tumor vessels and other angiogenic vessels with greater efficiency compared to cationic liposomes alone.

Abstract: A near substrate reactant homogenization apparatus reduces the excess reactive species in a region at or near the edge of a substrate surface to provide a uniform reactant concentration over the substrate, thereby improving etch rate uniformity over the substrate. The near substrate reactant homogenization apparatus has a substantially planar surface that is parallel to said substrate surface and that extends beyond the substrate edge, at or below the substrate surface. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the gas absorber area is changed to promote recombination or condensation of excess reactive species at the substrate edge, where the excess species are removed. In another, equally preferred embodiment of the invention, the gas absorber area is formed of a porous material having a large surface area. Excess reactive species enter the porous structure and are subsequently recombined.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (10) defining an examination region (12) and a rotating gantry (16) which rotates about the examination region. At least two x-ray tubes (18a, 18b), each capable of producing a beam of radiation directed through the examination region, are mounted to the rotating gantry. The x-ray tubes are switchably connected to an electrical power supply (24). X-rays are detected by an arc of x-ray detectors (14) which generate signals indicative of the radiation received. These signals are processed by a reconstruction processor (32) into an image representation. A thermal calculator (60) estimates when an anode in one of the x-ray tubes (18) reaches a selected temperature. The thermal calculator (60) controls a switch (28) which is electrically connected between the x-ray tubes and the power supply. The switch selectively switches power from the power supply alternately to the x-ray tubes.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes an anode (14) connected to a mechanical drive (36). The mechanical drive oscillates the anode in a gyrating motion relative to a body of the x-ray tube. The mechanical drive is operatively connected to the anode via a bellows assembly (16) and is capable of rocking the anode in two axes simultaneously. The preferred anode is shaped in a shperical section (28) providing a fixed focal distance between the anode and a cathode (20) regardless of relative position of the anode within the body. An electron shield (40) is disposed between the cathode and the anode and has an opening along a preferred path for electron travel. Improved heat exchange is provided by applying a heat transfer agent to an obverse side of the anode which is preferably located outside of a vacuum envelope (18) defined by the x-ray tube body, the anode, and the bellows.

Abstract: An explosive forming process provides an anode (10) suitable for use in a high energy x-ray tube. The process includes applying a shaped charge (54, 80, 90, 92) to a refractory material which has been formed in the general shape of the anode. The configuration of the charge is calculated to provide a target area (16) on the anode of uniform, high density which does not tend to outgas in the high vacuum conditions of the x-ray tube. The explosive process is capable of forming anodes with much larger diameters than is possible with conventional forging techniques.

Abstract: A near substrate reactant homogenization apparatus reduces the excess reactive species in a region at or near the edge of a substrate surface to provide a uniform reactant concentration over the substrate, thereby improving etch rate uniformity over the substrate. The near substrate reactant homogenization apparatus has a substantially planar surface that is parallel to said substrate surface and that extends beyond the substrate edge, at or below the substrate surface. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the gas absorber area is changed to promote recombination or condensation of excess reactive species at the substrate edge, where the excess species are removed. In another, equally preferred embodiment of the invention, the gas absorber area is formed of a porous material having a large surface area. Excess reactive species enter the porous structure and are subsequently recombined.

Abstract: A method for doping a silicon melt for growing silicon dendritic web crystals is disclosed. The melt is doped with antimony prior to commencing web growth, which allows the crystals to be grown without the need for replenishing the dopant, and producing crystals having uniform resistivities. Photovoltaic cells produced from crystals grown from the antimony doped melt exhibit superior properties relative to those doped according to other methods.

Abstract: A method of installing an integrated deck onto an offshore platform substructure. The integrated deck is held by a support structure on a barge and transported to a preinstalled offshore platform substructure which is adapted to receive the barge and allow aligning of the integrated deck with the substructure for mating operations. Once the barge is positioned within the substructure, tethers are connected between the barge and anchoring foundation elements to moor the barge. Then the tethers are tensioned to minimize both vertical movement and lateral movement caused by wave action. Mating of the integrated deck and the substructure proceeds while tension loads in the tethers are maintained.