Abstract: A method of optimizing pre-operative procedures in the field of neurosurgery. The method facilitates the identification of essential fiber tract pathways that must be avoided when planning and performing an operation, thereby increasing surgical safety and avoiding complications. The method includes the combined use of four variables in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-Fiber Tracking (FT) of projection fibers in the brain. These variables include Jain-Brem™ fractional anisotropy constant for tractography (JB-FACT), Jain-Brem™ fiber length (JB-FL), subcentimeter size placement of regions of interest (ROI), and the placement of ROIs to cover the anatomical pathway of projection fibers. JB-FACT and JB-FL provide rapid, reproducible tracking for projection fibers in the brain.

Abstract: A circular common-path point diffraction interference wavefront sensor includes an optical matching system, a beam-splitter, a first reflection mirror, a second reflection mirror, a first Fourier lens, a second Fourier lens, a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, a computer system, and a two-pinhole mask having a reference pinhole and a testing window and placed at a confocal plane of the first Fourier lens and the second Fourier lens. A testing beam is divided into two beams through the beam-splitter. One beam makes the pinhole diffraction by the reference pinhole, thereby producing the approximately ideal plane wave as the reference wave. Another beam passes through the testing window almost without any attenuation as the signal wave. The spatially linear carrier frequency is introduced by adjusting the tilt angle of the beam-splitter. The present invention is adapted for all kinds of dynamic and static detection field of wavefront phase.

Abstract: A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation is provided. The method includes providing a first nanoscale fiber film, providing a second nanoscale fiber film, positioning a solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film, and then affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film. The nanoscale fiber films may be buckypapers, made of carbon nanotubes. The actuator is capable of dry actuation.

Abstract: The present invention includes high triplet energy compositions of matter, methods of their manufacture, devices incorporating the compositions of matter, and methods of using those compositions of matter and devices. The devices incorporating the high triplet energy compositions of matter include electroluminescence devices including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The present invention also includes methods of using the compositions of matter, such as by operating the devices of the present invention incorporating them, to provide light through electroluminescence, as well as obtaining and/or operating devices of the present invention through the application of electrical energy or potential, as well as methods of providing light through electroluminescence through their operation.

Abstract: A virtual network control method, for adaptively controlling a topology of a virtual network formed on a physical network in response to environmental changes in the virtual network, is provided with: a step of storing the Langevin equation, as a fluctuation equation, which models the dynamics of the topology of the virtual network as a variable for controlling the number of wavelength paths on the physical network; a step of designing control parameters included in the fluctuation equation; and a step of controlling the topology of the virtual network by applying the control parameters to the fluctuation equation to change an order parameter included in the fluctuation equation when environmental changes occur in the virtual network, and by transitioning the solution of the fluctuation equation between attractors determined by the deterministic term of the fluctuation equation due to the fluctuation term of the fluctuation equation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the treatment of Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of an interferon, an arsenic compound and a reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antigenic composition, the composition comprising at least one recombinant protein. The recombinant protein comprises at least one epitope. The epitope is reactive with an antibody which is reactive with a polypeptide having the sequence set out in SEQ. ID. NO. 3 or SEQ. ID. NO. 5. The invention also provides methods and compositions for the production of the recombinant protein. Also provided are methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of P. gingivalis infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a patient (e.g., a human patient) in need thereof, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective regimen, the regimen comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compound that targets 67 laminin receptor (67LR). In a particular embodiment, the compound that targets 67LR is an antibody or antibody fragment. In particular, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an antibody that binds to 67LR. The present invention also provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an antibody conjugate, wherein the antibody conjugate comprises an antibody that binds to 67LR linked to a therapeutic agent, a protein toxin, a cytotoxic agent or other moiety.

Abstract: A microfiber showing improved mechanical strength, which comprises a micro gel fiber consisting of collagen gel or the like covered with high strength hydrogel such as alginate gel.

