Abstract: Methods of synthesizing nicotine analogs and derivatives are described. In some embodiments the methods utilize an alkyl or aryl silyl-substituted nicotine analog intermediate. Intermediates useful for the synthesis of nicotine and nicotine analogs are also described.

Abstract: A Si-based diode (10, 10?, 100) is formed by epitaxially depositing a Si-based diode structure on a silicon substrate. The Si-based diode structure includes a Si-based pn junction (16, 16?, 18, 18?, 30, 32, 160, 161) having a backward diode current-voltage characteristic in which the forward tunneling current is substantially smaller than the backward tunneling current at comparable voltage levels. In some embodiments, the Si-based pn junction includes at least one non-silicon or silicon alloy layer such as at least one SiGe layer (16, 16?, 160, 161). In some embodiments, at least one delta doping (30, 32) is disposed on the silicon substrate in or near the pn junction, that together with the Si-based pn junction define an electrical junction having the backward diode current-voltage characteristic. A large area detector array may include a plurality of such Si-based diodes (10, 10?, 100).

Abstract: An approach to determine cantilever movement is presented. An observer based state estimation and statistical signal detection and estimation techniques are applied to Atomic Force Microscopes. A first mode approximation model of the cantilever is considered and an observer is designed to estimate the dynamic states. The cantilever-sample interaction is modeled as an impulsive force applied to the cantilever in order to detect the presence of sample. A generalized likelihood ratio test is performed to obtain the decision rule and the maximum likelihood estimation of the unknown arrival time of the sample profile and unknown magnitude of it. The use of the transient data results in sample detection at least ten times faster than using the steady state characteristics.

Abstract: A polymerization process to derive a thermal-stabilized poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and cyclic ester monomer copolymer using a coordination-insertion catalyst/initiator. 1,4-dioxan-2-one and cyclic ester monomer, each containing less than 100-ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, are copolymerized. Preferably the cyclic ester monomer is ?-caprolactone and the reaction is in an extruder.

Abstract: Borylated thiophenes are prepared by the process. The borylated thiophenes are intermediates to thiophene polymers for electronic applications.

Abstract: Provided are cell compositions including non-retinal cell types that have been reprogrammed to form retinal stem cells, and methods for producing and using same. Such reprogrammed cells can be used to replace one or more retinal cell types that have been lost due to damage and/or disease and are thus useful in treating or preventing visual impairment.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of oxazole, imidazole, and pyraxole boryl compounds. The compounds are intermediates to functionalized compounds, both natural and synthetic which are cytotoxic, anticancer and antiviral agents.

Abstract: Drug screening and target identification using surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) of a target protein array is provided. The Target Protein Array/SPRI system is used as parts of a strategy or method for label-free and real-time identification of a target protein or proteins of any inhibitor, agonist or other ligand. Methods that allow for rapidly classifying the mechanism of action of any inhibitor, agonist or other ligand; and for simultaneous identification and purification of an active ingredient of a natural product extract, which acts specifically on a target protein or proteins are provided. Techniques that can be used to prioritize inhibitors, agonists or ligands for lead compound development; to determine the therapeutic index of drug candidates; to assess the range of target proteins of drugs or drug candidates or lead compounds in organisms; and to discover novel target proteins of known drugs or known inhibitors are described.

Abstract: mcFP encoding nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies immunologically specific therefore are disclosed. Methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the production of paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is produced by protecting the C(7) and the C(10) hydroxy groups of 10-DAB with a bridging silicon-based protecting group. The resulting 7,10-protected 10-DAB derivative is then derivatized and deprotected to form paclitaxel.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and products, including sheet flooring materials prepared from the polymeric materials, and processes for preparing the polymeric materials, are disclosed. The polymeric materials include a polylactic acid-based polymer in combination with plasticizer and a compatibilizer, and optionally include a filler. The polymeric material can include between about 30 to about 50 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or polyolefins modified with polar groups, for example, ionomers. The plasticizer is typically an epoxidized vegetable oil or esterified and epoxidized vegetable oil and is typically present in an amount of between about 10 and about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a polyolefin modified with one or more polar functional groups, and is typically present in an amount of between about 5 and about 10% by weight.

