Abstract: A sampling frequency offset estimation apparatus of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system according to an aspect of the invention may include: a first differential operation unit performing complex conjugate multiplication of scattered pilots of complex symbols subjected to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) in an OFDM receiver; an interpolation unit repeating an operation of obtaining a median complex symbol between two consecutive symbols among complex symbols having first phase difference information from the first differential operation unit by a predetermined number; a second differential operation unit performing complex conjugate multiplication of two consecutive median complex symbols among median complex symbols from the interpolation unit; and a sampling frequency offset estimation unit estimating sampling frequency offset using complex symbols having second phase difference information from the second differential operation unit.

Abstract: A nanofluidic channel fabricated in fused silica with an approximately 500 nm square cross section was used to isolate, detect and identify individual quantum dot conjugates. The channel enables the rapid detection of every fluorescent entity in solution. A laser of selected wavelength was used to excite multiple species of quantum dots and organic molecules, and the emission spectra were resolved without significant signal rejection. Quantum dots were then conjugated with organic molecules and detected to demonstrate efficient multicolor detection. PCH was used to analyze coincident detection and to characterize the degree of binding. The use of a small fluidic channel to detect quantum dots as fluorescent labels was shown to be an efficient technique for multiplexed single molecule studies. Detection of single molecule binding events has a variety of applications including high throughput immunoassays.

Abstract: A single fiber full-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging probe (300) includes a hollow tube (301), and a single fiber (305) disposed within the tube for transmitting light received from a broadband light source to a beam splitter (350) in the tube optically coupled to the single fiber (305). The beam splitter (350) splits the light into a first and a second optical beam, wherein the first beam is optically coupled to a reference arm including a MEMS reference micromirror (335) which provides axial scanning and the second beam is optically coupled to a sample arm for probing a sample to be imaged. Both the reference arm and the sample ami are disposed in the tube. A photodetector array (315) is preferably disposed inside the tube (301) optically coupled to the beam splitter (350). The photodetector array (315) receives a reflected beam from the MEMS reference micromirror (335) and a scattered beam from the sample to form an image of the sample.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing melanoma and antibodies capable of same are disclosed. The method comprises contacting a cell of the subject with an antibody comprising an antigen recognition domain capable of binding to an MHC-I molecule being complexed with a tyrosinase peptide, wherein the antibody does not bind the MHC-I in the absence of the complexed peptide, and wherein the antibody does not bind the peptide in an absence of the MHC, under conditions which allow immunocomplex formation, wherein a presence of the immunocomplex or level thereof is indicative of the melanoma. Methods for treating melanoma and antibodies capable of same are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating pancreatitis is provided, including the steps of: providing a mammal having pancreatitis; and administering a therapeutically effective amount of a truncated N-terminal PAP2; and making of an antibody specifically directed to detect PAP2.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) channel equalization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a compensation value setting unit setting a compensation value in the form of a diagonal matrix by use of a diagonal matrix of diagonal elements extracted from a channel matrix of an OFDM receiver, and a preset divergence suppression value, an initial estimation value calculation unit calculating an initial estimate value by use of a fast Fourier transform (FFT)-processed signal of the OFDM receiver and the compensation value, an equalization unit detecting a transmission signal to be processed by use of the compensation value, the channel matrix and the diagonal matrix, and a symbol decision unit determining a symbol for an adjacent signal of a transmission signal, which is to be processed among a plurality of signals output from the equalization unit, and providing the symbol-determined adjacent signal to the equalization unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the labeling of target cells with quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, a delivery system is disclosed based on the use of negatively charged QDs for delivery of a tracking fluorescent signal into the cytosol of target cells via a passive endocytosis-mediated delivery process. In a specific embodiment of the invention the target cell is a stem cell, preferably a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Such labeled MSCs provide a means for tracking the distribution and fate of MSCs that have been administered to a subject to promote cardiac repair. The invention is based on the discovery that MSCs can be tracked in vitro for up to at least 6 weeks. Additionally, QDs delivered in vivo can be tracked for up to at least 8 weeks, thereby permitting for the first time, the complete 3-D reconstruction of the locations of all MSCs following administration into a host.

Abstract: An adjustable capacitor is provided including a capacitor unit including a plurality of capacitor groups aligned in a matrix format and a switch unit to adjust capacitance by connecting the plurality of capacitor groups in parallel according to a selection signal of a column and row of the matrix. Accordingly, the adjustable capacitor may be realized of a small size but with a high capacitance change rate.

Abstract: Humans Serum Albumin (HSA) or an HSA fusion protein is expressed in plant plastids. A plastid transformation vector is made which contains an expression cassette that contains regulatory sequences, the coding region for HSA or an HSA fusion protein and a selectable marker coding sequence. The vector is used to transform a plant where the plant expresses the HSA or HSA fusion protein. HSA is isolated and purified from the plant. A preferred plant is tobacco.

