Abstract: A method for treatment and amelioration of breast, cervical, ovarian, endometrial, squamous cells, prostate cancer and melanoma in a patient comprising targeting Id-1 or Id-2 gene expression with a delivery vehicle comprising a product which modulates Id-1 or Id-2 expression.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of a blood mannan-binding lectin (MBL) regulator for the manufacture of a life saving drug to treat or cure a critically ill patient. It further involves the use of measurements of MBL to predict mortality in critically ill ICU patients. One further aspect of present invention is to the use of monomers and oligomers of MBL in prophylactic and/or curative treatment of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Abstract: The invention provides compounds, compositions, animal models, drug screening methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment which relate to the modulation of the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds by administering agents which act on IRF3 or an IRF3 control pathway to modulate the activity, expression, or levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds in a subject.

Abstract: A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the following formula are disclosed: wherein Q, R5, Ar1, Ar2, A, and B are as defined in the specification. The present invention provides a process for the preparation of the compound of formula (I). The present invention also provides a compound of formula (PA) and a process for preparing the same. The present invention further provides a compound of formula (PI) and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing body lumens and/or for delivering instruments into body lumens, e.g., vessels within a patient's vasculature. A flexible sheath is provided that is expandable from a contracted condition to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen therein. The sheath is lubricious and has a relatively thin wall, thereby providing a collapsible/expandable guide for delivering fluids and/or instruments through tortuous anatomy and/or into relatively narrow passages. The sheath is advanced from an entry site to a body lumen in the contracted condition. Once the sheath reaches a target body lumen, the sheath is expanded to the enlarged condition, thereby defining a lumen within the sheath, and fluids and/or instruments are introduced into the body lumen via the sheath lumen. Upon completing the procedure, the sheath is removed from the body lumen.

Abstract: A multi-color cavity ringdown based spectrometer is housed in a light tight enclosure to detect the presence of trace quantities of gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, or hazardous materials being transported through the enclosure or compounds contained in a patient's breath. A method is also disclosed for detecting gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, hazardous materials, or a patient's breath.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging systems and eyeglass-based display devices. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes an image source that generates images, a optical element that manipulates the images, and a beam splitter positioned between the image source and the optical element that reflects the images onto an eye of a user of the imaging system, wherein each of the image source, optical element, and beam splitter are aligned along the same optical axis.

Abstract: A method for remediating land contaminated by a combustible material, in particular, land contaminated with non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), which includes the steps of locating a subterranean volume of combustible material such as a DNAPL in land to be remediated, and igniting the combustible material to combust the material and thereby remediate the land. By monitoring combustion of the material, combustion may be optimised by, for example, supplying an oxidant or a combustion suppressant.

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: The disclosure relates to porous silicon/conductive polymer composites that can be used in biosensor applications (e.g., in a binding assay that captures a target analyte). The composite material generally includes (a) a p-doped silicon substrate that has a porous surface; (b) a lawn of a conductive polymer bound to the porous surface; and (c) a binding pair member bound to the conductive polymer. The porous silicon surface provides excellent adhesion between the substrate and the conductive polymer, thereby eliminating the need for an intervening metallic layer. Processes according to the disclosure for forming the composite material generally include electropolymerizing and electrodepositing the conductive polymer onto the porous surface of the silicon substrate and then binding the binding pair member to the conductive polymer. Methods and kits employing the composite materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of particle detection includes a shock wave generating step of irradiating a dispersion liquid having dispersed first particles having a first diameter and second particles having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, with a pulse laser, and generating a shock wave in the dispersion liquid, a migration speed difference imparting step of migrating and accelerating the first particles at a first acceleration speed, and the second particles at a second acceleration speed higher than the first acceleration speed, by the shock wave generated at the shock wave generating step, and a detecting step of detecting the first or second particles.

Abstract: An automotive virtual surround audio system is implemented in an automobile to receive left- and right-channel audio sources. A synthesizer receives the left- and right-channel audio sources to extend the sources into temporary rear-left and rear-right audio sources. A weighting device receives the left- and right-channel audio sources to perform a weighting operation and produce temporary front-left and front-right audio sources. A first filter receives the temporary front-left and front-right audio sources to perform a filtering operation and produce virtual front-left and front-right audio sources. A second filter receives the temporary rear-left and rear-right audio sources to perform a filtering operation and produce virtual rear-left and rear-right audio sources. Thus, the virtual audio image position is reproduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds for the preparation of a medicament for treating neuropathic pain, migraine, psychiatric disorder and/or neuronal degeneration. The invention additionally relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds for treating neuropathic pain, migraine, psychiatric disorder and/or neuronal degeneration. A method for treating neuropathic pain, migraine, psychiatric disorder and/or neuronal degeneration is also provided.

Abstract: A revolving vane compressor is disclosed that comprises a cylinder, a rotor housed within the cylinder and being eccentrically mounted relative to the cylinder, and a vane mounted in a slot in the rotor for sliding movement relative to the rotor. The vane is securely connected to the cylinder to force the cylinder to rotate with the rotor.

Abstract: The function of the key element of the SMA, is based on a mutual alternating slipping of two systems of filaments. Its contraction is caused by the attractive effect of van der Waal's forces between the functional particles among the filaments. The relaxation is attained through the repulsive effect of the electrostatic repulsive forces between the functional particles. The alternating change of ionic concentration in the area of the particles results in the alternating function of van der Waal's attraction and repulsive electrostatic forces. The size and material of the particles, their configuration and working temperature must be specifically optimized. The total contraction of the key element results from the summation of its partial contractions. The total force and contraction of the SNA result from the summation of the key elements in the parallel (collateral) and/or serial (linear ranked) arrangements, respectively.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The distance detector 12b returns part of the light received from the distance detector 12a located at the starting point side by reflection, or reflection and refraction, sends the remaining part of the light to the distance detectors 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e located at the forefront end side by transmission, refraction, reflection or a combination thereof, and returns the returned light from the distance detectors 12b-12e to the distance detector 11a located at the starting point by transmission, refraction, reflection or a combination thereof. By using laser light sources, it is possible to measure the distance from the laser light sources to multiple points or the distance between two points with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Optical gratings that perform a number of functions at various wavelengths are formed by various methods that preserve spectral information within a wavelength band, the functions including: coupling radiation from one wavelength to another, controllable gratings that operate on different wavelengths in response to external control signals.