Abstract: The present invention discloses a transparent conductive nanostructured thin-film by oblique-angle deposition and method of the same. An electron beam system is utilized to evaporate the target source. Evaporation substrate is disposed on a plurality of adjustable sample stage. Multiple gas control valve and heat source is provided to control the gas flow and temperature within the process chamber. An annealing process is performed after the evaporation to improve the thin-film structure and optoelectronic properties.

Abstract: A novel method for assessing the risk of a cardiovascular event is provided. The concentration of 11-dehydro thromboxane in a urine sample is measured and compared to a set of standardized quartile concentrations. A concentration of urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane that falls within the fourth quartile is indicative of a greatly increased risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event.

Abstract: A field effect transistor has a shifted gate such that the gate-source distance depends on the ratio of the threshold voltage to the drain voltage. In one embodiment, a switch may include two FETs: one FET in a series configuration and one FET in a shunt configuration. Providing a switch having at least one FET with a shifted gate allows increasing switching speed and decreasing insertion loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and devices for the controlled release of therapeutics, and methods for uses thereof.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes an optical coupler. The optical sensor further includes a photonic bandgap fiber having a hollow core and an inner cladding generally surrounding the core. The photonic bandgap fiber is in optical communication with the optical coupler. Light signals counterpropagate through the photonic bandgap fiber and return to the optical coupler. The photonic bandgap fiber has a phase thermal constant S less than 8 parts-per-million per degree Celsius.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing ankle sprain injuries. To protect the ankle joint from acute ankle supination or inversion sprain injuries, the device comprises a sensing part configured to sense data of an ankle motion; an analyzing part configured to analyze the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and a stimulating part configured to stimulate one or more lower limb muscles against the motion in light of a result of the analyzing. The method also involves sensing data of an ankle motion; analyzing the data to judge whether the motion is a sprain motion; and stimulating one or more lower limb muscles against the motion if the motion is a sprain motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a purified anthocyanin easily from a crude pigment fraction containing contaminants and the anthocyanin. A flavone that forms a metal complex with the anthocyanin and a metal ion of at least one of an alkaline-earth metal and a heavy metal is provided. Then, the flavonoid is brought into contact with the crude pigment fraction in a liquid in the presence of the metal ion of at least one of the alkaline-earth metal and the heavy metal, thereby forming a metal complex containing the anthocyanin, the flavonoid, and the metal ion. From the liquid, the contaminants contained in the crude pigment fraction are removed and the metal complex is collected. By subjecting this metal complex to, for example, an acid treatment, the anthocyanin is dissociatied from the metal complex. Thus, a high-purity anthocyanin is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for preparing composite materials, which include nanoscale hydroxyapatite, and the composite materials and articles prepared therewith.

Abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) can be used as a recreational party drug, aphrodisiac, and attenuator of other drugs and make a person a vulnerable target of robbery or rape. The present invention provides methods and kits for detection of GHB in a sample using an antibody-based assay. Antibodies that specifically bind to GHB or the conjugates of GHB and its derivatives to larger molecules and methods for detecting GHB or its derivatives in bodily fluids and non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks by employing such antibodies in ELISA or RIA assays are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an anti-CD44 antibody, a (Fab?)2, Fab, Fab? fragment thereof, an IgG or IgM isotype thereof, in a method for eradicating pathological stem cells in cancer therapy, and more specifically in breast cancer and leukaemia therapy.