Abstract: This invention relates to the novel identification of arginase as an enzymatic activity which can reverse inhibition of neuronal regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. Assays to monitor the effects of various agents on arginase expression and thus on neuronal regeneration and repair and to identify agents which will block or promote the inhibitory effects on neuronal outgrowth are provided. This invention also relates to compositions and methods using agents that can reverse the inhibitory effects of myelin on neural regeneration by affecting arginase activity or putrescine and derivative polyamine levels in a neuron.

Abstract: This invention discloses 17,20(E)-dehydro vitamin D analogs, and specifically 17(E)-1?,25-dihydroxy-17(20)-dehydro-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3 and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also has little, if any, calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the methods and compositions involving endopeptidase enzymes, especially PepO2 and PepO3 from L. helveticus, and their use in reducing bitterness by cleaving bitter peptides. In particular embodiments of the invention, these methods and compositions apply to the cheesemaking process. The invention also concerns the use of PepO2 and/or PepO3 polypeptides in the treatment or prevention of celiac sprue or as a food additive.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic acoustic transducer including a main body formed of a non-metal material and having a hollow portion, a magnetic field generation portion generating two magnetic fields parallel to a lengthwise direction of the rod member and in opposite directions to each other, at both sides of the rod member that is inserted in the hollow portion of the main body, and a coil wound around an outer circumferential surface of the main body.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical anemometer is particularly adapted to measure fluctuations in the flow of a turbulent fluid such as can be applied in the measurement of wind turbulence for meteorological purposes, the turbulent flow of fluid through a pipe or conduit, or the flow of air through a tube from the breath of a patient for medical diagnostics. An optical fiber is positioned in the flow path of the fluid and fixed motionless at one end. The free end is caused to bend in response to fluctuations in the flow. A beam of light is projected out the free end of the optical fiber toward a stationary optical detector placed in the path of the beam, which is sensitive to the point of maximum intensity of the beam of light. Deflection of the optical fiber translates into movement of the light beam over the detector, allowing measurement of the speed and direction of the fluid flow in two orthogonal planes.

Abstract: A minimally invasive apparatus for placing screws across a facet joint between first and second vertebrae comprises a first K-wire for inserting into a spinous process of the first vertebrae and a first fixation block removably connected to the first K-wire. The apparatus has a second K-wire for inserting into a transverse process of the second vertebrae and a second fixation block removably connected to the second K-wire. A first rod member is removably connected to both of the first and second fixation blocks. A support apparatus further secures the first and second K-wires to the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus has a cannula that enables implantation of the translaminar screws across a facet joint between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) polypeptide variants of the presently-disclosed subject matter have enhanced catalytic efficiency for (?)-cocaine, as compared to wild-type BChE. Pharmaceutical compositions of the presently-disclosed subject matter include a BChE polypeptide variant having an enhanced catalytic efficiency for (?)-cocaine. A method of the presently-disclosed subject matter for treating a cocaine-induced condition includes administering to an individual an effective amount of a BChE polypeptide variant, as disclosed herein, to lower blood cocaine concentration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of reducing the antigenicity of a proteinaceous compound while maintaining the compounds biological activity, as well as proteinaceous compositions with biological activity but reduced antigenicity. These methods and compositions have significant benefits to a subject in need of such compounds and compositions. Also included are modified toxin compounds that are truncated and/or possess reduce antigenicity. Such designer toxins have therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventative benefits, particularly as immunotoxins. Methods of treating cancer using these immunotoxins are provided.

Abstract: A separator and related separation methods are for intended use in separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture entrained in or carried by a fluid flow. The separator comprises a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow. At least one and preferably a pair of electrodes may be provided to create an electric field in at least a portion of the body through which the fluid flow passes, and at least one partition defines first and second channels for receiving the flow downstream of the portion of the body including the electric field. In one embodiment, the electrode is oriented such that a direction of gravity acting on particles having a selected charge passing through the electric field directs the selectively charged particles towards the first or second electrode. A system may incorporate the separator, along with a diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a ferroelectric storage medium for ultrahigh density data storage device and a method for fabricating the same. A supercell having high anisotropy is formed by controlling crystal structure and symmetry of unit structure (supercell) of artificial lattice by using an ordered alignment of predetermined ions having orientation of (perpendicular) deposition direction. Unit atomic layers of oxides having different polarization characteristic are deposited so that the supercell itself shows electric polarization having only two, upward and downward directions as one block of supercell having single-directional polarization. Oxide artificial lattices can be formed so as to have solely 180 degree domain structure, thus a single electric domain having improved anisotropic characteristic can be formed, thereby allowing capability of ultrahigh density data storage and long term data retention.

Abstract: A new Caladium plant named ‘75-14’ particularly distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves with a white center, green margins, and numerous purple spots, and demonstrated potential to produce high tuber yield, develop attractive and sun-tolerant plants in outdoor sunny landscapes, and produce attractive pot plants when tubers are forced in containers, is disclosed.