Abstract: A technique is provided for incorporating pneumatic control in centrifugal microfluidics. The technique involves providing a chip controller that has pressurized fluid supply lines for coupling one or more pressurized chambers of the controller with ports of a microfluidic chip. At least part of the chip controller is mounted to a centrifuge for rotation with the chip. A flow control device is provided in each supply line for selectively controlling the pressurized fluid supply, and is electrically controlled. Bubble mixing, on and off-chip valving, and switching are demonstrated.

Abstract: An oscillating foil turbine has a foil having a first fluid dynamic surface for producing lift in a fluid flow, a support for the foil, and a second fluid dynamic surface, wherein the support allows for cyclic motion of the first and second surfaces with respect to each other. A driven member is provided to tap energy from flow throughout each cycle. Throughout at least part of the cyclic translation, the fluid dynamic surfaces are oriented sufficiently parallel, and separated by a distance that is sufficiently small, to achieve a substantial wing-in-ground effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (S)-isoproterenol, (S)-isoproterenol dipivalate, (S)—N-ethylnoradrenaline, (S)—N-n-Propylnoradrenaline, (S)—N-Butylnoradrenaline, (R, S)—N-tert-butylnoradrenaline, 1-(3, 4) dihydrooxylphenyl)-2-(isopropylamine)-1-(R, S)-butanol, (S)-1-(N-isopropyl)-3-methyldopamine and (R)-1-(N-isopropyl)-3-methyldopamine suitable. The pharmaceutical composition may be for topical application to ocular tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting angiogenesis in a human subject in need of such inhibition. The method comprises administering to the human subject an anti-angiogenic effective amount of a physiologically tolerated salt thereof, or any mixture of the compounds of formula (I) a physiologically tolerated salt thereof, a prodrug thereof, a physiologically functional derivative thereof or any mixture thereof as an anti-angiogenic agent. The anti-angiogenic agent should have greater lipophilicity than (S)-noradrenaline.

Abstract: A centrifugal microfluidic device having a microfluidic mixing element with a microfluidic mixing chamber in which at least two flows emerging from channels into the chamber at separate places are redirected to land at substantially the same place on a mixing surface provides efficient mixing of two or more fluids in the chamber.

Abstract: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents transport of molecules larger than 500 Dal tons from blood to brain. Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) facilitates transport across the BBB of specific molecules that bind receptors on brain endothelial cells that form the BBB. An insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF 1R)-binding antibody or fragment thereof is identified that transmigrates the BBB by RMT. The antibody or fragment is used to deliver a cargo molecule across the BBB, wherein the cargo molecule may be a therapeutic or detectable agent. The antibody is a camelid VHH, prepared by immunizing a llama with a 933-amino acid IGF 1R polypeptide. Humanized forms of the camelid VHH are also generated.

Abstract: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents transport of molecules larger than 500 Daltons from blood to brain. Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) facilitates transport across the BBB of specific molecules that bind receptors on brain endothelial cells that form the BBB. An insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)-binding antibody or fragment thereof is identified that transmigrates the BBB by RMT. The antibody or fragment is used to deliver a cargo molecule across the BBB, wherein the cargo molecule may be a therapeutic or detectable agent. The antibody is a camelid VHH, prepared by immunizing a llama with a 933-amino acid IGF1R polypeptide. Humanized forms of the camelid VHH are also generated.

Abstract: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents transport of molecules larger than 500 Dal tons from blood to brain. Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) facilitates transport across the BBB of specific molecules that bind receptors on brain endothelial cells that form the BBB. An insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF 1R)-binding antibody or fragment thereof is identified that transmigrates the BBB by RMT. The antibody or fragment is used to deliver a cargo molecule across the BBB, wherein the cargo molecule may be a therapeutic or detectable agent. The antibody is a camelid VHH, prepared by immunizing a llama with a 933-amino acid IGF 1R polypeptide. Humanized forms of the camelid VHH are also generated.

Abstract: Polypeptides having alkanoyl-CoA activity have been identified and characterized, as have nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.