Abstract: A method and semiconductor device for integrating the fabrication of a photodetector with the fabrication of a CMOS device on a SOI substrate. The SOI substrate is divided into two regions, a CMOS region and an optical detecting region. After the CMOS device is fabricated in the CMOS region, the optical detecting region is patterned and etched through the top silicon layer and the buried oxide layer to the base silicon layer. The pattern is etched to a depth so that after a material of a photodetector is deposited in the etched pattern, the material grows to the surface level of the SOI substrate. After the formation of a photodetector structure in the optical detecting region, the metallization process is performed on the CMOS device and the photodetector. In this manner, the fabrication of a photodetector is integrated with the fabrication of a CMOS device on the SOI substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for structural health monitoring (SHM) in which smart devices interrogate structural components to predict failure, expedite needed repairs, and thus increase the useful life of those components. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) are applied to or integrated with structural components and various data collected there from provide the ability to detect and locate cracking, corrosion, and disbanding through use of pitch-catch, pulse-echo, electro/mechanical impedance, and phased array technology. Stand alone hardware and an associated software program are provided that allow selection of multiple types of SHM investigations as well as multiple types of data analysis to perform a wholesome investigation of a structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemically depositing doped metal oxide and metal chalcogenide films are disclosed. An example method includes dissolving a metal precursor into a solution, adding a halogen precursor to the solution, and applying a potential between a working electrode and a counter electrode of an electrochemical cell to deposit halogen doped metal oxide or metal chalcogenide onto a substrate. Another example method includes dissolving a zinc precursor into a solution, adding an yttrium precursor to the solution, and applying a potential between a working electrode and a counter electrode of an electrochemical cell to deposit yttrium doped zinc oxide onto a substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: We demonstrate herein that neuritin controls the homeostasis of regulatory T cells in an antigen dependent manner. Based on this discovery, we describe herein the application of neuritin as a therapeutic agent to manipulate antigen specific regulatory T cells in various disease settings is described. Thus manipulation of Treg cells and DCs through neuritin can be used to enhance immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, as well as enhance lymphocyte engraftment in settings of donor lymphocyte infusion, bone marrow transplant, as well as other types of transplants, and adoptive transfer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diversification of nucleic acid sequences by use of a nucleic acid molecule containing a region of sequence that acts as a template for diversification. The invention thus provides nucleic acid molecules to be diversified, as well as those which act as the template region (TR) and in concert with the TR for directional, site-specific diversification. Further provided are methods of preparing and using these nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A sample atomic configuration creation means (211) in a control section (21) creates the atomic arrangement data of a sample, and a sample surface height calculation means (212) calculates a sample surface height for every mesh. A probe profile creation means (213) creates the atomic arrangement data of a probe, and a probe surface height calculation means (214) calculates the height of the probe surface for every mesh. A probe scanning means (216) supplies the coordinate of a scanning start position in the scanning range to a collision height specification means (215). The collision height specification means (215) calculates the distance between the sample surface and the probe in each mesh. Calculation of this distance is repeated for all meshes of the probe at the coordinate of this measuring position.

Abstract: DNA containing somatic mutations is highly tumor specific and thus, in theory, can provide optimum markers. However, the number of circulating mutant gene fragments is small compared to the number of normal circulating DNA fragments, making it difficult to detect and quantify them with the sensitivity required for meaningful clinical use. We apply a highly sensitive approach to quantify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in body samples of patients. Measurements of ctDNA can be used to reliably monitor tumor dynamics in subjects with cancer, especially those who are undergoing surgery or chemotherapy. This personalized genetic approach can be generally applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the synthesis and stabilization of neutral molecules containing homonuclear single or multiple bonds, methods of preparation, and uses thereof.

Abstract: When C60 was added to synovial fibroblasts, infiltrating lymphocytes, and macrophages, and the inflammatory cytokine production level was measured, the inflammatory cytokine production level was significantly suppressed in all cells. Furthermore, when C60 was added to osteoclast precursor cells and cultured in the presence of osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors, a certain concentration or more of C60 suppressed their differentiation into osteoclasts. Observation of the effect of C60 addition on bone resorption showed that C60 suppressed bone resorption by osteoclasts. In addition, the use of arthritis model animals confirmed in vivo that C60 suppressed inflammatory symptoms, as well as bone resorption and bone destruction by osteoclasts. C60 is effective for treating arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis through its effects of suppressing osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption, and inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract: Pluripotent cells are maintained in a self-renewing state in serum-free culture medium comprising a MEK inhibitor, a GSK3 inhibitor and, optionally, an antagonist of an FGF receptor. Pluripotent cells are also maintained in a self-renewing state in serum-free culture medium comprising a MEK inhibitor and an antagonist of an FGF receptor.