Abstract: An epitaxial Ni3FeN film with unique magnetic properties such as single magnetic domain (even in a large scale 0.5?×0.5?), which rotates coherently in response to the desired switching field with a very sharp transition is described. The magnetic hysteresis loop of this new magnetic nitride is close to the perfect ideal square with the same value of saturation magnetization, remnant magnetization, and magnetization right before switching (domain reversal). The switching field is tunable which make this material more attractive for magneto-resistive devices such as MRAM's, read heads and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: An interferometer pressure sensor includes a reflective film configured to change a position thereof responsive to a pressure change and an interferometer element configured to detect the position change of the reflective film. A holder is configured to hold the reflective film and the interferometer element. The holder includes a first member formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second member formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The first member and the second member of the holder are sized and configured based on the first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second coefficient of thermal expansion so that a distance between the reflective film and the interferometer element is substantially constant over a temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a highly sensitive method for direct detection of at least one specific RNA in a sample. The presence of a specific RNA provides a positive indicator of a pathogenic agent, contaminant, and/or normal or abnormal genes in the sample. Applications for which the method of the invention is particularly well suited include point-of-care disease diagnosis, detection of microbial contamination in food and/or water supplies, and pathogen detection in biodefense.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises of a pair of opposed substrates defining a cell gap. Each substrate has an electrode disposed on a surface facing the other substrate. A plurality of spacers are randomly disposed in the cell gap and extend from one substrate to the other substrate, wherein a polymerization enhancing or initiating compound is not disposed on the surface of the spacers. Polymer columns are randomly disposed between the opposed substrates, extending from one substrate to the other, at least a portion of which are disposed around and immobilize the spacers in the cell gap. A liquid crystal material is disposed in the cell gap. A method for making a liquid crystal device is also provided. The internal columnar structures provide stability against mechanical pressure enabling the fabrication of durable, flexible LC display devices using plastic substrates for applications in portable and handheld devices.

Abstract: A computer based system and method of visualizing a region using multiple image data sets is provided. The method includes acquiring first volumetric image data of a region and acquiring at least second volumetric image data of the region. The first image data is generally selected such that the structural features of the region are readily visualized. At least one control point is determined in the region using an identifiable structural characteristic discernable in the first volumetric image data. The at least one control point is also located in the at least second image data of the region such that the first image data and the at least second image data can be registered to one another using the at least one control point. Once the image data sets are registered, the registered first image data and at least second image data can be fused into a common display data set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of high-resolution mapping of a heart, including: providing a heart mapping apparatus; contacting at least a portion of an intact heart tissue with a voltage-sensitive fluoroscopic dye to generate at least a portion of dyed heart tissue; inserting a first end of the heart mapping apparatus into an intact heart; illuminating the portion of dyed heart tissue with a first range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation from the first end of the heart mapping apparatus; collecting a second range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation from the portion of dyed heart tissue; and transforming the second range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to at least about 100 points of information, wherein said 100 points of information yields a map of at least one anatomical feature and at least one electrical potential.

Abstract: Selective phosphorylation of phenpanstatin (3a) with tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate and dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide in pyridine followed by cation exchange chromatographic procedures was found to provide an efficient mute to a new series (3b-3d) of promising 3,4-O-cyclic phosphate prodrugs designated phenpanstatin phosphates. Application of analogous reaction conditions to pancratistatin (1a) led to a mixture of monophosphate derivatives where sodium paancratistatin 4-O-phosphate (4a) was isolated and the structure confirmed by x-ray craxtallography. Modification of the reaction conditions allowed direct phosphorylation of pancratistatin followed by cation exchange chromatography to afford sodium pancratistatin 3,4-O-cyclic phosphate (5b) which was selected for preclinical development.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating securement of a vascular graft within a blood vessel, includes a shaft dimensioned for passage within a blood vessel and having an expansion member movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition and a fastener array comprising at least one fastener disposed about a peripheral portion of the expansion member. The one fastener is deployable into a wall of the blood vessel upon movement of the expansion member to the expanded condition thereof, to thereby engage the vascular graft to secure the vascular graft to a wall of the blood vessel. The fastener array preferably includes a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be operatively connected to each other and releasably secured to the peripheral portion of the expansion member.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides compounds having formula I or IV as shown below: as further defined herein. In additional aspects, the present invention provides compositions and kits comprising the compounds of the invention and methods for their use, for example, for the prevention or treatment of a cancer.