Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to screen for subjects at risk for retinal-associated eye diseases or to monitor the progression/regression thereof. Generally, the method comprises simultaneously or sequentially displaying to a potentially at-risk individual targets of parallel and nonparallel lines, obtaining an orientation discrimination threshold based on the subject's selections and correlating an increase in the threshold compared to that of a normal control or to a previous threshold measured for the subject as indicative of risk for a retinal-associated eye disease or a progression of the eye disease. Also provided are program storage devices and computer program products effective to store instructions or source code to perform the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA encoding a TADG-15 protein as well as a TADG-15 protein. Also provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell. The present invention further provides for methods of inhibiting TADG-15 expression and/or protease activity, methods of detecting TADG-15 mRNA and/or protein and methods of screening for TADG-15 inhibitors. Additionally, the present invention provides for cell-specific targeting via TADG-15 and methods of vaccinating an individual against TADG-15. The methods described are useful in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of improving the planarity of a support plate of a susceptor for use during deposition of a film of material onto a substrate comprising the steps of reducing pressure in a hollow core of a shaft to a level below atmospheric pressure; and reducing a pressure in the deposition chamber to a level required for the deposition of the film of material onto the substrate, where the pressure in the hollow core of the shaft acts upon a lower surface of the support plate connected to the shaft and interfacing with the hollow core of the shaft and the pressure in the deposition chamber acts upon an upper surface of the support plate adapted to support the substrate thereby improving planarity. Also provided are a susceptor and a method of depositing a film onto a substrate affixed to the susceptor of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of reducing an electrostatic charge on a substrate during a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, comprising the step of depositing a conductive layer onto a top surface of a susceptor support plate disposed within a deposition chamber wherein the conductive layer dissipates the electrostatic charge on the bottom surface of the substrate during a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process. Also provided are a method of depositing a thin film during a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process using the methods disclosed herein and a conductive susceptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of breast cancer. Also provided are various methods of treating breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified golf cup comprising: a golf cup; and means for reversibly elevating said cup in response to a golf ball entering said cup. In a preferred embodiment, the modified golf cup has a power-driven lifting means for reversibly elevating said cup.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for use with pool cues and cone chalk. The storage apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower ends and a substantially vertical surface between the upper and lower ends. An upper member is attached to the upper end of the housing. The upper member has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. An intermediate member is attached to the housing below the upper member. The intermediate member has a plurality of openings extending therethrough corresponding to the plurality of openings in the upper member. The plurality of openings in the intermediate members are substantially vertically positioned below the plurality of openings in the upper member. A rod is attached to the upper member for locating the cone chalk. The openings in the upper and intermediate members are sized to receive a pool cue.