Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhibition of p53 transcription by interfering with the activity of a p53 promoter using inhibitory double-stranded RNAs. Use of these inhibitory RNAs in the treatment of cancers also is disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling boost and buck-boost converters using input-output linearization and leading-edge modulation is provided. The controller includes a summing circuit connected to the converter to create a third voltage representing a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. A gain circuit is connected to the summing circuit to adjust the third voltage by an appropriate gain. A modulating circuit is connected to the gain circuit, the converter, the first voltage, the second voltage and the second current to create a control signal based on the first voltage, the second voltage, the adjusted third voltage, the fourth voltage and the first current. The control signal is used to control the converter. Typically, the first voltage is a converter output voltage, the second voltage is a reference voltage, the fourth voltage is a converter input voltage, and first current is a converter inductor current.

Abstract: Methods for treating formations bearing brine and at least one of black oil or volatile oil using a composition containing a nonionic polymer and solvent. The solvent at least one of solubilizes or displaces at least one of brine or oil in the formation. Methods for making a composition for treating a formation bearing brine an at least one of black oil or volatile oil are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rapid development of a collaborative database uses a spreadsheet application to implement the database. Each parameter of the database variables is entered into a corresponding cell in the spreadsheet. A first spreadsheet code is entered that refers to selected cells related to a first variable and resolves into database code that instructs a database application to create the first variable in the collaborative database. A second spreadsheet code is also entered also referring to selected cells related to the first variable and resolves into application server (AS) code that instructs an application server to generate a graphical data entry form for that variable. In order to develop the same database and AS code for the remaining variables, the developer uses the autofill function of the spreadsheet to autofill the spreadsheet codes to cells related to the other variables and resolving into their own database and AS codes.

Abstract: A system and method for solving a set of optimization problems initializes a current region of optimal solutions for the set of optimization problems, performs a reduction phase, and provides the optimal solutions within the current region. The reduction phase creates a random sample of points within the current region and identifies a subregion of the current region that very likely does not contain any optimal solutions. The identified subregion is then removed from the current region. If the current region does not satisfies one or more convergence criteria, the process loops back to create another random sample of points and repeats the above-described steps. If, however, the current region does satisfy the convergence criteria, the optimal solutions within the current region are provided to the output device.

Abstract: A nerve blocking endoscope apparatus is disclosed having a disposable sheath and a stimulating assembly including an internal electrode and an external electrode for stimulation of a nerve for identification purposes and to methods for making and using same. A needle nerve blocking endoscope apparatus having an internal electrode for nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) packages, packaged MEMS devices, and methods for making the same are disclosed. The method may include forming a chamber sacrificial layer above an insulating layer that is coupled to a wafer. The method further may include forming a packaging layer above the chamber sacrificial layer. The method additionally may include forming one or more openings through the packaging layer. The method also may include removing the chamber sacrificial layer through the one or more openings. The method may include forming a sealing layer above the packaging layer such that the sealing layer substantially seals the one or more openings to form a hermetic cavity.

Abstract: The present invention includes composition having a nonionic, fluorinated polymeric surfactant, water and solvent. Embodiments of compositions according to the present invention are useful, for example, for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean clastic formations.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to immunotherapeutic methods to treat tumors/cancers that produce progastrin ectopically or are dependent on progastrin for their growth. Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions comprising agents that target progastrin, agents that target the progastrin receptor, annexin II, or both. Such a composition may be administered in combination with chemotherapy or to an individual who had been previously subjected to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The cancers that may be treated using such a composition may include but are not limited to colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer or pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The present invention includes peptidomimetic compound compositions and methods of making and using peptidomimetic compounds to modulate the activity of a peptide receptor for the treatment of one or more of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia or other symptoms that relate to the function of the targeted receptor. The peptidomimetic includes an oligo-benzamide compound having at least three optionally substituted benzamides.

Abstract: A method and a product made by treating a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed, e.g., heavy crude asphaltene reduction is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed with a hydrogen donor solvent and an acidified silica to form a mixture and oxidizing the sulfur in the mixture at a temperature between 50° C. and 210° C., wherein the oxidation lowers the amount sulfur in the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed by at least 90%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include the treatment of amyloid oligomer toxicity by administering a membrane sealant co-polymer, for example poloxamer 188 (P188).

Abstract: A mobility apparatus for a patient permitting improved mobility is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a locomotion assembly, a forearm support assembly, a kinematic and kinetic feedback assembly and optionally a back support assembly, where the apparatus provides mobility assistance, while permitting visualization of movement velocity, loaded and unloaded motion, and other information concerning a patients proper use of the mobility assistance apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of identifying an increase in microsatellite DNA from a genomic nucleic acid sample comprising: obtaining a microsatellite profile from a sample suspected of comprising cancer cells; comparing the microsatellite profile to a reference microsatellite profile from a reference genome; and determining in increase in the number of microsatellite DNAs from the sample as compared to the reference genome, wherein an increase in microsatellite DNA indicates a pre-disposition to cancer and the microsatellites are upstream from the estrogen receptor-related gamma gene (ESRRG).

Abstract: This invention relates to novel macrocyclic lactams intermediates useful for the preparation of diazonamide analogs. This invention also relates to a novel electrochemical oxidative cyclization for the preparation of such macrocyclic lactams, and their further elucidation to provide diazonamide analogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating catheter tip for optical coherence tomography based on the use of an optical fiber that does not rotate, that is enclosed in a catheter, which has a tip rotates under the influence of a fluid drive system to redirect light from the fiber to a surrounding vessel and the light reflected or backscattered from the vessel back to the optical fiber.

Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments, a device, method, and system for measuring optical fine structure of lateral modes of an optical cavity are described. In one aspect, the device comprises at least one photodetector arranged to detect an output of the optical cavity in a lateral direction thereof. The device also comprises an analyzer coupled to an output of the at least one photodetector and arranged to analyze at least a portion of signals produced in the at least one photodetector by at least a portion of the lateral modes of the optical cavity. The device also comprises a processor arranged to determine the optical fine structure of the at least the portion of the lateral modes of the optical cavity based on an output of the analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides the identification and combination of genes that are expressed in tumors that are responsive to a given therapeutic agent and whose combined expression can be used as an index that correlates with responsiveness to that therapeutic agent. One or more of the genes of the present invention may be used as markers (or surrogate markers) to identify tumors that are likely to be successfully treated by that agent or class of agents such as hormonal or endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating one or more electronic devices from wafer, die or other holder including designing a plurality of electronic devices (805), wherein each of the electronic devices is encapsulated in a cell and designing a plurality of tethers (825). Each tether includes a first end and a second end. The method includes selecting an attachment point (835, 860) on each of the plurality of electronic devices, attaching the first end of each of the plurality of tethers to one of the attachment points, selecting a plurality of anchor points (835, 860), attaching the second end of each of the plurality of tethers to one of the anchor points. The method includes determining a fracture condition (835) for each electronic device that breaks the tether at the first end (865). The fracture condition is same for a group of electronic devices in the plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing, screening and treating individuals at risk of elevated intracranial pressure based on detecting a transient decrease in serum ceruloplasmin and/or serum copper levels in the individual soon after occurrence of a head injury. This early drop in ceruloplasmin or copper level indicates an impending, potentially life threatening, elevation in the individual's intracranial pressure. Also disclosed are diagnostic applications and processes for identifying and producing diagnostic and prognostic assays useful for predicting elevated intracranial pressure, and test kits for performing such tests.