Abstract: The apparatus introduces a second adjustable resonant point in a QMS at a frequency that is close to a multiple of the fundamental frequency by adjusting driving point impedance characteristics of the QMS. The apparatus measures the first and second resonant point of the QMS to account for changes in the operational characteristics of the QMS.

Abstract: Methods and immunoassays for diagnosing a bite or sting of a venomous organism in a patient having symptoms consistent with such a bite or sting are provided. A sample of venom is collected from the area of the suspected bite or sting using a swab and then contacted with an antibody that specifically binds to an antigenic site on venom present in the sample. Binding is then detected. The invention is illustrated by examples showing diagnosis of brown recluse spider bite, distinguishing it from other diagnoses with which it is often confused. This extremely sensitive test can detect venom antigens down to about 20 picograms even after the sample has been shipped and stored for periods of up to three weeks during the summer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods for screening for candidate heart failure compounds employing screening assays effective in identifying agonists or antagonists or ligands of vitamin D receptor mediated pathways implicated in heart failure. Methods are provided for the screening of test compounds that can specifically bind to the vitamin D receptor. Methods for screening for a test compound which modulates the activity of a VDR for the treatment of heart failure, wherein the method comprises: (a) contacting a test compound with VDR in a reaction mixture, wherein the reaction mixture conditions permits the test compound to bind to a VDR, including membrane VDR and nuclear VDR. The binding between the test compound and the VDR is compared to a reference such as Vitamin D3. The modulation of biomarkers after a test compound has bound and activated a VDR are also measured and compared to samples in the absence of test compound.

Abstract: A rolling contact layer-by-layer assembly device comprises at least one roller, a cylinder substrate and a motor to rotate the cylinder substrate. The assembly device optionally includes at least one rinsing nozzle and air applicator. The rollers each provide a polyelectrolyte solution to the surface of the cylinder substrate, the polyelectrolyte solutions having an affinity for each other. Excess polyelectrolyte solution can be washed using the rinsing nozzle followed by a drying step prior to the application of the second polyelectrolyte solution. A plurality of bilayers is produced by the continuous application of polyelectrolyte solutions to form an LBL article such as a nano-composite article or film. The film is then removed from the surface of the cylinder substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides uses and methods for alleviating respiratory tract symptoms of allergy, asthma, and of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections by shifting inappropriate TH2 responses to TH1 responses by administering IL-13 receptor-targeted immunotoxins to the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A microvalve device includes a semiconductor-based valve housing that defines a flow passage, and a valve face disposed within the valve housing and in fluid communication with the flow passage. The microvalve device further includes a thermal expansion actuator that drives movement of the valve face from a first position to a second position relative to the flow passage, and a capacitor that holds the valve face in the second position. The microvalve may also include an insulating layer disposed on portions of the semiconductor-based valve housing, and a capacitance sensor for monitoring a capacitance level to determine when the valve face reaches the second position. Once the sensor indicates that the second position has been reached, power is no longer applied to the thermal expansion actuator such that power is only substantially consumed during the transition from the first position to the second position.