Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting the development of a tumor in a subject. The methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a dominant negative tumor necrosis factor (DN-TNF)-? protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding the DN-TNF-? protein. The DN-TNF-? protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding the DN-TNF-? protein can be administered alone or in combination with other agents.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for preventing inflammatory diseases of the joints, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, inflammation of the ligament, synovitis, gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus, wherein the methods include injecting into the inflamed joint a therapeutic anti-inflammatory composition comprising a bacterial or viral IL-10 expression construct, wherein the IL-10 expression construct comprises a bacterial or viral backbone and a nucleic acid sequence encoding interleukin-10.

Abstract: A system for viewing a shared virtual reality having a plurality of virtual reality headsets. Each headset producing a shared virtual reality that is viewed by persons wearing the headsets. The system comprises a communication network to which each headset is in communication to send and receive a virtual orientation and a virtual position associated with each person of the persons wearing the headsets. The system comprises a computer in communication with each headset through the network which transmits a virtual audience that is viewed by each headset. The virtual audience formed from the virtual orientation and the virtual position associated with each person wearing the headset over time as each person views the virtual story, so each person views in the headset the person is wearing the virtual story, the virtual orientation and virtual position of each other person of the persons wearing the headset. A method for viewing a shared virtual reality.

Abstract: Engineered dendritic cell vaccines, and methods of forming and applying same, that may be used as effective immunotherapies for cancers.

Abstract: A method for optical imaging of single protein molecules including tethering single protein molecules via a flexible polymer linker to a glass slide having a surface coated with an indium tin oxide (ITO) so that the single protein molecules are tethered to the coated surface. The single protein molecules are driven into oscillation by applying an alternating electric field to the coated surface and the glass slide is located in the field of view of an objective lens. Incident light is directed onto the coated surface from an angle to generate an evanescent field and produce scattered light. The scattered light is collected and imaged by a CMOS imager to record a sequence of images of the scattered light. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter is applied to each pixel of the recorded image sequence to produce an oscillation amplitude image from which size, charge, and mobility of the plurality of single protein molecules can be determined.

Abstract: Improved sensor assemblies are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved and highly advantageous metal oxide based sensor assemblies configured to sense low concentration of specific gases, and related methods of use. The present disclosure provides improved physical forms of metal oxide films (e.g., WOx films, CeOx films). The exemplary metal oxide films can be fabricated by a Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT). The highly advantageous films/materials can be utilized in sensor assemblies to detect simple chemical components of the breath that correlate with human health conditions (e.g., the presence of acetone in diabetic patients). These films/materials demonstrate improved thermal stability under the sensor's operating conditions, as well as improved sensitivity to low concentration of the analyte, selectivity and quick responsiveness.

Abstract: Magnetic wheels, steel-climbing robots, and methods and systems for inspection of steel structures are disclosed, along with variations, alternatives, and modifications. A disclosed magnetic wheel has radially oriented rare-earth magnets disposed in an elastomeric wheel body. The magnets are disposed in circumferential rings about the wheel's axis. Neighboring rings have azimuthally staggered patterns. A steel-climbing robot employing such magnetic wheels is capable of traversing steel structures including obstacles, discontinuities, 90° joints, and rough surfaces.

Abstract: ‘Emerald Sprite’ is a new Cotoneaster cultivar with a highly compact, mounding habit, extremely dense foliage, short internodes, and improved fire blight resistance.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS) device includes a MEMS transducer attached on a substrate; a semiconductor chip attached on the substrate and electrically connected to the MEMS transducer; and a case attached on the substrate so that the MEMS transducer and the semiconductor chip be covered, wherein the substrate includes a first passage formed below the MEMS transducer, wherein the case includes a second passage, and wherein the MEMS transducer includes a diaphragm having a third passage formed therein.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are methods, host cells, and vectors for producing 3-hydroxypropionate (3-HP). In some embodiments, the host cells include a recombinant polynucleotide encoding an oxaloacetate decarboxylase (OAADC) and a polynucleotide encoding a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase (3-HPDH). In some embodiments, the methods include culturing said host cell(s) in a culture medium comprising a substrate under conditions suitable for the recombinant host cell to convert the substrate to 3-HP. Expression of the OAADC and the 3-HPDH results in increased production of 3-HP, as compared to production by a host cell lacking expression of the OAADC and the 3-HPDH.

