Abstract: T-cell receptors that recognize MART-1 antigen are provided. The TCRs can be used, for example, to treat patients suffering from melanoma.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition, and methods of use thereof, including for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface or for the treatment or care of ophthalmic devices. The ophthalmic composition comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The ophthalmic composition may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents.

Abstract: A z-axis gyroscope design is presented with a 2-degree of freedom (DOF) sense mode allowing interchangeable operation in either precision (mode-matched) or robust (wide-bandwidth) modes. This is accomplished using a complete 2-DOF coupled system which allows for the specification of the sense mode resonant frequencies and coupling independent of frequency. By decoupling the frame connecting the sense system to a central anchor, x-y symmetry is preserved while enabling a fully coupled 2-DOF sense mode providing control over both the bandwidth and the amount of coupling independent of operational frequency. The robust mode corresponds to operation between the 2-DOF sense mode resonant frequencies providing a response gain and bandwidth controlled by frequency spacing. Precision mode of operation, however, relies on mode-matching the drive to the second, anti-phase sense mode resonant frequency which can be designed to provide a gain advantage over a similar 1-DOF system.

Abstract: Methods of microscopic imaging of biological tissue using adaptive optics technology to improve the image focus and sharpness. Wavefront measurements are taken by using a novel method of seeding biological tissue by using a fluorescent microsphere as a “guide star” as a natural point-source reference. The current methods are capable of improving the Strehl ratio of modern biological microscopes as much as 15 times.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing breast cancer, confirming a diagnosis of breast cancer, predicting the survival of a breast cancer patient, and providing a therapeutic target of treatment in a breast cancer patient by measuring relatively increased expression levels of ANCCA. Expression levels of ANCCA can be measured be determining the levels mRNA or protein. The expression levels can be compared to a predetermined threshold level or to a control, e.g., a positive or negative control.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices in which certain types of nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanotubes conduct heat with high efficiency and are therefore useful in electronic-type devices.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the rapid and robust screening test agents for adipogenic activity. Agents testing positive in the assays are good candidate agents for wrinkle reduction, normalizing skin appearance after reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, e.g., grafted tissue on burn victims, normalizing skin appearance during and after wound healing, and the like. In certain embodiments the methods involve providing mammalian test cells with adipogenic potential wherein said cells are primed for, but withheld from differentiation into adipocytes; contacting the cells with the test agent(s); and screening said test cells for an adipocyte phenotype wherein the presence of a feature characteristic of an adipocyte is an indicator that said test agent is adipogenic.

Abstract: A method and system of imaging a moving object within a microfluidic environment includes illuminating a first side of a flow cell configured to carry the moving object within a flow of carrier fluid with an illumination source emitting at least partially coherent light, the at least partially coherent light passing through an aperture prior to illuminating the flow cell. A plurality of lower resolution frame images of the moving object are acquired with an image sensor disposed on an opposing side of the flow cell, wherein the image sensor is angled relative to a direction of flow of the moving object within the carrier fluid. A higher resolution image is reconstructed of the moving object based at least in part on the plurality of lower resolution frame images.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester system for producing a biogas from organic material is disclosed. The system includes a hydrolysis reactor comprising therein acidogenic and hydrolytic bacterial culture for which the organic material is a hydrolysis substrate, a biogasification reactor comprising therein acetogenic and methanogenic bacterial culture, and a biostabilization reactor comprising therein a methanogenic bacterial culture. The operating conditions of the biostabilization reactor are tailored to increase the digestion rate and energy conversion efficiency of the system. A method of using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for retrieving information from a dataset of multiple records includes the steps of receiving a search phrase from a user or client application, the search phrase having a query keyword prefix, and traversing a multilayered spatial tree using the query keyword prefix until a termination condition occurs. The multilayered spatial tree is constructed using geographic information and has a root node and a plurality of child nodes including a plurality of leaf nodes. Each leaf node is associated with a corresponding list of records. At least some of the nodes are each associated with a corresponding hybrid filter including an object filter and a child filter. The object filter directly points to one or more records, and the child filter points to one or more child nodes for a subsequent traversal step.

Abstract: Gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions. The electrostatic field of the crystal is used to generate and accelerate a deuteron beam (>100 keV and >4 nA), which, upon striking a deuterated target, produces a neutron flux over 400 times the background level. The presence of neutrons within the target is confirmed by pulse shape analysis and proton recoil spectroscopy. Several elements of the system may be modified, including the configuration of the crystal or crystals, the composition of the surrounding environment and the target, the use of multiple probe tips, and the composition of the probe tip.

