Abstract: Peptide analogues of S. mutans CSP peptide which inhibit biofilm formation, uses thereof in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, antimicrobial compositions and uses thereof in the treatment and prevention of infections caused by biofilm forming bacteria, dental plaque formation, and conditions caused by dental plaque associated bacteria are provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a chewable composition for oral delivery of bioactive agents having nanoparticles that are composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the generation of methane by a two phase anaerobic phase system (APS) digestion of organic substrates. Also provided is a device for practicing the methods of the invention. The APS-digester system is a space-efficient, high-rate solids digestion system. The APS-digester system consists of one or more hydrolysis reactors, a buffer tank and one biogasification reactor.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate having a first electrode and a first alignment film, a second substrate having a second electrode and a second alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer having liquid crystal molecules between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer is doped with a chiral material that tends to induce a twist in directors of the liquid crystal molecules when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer using the first and second electrodes. The first alignment film has a first alignment direction, the second alignment film has a second alignment direction, and the first and second alignment films have orientations that tend to induce a twist in the directors when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, in which the direction of twist induced by the first and second alignment films is different from the direction of twist induced by the chiral material.

Abstract: A method and system for spectroscopically determining surface and product characteristics is employed for rapid detection of product characteristics and/or the presence or absence of suspected analytes, and the concentration of the analyte. The method and system uses a signal wide band detector that does not require focusing optics in many environments. It can be used for cleaning validation of pharmaceutical products and process equipment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing siRNAs, e.g., in the form of a d-siRNA composition, from dsRNAs are provided. In the subject methods, a dsRNA is contacted with a composition that includes an activity that cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs, where the composition efficiently cleaves dsRNA into siRNAs. siRNAs produced by the subject methods find use in a variety of applications, particularly in applications where the specific reduction or silencing of a gene is desired. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject invention.

Abstract: Methods and kits for identifying novel anti-tumor agents are provided.

Abstract: A removable cover support system and method for supporting a cover of a cover assembly having a cover support extension and a cover flange having cover flange holes has a cover flange securing base assembly having a base member and a securing mechanism slidably insertable through at least one of a cover flange hole of a cover assembly having a cover support extension and a cover flange, a retaining sleeve connected to the securing base assembly, a swingarm assembly rotatably supported by the retaining sleeve, and a lifting mechanism connected to the swingarm assembly. The securing mechanism is operably connected to the base member and the lifting mechanism is operably connected to the cover.

Abstract: Improved molecular vaccines comprise nucleic acid vectors that encode a fusion polypeptide that includes polypeptide or peptide physically linked to an antigen. The linked polypeptide is one that (a) promotes processing of the expressed fusion polypeptide via the MHC class I pathway and/or (b) promotes development or activity of antigen presenting cells, primarily dendritic cells. These vaccines employ one of several types of nucleic acid vectors, each with its own relative advantages: naked DNA plasmids, self-replicating RNA replicons and suicidal DNA-based on viral RNA replicons. Administration of such a vaccine results in enhance immune responses, primarily those mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, directed against the immunizing antigen part of the fusion polypeptide. Such vaccines are useful against tumor antigens, viral antigens and antigens of other pathogenic microorganisms and can be used in the prevention or treatment of diseases that include cancer and infections.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating odor sensitivity, as well as screening methods for detecting compounds that modulate odor sensitivity.

