Abstract: A method for producing proliferating cultures of dendritic cell precursors is provided. Also provided is a method for producing mature dendritic cells in culture from the proliferating dendritic cell precursors. The cultures of mature dendritic cells provide an effective means of producing novel T cell dependent antigens comprised of dendritic cell modified antigens or dendritic cells pulsed with antigen, including particulates, which antigen is processed and expressed on the antigen-activated dendritic cell. The novel antigens of the invention may be used as immunogens for vaccines or for the treatment of disease. These antigens may also be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: An endoscope that is free from a dead area and capable of preventing the physician from overlooking any nidus is an endoscope for taking the inside of digestive organs, and the endoscope is provided with an omnidirectional camera (32), a light (34), a forceps (36) and a rinse water injection port (38) at the tip (24). The omnidirectional camera (32) is a device for taking the inside of digestive organs, and is able to take 360-degree images of its surroundings. A probe-type endoscope (20) is provided with a receiver (26) composed of orthogonal coils, and the receiver (26) is used for estimating the position and attitude of the probe-type endoscope (20). An image taken by the omnidirectional camera (32) is presented on a display unit (28) of an image processing device (22) connected to the probe-type endoscope (20).

Abstract: Non-volatile memory devices with two stacked layers of chalcogenide materials comprising the active memory device have been investigated for their potential as phase change memories. The devices tested included GeTe/SnTe, Ge2Se3/SnTe, and Ge2Se3/SnSe stacks. All devices exhibited resistance switching behavior. The polarity of the applied voltage with respect to the SnTe or SnSe layer was critical to the memory switching properties, due to the electric field induced movement of either Sn or Te into the Ge-chalcogenide layer. One embodiment of the invention is a device comprising a stack of chalcogenide-containing layers which exhibit phase change switching only after a reverse polarity voltage potential is applied across the stack causing ion movement into an adjacent layer and thus “activating” the device to act as a phase change random access memory device or a reconfigurable electronics device when the applied voltage potential is returned to the normal polarity.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes a cover plate disposed on a substrate mounted with an integrated circuit chip thereon. The chip is formed with first solder pads coupled respectively and wiredly to pin terminals on the substrate, and second solder pads coupled respectively and wiredly to pinhole terminals in the cover plate, and includes a main circuit unit, a pin transmission unit interconnecting electrically first ports of a main circuit unit and the first solder pads, a pinhole transmission unit interconnecting electrically second ports of the main circuit unit, and a control unit coupled to the pin and pinhole transmission units, and operable to control operation of the pin and pinhole transmission units such that each first port is coupled to a selected first solder pad through the pin transmission unit and that each second port is coupled to a selected second solder pad through the pinhole transmission unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for digital wireless communication are provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a magnesium-based composite material, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a magnesium-based melt and a plurality of carbon nanotubes, mixing the carbon nanotubes with the magnesium-based melt to achieve a mixture; (b) injecting the mixture into at least one mold to achieve a preform; and (c) extruding the preform to achieve the magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a polypeptide with a modified activity or stability, by replacing an arginine residue capable of being ADP-ribosylated with a tryptophan or a phenylalanine. In one embodiment, compositions are provided that include polypeptides, such as alpha defensin, with arginine-to-tryptophan or arginine-to-phenylalanine substitutions, where the arginine residue is capable of being ADP-ribosylated. In another embodiment, methods are disclosed for modifying an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: A thin film transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconducting layer, and a gate electrode. The drain electrode is spaced from the source electrode. The semiconducting layer is connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the semiconducting layer by an insulating layer. The semiconducting layer includes a carbon nanotube layer, and the carbon nanotube layer comprises a plurality of semiconducting carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Metal induced polycrystallized silicon is used as the anode in a light emitting device, such as an OLED or AMOLED. The polycrystallized silicon is sufficiently non-absorptive, transparent and made sufficiently conductive for this purpose. A thin film transistor can be formed onto the polycrystallized silicon anode, with the silicon anode acting as the drain of the thin film transistor, thereby simplifying production.

Abstract: A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a ligature for securing a single-beating reed to a mouthpiece of any single reed woodwind instrument. According to a specific embodiment, the subject ligature can be provided with two rounded ribs affixed to the interior of a three-fingered collar that is held together across a longitudinal split by tightening screws. One of the two rounded ribs is provided with a concavity opening into the interior of the collar in order to create a triangular negative space on a surface of a secured reed. This negative space allows for asymmetrical pressure to be exerted onto the reed, which can result in a freedom of vibration and may provide subtle improvements in tone, control, articulation, and richness in the core of sound.

Abstract: A process of producing a kaolin product for paper coating includes mining kaolin ores by hydromechanization and then producing kaolin slurry; classifying by centrifugal sedimentation; chemical bleaching; eliminating iron ions by circular rinsing; removing water by pressure filtration; producing slurry by dispersing filter cakes, in which complex dispersants, pH adjustor and intercalator are added; delaminating; classifying by vibrating sieve; and spray drying: spray driers are restructured by adding insulating layers on packing auger, elevator scoop and bunker at first; the kaolin slurry J which has passed through vibrating sieves is dried in high speed centrifugal spray drying tower and the moisture of kaolin powder is controlled in 3 wt. %-5 wt. %, and the kaolin product for paper coating is obtained. The process characterizes in stable properties, high efficiency, and high viscosity content and fine particle size of the kaolin products produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for promoting general health and well-being, comprising an extract of a botanical raw material, wherein said extract inhibits the carboxyl demethylating activity of a protein phosphatase, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: A method for the formation of regular-shaped silver crystals through a wet chemical reaction (Tollen's reaction) is presented. The growth of the Ag crystals (size, morphology and aggregation) can be controlled via adjusting reaction conditions such as temperature and reducing agent concentrations before and during the reactions. The smaller Ag crystals (50-200 nm) were generated under the condition of limited reductive reagent (glucose), and the larger sliver crystals (˜5 ?m) were the aggregated silver nano-particles (100-200 nm) produced at higher reducing agent concentrations. Most of the larger crystals were in the shape of cube or rectangular cube, and rarely, they were in clusters. The smaller crystals (aggregation of Ag atoms) were shaped in cube or/and cone, and both single crystals and clusters were formed. The presence of impurity (TiO2 nano-particles, 25-50 nm) as crystal seeds enables the 3-D growth of large, irregular-shaped Ag clusters (˜5 ?m).

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of L-1,2,4-butanetriol, D-1,2,4-butanetriol and racemic mixtures thereof from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing L-1,2,4-butanetriol, D-1,2,4-butanetriol and racemic mixtures thereof are also provided. Methods are also provided for converting D-1,2,4-butanetriol and L-1,2,4,-butanetriol to D,L-1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to immunogenic compounds which serve as ligands for NKT (natural killer T) cells and to methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses.

Abstract: After resetting the potential VPD of the photodiode (11) to the predetermined potential VRST, light is incident onto the photodiode (11) for a predetermined period to decrease the VPD corresponding to the amount of the incident light. After that, a declivous ramp voltage VRAMP is applied to the source terminal of the first MOS transistor (12) which is a common-source amplifier for reading out the VPD. When the voltage difference between the gate and source of the MOS transistor (12) exceeds a threshold voltage, the MOS transistor is turned on and the output suddenly decreases. If a signal having a pulse width from the starting point of the sweep of the ramp voltage to the sudden lowering point of the output is generated, the pulse width depends on the amount of the incident light. With the signal readout of this PWM method, it is possible to lower the power consumption while a wide dynamic range is maintained, and to downsize the picture cells to achieve a higher number of picture cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for producing GaAs/Si composites, GaAs/Si composites, apparatus for preparing GaAs/Si composites, and a variety of electronic and photoelectric circuits and devices incorporating GaAs/Si composites of the present invention.

Abstract: The field emission cathode device includes an insulating substrate with a number of cathodes mounted thereon. A number of field emission units are mounted on the cathodes. A dielectric layer is disposed on the insulating substrate and defines a number of voids corresponding to the field emission units. The dielectric layer has an upper and lower section and disposed on the insulating substrate. The dielectric layer defining a plurality of voids corresponding to the field emission units. A number of grids disposed between the upper and lower sections, and wherein each grid are secured by the upper and lower sections of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides that modulate an immune response including stimulating a Th1 pattern of immune activation, cytokine production, NK lytic activity, and B cell proliferation are disclosed. The sequences are also useful as a synthetic adjuvant.