Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing spasticity in a mammal involving administering modafinil or related compounds. The spasticity can be secondary to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, and other causes.

Abstract: A MC1R peptide ligand-elastic vesicle complex for preventing skin maladies. The MC1R peptide ligand is modified by coupling the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand to a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, elastic vesicles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The MC1R peptide ligand-elastic vesicle complex is prepared as a patch or viscous emulsion that can be applied to human skin.

Abstract: Provided are TCL1 peptides that bind to MHC I (HLA-A2) on tumor cells or other antigen-presenting cells and are recognized by T-cell receptors on T cells. The TCL1 peptides may be therapeutically used to treat a cancer, such as a B cell malignancy, leukemia, or lymphoma. Methods for expanding a population of T cells that target TCL1 are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating a tumor in a subject include identifying a subject having, at risk for, or suspected of having a tumor, and administering to the subject an effective amount of an SRPX.

Abstract: An IR imaging system comprising microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) differential capacitive infrared sensors within a sensor array formed on a monolithic integrated circuit substrate, or flip chip bonded onto a signal processing chip fabricated separately, to include, a bimaterial deflectable element anchored to the substrate, a surface electrode fabricated on a top surface of the substrate and positioned below the deflectable element, the surface electrode and the deflectable element separated by a gap to form a first variable capacitor, a sealing ring surrounding the deflectable element and the surface electrode, an infrared transparent sealing cap electrode coupled to the sealing ring to form a vacuum cavity around the deflectable element and the surface electrode, the deflectable element and the sealing cap electrode separated by a gap to form a second variable capacitor and a micro-lens fabricated on the sealing cap electrode to focus the infrared radiation onto the bimaterial deflectable element.

Abstract: An immersion refractometer includes a microchamber having an inlet and an outlet for allowing a sample containing microorganism particles to flow therethrough, wherein the microchamber comprises at least one trapping site for trapping a microorganism particle in each respective trapping site, and a micromixer for mixing a plurality of liquids to form an external medium, wherein the micromixer and the microchamber are in fluid communication to introduce the external medium into the microchamber. Use of the present immersion refractometer in a method of identifying microorganism particles contained in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression vector containing the major envelope protein P9 of Cystovirus phi12 as a fusion partner, and a process for producing a membrane protein using the same. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an expression vector comprising a major envelope protein P9 gene of Cystovirus phi12, a multicloning site (MCS) for inserting a target membrane protein, and a protease recognition site located between a P9 gene and the MCS.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system includes a wireless HDMI transmitter and a wireless HDMI receiver. The wireless HDMI transmitter includes a carrier oscillator provided for each channel of an HDMI transmission path to output a carrier signal in a millimeter band, an OOK modulator provided for each carrier oscillator to perform on-off keying modulation on a carrier signal outputted by its corresponding carrier oscillator, and an input circuit provided for each channel of the HDMI transmission path to input a digital signal outputted by a source device to the OOK modulator.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint and assessing cartilage loss, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. The amount of cartilage tissue that has been lost, for example as a result of arthritis, can be estimated.

Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: A nozzle for producing a liquid jet or a single-file stream of droplets of a fluid, methods using the nozzle, and an injector comprising the nozzle of the invention for providing the liquid jet or single-file stream of a fluid to a vacuum system are described.

Abstract: Provided are TRPV4 inhibitor compounds. Further provided are compositions including a TRPV4 inhibitor compound in combination with a carrier, vehicle, or diluent that is suitable for topical application. The TRPV4 inhibitor compounds and compositions may be used in methods of treating and/or preventing dermatological disorders, reducing skin inflammation, reducing pain, and/or reducing itch in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyamide compositions and therapies for treating cells and subjects infected with papilloma virus.

Abstract: Provided is a factor capable of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time. More particularly, provided are a method of inducing enucleation, which is a final stage of erythrocyte differentiation, within a short time by adding a compound derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to an undifferentiated (nucleated) erythrocyte, and an enucleation inducer including the compound.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a substrate (100) having a first surface (105) and a second surface (110) is described. The first surface has at least one sensor site (115) provided thereon. The substrate is configured such that on excitation of a sample provided at the sensor site, luminescence originating from the sensor site propagates into the substrate, the second surface of the substrate being configured to selectively transmit the luminescence propagating within the substrates at angles greater than the critical angle out of the substrate where it may be detected by a detector (160) provided below the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a novel anti-HCV agent including as an active ingredient a peroxide derivative represented by the general formula (I). In the general formula (I), C represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon ring group which may be substituted, n represents an integer of from 1 to 6, and R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyalkyl group. The peroxide derivative exhibits potent anti-HCV activity by remarkably suppressing HCV-RNA replication.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for promoting hematopoiesis and for treating, preventing or alleviating cytopenia or bone marrow failure comprising quercetin 3-O-?-(2?-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside (QGR) as active ingredient.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices responsive to at least one external stimulus are described, along with methods for their preparation and use. The devices can be configured to respond to the stimulus, providing “on demand” release of one or more deliverables such as pharmaceutical drugs.