Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A strain-hardened interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel is provided. The interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel is based on two different networks. The first network is a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups. The second network is a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network has been polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. An aqueous salt solution having a neutral pH is used to ionize and swell the second network in the interpenetrating polymer network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network, and this constraining effect results in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the interpenetrating polymer network, and, in turn, an increase its elastic modulus.

Abstract: A micromachined microphone or speaker embedded within, or positioned on top of, a substrate suitable for carrying microelectronic chips and components. The acoustic element converts sound energy into electrical energy which is then amplified by electronic components positioned on the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the acoustic element may be driven by electronics to produce sound. The substrate can be used in standard microelectronic packaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a qualitatively-stable functionally gradient material precursor having gradient material composition, as well as a production method of the functionally gradient material precursor, at low cost. Further, the present invention provides a functionally gradient material having gradient material composition, or having both gradient material composition and gradient porosity, so as to achieve high-functionality; as well as a production method of the functionally gradient material. A functionally gradient material precursor is formed by the steps of: forming plural kinds of metal foam precursors, each obtained by performing heat treatment on a metal member so that a plurality of pores are generated within the metal member, by making the material composition of the metal member different; and friction stir welding the plural kinds of metal foam precursors. Further, a functionally gradient material is formed by performing heat treatment on the functionally gradient material.

Abstract: This invention relates to benzoxazole compounds, compositions and devices for delivering them, processes for manufacturing them, and methods of using them in the treatment of Hepatitis C Virus.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles.

Abstract: A vaccine preparation characterized in that Neospora caninum-derived dense granule protein 7 or apical membrane antigen 1 or an immunologically active variant or derivative thereof is included in liposomes each having an oligosaccharide capable of binding to a carbohydrate recognition molecule on the surface of antigen-presenting cells on the surface of the liposome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in determining the major morphological types of lung cancer are provided. The methods include detecting expression of at least one gene or biomarker in a sample. The expression of the gene or biomarker is indicative of the lung tumor subtype. The compositions include subsets of genes that are monitored for gene expression. The gene expression is capable of distinguishing between normal lung parenchyma and the major morphological types of lung cancer. The gene expression and somatic mutation data are useful in developing a complete classification of lung cancer that is prognostic and predictive for therapeutic response. The methods are suited for analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues. Methods of the invention include means for monitoring gene or biomarker expression including PCR and antibody-based detection. The biomarkers of the invention are genes and/or proteins that are selectively expressed at a high or low level in certain tumor subtypes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a layer-structured catalysts at the electrode/electrolyte interface of a fuel cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, depositing an electrolyte layer on the substrate, depositing a catalyst bonding layer to the electrolyte layer, depositing a catalyst layer to the catalyst bonding layer, and depositing a microstructure stabilizing layer to the catalyst layer, where the bonding layer improves adhesion of the catalyst onto the electrolyte. The catalyst and a current collector is a porous catalyst and a fully dense current collector, or a fully dense catalyst and a fully dense current collector structure layer. A nano-island catalyst and current collector structure layer is deposited over the catalyst and current collector or over the bonding layer, which is deposited over the electrolyte layer. The fuel cell can be hydrogen-fueled solid oxide, solid oxide with hydrocarbons, solid sensor, solid acid, polymer electrolyte or direct methanol.

Abstract: The present application relates to polymer-conjugated quantum dots. The quantum dots can include, for example, an inorganic core conjugated to a polymer. The quantum dots may, in some embodiments, be water-soluble and exhibit superior photoluminescence. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the quantum dots.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a graft block copolymer comprising a first block polymer; the first block polymer comprising a backbone polymer and a first graft polymer; where the first graft polymer comprises a surface energy reducing moiety; and a second block polymer; the second block polymer being covalently bonded to the first block; wherein the second block comprises the backbone polymer and a second graft polymer; where the second graft polymer comprises a functional group that is operative to crosslink the graft block copolymer; a photoacid generator; and a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Nanoparticles having one or more attached sensing moieties including uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP) and deoxythymidine 5?-triphosphate (dTTP), are disclosed herein. These nanoparticles can, for example, be used for detection of plasticizers, such as phthalates, in the sample. Methods, kits and apparatuses using these nanoparticles for detecting plasticizers in a sample are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for determining the motive instability of an individual using foot pressure, foot speed and foot direction data collected from sensors on shoes. The sensed data is used to determine the minimum number and the placement of pressure sensors in the shoe. The data from the sensors is processed to extract spatial and temporal parameters as desired. The data is grouped into segments based on a segmentation rule. The trend in each segment is determined. The variability of the trend in each segment is determined. The risk of fall is computed on the basis of the trend and variance. The computation is adjustable by emphasizing certain parameters in order to tailor the instability assessment to a specific individual.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the targeted bacteriostatic and antibacterial agents and for treatment of sepsis caused by infectious diseases, such as bacterial and fungal diseases. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for decreasing the levels of LPS in the circulation of an individual, e.g., a human patient with sepsis, e.g., gram negative septic shock. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising the MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising fragments or altered form of MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the chimeric polypeptides of the invention, and methods of making and using them, including methods for ameliorating or preventing sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of protecting a surface of an aluminum nitride substrate. The substrate with the protected surface can be stored for a period of time and easily activated to be in a condition ready for thin film growth or other processing. In certain embodiments, the method of protecting the substrate surface comprises forming a passivating layer on at least a portion of the substrate surface by performing a wet etch, which can comprise the use of one or more organic compounds and one or more acids. The invention also provides aluminum nitride substrates having passivated surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a species of peptide and non-peptide inhibitors of Akt, an oncogenic protein. Beginning with a residue of Akt target substrate GSK-3, the functional domains of the GSK-3 residue were characterized. Functionally homologous non-peptide groups were substituted for the amino acids of the GSK-3 creating a hybrid peptide-non-peptide and non-peptide compounds capable of binding to Akt. The non-peptide compounds show increased stability and rigidity compared to peptide counterparts and are less susceptible to degradation. The bound non-peptide compounds exhibit an inhibitory effect on Akt, similar to peptide-based Akt inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of processing ultrasound data includes receiving ultrasound data for a first ultrasound image, the first ultrasound image being represented as a first set of discrete pixels corresponding to positions of a region of interest; receiving ultrasound data for a second ultrasound image, the second ultrasound image being represented as a second set of discrete pixels corresponding to positions of the region of interest; generating a displacement map by minimizing a cost function using a dynamic programming procedure that identifies each of the first set of discrete pixels with a corresponding one of the second set of discrete pixels; refining the displacement map to obtain intermediate displacement values corresponding to positions between the discrete pixels based on minimizing a local approximation to the cost function; and calculating a physical property of the region of interest based on the displacement map.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation of a graphical model are disclosed. The MAP estimation process can include obtaining an encoded data message sent over a 4G cellular wireless network and generating a graphical model representation of the message. The graphical model can be converted into a nand Markov random field (NMRF). The MAP estimation process can also include determining whether the NMRF has a perfect graph structure, and solving for a MAP estimate configuration of the NMRF. The MAP estimation process can further include outputting the MAP estimate configuration, an indication of the MAP estimate configuration, and/or a result based on a combination of the MAP estimate configuration and the encoded data message (e.g., a decoded message).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of apple tree rootstock named ‘G.222’. The ‘G.222’ apple tree rootstock is 45 to 55 percent of the size of a standard self-rooted seedling tree, induces precocity to the scion, encourages high yield efficiency, is resistant to fire blight and woolly apple aphid, is resistant to crown and root rots caused by Phytophthora cactorum, and is tolerant to replant disease complex.