Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystal devices comprised of a composite of an internal polymer network localized on the substrate surfaces and short-pitch dual-frequency switchable cholesteric liquid crystal that operate in two different modes including in-plane switching (amplitude modulation) and out-of-plane switching (phase modulation). The invention further provides a method of making a liquid crystal device demonstrating uniform lying helical axis where the device comprises a composite of an internal spatially ordered polymer network localized by in-situ photo-polymerization at the surface of the substrate. The invention can be used for flat panel displays, as well as spatial light modulators for applications such as optical waveguides, optical beam scanners, computer-generated holograms, and adaptive optics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying the twist of a wing such that induced drag is minimized or reduced during cruise and lift is maximized or increased at least during takeoff and landings. In addition, variations in the twist may produce yawing and rolling moments. The twist amount is varied pursuant to the operating conditions, including those parameters used to determine the lift coefficient. The twist for reducing induced drag and/or improving lift may be employed by geometric or aerodynamic twist, including full span control surfaces used to provide roll control, high-lift and reduced induced drag. The twist may also be employed by twisting just a portion of the wing or the entire wing, either geometrically or aerodynamically.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple and cost-effective method for preparing particles such as anisotropic semiconductor nanoparticles (e.g. CdS) and devices thereof. The method comprises (i) dispersing at least part of particle-forming reactants in a self-organized medium such as surfactant-aqueous solution system, and (ii) conducting a particle-forming reaction using the particle-forming reactants dispersed in the self-organized medium under shear condition to form the particles. The anisotropic property of the particles is controlled at least partially by the shear condition. The invention may be used to prepare quantum dots in a liquid crystal, and various devices such as nonlinear optics, optoelectronic devices, and solar cells, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides polyanhydrides that degrade in less than 60 hours following topical administration to deliver biologically active compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that bind to and inhibit the activation of the ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Also disclosed is a novel combination of technologies, i.e., SELEX and laser pulse photolysis for the selection and screening of aptamers that inhibit receptor function and are useful therefore, in the treatment of diseases associated with excessive activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new classes of monomeric compounds, which may be polymerized to form novel biodegradable and bioresorble polymers and copolymers. These polymers and co-polymers, while not limited thereto, may be adapted for radio-opacity and are useful for medical device applications and controlled release therapeutic formulations.

Abstract: Canine parvovirus vaccines and diagnostics and methods for their use are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting the sprouting of potato tubers are provided. The compositions comprise C3 to C14 aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, and/or C3 to C7 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer tumors, particularly ovarian cancer tumors, is described, where fused cyclic pyrimidine having a cancer treating ability is selectively delivered to an FR expressing cancerous tumor.

Abstract: Amphipathic lytic peptides are ideally suited to use in a ligand/cytotoxin combination to specifically inhibit cells that are driven by or are dependent upon a specific ligand interaction; for example, to induce sterility or long-term contraception, or to attack tumor cells, or to selectively lyse virally-infected cells, or to attack lymphocytes responsible for autoimmune diseases. The peptides act directly on cell membranes, and need not be internalized. Administering a combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (or a GnRH agonist) and a membrane-active lytic peptide produces long-term contraception or sterilization in animals in vivo. Administering in vivo a combination of a ligand and a membrane-active lytic peptide kills cells with a receptor for the ligand. The compounds are relatively small, and are not antigenic. Lysis of gonadotropes has been observed to be very rapid (on the order of ten minutes.) Lysis of tumor cells is rapid.

Abstract: An acceleration-triggered or shock-triggered, smart, tunable MEMS switch that may function as both a classic accelerometer and an acceleration threshold detector. A parallel element MEMS device has a stationary and a movable element forming a capacitor. Varying acceleration moves the movable member with respect to the stationary member, thereby changing the capacitance of the device. The capacitance varying may be used, in cooperation with appropriate circuitry, to provide a signal representative of instantaneous acceleration. By applying a biasing voltage, the movable element may be positioned in a predetermined fashion such that acceleration of a predetermined magnitude causes the movable element to pull in (snap down). The movable and stationary elements may function as a switch such that when the predetermined acceleration or shock level occurs, electrodes close, a current flows between the elements so that an external device such as an air bag may be activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of primary and metastatic neoplastic diseases and infectious diseases, for stimulating an immune response in a subject, and for use as an alternative to interleukin-12 (IL-12) treatment. In particular, the present invention provides Apicomplexa-related proteins (ARPs) that have immune stimulatory activity and thus have uses in the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious diseases and in immune modulation. Compositions comprising an ARP are provided. Methods of use of an ARP for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer and/or infectious diseases, for use as an alternative to interleukin-12 (IL-12) treatment, and for eliciting an immune response in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: A process for making a stimuli responsive liquid crystal-polymer composite fiber comprising mixing a liquid crystal, a polymer, and a solvent; processing the mixture in the presence of an electric potential across a collection distance; phase separating a polymer and said liquid crystal; and encapsulating said liquid crystal within said polymer. The fiber generally comprises a liquid crystal core and a polymer shell wherein the liquid crystal is responsive to chemical changes, thermal and mechanical effects, as well as electrical and magnetic fields. A liquid crystal containing fiber can be utilized as optical fibers, in textiles, and in optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) with a source electrode and a drain electrode distanced apart from each other on a semi-conductor substrate, and a gate electrode consisting of a uniform layer of reduced graphene oxide encapsulated semiconductor nanoparticles (rGO-NPs), wherein the gate electrode is disposed between and contacts both the source and drain electrodes. Methods of making and assay methods using the FETs are also disclosed, including methods in which the rGO-NPs are functionalized with binding partners for biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel silicon-germanium hydride compounds, methods for their synthesis, methods for their deposition, and semiconductor structures made using the novel compounds.

Abstract: An article comprising a slab generating scintillation light in response to ionization event and formed with at least two sides. The ionization event is resulted from interaction of high-energy particles within a material of the slab between these sides. A photoreceiver sensitive to the scintillation light is integrated on each side of the slab in an optically-tight fashion. An arrangement is provided for analyzing signals resulted from the ionization event and generated by the photoreceivers. The photoreceivers and the analyzing arrangement are adapted for extracting a position of the ionization event within the slab material relative to the slab sides. A correcting arrangement is provided for correcting the signals and to provide attenuation of the scintillation light.

Abstract: A photodetector/imaging device comprises a layer of photoconductive material converting incident electromagnetic radiation into electrical charges, the layer of photoconductive material being capable of avalanche multiplication when an electric field of sufficient magnitude is applied thereacross; a readout layer detecting the electrical charge; and at least one interface layer between the layer of photoconductive material and the readout layer, the interface layer coupling electrical charge to or from the layer of photoconductive material and being configured to inhibit uncontrolled rises in current in the photoconductive material during avalanche multiplication.

Abstract: An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the exterior surface. The electrodes induce flow of a fluid through the porous core medium between the interior and exterior reservoirs, wherein a gas is generated when the electrodes induce flow of the fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet to convey the fluid to one of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a fluid outlet to discharge the fluid from another of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a gas removal device to remove the gas from the pump cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new classes of monomeric compounds, which may be polymerized to form novel biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers and co-polymers. These polymers and co-polymers, while not limited thereto, may be adapted for radioopacity and are useful for medical device applications and controlled release therapeutic formulations.