Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprise administering to the individual effective amounts of a mixed lineage kinase inhibitor and antiretroviral drug. In further aspects, disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering an antiretroviral drug formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle comprising a surfactant, and a MLK inhibitor. Still further disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering a composition comprising both an antiretroviral and MLK inhibitor formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle, which comprises a surfactant. Still further disclosed are compositions that comprise an antiretroviral drug, a MLK inhibitor, and a surfactant, wherein the composition is a crystalline nanoparticle. Compostions comprising MLK inhibitors with other drugs in nanoparticulate form, and methods of there use, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining an orientation and position of a capsule inserted into the body of a patient. A magnetic field is applied to an area of the patient where the capsule is located. Sensor data, including inertial data from an inertial sensor and magnetic field data indicative of the applied magnetic field as detected by at least one magnetic field sensor, is wirelessly received from the capsule. An orientation angle of the capsule is determined based at least in part on the inertial data. The magnetic field data is compared to known characteristics of the applied magnetic field and a location of the capsule is determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: Provided is a piezo-actuated planar motor, comprising a planar substrate and a mover installed on the planar substrate, the piezo-actuated planar motor further comprising: at least one piezo driving leg which is disposed on said mover so as to drive said mover to move on said planar substrate omnidirectionally in the plane. Further provided is a method of driving a planar motor by using piezo driving legs, which implements three movement modes, i.e., a sliding mode, a walking mode, and a fine tuning mode. The sliding mode has the fastest speed of motion, the walking mode has a relatively slow speed of motion but has a high positioning accuracy and a high-accuracy tracking capability, and the fine tuning mode is used for the adjustment of the planar motor at a final position and has the highest positioning accuracy. The piezo-actuated planar motor of the present invention can effectively overcome the defects of a small movement range and a low speed in a conventional nano-positioning platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to N-hydroxysulfonamide derivatives that donate nitroxyl (HNO) under physiological conditions and are useful in treating and/or preventing the onset and/or development of diseases or conditions that are responsive to nitroxyl therapy, including heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Novel N-hydroxysulfonamide derivatives release HNO at a controlled rate under physiological conditions, and the rate of HNO release is modulated by varying the nature and location of functional groups on the N-hydroxysulfonamide derivatives.

Abstract: An array of rolled-up power inductors for on-chip applications comprises at least two rolled-up power inductors connected in series and formed from a stack of multilayer sheets. The array includes a first rolled-up power inductor comprising a first multilayer sheet in a rolled configuration about a first longitudinal axis and second rolled-up power inductor comprising a second multilayer sheet in a rolled configuration about a second longitudinal axis. The first and second rolled-up power inductors are laterally spaced apart. The first multilayer sheet comprises a first patterned conductive layer on a first strain-relieved layer, and the second multilayer sheet comprises a second patterned conductive layer on a second strain-relieved layer. Prior to roll-up of the second and first multilayer sheets, the second multilayer sheet is disposed on the first multilayer sheet, and a through-thickness first via connects the second patterned conductive layer with the first patterned conductive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing heart failure in vitro including the steps of measuring in a sample the concentration of the marker IGFBP-7, of optionally measuring in the sample the concentration of one or more other marker(s) of heart failure, and of assessing heart failure by comparing the concentration determined in for IGFBP-7 and the concentration(s) determined for the optionally one or more other marker to the concentration of this marker or these markers as established in a reference population. Also disclosed are the use of IGFBP-7 as a marker protein in the assessment of heart failure, a marker combination comprising IGFBP-7 and a kit for measuring IGFBP-7.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a relationship evaluation system capable of effectively evaluating a relationship of a node to a reference node in a relationship graph in which plural nodes are connected by links. A reference point node is selected based on selection information regarding the reference point node input from the selection information input unit. Based on the reference point node, a relationship graph becoming an evaluation target is extracted from the relationship graph database to create a virtual communication network based on the graph. In the virtual communication network, simulation is executed by sequentially propagating a virtual communication packet to adjacent nodes from a reference point node selected by the reference point node selection unit as propagation origin. The relationship of the node to the reference node is evaluated based on the content of the communication packet received at the node as a result of executing the simulation.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: Inorganic plastic crystal electrolytes, also referred to herein as inorganic plastic crystal conductors or single ion conductors including [ABx-yCy]y?[M]y+, where A is a tetravalent to hexavalent atom; B is a monovalent ligand; C is an oxyanion; M is an alkali metal; x is 4 when A is tetravalent, x is 5 when A is pentavalent, and x is 6 when A is hexavalent; y is an integer from 1 to x?1 inclusive. [ABx-yCy]y?[M]y+ is rotationally disordered and ionically conductive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating hollow defects in atomized superalloy powder, and pertains to the field of powder metallurgy materials. A ball-milling processing is conducted on the atomized alloy powder to eliminate the hollow defect, obtain solid powder and increase powder utilization efficiency. By controlling mill ball diameters, mass ratio of mill balls with different diameters, mass ratio of ball to powder and ball milling time, a multi-directional impact on the powder is achieved, thereby control powder shape and obtain solid spherical powder. The invention eliminates powder hollow defect by using ball milling process and equipment. This invention with high powder utilization efficiency, short ball milling time and simple operating process, can be used for large-scale preparation and application.

