Abstract: Nanoparticulate composites and dispersion thereof using novel polymeric ligand compounds, in certain embodiments in conjunction with pyridinyl moieties coupling the nanoparticulate and ligand.

Abstract: In a self-contained actively-controlled stabilization system within a hand-grip, all components are contained within the handgrip, and one generic handgrip can be attached to a variety of devices for a wide range of applications, thereby increasing portability, reducing weight and bulkiness, and decreasing complexity and application dependence. The handgrip includes a sensor, a controller and an actuator which preferably employs at least one shape memory alloy wire. The actuator drives a platform mechanism which may be configured such that the elevation and azimuth degrees of freedom are coupled or uncoupled. Direct, rotational and other platform mechanisms may be used with the invention.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device uses a curved transmissive screen and reflectors to minimize the space associated with the device when increasing the size of the three-dimensional image. By placing a physically driven background screen over the projected image and screen, excessively diffused reflection of the Fresnel lenses is eliminated. High-resolution real-time video images are provided as three-dimensional images by realizing three-dimensional images with enhanced perspective as if they are floating in space. According to one embodiment of the invention, a distortion of the three-dimensional image is minimized.

Abstract: Methods for inducing calcium mobilization in cells through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. The invention also provides a method of increasing intracellular calcium in cells through the application of nsPEFs. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are human platelets, whereby activation and aggregation of the platelets is induced. Methods for treating an injury, trauma, or loss of blood in a subject, through the application of nsPEFs are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for encoding messages with space-time trellis codes(STTC) and transmitting the encoded messages in communication system provided with at least two transmit antennas and at least one receive antenna. The method comprising generating a codeword by encoding message using STTC; generating a modified codeword by multiplying the codeword by unitary matrix V; and multiplying the modified codeword by weighting matrix W, and then transmitting it through transmit antennas. The weighting matrix W is determined depending on channel information fed back to the transmit antenna from the receive antenna. The unitary matrix V is the value that minimizes the union bound of frame error rate, and is chosen by computer search. Result of a simulation using the method shows that the performance of the STTC is improved over a wide range of feedback channel condition.

Abstract: Provided herein are optical devices fabricated to include a reflective surface, actuators and stress-relieving structures. Systems containing such devices, and methods of manufacturing such devices, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of increasing blood flow in a mammalian brain blood vessel characterized by, or otherwise experiencing, decreased blood flow due to an ischemic or other hypoxic event, vasoconstriction or vasospasm following hemorrhagic stroke; due to chronic high blood pressure; and/or due to idiopathic causes are provided. The method for increasing blood flow in such a mammalian brain blood vessel includes administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of ? protein kinase C. In certain embodiments, the inhibitor can be chronically administered without causing desensitization of the patient to the inhibitor. Kits for increasing blood flow in a mammalian brain blood vessel characterized by, or otherwise experiencing, decreased blood flow due to an ischemic or other hypoxic event, vasoconstriction or vasospasm following hemorrhagic stroke; due to chronic high blood pressure; and/or due to idiopathic causes are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancers using lipid-carrier protein conjugate compositions for generating lipid-specific immune responses in an animal. Also disclosed are methods for making phosphatidylserine conjugate compositions and their formulation for use in a variety of pharmaceutical applications including the detection and treatment of a variety of cancers and related conditions.

Abstract: A sign language recognition apparatus and method is provided for translating hand gestures into speech or written text. The apparatus includes a number of sensors on the hand, arm and shoulder to measure dynamic and static gestures. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor to search a library of gestures and generate output signals that can then be used to produce a synthesized voice or written text. The apparatus includes sensors such as accelerometers on the fingers and thumb and two accelerometers on the back of the hand to detect motion and orientation of the hand. Sensors are also provided on the back of the hand or wrist to detect forearm rotation, an angle sensor to detect flexing of the elbow, two sensors on the upper arm to detect arm elevation and rotation, and a sensor on the upper arm to detect arm twist. The sensors transmit the data to the microprocessor to determine the shape, position and orientation of the hand relative to the body of the user.

