Abstract: A composition comprising an albumin-based colloid composition having at least one protected thiol region, method of making the same, and method for use, including treating hypovolemic conditions such as capillary leak syndrome and shock, are disclosed. The composition also is modified with an indicator reagent such as chromophores.

Abstract: A Coccidioides spp. fungus that is attenuated by the loss of endosporulation potential of the fungus wherein said fungus does not replicate when transformed into the parasitic phase.

Abstract: A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating for the effects of birefringence in a given sample and employs an optical birefringence analyzer to sense the real-time birefringence contributions and then provides a feedback signal to a compound electro-optical system that negates the birefringence contributions found in the given sample. The birefringence contribution vanishes, thus significantly reducing the main error component for polarimetric measurements.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for programming a specific course and rate of metabolism for a parent drug compound that leads to an inactive or very weakly active and nontoxic metabolite when the modified drug compound is administered.

Abstract: A method of making a diode structure includes the step of depositing a transparent electrode layer of any one or more of the group ZnO, ZnS and CdO onto a substrate layer, and depositing an active semiconductor junction having an n-type layer and a p-type layer onto the transparent electrode layer under process conditions that avoid substantial degradation of the electrode layer. A back electrode coating layer is applied to form a diode structure.

Abstract: Peptides and pharmaceutical compositions of matter useful as cytotoxic compositions particularly for, but not limited to, treatment of cancers, that includes a synthetic peptide whose amino acid sequence is different from an initial loop of cobra cardiotoxin.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic device using light energy and a solution to normalize electric potential variations in the device. A semiconductor layer having nonuniformities comprising areas of aberrant electric potential deviating from the electric potential of the top surface of the semiconductor is deposited onto a substrate layer. A solution containing an electrolyte, at least one bonding material, and positive and negative ions is applied over the top surface of the semiconductor. Light energy is applied to generate photovoltage in the semiconductor, causing a redistribution of the ions and the bonding material to the areas of aberrant electric potential. The bonding material selectively bonds to the nonuniformities in a manner such that the electric potential of the nonuniformities is normalized relative to the electric potential of the top surface of the semiconductor layer. A conductive electrode layer is then deposited over the top surface of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method for modifying at least one non-ester-containing parent compound, and the compounds produced using such method, which compounds are deployed to temporarily incapacitate at least one subject are disclosed. The modified compounds are rapidly metabolized to inactive and non-toxic metabolites when exposure to the modified compounds is halted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and novel maize transformation and regeneration system based on a novel split-seed explant. Mature maize seeds are split longitudinally to form a split-seed explant. The split-seed explant can then be used in transformations to introduce a gene of interest into the maize genome to produce novel maize lines having desired characteristics. The split-seed explant can also be used to generate calli and/or multiple shoots, and rooted plantlets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reprogramming plant development that allows flower buds and seeds to arise de novo, directly from a cotyledon or radicle explants or from shoots produced on a cotyledon or radicle. The present invention also provides for an improved culturing media that provide for in vitro flowering.

Abstract: A bioartificial nucleus pulposus is adapted for replacing at least a portion of a natural nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The bioartificial nucleus pulposus includes an artificial support structure made from a biodegradable material. The support structure has a plurality of pores. A carrier material is contained in the pores of the support structure. A plurality of nucleus pulposus cells are carried by the carrier material. A bioartificial intervertebral disc contains the bioartificial nucleus pulposus.

Abstract: An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and optionally providing a warming function for the energy storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating a current. The apparatus also includes a switching device operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device.

Abstract: A method for removing acyl-groups appended by an ester linkage to the 2?-hydroxyl group present in paclitaxel-related molecules comprising treatment with alcohol under non-acidic conditions.

Abstract: A method and compositions for treating persistent pulmonary hypertension in human newborns that deploys an intravenous infusion of a modified drug formed by adding one or more of a predetermined chemical arrangement to an efficacious parent drug compound so as to retain efficacy while re-directing a preferred route and rate of the parent drug compound's metabolism to an inactive or very weakly active and non-toxic metabolite are disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film deposition method uses a vacuum confinement cup that employs a dense hot filament and multiple gas inlets. At least one reactant gas is introduced into the confinement cup both near and spaced apart from the heated filament. An electrode inside the confinement cup is used to generate plasma for film deposition. The method is used to deposit advanced thin films (such as silicon based thin films) at a high quality and at a high deposition rate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for programming a specific course and rate of metabolism for a parent drug compound that leads to an inactive or very weakly active and nontoxic metabolite when the modified drug compound is administered.

Abstract: Novel sulfate ester agents and the use of those agents for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are described, exemplary agents being of the formula: wherein X is —OCH2— or —CH2O—; Y is a group pendant from X comprising at least one —OSO3R4 moiety, wherein R4 is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation; n is an integer from 1-3; and R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of —H, a halogen with an atomic number from 9 to 53, —SO3R4, —NCS, —NCO, —NH(CO)—OR3, —NH(CS)SR3, —NH(C═NH)OR3, —NHCOCH2Cl, —NHCOCH2Br, —NHCO—CH═CH2, —NHC(O)—CF3, wherein R4 is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation.

Abstract: Changes in optical properties of layered materials are measured by directing an incident wave of finite transverse dimensions toward layered materials under conditions that will produce a propagating surface mode or a waveguide mode in the layered materials. The intensity distribution is measured within the transverse beam profile of the total reflected beam. The profile shows asymmetric structure associated with the excitation of the propagating surface mode or a wave-guide mode. The index of refraction of the layered materials is modified and the reshaped intensity distribution within the transverse beam profile of the total reflected beam is again measured under the same incidence conditions. The measured intensity distributions are compared to detect differences in the indexes of refraction in the layered materials.

Abstract: A thin film deposition method uses a vacuum confinement cup that employs a dense hot filament and multiple gas inlets. At least one reactant gas is introduced into the confinement cup both near and spaced apart from the heated filament. An electrode inside the confinement cup is used to generate plasma for film deposition. The method is used to deposit advanced thin films (such as silicon based thin films) at a high quality and at a high deposition rate.