Abstract: A method for evaluating the quality of mammalian oocytes comprises determining the expression level of one or more of the genes ACPP, AQP11, CCDC126, CLU, CYP11 A1, CYP19A1, EGR3, FN1, FOSL2, GMNN, HRAS, HSD3B2, HS-D17B1, HSD11B2, HSDL1, IGF1, IGFBP4, IGFBP5, IRS1, KCNK3, KLF6, NEK6, SMAD7 or STC1 in a test sample derived from a cumulus cell or granulosa cell associated with the oocyte, and comparing the expression level of said at least one marker gene expression in the sample with the expression level in a control. Differential expression of the gene between the sample and the control is indicative of the quality of the oocyte.

Abstract: In apparatus and methods of Raman spectroscopy in air, a target region is excited by a laser pump pulse exceeding the critical power for self-focusing in air and having a duration after self-focusing of 15 fs or less. A laser probe pulse having a duration in the range of 200 fs to 100 ps and an energy of at least 20 ?J is directed at the excited target region. Stimulated Raman scattering from the interaction between the excited target region and the laser probe pulse is detected. The target region can be outside the spectrometer, with ambient air in between used for the self-focusing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing samples are disclosed. The samples are analyzed by vaporizing molecules from a sample in a sample area with a femtosecond laser beam under ambient conditions, ionizing the vaporized molecules with electrospray ionization under the ambient conditions to form ions; and analyzing and detecting the ions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the treatment and/or prevention of an amyloid beta amyloidosis in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) antagonist. In preferred embodiments, the FLAP antagonist is MK-591, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also provided is a method for decreasing or preventing the deposition of beta amyloid in the brain of a subject comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a FLAP antagonist. In preferred embodiments, the FLAP antagonist is MK-591, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a macromolecule comprising two or more functionalized bis-peptides connected by one or more linkers, and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the functionalized bis-peptides are covalently attached to one or more functionalized bis-peptides to form linear strings of functionalized bis-peptides, macrocycles of functionalized bis-peptides, three-dimensional networks of functionalized bis-peptides, and combinations of any of these. Also provided is a macromolecule comprising two or more bis-peptides connected by one or more linkers, and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the bis-peptides comprise non-functionalized bis-peptides, functionalized bis-peptides or a combination of both functionalized and non-functionalized bis-peptides. In some embodiments, the bis-peptides are covalently attached to one or more bis-peptides to form linear strings of bis-peptides, macrocycles of bis-peptides, three-dimensional networks of bis-peptides, and combinations of any of these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a chocolate product. The method includes delivering liquid chocolate having a viscosity through a pipe along a delivery path to a production station for producing the chocolate product. The liquid chocolate includes solid particles suspended within the liquid chocolate. The method changes the viscosity of the liquid chocolate by applying an electric field to the liquid chocolate in a direction along the delivery path of a strength and duration determined to aggregate the suspended solid particles into streamlined shapes extending along the direction of the delivery path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents of Formula I and II. The present invention also relates to compositions containing compounds of Formula I or II, and glucocorticoids, and methods for reducing side effects from glucocorticoid treatment by co-administration of compounds of Formula I and II. The compositions herein are useful for the treatment of diabetes and obesity related diseases including metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents of Formula I and II. The present invention also relates to compositions containing compounds of Formula I or II, and glucocorticoids, and methods for reducing side effects from glucocorticoid treatment by co-administration of compounds of Formula I and II. The compositions herein are useful for the treatment of diabetes and obesity related diseases including metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: A method for determining whether early stage cancer is present in a subject comprises detecting the expression level of GASP-1 in the subject by detecting the amount of GASP-1 peptide fragments present in a biological sample of the subject. Because cancer can be detected at an early stage, therapeutic targeting may be initiated before cancer reaches late stage (e.g., before the development of overt symptoms). A method for treating early stage cancer in a subject comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a GASP-1 inhibitor to inhibit the progression of early stage cancer to late stage cancer. A Competitive ELISA capable of detecting GASP-1 peptide fragments at a concentration of less than 1 ng/ml was developed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-collinear optical parametric ampliffication (NOPA) are provided. Broadband phase matching is achieved with a non-collinear geometry and a divergent signal seed to provide bandwidth gain. A chirp may be introduced into the pump pulse such that the white light seed is amplified in a broad spectral region.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing silane dipeptide analogs, comprising the steps of treating a solution of a substituted 1,2-oxasilolane with lithium metal to form a solution of the dilithium salt of a substituted 3-hydroxypropylsilanol, and reacting the solution of the dilithium salt of the substituted 3-hydroxypropylsilanol with a substituted enamine.