Abstract: A thermal spray process comprises injecting precursor solution droplets into the hot zone of the thermal spray flame. Also described are materials resulting from the process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel ?7 nicotinic receptor subunit isoform, ?7-2. The ?7-2 isoform contributes to novel acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) with pharmacological and biophysical properties distinct from those of wild-type ?7-1-nAChRs and closely resembling those of ?7-nAChRs found in intrinsic cardiac neurons and Type II ?7-nAChRs of superior cervical ganglion neurons. Polynucleotides encoding the ?7-2 isoform, vectors and genetically modified cells containing such polynucleotides are also provided. In addition, methods are provided for producing the ?7-2 isoform as are methods of using such isoforms for screening compounds for activity at the nAChR.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: A multiplying system for binary digits. The digits are multiplied in a rectangular memory array, where the digits are placed along the edges, and intersections between 1's form blocks of 1's in the memory array. The blocks of 1's are evaluated based on a weighting assigned to positions within the memory, either directly, or by reducing each block to a reduced block representation. The system can be used for multiplications, partial multiplications, and divisions, as well as applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fluorescent chemosensor including a naphthalene diimide-Zn(II) complex, which can efficiently recognize pyrophosphate (PPi) at pH 7.4. The fluorescent chemosensor exhibits a new kind of excimer fluorescence, which is selective for PPi in 100% aqueous solution. Further, since the naphthalene diimide-Zn(II) complex of the present invention does not couple with inorganic phosphate (Pi) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and has high selectivity for PPi, it can be usefully used to detect pyrophosphate (PPi), which serves to transfer signals and store energy in living organisms.

Abstract: An illumination system for a microscope, including a light source for generating light to illuminate a sample for microscopic observation, at least one collimating lens for collimating light generated by the light source, and a darkfield condenser for receiving collimated light and directing a hollow cone of light onto the sample under observation. The system optionally includes an adapter for enhancing economy of light transmission from the light source to the specimen, the adapter having a centrally disposed spacer and a plurality of optical fibers surrounding the spacer, to generate a hollow cylinder of light for transmission to the darkfield condenser. The system provides improved resolution and contrast, and is well suited for adaptation to fluorescence microscopy techniques.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing a neural network, b) evolving a good driver, c) evolving a crash predictor, and d) outputting a graded warning signal.

Abstract: A device and method for automating the handling and testing of microbiological specimens are provided. A portable specimen collection vehicle (SCV) is provided which comprises a protective housing, a specimen chamber for receiving a biospecimen sample, a plurality of culturing chambers each for receiving a portion of the biospecimen sample and each containing a different culture medium, a system of fluid ducts connecting the specimen chamber to each of the culturing chambers, and an actuator that facilitates flow of portions of the biospecimen sample from the specimen chamber through the system of fluid ducts and into each of the culturing chambers, wherein biological organisms in the biospecimen begin to grow in one or more of the culturing chambers and cultured portions of the biospecimen sample can be withdrawn selectively from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic methods for determining the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprising the steps of (a) observing recurrently altered genomic region on a chromosome; (b) measuring variation of one or more of RAR expression variations selected from the RAR variation group consists of gains of RAR-G1 to RAR-G14 and losses of RAR-L1 to RAR-L18 as defined in table 1, a diagnostic kit, and genes for useful in diagnosis or prognosis of liver cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can advantageously utilize the natural consumptive and conversion processes of an aquatic organism culture system to concentrate and separate microbial plant-generated lipids. For instance, an aquatic organism culture can be maintained and/or grown upon an algal biomass. The natural conversion processes of the animals allows for uptake and processing of the components of the algal biomass into animal lipid. The aquatic animal culture can then be easily harvested such that a high percentage of the converted algal-generated lipid can be extracted using a low cost, simple and quick process. The disclosed processes provide an efficient oil production, conversion and recovery system that can be economically scaled up for use in, for example, integrated bioenergy and biodiesel production.

Abstract: An electrostatic transducer, such as a loudspeaker or microphone, comprises a multi-layer panel (1) incorporating an electrically insulating middle layer (2) sandwiched between first and second electrically conducting outer layers (3, 4). At least one of the layers has a profiled surface (6) where it contacts the surface of another of the layers. Furthermore a signal generator is provided for applying an alternating electrical voltage across the first and second layers (3, 4) to initiate vibration due to variation of the electrostatic forces acting between the layers, thereby serving as a loudspeaker (or for detecting variation of such electrostatic forces due to received vibration in the case of a microphone).