Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic compositions and methods for systemic immune activation which are effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in mammals. The methods are particularly effective for protecting mammals from herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer microgel beads having a polymeric matrix with nanomagnetic particles dispersed substantially uniformly therethrough, wherein a steric stabilizer is associated with the particles, the steric stabilizer being a polymeric material that (i) forms at least part of the polymeric matrix of the beads, and (ii) comprises a steric stabilizing polymeric segment and an anchoring polymeric segment, wherein the steric stabilizing polymeric segment is different from the anchoring polymeric segment, and wherein the anchoring polymeric segment has an affinity toward the surface of the nanomagnetic particles and secures the stabilizer to the particles.

Abstract: An immiscible lipophilic or hydrophilic liquid phase is separated respectively from a continuous hydrophilic or a lipophilic phase liquid. Fibers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties are formed into a filter. The separation mechanism involves coalescence of the small droplets into larger droplets as the immiscible liquid flows through the fiber filter, and release of the large immiscible droplets from the filter. With respect to separation of a hydrophilic immiscible fluid in a lipophilic continuous fluid, the hydrophobic fibers cause small water droplets to migrate towards the hydrophilic fibers whereby large droplets are formed on hydrophilic surface. The large droplets coalescence until they are so large that they are released and drained off of the filter. The filter media can be designed by mixing hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers in various proportions to achieve an optimum wettability range for separation of the immiscible liquid from the continuous phase liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating an excitable tissue (e.g., in vitro, in vivo) with a primary electrical stimulus through a primary electrode at a primary stimulation frequency, to produce a propagating action potential in the excitable tissue. The invention is carried out by concurrently stimulating the excitable tissue with a secondary electrical stimulus through at least one secondary electrode at a secondary stimulation frequency. The primary and secondary stimulation frequencies are preferably different from one another. The secondary electrical stimulus preferably has an amplitude not more than one third that of the primary electrical stimulus. Preferably, propagation of the action potential in the excitable tissue is enhanced (e.g., when propagation of action potentials in the tissue is otherwise unstable, partially blocked, or fully blocked). Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a microbial fuel cell capable of increasing a current density without employing a mediator. The microbial fuel cell 1 includes a 3-dimensionally structured agglomerate formed from conductive fine particles 2 and microorganisms 3. In the agglomerate 4, the conductive fine particles 2 disperse among pieces of Shewanella 3 and the conductive fine particles 2 are coupled to one another to hold Shewanella 3, thus forming the 3-dimensional structure as a whole. Accordingly, with respect to Shewanella 3, conductive fine particles 2 hold Shewanella 3a on a surface of an electrode 103 and even Shewanella 3b positioned vertically away from the surface of the electrode 103. Hence, it becomes possible that more pieces of Shewanella 3 are allowed to transfer electrons.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are driven by intense photoemission of “hot” electrons from a suitable nanostructured metal. The metal should be an electron source with surface plasmon resonance within the visible and near-visible spectrum range (near IR to near UV (about 300 to 1000 nm)). Suitable metals include silver, gold, copper and alloys of silver, gold and copper with each other. Silver is particularly preferred for its advantageous opto-electronic properties in the near UV and visible spectrum range, relatively low cost, and simplicity of processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing incentives for the public to travel during time windows and routes that help alleviate traffic congestion. The systems described herein include at least two components: a computer server software system that includes various algorithms and database sub-systems; and a mobile device application. Generally, a user may enter an origin, destination, and preferred time of travel for an intended trip into the mobile device application, which transmits the information to a remote server. The server computes a route for the trip and provides the user with available incentives for traveling the route at one or more departure time windows. The user's mobile device transmits GPS data to the server, which allows the server to verify whether the user has traveled the route during the specified time window. If so, the server then provides the incentive to the user via the user's mobile device or through email.

Abstract: An object is to provide a cell growth inhibitor also effective for androgen-independent prostate cancer. The present invention provides a cell growth inhibitor having, as an active ingredient, an expression inhibitor or function inhibitor of PSF.

Abstract: A probe insertion device for implanting a probe into tissue includes a rigid base that selectively attaches to the probe due to a bond between the base and the probe, that provides a structural backbone to the probe, is longitudinally aligned with the probe, and can be adapted to receive a fluid between the base and the probe. The probe insertion device can include a surface covering at least a portion of the base that reduces the bond between the base and the probe in the presence of the fluid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compound having a novel structure for overcoming the defects of conventional steroid agents and NSAIDs. It is found that the particular dihydroxy bodies of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which have not conventionally been known (11,18-dihydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid (11,18-diHEPE), 17,18-dihydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid (17,18-diHEPE) etc.), have activity of inhibiting neutrophil, thereby solving the object. The present invention unexpectedly remarkably inhibits infiltration into a tissue of, and activation of neutrophil found out at acute inflammation. The compound of the present invention is a compound which has not conventionally been known. Therefore, utility as a new therapeutic is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful for use in separators for use in lithium ion batteries, and membranes, separators, and devices derived therefrom.

Abstract: A process for recovering solvents from inorganic and organic solutions is disclosed. The process utilizes a polymer capable of selectively extracting the solvent from the inorganic or organic solution. Introduction of the polymer into the solvent solution creates formation of a polymer-rich phase and a solute-rich phase. The recovered solvent may be separated from the polymer-rich phase by heating the polymer-rich phase to at least the cloud point of the polymer. The polymer and/or solute may be recycled for further use in the solvent recovery process.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to compositions and methods of treating migraine and related neurological disorders. In certain aspects, methods and compositions are for reducing cortical spreading depression and/or suppressing the neurochemical basis for chronic and acute migraine events, and provide methods and pharmaceutical compositions related to both acute and preventive therapies for migraine events and related headaches.

Abstract: A method of increasing the overall mass transfer rate of acid gas scrubbing solids is disclosed. Various catalyst compounds for that purpose are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solvent for removal of an acid gas from a fluid stream includes a promoter amine with a pKa of between 6.5 and 10.5 and a tertiary amine with a pKa of between 8.5 and 10.5.

Abstract: A novel transition metal trimer compound/catalyst is disclosed. A method of increasing the overall mass transfer rate of acid gas scrubbing solvents utilizing that catalyst is also provided.

Abstract: A protein-immobilizing solid phase is a protein-immobilizing solid phase comprising an mRNA-nucleic acid linker-protein complex, obtained by linking the mRNA and the protein encoded by that mRNA through the nucleic acid linker, immobilized on the solid phase, wherein the nucleic acid linker has a photocleavage site and a solid phase binding site.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and methods for detecting cancer cell metastasis, the apparatus comprising: a multi-well plate for growing cells in tissue culture; one or more shafts, cones, or fins that fit within one or more of the wells of the multi-well plate and that can be positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the one or more wells; a rotational motor connected to drive the one or more shafts, cones, or fins to rotate, such that rotation of the shafts, cones, or fins creates fluid flow within the one or more wells; and a detector capable of measuring cells within the wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease in the live subject. More particularly, the invention relates to methods involving the measurement of differential gene expression in non-neuronal cells taken from human subjects suspected of having Alzheimer's disease wherein the genes to be measured are genes within the m TOR signalling pathway.

Abstract: Methods of designing an aggregate comprising a plurality of particles where the aggregate is optimized for specified properties; aggregates designed by such methods; and membranes comprising such aggregates.