Abstract: An apparatus for all-optical deflection of an incident optical signal beam, the apparatus comprising: a photorefractive semiconductor crystal; and an electric field source, for applying an electric field across the crystal either through electrodes or by positioning the crystal at a place where an electric field is present. In another embodiment of the invention a second optical beam source, for illuminating the crystal with a background optical beam. The apparatus is used for steering the signal beam, lensing it or for other applications.

Abstract: A spectrum manipulation device and method for increasing an energy conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic cell arrangement, the device including: (a) a black body adapted to absorb an input electromagnetic energy having an input energy flux spectrum, and to emit a first output electromagnetic energy having a different, output energy flux spectrum; (b) a transparent cover, adapted to thermally insulate the black body from an ambient environment, and to receive light and direct the light towards the black body; (c) an optical device, facing the black body, and adapted to: (i) receive the first output energy and emit a second output electromagnetic energy having a narrow, modified energy flux spectrum, with respect to the output energy flux spectrum, and (ii) recycle some of the first output electromagnetic energy to the black body; (d) a photovoltaic cell having a photon absorption surface, disposed to be in optical communication with the optical device, and (e) a housing containing the black body and the opti

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing tauopathies and/or A? amyloidosis by modulating CRF receptor signaling. Accumulation of hyperphosphorlyated tau protein in the CNS may be reduced by administration of CRF-R1 selective antagonists and/or CRF-R2 selective agonists. For example, in some aspects, methods for preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease by administration of CRF-R1 selective antagonist are provided.

Abstract: A dual control system for a solid propellant propelled exoatmospheric kill-vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a primary solid propellant propulsion mechanism for controlling the propulsion of the kill-vehicle during a first phase of rocket flight, and a secondary solid propellant propulsion mechanism for maneuvering the kill-vehicle during a second phase of rocket flight. The primary propulsion mechanism controls the propulsion and direction of the kill-vehicle towards its target while the secondary propulsion mechanism may be used to provide lateral acceleration with a lower time-constant.

Abstract: A novel class of antimicrobial polymeric agents which are designed to exert antimicrobial activity while being stable, non-toxic and avoiding development of resistance thereto and a process of preparing same are disclosed. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing same and a method of treating medical conditions associated with pathological microorganisms, a medical device, an imaging probe and a food preservative utilizing same. Further disclosed are conjugates of an amino acid residue and a hydrophobic moiety residue and a process of preparing same.

Abstract: A device and method for producing electricity by harnessing sunlight to produce an amplified voltage signal, the device including: (a) a sealed chamber, defined by a transparent housing; (b) an excitable medium, disposed within the chamber, in which, when the medium is exposed to solar light having wavelengths in a range of 0.

Abstract: Novel genes encoding homologous immunoreactive thio-disulfide oxidoreductases, or disulfide bond formation (Dsb) proteins from Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis are disclosed. While the E. chaffeensis and E. canis Dsb proteins are at most only 31% or less homologous to other known Dsb proteins, the Ehrlichia Dsbs contain a cysteine active site, Cys-Gly-Tyr-Cys, similar to those in known Dsb proteins. As predicted by 15-amino acid identical N-terminal signal peptides, the proteins are primarily localized in the periplasm of E. chaffeensis and E. canis, possibly playing a role in antigenicity and pathogenesis. The present invention provides the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and expression vectors for the E. chaffeensis and E. canis dsb genes, antisera directed against the proteins, and kits to determine whether an individual or animal is infected with a given species of Ehrlichia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor apparatus based on 2D films or 3D assemblies of cubic nanoparticles capped with an organic coating. The apparatus is used to determine the composition and preferably measure the concentration of volatile and non-volatile compounds in a sample, with very high sensitivity. Methods for use of the apparatus in applications such as diagnosis of disease, food quality and environmental control are disclosed.