Abstract: A method of improving the efficacy of a blood transfusion into a subject is provided comprising administering a composition comprising an EAF PEGylated-blood protein into the subject, prior to, during, or subsequent to the blood transfusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the knowledge-based discovery and optimization of differences between cell types. In particular, the present invention provides visual servoing optical microscopy, as well as analysis methods. The present invention provides means for the close monitoring of hundreds of individual, living cells over time; quantification of dynamic physiological responses in multiple channels; real-time digital image segmentation and analysis; intelligent, repetitive computer-applied cell stress and cell stimulation; and the ability to return to the same field of cells for long-term studies and observation. The present invention further provides means to optimize culture conditions for specific subpopulations of cells.

Abstract: A portable alveolar gas measurement device and method of determining at least one alveolar gas level are disclosed. The device includes a structure that receives a sample portion of breath, and a gas sensor in communication with the structure that detects a gas level of a gas within the sample portion and provides a first signal indicative of the level. The device further includes circuitry coupled at least indirectly to the gas sensor, where the circuitry receives at least one of the first signal and a second signal related to the first signal, and where the circuitry provides at least some assistance in determining whether a portion of information provided by the at least one signal is used as an indication of an alveolar gas level. Additionally, the device includes an output device coupled to the circuitry that provides an output indicative of the first alveolar gas level.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aggregation sensor useful for the detection and analysis of aggregants in a sample, and methods, articles and compositions relating to such a sensor. The sensor comprises first and second optically active units, where energy may be transferred from an excited state of the first optically active unit to the second optically active unit. The second optically active unit is present in a lesser amount, but its relative concentration is increased upon aggregation, increasing its absorption of energy from the first optically active units. This increase in energy transfer can be detected in variety of formats to produce an aggregation sensing system for various aggregants, including for quantitation. Other variations of the inventions are described further herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described wherein a micro sample of a fluidic material may be assayed without sample contamination using NMR techniques, in combination with magnetoresistive sensors. The fluidic material to be assayed is first subject to pre-polarization, in one embodiment, by passage through a magnetic field. The magnetization of the fluidic material is then subject to an encoding process, in one embodiment an rf-induced inversion by passage through an adiabatic fast-passage module. Thereafter, the changes in magnetization are detected by a pair of solid-state magnetoresistive sensors arranged in gradiometer mode. Miniaturization is afforded by the close spacing of the various modules.

Abstract: A method for silicon micromachining techniques based on high aspect ratio reactive ion etching with gas chopping has been developed capable of producing essentially scallop-free, smooth, sidewall surfaces. The method uses precisely controlled, alternated (or chopped) gas flow of the etching and deposition gas precursors to produce a controllable sidewall passivation capable of high anisotropy. The dynamic control of sidewall passivation is achieved by carefully controlling fluorine radical presence with moderator gasses, such as CH4 and controlling the passivation rate and stoichiometry using a CF2 source. In this manner, sidewall polymer deposition thicknesses are very well controlled, reducing sidewall ripples to very small levels. By combining inductively coupled plasmas with controlled fluorocarbon chemistry, good control of vertical structures with very low sidewall roughness may be produced.

Abstract: A method of securing bus architecture from a Trojan attack. A restricted address access detector generates an unauthorized access detection signal when a master ID signal is within a restricted range. The unauthorized access detection signal disables the requested slave select signal, and the address decoder instead outputs a default slave select signal. A counter determines the duration of a lock signal from a master, and a comparator activates a malicious bus lock signal if the lock signal duration exceeds a threshold. The master mask register forcibly gates the lock signal upon receipt of the malicious bus lock signal. If the duration of a wait request from a slave exceeds a maximum duration register value, a comparator activates a malicious wait detection signal to disable the wait request signal. The method might include storing identifying information about the malicious master and storing a slave ID corresponding to the malicious slave.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials for chemical cross-coupling reactions that utilize unconventional phenol derivatives as cross-coupling partners. Embodiments of the invention can be used to synthesize a variety of useful organic compounds, for example the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising amiloride amino acid and peptide conjugates. Efficient methods are also provided for administering the compositions for treating cancer and for delivering an amiloride conjugate into cancer cells in a subject in need thereof.