Abstract: An API (Application Programming Interface) for an adaptive computing system (ACS) may be used to create a system for performing an application on different types of ACS platforms. The API may be used to generate a system object including a host and a number of nodes and channels. A system data structure is created which describes the nodes, which may be FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)-based ACS accelerator boards. The API may enable source-code porting and scaling from small research platforms to larger field-deployable platforms.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of functionalized carbon nanotubes and at least one type of payload molecule are provided herein. The compositions are soluble in water and PBS in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the payload molecules are insoluble in water. Methods are described for making the compositions and administering the compositions. An extended release formulation for paclitaxel utilizing functionalized carbon nanotubes is also described.

Abstract: Methods for isolating and concentrating bone marrow stromal cells drawn from various surgical sites (for example, the proximal humeral head during rotator cuff repair, or the distal femur during ACL surgery) during arthroscopic or open orthopaedic surgery. The pluripotent cells obtained from the bone marrow aspirate can then be reimplanted during the same surgery to improve healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of data to identify relationships between the input data and one or more conditions. One method of analyzing such data is by the use of neural networks which are non-linear statistical data modelling tools, the structure of which may be changed based on information that is passed through the network during a training phase. A known problem that affects neural networks is the issue of overtraining which arises in overcomplex or overspecified systems when the capacity of the network significantly exceeds the needed parameters. The present invention provides a method of analyzing data using a neural network with a constrained architecture that mitigates the problems associated with the prior art.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with free-radical modulating agent compositions and formulations administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: A strained Ge-on-insulator structure is provided, comprising: a silicon substrate, in which an oxide insulating layer is formed on a surface of the silicon substrate; a Ge layer formed on the oxide insulating layer, in which a first passivation layer is formed between the Ge layer and the oxide insulating layer; a gate stack formed on the Ge layer, a channel region formed below the gate stack, and a source and a drain formed on sides of the channel region; and a plurality of shallow trench isolation structures extending into the silicon substrate and filled with an insulating dielectric material to produce a strain in the channel region. Further, a method for forming the strained Ge-on-insulator structure is also provided.

Abstract: A sensorless commutation circuit and sensorless driving apparatus for a brushless motor includes a voltage divided unit, a control signal output unit, a switch unit and a comparison unit. The voltage divided unit outputs a voltage divided signal according to a phase voltage signal of the brushless motor. The control signal output unit outputs a filter control signal, wherein the filter control signal has a same switching cycle as a pulse width modulation control signal that drives the brushless motor. The switch unit is coupled to the control signal output unit and the voltage divided unit, and outputs a comparison signal according to the filter control signal and the voltage divided signal. The comparison unit is coupled to the switch unit, and outputs a correct commutation signal according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A polarization imaging apparatus includes a laser light source and an image pickup element. Object light and reference light each include a first polarized-light component polarized in a first direction and a second polarized-light component polarized in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The image pickup element simultaneously captures an image of an interference pattern including (i) a first interference figure, (ii) a second interference figure, (iii) a third interference figure, and (iv) a fourth interference figure. The polarization imaging apparatus includes a reconstructing section generating respective reconstructed images of the object in regard to the first and second polarized-light components, from the first to fourth interference figures, and a polarized-light-image-calculating section obtaining polarized-light images from the reconstructed images.

Abstract: A screw for use in stimulating bone growth, tissue healing and/or pain control. The screw includes an elongate shaft having a length extending between opposite ends, an exterior surface and a screw thread formed on the exterior surface of the shaft and extending along at least a portion of the length. The shaft has an electrically conducting portion and an electrically insulating portion. The screw also includes a head adjacent one end of the shaft for engaging the screw to rotate the screw and thereby drive it into bone. The screw includes an electrical conductor electrically connectable to the shaft for conveying current through the shaft to the bone through the conducting portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for a secondary cell includes a guide roller guiding a film, and a laminate structure generator disposed parallel to the film vertically descended by the guide roller, the laminate structure generator includes a first hand including a first palm and a first finger extending from the first palm, the first finger being disposed parallel to the film to face one side of the film, and a second hand including a second palm and a second finger extending from the second palm to cross the first finger, the second finger being disposed parallel to the film to face the other side of the film, at least one of the first hand and the second hand being moved in a direction of separating from the other.