Abstract: A direct current (DC)-DC converter is for a vehicle for converting a first voltage output of a first battery to a second voltage output of a second battery. The DC-DC converter includes a transformer, at least one switch, at least one rectifying diode, and a snubber circuit. The transformer is configured to transform the first voltage to the second voltage. The at least one switch is configured to control a first current input to the transformer from the first battery. The at least one rectifying diode is configured to rectify an alternate current (AC) output from the transformer. The snubber circuit is configured to prevent overvoltage from being applied to the at least one rectifying diode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a simple and economical method for producing nanocrystalline cellulose from microcrystalline cellulose by contacting frozen concentrated sulfuric acid with microcrystalline cellulose, diluting the mixture in water and hair-shaped ice to hydrolyze the microcrystalline cellulose, and separating the NCC. Another aspect of the invention pertains to an apparatus for conducting this method which includes an acid resistant hydrolysis container having a cooling jacket containing a hollow stirrer each of which may be filled with liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A compound having a structure of formula Ir(LA)m(LB)n, where ligand LA has Formula I and ligand LB has Formula II that is useful as an emitter in OLEDs is disclosed.

Abstract: Logic circuits constructed with magnetoelectric (ME) transistors are described herein. A ME logic gate device can include at least one conducting device, for example, at least one MOS transistor; and at least one ME transistor coupled to the at least one conducting device. The ME transistor can be a ME field effect transistor (ME-FET), which can be can be an anti-ferromagnetic spin-orbit read (AFSOR) device or a non-AFSOR device. The gates and logic circuits described herein can be included as standard cells in a design library. Cells of the cell library can include standard cells for a ME inverter device, a ME minority gate device, a ME majority gate device, a ME full adder, a ME XNOR device, a ME XOR device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A numerically controlled rotary probe switching device based on an environment-controllable atomic force microscope (AFM) includes a cavity upper cover and a probe switching structure. The cavity upper cover is provided with an irregular rectangular boss, an inner groove, a rectangular optical window structure and a sealing flange structure. The irregular rectangular boss is provided with the rectangular optical window structure; a front end of the boss is provided with the sealing flange structure; and a lower portion of the boss is provided with an inner groove for accommodating the probe switching structure and a transition groove for matching with a linear movement of a sample carrier and a rotary switching of probes. The probe switching structure is configured inside the inner groove, and the probe switching structure is provided with at least one probe assembly.

Abstract: Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fully visual flow loop system for studying hydrate blockage.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a sensing device capable of concentrating a fluid sample with respect to a target analyte and a reference analyte, and measuring the target analyte and reference analyte in the concentrated sample. The invention includes a concentrator that may include a selectively permeable membrane, or a gel having an increasing density gradient. In another embodiment, the invention includes an air or gas gap between a fluid transport channel and the concentrator. In another embodiment, the sensing device includes a driver for electronically moving a fluid sample through the channel and membrane to cause concentration. In some embodiments, the invention may also determine the change in molarity of the fluid sample with respect to the target analyte, as the sample is concentrated by the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for improving automobile safety are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a PHA based copolymer layer comprising at least one of an electrospun ribbon of fibers of a polyhydroxyalkanoate based copolymer or the polarized polymeric composition obtained by the process of claim 1, wherein the layer is configured to exhibit one or more of a piezoelectric effect, a pyroelectric effect and a ferroelectric effect, wherein each of the electrospun ribbon of fibers and the polarized polymeric composition comprises a ?-form of the PHA based copolymer present in an amount of from about 10% to about 99%, as measured by x-ray diffraction. The device can be configured for use as a sensor, a actuator, a nanomotor, or a biobattery.