Abstract: A method for determining whether early stage cancer is present in a subject comprises detecting the expression level of GASP-1 in the subject by detecting the amount of GASP-1 peptide fragments present in a biological sample of the subject. Because cancer can be detected at an early stage, therapeutic targeting may be initiated before cancer reaches late stage (e.g., before the development of overt symptoms). A method for treating early stage cancer in a subject comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a GASP-1 inhibitor to inhibit the progression of early stage cancer to late stage cancer. A Competitive ELISA capable of detecting GASP-1 peptide fragments at a concentration of less than 1 ng/ml was developed.

Abstract: A tactile sensor, computer readable medium, methods of using and manufacturing the tactile sensor, and methods and apparatuses for processing the information generated by the tactile sensor. The tactile sensor includes a planar optical waveguide comprised of a flexible and transparent layer; a light configured to direct light into the optical waveguide; a light sensor or an imager facing the optical waveguide and configured to generate signals from light scattered out of the optical waveguide; and a controller which may be configured to generate an image of the object and characteristics of the object. The waveguide may be configured so that some of the light directed into the optical waveguide is scattered out of the waveguide if the waveguide is deformed by being pressed against the object. A finite element and a neural network are used to estimate mechanical characteristics of the objects.

Abstract: The invention provides novel cocaine analogs. The invention also provides a method of preparing cocaine analogs with control over the substituents installed at the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and N-8 positions of the tropane bicyclic scaffold. The invention further provides methods of providing anesthesia, blocking reuptake of a monoamine neurotransmitter, and treating depression, by administering to a subject in need of such treatment a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely detecting nuclear and non-nuclear materials such as chemical agents and gas-phase explosives are disclosed. Nuclear and non-nuclear materials may be detected by transmitting electromagnetic energy toward a remote target area, collecting scattered electromagnetic energy reflected from the remote target area, analyzing an absorption spectrum of the collected scattered electromagnetic energy, and detecting a presence of at least one nuclear or non-nuclear material in the remote target area based on the analyzed absorption spectrum.

Abstract: Compounds useful as antiproliferative agents according to Formula (I), wherein n, A, R1, R2, and Ar1 are as defined herein, and salts thereof; antibody conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, and synthetic methods are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting CD163+/CD16+ cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a biological sample from a subject infected with HIV-1 which comprises contacting the biological sample with an anti-CD163 antibody, so that levels of CD163+/CD16+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the biological sample can be quantified.

Abstract: An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, Tc at or above a critical magnetic field strength, Hc, the period Tc and the field strength Hc determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for determining whether early stage cancer is present in a subject comprises detecting the expression level of GASP-1 in the subject by detecting the amount of GASP-1 peptide fragments present in a biological sample of the subject. Because cancer can be detected at an early stage, therapeutic targeting may be initiated before cancer reaches late stage (e.g., before the development of overt symptoms). A method for treating early stage cancer in a subject comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a GASP-1 inhibitor to inhibit the progression of early stage cancer to late stage cancer. A Competitive ELISA capable of detecting GASP-1 peptide fragments at a concentration of less than 1 ng/ml was developed.

Abstract: Methods for identifying disease-specific markers, in particular breast cancer markers, by electrophoretically separating serum albumin complexes in a biological sample on a membrane are provided. Electrophoretic separation profiles representing different diseases or different cancer stages can be produced, and used in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of these diseases. Methods for identification of a cancer peptide fragment comprising a cancer peptide motif are provided. Also provided are breast cancer and other cancer markers and antibodies that specifically recognize these markers.