Abstract: Cripto, a developmental oncoprotein, antagonizes activin and TGF-b signaling by forming a complex with activin and TGF-b and their type II receptors. This complex precludes the formation of a functional activin/TGF-b•type II•type I complex, thereby blocking the signaling of activin and TGF-b. Cripto may be generally capable of blocking antiproliferative Smad2/3 signals and provides a novel mechanism of oncogenic action with multiple therapeutic implications. Inhibiting the formation of Cripto and activin/TGF-b complex may enhance antiproliferative effects of activin and TGF-b.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention relates to methods for increasing insulin-sensitivity and/or decreasing insulin secretion in an individual by reducing or inhibiting corticotropin releasing factor 2 (CRFR2) signaling. CRFR2 antagonists may block agonism by one or more CRFR2 agonist, for example Ucn 2 or Ucn 3. Methods according to the invention may be use to treat a variety of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and obesity.

Abstract: A method of stimulating neurons present in a living body is disclosed. The method comprises directing light to an artificial light absorbing medium implanted extracellularly at a target location having the neurons therein, wherein wavelengths and intensities of the light are selected so as to heat the light absorbing medium by light absorption. The heating is sufficient to stimulate neurons nearby the light absorbing medium. In some embodiments, the light is spatially modulating so as to encode a stimulation pattern therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applications of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures in the fields including photocatalysis, information writing-erasing-rewriting, microfiltration, controlled drug release, and tire making. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a solution containing organic pollutants and a plurality of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form a mixture and exposing the mixture to UV irradiation to decompose the organic pollutants.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for synthesizing macro-sized nanostructures. The method in one embodiment comprises the steps of mixing an amount of TiO2 powders with a volume of an alkali or alkaline solution to form a mixture, and heating the mixture at a temperature higher than 160° C. for a period of time effective to allow TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form, wherein the TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures form in an environment that has no presence of a substrate that comprises Ti. These TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures can be utilized to form a free standing membrane, and/or a three-dimensional (3D) structure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the enteral treatment of autoimmune disease such a multiple sclerosis with polypeptide therapeutics. Enteral therapeutics comprise monomeric alpha-MSH polypeptides such as ACTH. Therapeutic formulations of the invention may be used to reduce the incidence or severity of autoimmune disease. For instance methods for the oral treatment of multiple sclerosis with alpha-MSH and ACTH are described.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: Aqueous fluid polluted with phosphate contaminants is mixed with or passed through an adsorbent material selected from: (i) particles of oxides or hydroxides of transition metals, aluminum oxides or hydroxides, TiO2, or mixtures thereof, or (ii) particles of activated carbon, activated alumina, aluminum oxide, activated TiO2, TiO2, mineral clay, zeolite, or an ion exchanger loaded with nanoparticles of oxides or hydroxides of transition metals, aluminum oxides or hydroxides or TiO2, or mixtures thereof, to yield aqueous fluid purified from phosphate. The adsorbent material is further regenerated by increasing the pH of the adsorbent sludge, concentrated phosphate solution or a phosphate crystal slurry is recovered as well.

Abstract: A method for enhancing underwater imaging affected by image degradation effects, the method comprising: acquiring at least one image of an underwater scene using an imaging device; determining information regarding distances of parts of the scene relative to the imaging device; and reconstructing an image of the underwater scene using a physics-based mathematical model, compensating image characteristics influenced by distance-dependent underwater degradation effects including veiling light, using the information on the distances of parts of the scene from the imaging device, and compensating distance-dependent underwater degradation effects relating to the distance of illumination sources from the scene.

Abstract: An ion concentration sensor produces a signal reflective of the ion concentration within a solution. The ion concentration sensor is based on an ion sensitive transistor having a solution input, a reference input, a diffusion input, and a diffusion output. The ion sensitive transistor is connected as a pass transistor, such that the diffusion output provides an electrical signal indicating an ion concentration in a solution contacting the solution input.

Abstract: A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed are protein ligands comprising an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (VH) domain and an immunoglobulin light chain variable (VL) domain, wherein the proteins bind a complex comprising an MHC and a peptide, do not substantially bind the MHC in the absence of the bound peptide, and do not substantially bind the peptide in the absence of the MHC, and the peptide is a peptide fragment of gp100, MUC1, TAX, or hTERT. Also disclosed are methods of using and identifying such ligands.