Abstract: A multiscale telescopic imaging system is disclosed. The system includes an objective lens, having a wide field of view, which forms an intermediate image of a scene at a substantially spherical image surface. A plurality of microcameras in a microcamera array relay image portions of the intermediate image onto their respective focal-plane arrays, while simultaneously correcting at least one localized aberration in their respective image portions. The microcameras in the microcamera array are arranged such that the fields of view of adjacent microcameras overlap enabling field points of the intermediate image to be relayed by multiple microcameras. The microcamera array and objective lens are arranged such that light from the scene can reach the objective lens while mitigating deleterious effects such as obscuration and vignetting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating head and neck spuamous cell cancer and bladder cancer using an immunotoxin comprising (a) a ligand that binds to a protein on the cancer cell attached to; (b) a toxin that is cytotoxic to the cancer cell. In a specific embodiment, the invention is directed to the prevention or treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer or bladder cancer using Vb4-845, which is a recombinant immunotixin comprising a humanized, MOC31-derived, single-chain antibody fragment that is fused to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Also encompassed by the invention are combination therapy methods, including the use of reduced dosages of chemotherapeutic agents, for the prevention or treatment of cancer. Also encompassed by the invention are formulations and methods for direct administration of the recombinant immunotoxin to the carcinoma, for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nanocrystallizing a metal surface by laser-induced shock wave-accelerated nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises a control system, a light guiding system, a workbench control system and an auxiliary system, wherein the auxiliary system comprises an air compressor, a paint feeder device, a nanoparticle nozzle, a powder feeder device, an exhaust, a sealed working chamber and a metal nanoparticle recycler device. The method comprises the following steps: pre-processing and fixing a workpiece; activating the air compressor to feed a powder; controlling and adjusting the paint feeder device to eject a black paint; transmitting a high-power pulse laser beam; recycling excess metal nanoparticles; and rinsing non-vaporized/ionized black paint off a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of radiation oncology, specifically the use of novel radio-opaque fiduciary markers which resist migration within tissues, which may be implanted in the body and imaged during radio-therapy to insure accurate treatment of target regions while avoiding irradiation of non-target regions. In one embodiment, the markers comprise oblong bodies from which a plurality of short tines protrude. Also provided are novel devices for implanting such markers. Additionally, the invention provides methods of delineating tumor resection beds and whole-bladder contours in the radiotherapeutic treatment of bladder cancer. Lastly, the invention encompasses novel methods of delivering fiduciary markers and other implants and materials by needle with sealing aids that increase the retention rate of the delivered markers, implants, or materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. The vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.

Abstract: A redox flow battery system having an electrochemical cell and an energy reservoir. The system includes a cathodic compartment, an anodic compartment, a separator that divides the two compartments, and an energy reservoir which contains an electro-active material, electro-active ions, an electrolyte, and a redox mediator. The reservoir is connected to either the cathodic compartment or the anodic compartment via an inlet-outlet pair for circulating the electrolyte from the energy reservoir to the cathodic compartment or the anodic compartment.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film includes coating one side of a transferring stamp including a hydrophilic polymer layer with a hydrophilic solution to form a transfer layer, and transferring the transfer layer to the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of producing nitric oxide comprising (i) providing a composition comprising a metal-organic framework, and (ii) exposing the composition to a nitric oxide-releasing compound. The disclosure also is directed to compositions, coatings, and medical devices comprising a metal-organic framework.

Abstract: A compound having an antiviral activity for inhibiting release of an enveloped virus from a cell is disclosed, including methods of inhibiting release of an enveloped virus from a cell. The antiviral activity of the compound includes inhibiting formation of an associative complex or disrupting formation of an associative complex. The associative complex comprises an L-domain motif of the enveloped virus and at least one cellular polypeptide, or fragment thereof, capable of binding the L-domain motif of the enveloped virus.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney.

Abstract: Peptides of 5 to 14 amino acids in length that stimulate subcutaneous adipogenesis and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: Elevated temperature electrospinning apparatus comprises a pump upstream of or containing a resistance heater, means to shield applied electrostatic field from the resistance heater, and a temperature modulator for modulating temperature in the spinning region.

Abstract: A signal transmission circ it includes a main driving unit configured to drive a first signal transmission One in response to an input signal and output a first driven signal, an emphasis driving unit configured to perform an emphasis operation on the first driven signal and output an emphasized signal, and a crosstalk control unit configured to perform an equalizing operation on the emphasized signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are NgR proteins and biologically active Nogo (ligand) protein fragments. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating the expression or activity of the Nogo and NgR protein. Also disclosed are peptides which block Nogo-mediated inhibition of axonal extension. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in the treatment of cranial or cerebral trauma, spinal cord injury, stroke or a demyelinating disease.

Abstract: A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.

Abstract: A user provides a query that includes at least two of a subject, a predicate, and an object. A computer system identifies synonyms of one or more of the subject, predicate, and object, and forms new queries from the identified synonyms. The system searches a dataset using the new queries, and possibly also using the user-provided query, to produce search results. The system may process the search results, such as by filtering and/or sorting them. The system provides output representing the search results to the user. The user may use the search result output to identify answers that are analogous to answers to the query originally provided by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neural cell survival, differentiation and proliferation promoting peptide fragments derived from metallothioneins (MT), pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide fragments and uses thereof for treatment of diseases and conditions where the effects of stimulating neural cell proliferation, differentiation and/or survival, and/or stimulating neural plasticity associated with learning and memory are beneficial for treatment.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention allow the evaluation of inflammation of the esophagus. Measurements may be utilized, for example, to diagnose a disease of the esophagus, to monitor inflammation of the esophagus, or to access the treatment of a disease of the esophagus. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for measuring esophageal inflammation comprising deploying a device into the esophagus of a subject, removing the device after a predetermined period of time, analyzing the device for a diagnostic indicator of esophageal inflammation and evaluating the diagnostic indicator to diagnose esophageal inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of enhancing immunological responses to an antigen in a vaccine formulation, and for a vaccine formulation that provides for an enhanced immunological response to an antigen. In the method and formulation the antigen is administered with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises a solution of nitrous oxide gas in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solvent for the gas and which adjuvant includes at least one fatty acid or ester or other suitable derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid [C20: 5?3], decosahexaenoic acid [C22: 6?3], ricinoleic acid and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of the C1 to C6 alkyl esters thereof, the glycerol-polyethylene glycol esters thereof and the reaction product of hydrogenated natural oils composed largely of ricinoleic acid based oils, such as castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules containing a loop sequence designed to circumvent exportin-5 mediated export, and methods using these novel molecules.