Abstract: Symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are disclosed. Methods of making and using symmetrical differential capacitive sensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres of a bioactive material, such as a protein polymer or drug by nebulizing a solubilized form of a material to be encapsulated and an encapsulating material, such as albumin, in a stirred chilled solvent system comprising a vegetable oil, mineral oil and/or a lower alcohol such that the formed microspheres demonstrate intracellular bioactivity when taken up by macrophages.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres of a bioactive material, such as a protein polymer or drug by nebulizing a solubilized form of a material to be encapsulated and an encapsulating material, such as albumin, in a stirred chilled solvent system comprising a vegetable oil, mineral oil and/or a lower alcohol such that the formed microspheres demonstrate intracellular bioactivity when taken up by macrophages.

Abstract: Compositions useful in treating immune modulated disease comprising an anticytokine antibody or immune active drug capable of modifying cytokine activity or modulating the immune system microencapsulated with a biodegradable nonantigenic material, such as albumin or PLGA. When the composition is introduced into a subject, it is phagocytosed by the target organ, the target organ digests the microsphere, releasing the drug or an active form or fragment thereof intracellularly. The drug then modifies the target organ function, thereby modulating it's activity. A method is disclosed for preparation of the microencapsulated composition.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable compounds for administering to a subject, comprising the general structure II: wherein R1 is an L-amino acid or salt or ester thereof, or an L-amino acid containing peptide or salt or ester thereof; and wherein the stereochemistry about the carbon-carbon double bond is trans. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds.

Abstract: A system for locating electromagnetic signal sources via the rotational Doppler effect whereby a radar station generating electromagnetic signals, such as radar frequency signals, initially scans the sky for aircraft. An aircraft having the system operationally installed thereon and utilizing apparatus or navigational systems already present on the aircraft receives radar signals. The system is programmed to capture radar signal parameters and extract the rotational Doppler frequencies induced by the motion of the aircraft. The angular velocity of the host platform is often the dominant source of this frequency; however, lateral velocity is not detrimental to the process. The measurement of the rotational Doppler frequency is accomplished through antennas presently installed on large numbers of military aircraft with no requirement for phase calibration of the electrical paths between antennas and receiver.

Abstract: Compositions useful in treating immune modulated disease comprising an anticytokine antibody or immune active drug capable of modifying cytokine activity or modulating the immune system microencapsulated with a biodegradable nonantigenic material, such as albumin or PLGA. When the composition is introduced into a subject, it is phagocytosed by the target organ, the target organ digests the microsphere, releasing the drug or an active form or fragment thereof intracellularly. The drug then modifies the target organ function, thereby modulating it's activity. A method is disclosed for preparation of the microencapsulated composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing inflammation in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of the compound having the structure I or II: wherein, R1 is C1-C10 branched or straight chain alkyl, aryl, an amino acid, or a peptide; and R2 is hydrogen or lower C1-C5 branched or straight alkyl, or the salt or ester thereof, wherein the stereochemistry about the carbon-carbon double bond is trans. The invention further relates to a method of inducing an analgesic effect by administering to a subject an effective amount of the compound having the structure I or II. The invention further relates to a compound having the structure II, wherein, R1 is an N-acyl amino acid or peptide, or the salt or ester thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning or removing coatings, such as paint, from a surface with a stream of particles. A carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) pelletizer forms carbon dioxide pellets, which are delivered by a delivery system against a surface to be cleaned. The delivery system includes a hopper for containing the pellets and a high pressure air supply. A feeder introduces the pellets from the hopper into the high pressure air. The combined high pressure air and pellets are directed along a delivery hose to a nozzle, which directs the air and pellets against a surface to be cleaned. Temperature sensors are provided to monitor the temperature of the pressurized air at various points in the delivery system. Signals from the temperature sensor are provided in a feedback control manner to a control valve. The control valve controls the introduction of liquid nitrogen (N.sub.2) into the air stream at a mixing chamber in the delivery system.