Abstract: Novel vectors which are replication competent in neoplastic cells and which overexpress an adenovirus death protein are disclosed. Some of the disclosed vectors are replication-restricted to neoplastic cells or to neoplastic alveolar type II cells. Compositions and methods for promoting the death of neoplastic cells using these replication-competent vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grid-based data clustering method performed by a computer system includes a setup step, a dividing step, a categorizing step and an expanding/clustering step. The setup step sets a grid quantity and a threshold value. The dividing step divides a space containing a data set having a plurality of data points into a two-dimensional matrix. The matrix has a plurality of grids G(i,j) comprising a plurality of target sequences and a plurality of non-target sequences interlaced with the plurality of target sequences. The indices “i” and “j” of each grid G(i,j) represents the coordinate thereof. The categorizing step determines whether each of the grids is valid based on the threshold value. The expanding/clustering step respectively retrieves each of the grids of the target sequences, performs an expansion operation on each of the grids retrieved and clusters the plurality grids G(i,j).

Abstract: Promoters that include a tissue-selective promoter sequence and a second promoter sequence operatively coupled to the tissue-selective promoter sequence, wherein the second promoter sequence includes a minimal viral promoter sequence, are disclosed. Nucleic acids and compositions that include these promoter sequences are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of improving the function of a tissue-selective promoter, involving operatively coupling a tissue-selective promoter sequence with a second promoter sequence that includes a minimal viral promoter sequence. Also disclosed are methods of delivering a gene into a cell, methods of treating a subject with a hyperproliferative disease, and methods of imaging a cell that involve use of the novel promoter sequences set forth herein.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of making formulations for delivering biological agents to a patient. In one aspect, proliposomal drug-delivery systems for medicaments are provided. In another aspect, coated proliposomal formulations for poorly water soluble drugs, and methods for making the same, are provided. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced stability and bioavailability for pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising immunostimulatory ligands (ISL) and methods of inducing an immune response in a subject therewith. Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: Radiation dosimeters containing thin KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphors for quantifying and/or verifying the dose of radiation applied during radiation therapy. Methods for measuring the amount of radiation applied from a source of radiation and methods for treating a patient having a cancerous tumor are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds are provided according to formula I: where R, R?, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined herein. Provided compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, Alzheimer's Disease, Down's syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, and others.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of solid cancers. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. The present invention provides highly water-soluble analogs of cyclopamine that are potent, hedgehog signaling inhibitors less toxic than cyclopamine. The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in treating cancers associated with hedgehog signalling.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-cladding optical fiber which includes: a core with an average refractive index n1; and a cladding including an inner cladding with an average refractive index n2 formed on the periphery of the core, an intermediate cladding with an average refractive index n3 formed on the periphery of the inner cladding, and an outer cladding with an average refractive index n4 formed on the periphery of the intermediate cladding where n1>n2>n3>n4. Two or more axisymmetric modes exist in the core at a wavelength of the signal light; the two or more axisymmetric modes including a fundamental mode and at least a high-order mode. When the fiber is bent at a predetermined bending diameter, the high-order mode in the core disperses within the inner cladding due to coupling with an inner cladding mode, so that only the fundamental mode substantially propagates through the core.

Abstract: A portable detection system for allergic diseases includes a filtration-based inspection module and a reader module. The filtration-based inspection module includes an FPW sensor and a liquid sample filtration apparatus, wherein the liquid sample filtration apparatus includes an injection opening, a passage module, a filtering membrane and a gathering aperture. The injection opening is in communication with the gathering aperture. The FPW sensor comprises a frame body, a carrier and a sensing chip having an accommodating slot in communication with the gathering aperture. The carrier comprises a plurality of conductive terminals, and the conductive terminals are electrically connected with the sensing chip. The reader module comprises a connection slot capable of being inserted by the conductive terminals of the carrier.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein related to filters including first operational transconductance amplifier (first OTA) and a second operational transconductance amplifier (second OTA). In some examples described herein, the first OTA and second OTA have substantially the same transconductance. The first and second OTAs can be configured to realize filters such as first-order all-pass filters, second-order all-pass filters, higher-order all-pass filters, and quadrature oscillators.

Abstract: A method for designating a dual region according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: enabling a terminal which is in communication with a first network to calculate a channel state threshold value corresponding to data; comparing the channel state value of the first network and the channel state value of the second network, acquired using a pilot signal of a second network, with the channel state threshold value; calculating a network evaluation score of the first network; comparing the network evaluation score of the first network with a network evaluation threshold value for designating a dual region, if the channel state value of the first network and the channel state value of the second network are larger than the channel state threshold value; and determining whether to designate a dual region in accordance with the result of the comparison using the network evaluation threshold value.

Abstract: High-precision monolithic optical assemblies are formed using low-cost standard optical components, such as wedge plates and/or wedge second surface mirrors. By rolling and/or shifting the components relative to each other with matched optical surfaces in contact, a precise alignment solution is found for a particular optical assembly. The resulting arrangement of components can be bonded or held together so as to form a high-precision monolithic optical assembly, which can be inserted into an optical system, according to the assembly's function. The functionality of the monolithic optical assembly can be independent of the optical system in which it is used.

Abstract: A manual neurological testing device for measuring a subject's reaction time comprising: a releasable holding member operable to be grasped by the subject; a stimulus device coupled with the releasable holding member, the stimulus device outputting a perceivable stimulus; and a measurement device coupled with the releasable holding member, the measurement device measuring the subject's reaction time for grasping the releasable holding member relative to the perceivable stimulus.

Abstract: A series cardenolide derivatives including structure of formula I from the root of Reevesia formosana have provided. In formula (1) and (2), where R3, R5, R10 and R16 are as defined in the specification. The derivatives compounds showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, and HepG2 cancer cell lines.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composite material and a liquid crystal electro-optical display device are provided. A liquid crystal composite material, includes: a liquid crystal; a polymer; and a modified inorganic layered material, wherein the modified inorganic layered material is formed by modifying an inorganic layered material with a conjugated oligomer, and the conjugated oligomer has a quaternary ammonium group or sulfonate group.

Abstract: A three-dimensional OFDM apparatus of the present invention comprises: a serial-parallel conversion unit for converting a serial input signal into N parallel input signals; a three-dimensional signal mapping unit for mapping the N parallel input signals on three-dimensional coordinates of a cube-in-cube type constellation, respectively; and a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform unit for performing an inverse Fourier transform by generating a two-dimensional matrix on the basis of the mapped three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: A switch level circuit (110) with dead time self-adapting control, which minimizes the switching loss in a switching power supply converter with synchronous rectification by changing a dead time between a high-side control transistor (10) and a low-side synchronous rectifying transistor (11). The switch level circuit (110) includes the high-side control transistor (10) and the low-side synchronous rectifying transistor (11) which are controlled to be on and off by external control signals, and a waveform with a given duty cycle is outputted at a node (LX) between the two transistors. The switch level circuit (110) also includes a control module for adjusting the dead time.