Abstract: A piezoelectric film having a porosity between 20 and 40%, a thickness ranging from tens of microns to less than a few millimeters can be used to form an ultrasonic transducer UT for operation in elevated temperature ranges, that emit pulses having a high bandwidth. Such piezoelectric films exhibit greater flexibility allowing for conformation of the UT to a surface, and obviate the need for couplings or backings. Furthermore, a method of fabricating an UT having these advantages as well as better bonding between the piezoelectric film and electrodes involves controlling porosity within the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant bacterium expressing an antigen that is translocated to the cytosol of a host organism, and uses thereof. To this end, the present invention provides a recombinant bacterium comprising a nucleic acid encoding an antigen that is translocated to the cytosol of a host cell utilizing Type III secretion system. The recombinant bacterium is generally chosen from intracellular pathogens that reside in the phagosome and fail to induce rapid T cell activation. The translocated antigen may be a viral antigen, a bacterial antigen, or a tumor antigen. Methods of imparting immunity using the recombinant bacterium are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing an ion exchange membrane involves melt-processing a mixture of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer in its acid form and a specific azole additive. The additive may be a triazole, alkyl triazole, vinyl triazole, fluoro-alkyl triazole, fluoro-vinyl triazole, pyrazole, alkyl pyrazole, vinyl pyrazole, fluoro-alkyl pyrazole, fluoro-vinyl pyrazole, benzimidazole, alkyl benzimidazole, vinyl benzimidazole, fluoro-alkyl benzimidazole, fluoro-vinyl benzimidazole or any mixture thereof to form a film having a thickness of from 3 to 200 microns. Ion exchange membranes so produced have reduced in-plane-swelling, improved dimensional stability and mechanical properties, and are useful as electrolytes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Abstract: A metal electrode, current collector, or electrochemical interface is karstified vacuum laser ablation to increase surface area and reduce oxides. The electrode may be coated with a conductive non-oxidizing layer. The current collector may be a foil less than 1 mm, or 0.5 mm thick. The karstified topography is marked by: a microstructure with a maximum peak height minus a maximum profile depth greater than 0.5 ?m; a surface roughness, of at least 0.2 ?m, and an oxygen at. % of 5 or less, is shown to have advantageous use as a high surface area metallic electrochemical interface. The foil may be composed of Al, Ti, Ni, Cu, stainless steel or an alloy or mixture of one or more of the above, and may have a coating consisting of Ni, Ti, C, any alloy of the above, nickel oxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, or a mixture of carbon and any one or more of the above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cell-based production of bacterial nonulosonates and their biosynthetic precursors. Specifically, the present invention provides recombinant cells for the production of pseudaminic acid, legionaminic acid, UDP-2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-?-L-altropyranose, and UDP-2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-?-D-glucopyranose. Methods for producing the sugars are also provided.

Abstract: A powder fluidizing system, comprising a pressure vessel, a powder container removably mounted within the pressure vessel, and comprising a bottom sieve; a vibrator generating vibrations and transmitting the vibrations to the powder container above the sieve; and a guide directly secured under said powder container to the bottom sieve; wherein a bulk powder fed within the powder container is vibrated within the powder container and flows through the sieve to the guide, and a powder fluidizing method, comprising feeding a bulk powder within a powder reservoir maintained under pressure; vibrating the powder reservoir; and passing the powder through a sieve positioned at the bottom of the powder reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides a new process for patterning TPE membranes for use in the design and fabrication of 3D microfluidic devices. The process involves patterning a TPE material without permitting the highest features of the mold to come into contact with the counter-plate, whereby adhesion between the TPE and the mold or counter-plate during demolding results directly in removal of the excess layer from the TPE membrane to produce well formed micrometric-sized open-through holes in the TPE membrane. The process permits rapid, reliable and efficient patterning of densely packed and arbitrarily placed micrometric open-through holes and channels of high aspect-ratio and any shape or wall profile in thin TPE membranes.

Abstract: Successful application of an engineered protein as therapeutics or in other industries would require the protein to have good expression level, good biophysical properties and often desired affinity to its target. The present invention provides a method of screening large numbers of protein candidates (PCs) in all three aspects simultaneously. PCs are fused to a protein anchor, which is captured by the target/antigen. The captured PCs are evaluated for their expression levels, biophysical properties and affinities using conventional methods.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori, one of the most common human pathogens, is associated with the development of human chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The invention relates to a ?1,6-glucan-containing Helicobacter pylori compound comprising the structure of Formula I: wherein R is a ?-DDHep-3-?-L-Fuc-3-?-GlcNAc trisaccharide substituted with an ?1,6-glucan linked to an ?1,3-DD-heptan, and wherein the last DD-Hep residue of ?1,3-DD-heptan is capped with ?-GlcNAc residue. Compositions comprising the compound, uses of the compound, and antibodies raised against the compound are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of fluorinated cyclic dinucleotides and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as an adjuvant for the preparation of an oral vaccine. Further disclosed is the use of fluorinated cyclic dinucleotides and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for enhancing the immune response to an orally administered vaccine.

Abstract: A method of selectively identifying live microorganisms in a sample involves contacting a sample suspected of containing a live microorganism of interest with a biomolecular precursor labeled with a reactive chemical label. The live microorganism of interest is grown under conditions that promote selective growth of the microorganism to permit the microorganism to utilize the labeled biomolecular precursor to synthesize labeled biomolecules on a cell surface of the live microorganism. Labeled live microorganisms are contacted with a reporter and/or capture element bearing a functional group that reacts with the reactive chemical label. The labeled live microorganism is analyzed to identify it. The method can specifically isolate live microorganisms from dead ones thereby reducing the possibility of false identification of contaminating microorganisms and is able to detect specific strains using tailored metabolites that are specific for a given microorganism.