Abstract: A method of peptide histochemical diagnosis to detect the peptide binding protein in the cancer tissue is described. This peptide binding specifically to tumor cells is linked to the dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticle. The peptide linked dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticle can be used to bind to the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumor surgical specimens, and the method of present disclosure can be used to evaluate the efficacy of peptide-targeted chemotherapy for treatment of cancer patients.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a sheath formed of a polymer material, wherein the sheath forms a reservoir attached to or around the implantable medical device, and wherein the reservoir is sealed with a biocompatible pressure responsive coating; wherein the biocompatible coating is stable for at least 7-day post implantation into a body, and can be mechanically ruptured by application of an exterior pressure generating force.

Abstract: Methods for optimization of liquid oil production by huff-n-puff in shale reservoirs to achieve an improved (and optimal) oil recovery factor. The process determines and utilizes the optimum huff and puff times, number of cycles and soaking time under practical operation and reservoir conditions. The huff time in the process is a period so long that the pressure near the wellbore reaches the set maximum injection pressure during the huff period. The puff time in the process is the time required for the pressure near the wellbore to reach the set minimum production pressure during the puff period. Soaking is typically not necessary during the huff-n-puff gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. The number of huff-n-puff cycles is determinable by the time in which the economic rate cut-off is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to disulfide-rich peptides derived from spider venom and their use, particularly as neuroprotective agents. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides as well as constructs and host cells comprising those nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The tree harvesting tool is a tool adapted for attachment to a conventional lifter or lifting device for performing harvesting and pre-harvesting operations on a fruit tree. The tree harvesting tool includes a cylindrical shell, having an upper end and a lower end, at least one portion of the cylindrical shell defining a door. The cylindrical shell is adapted for encircling the trunk of the tree. A plurality of panels are pivotally secured to the lower end of the cylindrical shell to define an openable floor having a central opening for receiving the trunk of the tree. A circular track is mounted on the upper end of the cylindrical shell, such that a movable platform may be mounted thereon. A robotic arm is mounted on the movable platform for selectively operating and manipulating a tool for performing tree harvesting and pre-harvesting operations.

Abstract: Methods of treating an adult mammal for an aging-associated impairment are provided. Aspects of the methods include reducing the 2-microglobulin (B2M) level in the mammal in a manner sufficient to treat the mammal for the aging-associated impairment. A variety of aging-associated impairments may be treated by practice of the methods, which impairments include cognitive impairments.

Abstract: Antiviral cationic polyamines were prepared by modifying polyethylenimines with N-acylating agents that introduce a side chain comprising one or more carbons and at least one alcohol hydroxy group. The cationic polyamines can have a linear or branched polyethylenimine backbone structure. Preferably, the cationic polyamines comprise pendant monosaccharide groups, which can be introduced via a cyclic carbonate comprising a pendant protected monosaccharide (e.g., mannose) group. The cationic polyamines can be active and selective against a broad spectrum of viruses at low concentrations, and are generally non-toxic.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating celiac sprue.

Abstract: A high efficiency heat sink for the cooling of microelectronic devices involves a phase change from liquid fluid to fluid vapor with a vapor quality of 100%. The liquid fluid is provided to an active area that contains fins having micrometer dimension that support a membrane that is nanoporous. The membrane is effectively impermeable to liquid fluid but permeable to fluid vapor. The heat sink provides very high heat flux and coefficient of heat transfer at low mass flux over a broad range of surface superheat temperatures. The heat sink can be constructed of equi-spaced posts that separate liquid microchannels from vapor microchannels that are connected through capillary forced valves formed between adjacent equi-spaced posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk.