Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallized N-terminal domain of an NS5A protein of hepatitis C virus, methods of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The present invention also relates to structural elements of the N-terminal domain of hepatitis C virus NS5A protein, and methods of inhibiting hepatitis C virus infection, replication and/or pathogenesis, by interacting with the same.

Abstract: The present invention illustrates a bulk silicon etching technique that yields straight sidewalls, through wafer structures in very short times using standard silicon wet etching techniques. The method of the present invention employs selective porous silicon formation and dissolution to create high aspect ratio structures with straight sidewalls for through wafer MEMS processing.

Abstract: Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE) are demonstrated to be diagnostic of intestinal forms of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE, monomeric forms) are demonstrated to be detectable in the urine of animals having colorectal cancer, and a diagnostic/screening method for identifying and/or detecting colorectal in an animal from a urine sample is provided. Specific tissue immunohistochemcial staining for catE (monomeric forms) in dysplastic tissue is also disclosed, and is shown to correlate with the level of dysplastic lesion severity. Hence, a method for determining and identifying dysplastic lesion severity is provided. Cathepsin E mRNA transcription and expression levels are also demonstrated to be upregulated in dysplastic tissue, relative to non-dysplastic tissue. Hence, a method for transcriptionally profiling an animal to monitor the progression of colorectal disease is provided.

Abstract: Files can be reassembled from fragments by (a) accepting adjacency scores for each pair of fragments from the set of fragments, (b) identifying header fragments from among the fragments of the set of fragments, and (c) for each of the header fragments identified, reconstructing a corresponding one of the two or more files from the fragments of the set of fragments such that the sum of the adjacency scores are optimized, wherein each of the fragments is permitted to belong to only one of the at least two files, and wherein at least two files are reconstructed such that the results are independent of the order in which the files are reconstructed.

Abstract: Provided is a high-speed, super-low-power-consumption nonvolatile memory with a high thermal stability. A nonvolatile magnetic memory is equipped with high-output tunnel magnetic resistance devices to each of which a free layer with a high thermal stability is applied, while a writing method by spin transfer torque is applied to the memory. The tunnel magnetic resistance device has a free layer including a first ferromagnetic film and the second ferromagnetic film each of which has a body center cubic structure and each of which contains Co, Fe and B. The free layer, additionally, includes a first non-magnetic layer. The tunnel magnetic resistance device has a layered structure formed of the free layer and a pinned layer with a MgO insulating film with a (100) orientation rock-salt structure interposed in between.

Abstract: A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage, collagen and bone remodeling by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The intermittent hydrostatic pressure is applied at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours. The interval loading results in the selective inhibition of matrix degrading enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract inflammatory cells into the joint cavity and in selective decrease of gene expression of growth factors that are inhibitory to type II collagen expression.

Abstract: Described herein are chemical compounds and pharmaceutical compositions, including novel chemical compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, useful in the treatment of various diseases and disease states. Also described are methods of synthesizing natural products and novel, structurally-related chemical compounds. More particularly, disclosed are new analogs of and processes for the preparation of compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof useful in the treatment of, for example, inflammation, cancer, multiple myeloma, cachexia, cardiovascular disease, anti-infectious, diabetes, otitis media, sinusitis and transplant rejection.

Abstract: The wideband programmable phase shifting circuitry includes a charge pump, a comparator, and a voltage reference generator block. An input signal controls the charge pump which charges and discharges a capacitor connected to an output of the charge pump. The comparator continuously compares the voltage across the capacitor with a reference voltage, ratio of VREF, which is generated by the voltage reference generator block. The voltage VREF is generated to compensate for power supply and integration process variations. The voltage reference generator is comprised of a charge pump unit, a frequency divider unit, switches, and two capacitors. The adjusted VREF ratio controls the comparator threshold level and hence a programmable phase difference between the input signal of the charge pump and the output signal of the comparator.

Abstract: CuInS2 nanoparticles have been prepared from single source precursors via microwave irradiation. Also, CuInGaS2 alloy nanoparticles have been prepared. Microwave irradiation methods have allowed an increase in the efficiency of preparation of these materials by providing increased uniformity of heating and shorter reaction times. Nanoparticle growth has been controlled in the about 1 to 5 nm size range by variation of thiolated capping ligand concentrations as well as reaction temperatures and times. Investigation of the photophysical properties of the colloidal nanoparticles has been performed using electronic absorption and luminescence emission spectroscopy. Qualitative nanoparticles sizes have been determined from the photoluminescence (PL) data and compared to TEM images.

Abstract: A system and method for using gradient nanotopography to increase mammalian cell attachment and cell confinement on surfaces. A surface platform consisting of a thin film of gold possessing a gradient of topography on the surface and self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols presenting desired functional groups is formed. A gradient in the chemical properties is induced in the terminal groups of the monolayer because of the continuous increase in the surface area and the anisotropy of gold film structure. The gradient nanotopraphy provides simultaneous control of two key properties, the presentation of the terminal functional groups and a continuous increase in the surface density of functional groups on the surface. This control provides for drug screening assays using adherent cell-based experiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemokine receptor antibodies that selectively bind to an activated form of the receptor but not to a non activated form of the receptor. In particular, the current invention provides phosphospecific chemokine receptor antibodies. The antibodies can be used in several diagnostic, screening and purification methods.

Abstract: A method for treating ocular conditions such as bacterial keratitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and wounds, endophthalmitis, and blebitis in mammals, by using a native, synthetic, or recombinant CAP37, or effective peptide portions thereof including CAP37 peptides 20-44, 23-42, 102-122, and 120-146 and monocysteine derivatives of peptides 20-44 and 23-42. The CAP37, peptides, and peptide derivatives can also be used to store, clean, sterilize, or coat contact lenses, and may be used in media for storing mammalian corneal transplants.

Abstract: An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device, having an anode, a cathode, and an organic blocking layer between the anode and the cathode is described, wherein the blocking layer comprises a phenanthroline derivative, and at least partially blocks at least one of excitons, electrons, and holes.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide amplification reaction. The devices are provided with a substrate microfabricated to include a polynucleotide amplification reaction, chamber, having at least one cross-sectional dimension of about 0.1 to 1000 ?m. The device also includes at least one port in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, for introducing a sample to the chamber, for venting the chamber when necessary, and, optionally, for removing products or waste material from the device. The reaction chamber may be provided with reagents required for amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. The device also may include means for thermally regulating the contents of the reaction chamber, to amplify a preselected polynucleotide. Preferably, the reaction chamber is fabricated with a high surface to volume ratio, to facilitate thermal regulation.

Abstract: A lead-free sealing material is provided, which contains a glass with a composition including 47.5-67.5 mole % SnO, 2.5-15 mole % MgO, and 30-40 mole % P2O5. The lead-free sealing material has excellent chemical durability, low melting temperature, and good flowability during heating. The lead-free material is particularly suitable to be used as a sealing material. The lead-free sealing material may additionally contain low-thermal-expansion powdered fillers to reduce the thermal expansion coefficient of the resulting sealing material.

Abstract: A self contained integrated mooring system configured to contain items within a payload container in a water body is disclosed. The self contained integrated mooring system may include components for conveniently collecting and storing the components of the self contained integrated mooring system. The self contained integrated mooring system may be formed from the payload container, a mooring line handling and storage module, an anchor and a system container in a single system that eliminates having to work and rework anchor lines on a deck of a boat.

Abstract: Embodiments of the polymerization process of the present invention are directed to polymerizing free radically polymerizable monomers in the presence of a polymerization medium initially comprising at least one transition metal catalyst and an atom transfer radical polymerization initiator. The polymerization medium may additionally comprise a reducing agent. The reducing agent may be added initially or during the polymerization process in a continuous or intermittent manner. The polymerization process may further comprise reacting the reducing agent with at least one of the transition metal catalyst in an oxidized state and a compound comprising a radically transferable atom or group to form a compound that does not participate significantly in control of the polymerization process.

Abstract: The present invention provides for various processes for determining enzyme activity. In one embodiment, a process for detecting an enzyme activity includes contacting a blood component with a substrate comprising a cleavage site of the enzyme and a tag moiety to produce a sample comprising a cleavage product having a known mass, and placing the sample in contact with a SELDI sample chip which has surface moieties which bind to the cleavage product. In another embodiment, the process further includes subjecting the SELDI sample chip to SELDI mass spectrometry to identify the cleavage product. The present invention also provides for a kit which includes a SELDI sample chip having surface moieties capable of binding to an enzyme cleavage product.

Abstract: A polygonal radiation module having radiating members without a light guiding board for a backlight module or a lighting device includes a polygonal optical plate with a rising area having a rising surface defined at a center thereof, a plurality of radiating members, and a diffusion plate. The radiating members surrounding a periphery of the optical plate possess radiant half-intensity angles of the radiation below 15 degrees for respectively forming optic axial directions thereof. Whereby, the optic axial directions of the radiating members face to the rising surface, and radiation fields are individually generated as pivoted by the optic axial directions to cast at the rising surface. Thus, an even radiating surface caused by a diffusion of light source from the diffusion plate could be preferably obtained even if no light guiding board is applied.