Abstract: A microthermophotovoltaic (micro-TPV) system is a novel micro power device. The system fully utilizes the high surface-to-volume ratio of a microcombustor, and is able to deliver and electrical power output of 0.5-10 W in a package of the order of centimeters. The system comprises mainly a combustor-emitter, a filter, a photovoltaic (PV) cell array, and cooling fins. The combustor-emitter functions to convert chemical energy into radiative heat energy. The filter is able to recycle a large part of the unusable energy that cannot be converted into electricity by the PV cell array. The PV cell array is used to convert radiative heat energy into electricity. The system has no moving parts. Its fabrication and assembly are relatively easy. As a result, it can be readily used as a power source of micro mechanical devices and portable devices, in which convenience and low cost reliability and ease of maintenance are the key factors of consideration.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a positive A-film and a negative A-film between a top polarizer and a bottom polarizer to increase the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display by reducing or eliminating light leakage at voltage-off state when viewed from an oblique angle. Method of increasing the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display by reducing or eliminating light leakage at voltage-off stage when viewed from an oblique angle. The compensation is applicable to use with liquid crystal displays having a liquid crystal layer that is homogenously aligned at off-state when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, such as IPS and FFS mode liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: An injection-locked frequency divider is provided. The injection-locked frequency divider includes a variable reactance unit, a signal injection unit, a first switch, a second switch, a first transformer, and a second transformer. The variable reactance unit, the first switch, the second switch, the first transformer, and the second transformer form a transformer-based LC-tank oscillator. The signal injection unit receives an injection signal. When the injection-locked frequency divider is in a locked state, the transformer-based LC-tank oscillator outputs a frequency division signal. Employing the feedback action of the first transformer and the second transformer, the present invention not only has a wide locking range but also promotes the realization of the low operating voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of ultra-wide band wireless system, which changes the previous electronic structure for ultra-wide band pulse generator, and uses light to generate pulse signal, transformed by microwave differentiator to Gaussian monocycle pulse transmission signal, the derived pulse signal can provide several GHz bandwidth to transmit fast speed information, and further complete the new ultra-wide band wireless system. It reduces the complexity of electronic system and enhances output signal quality by means of light property, with considerable leading advantage. And the signal generated by this system has broader band and no infringe property, its 10 dB band falls within the range prescribed by the Federal Communication Committee of United States (FCC), successfully realizing the ultra wide band fiberoptic wireless collection network system, and further attaining the goal of seamless communication collection.

Abstract: Compositions of matter comprising 5-phenoxyalkoxypsoralen compounds and their method of synthesis and use. The compounds are useable to treat diseases or disorders in human or animal subjects, including autoimmune diseases. The compounds inhibit potassium channels, including the Kv1.3 channel and at least some of the therapeutic effects of such compounds may be due at least in part to potassium channel inhibition. In some embodiments, the compounds are more selective for certain potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.3 channels) than other potassium channels (e.g., Kv1.5 channels).

Abstract: A cylinder (10) of radiation detectors (12) in a diagnostic imaging apparatus detects radiation pairs with corresponding electronic detector channels (22) which have non-uniform time-varying temporal delays. A plurality of calibration radiation sources (20) that concurrently emit radiation pairs is mounted at known positions inside of the cylinder. A temporal correction processor (46) uses the known positions of the calibration sources to determine errors in the relative detection times of radiation pairs from the calibration sources and uses the determined errors to generate corrections for the relative detection times of radiation pairs from radiopharmaceuticals injected in an imaged subject.

Abstract: A method of generating a stereoscopic image is disclosed. The method includes defining at least two, three or more regions in a scene representing a region of interest, a near regions and/or a far region. This is followed by forming an image pair for each region, this image pair containing the information relating to objects in or partially in their respective region. The perceived depth within the regions is altered to provide the ideai or best perceived depth within the region of interest and acceptable or more compressed perceived depths in the other regions. The image pairs are then mapped together to form a display image pair for viewing on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide monobody which includes a modified acid sequence and renders the polypeptide monobody able to bind selectively to ???3 integrin. Fusion proteins and conjugates which include the polypeptide monobody, as well as compositions containing the polypeptide monobody, fusion proteins, or conjugates are also disclosed. Uses thereof include: treating or preventing an ???3 integrin-mediated disease or disorder, inhibiting ???3 integrin activity, treating a cancerous or precancerous condition, imaging tissues using positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, assessing the metastatic characteristics of a tumor, and delivering DNA to a cell.

Abstract: A method for radio interference based sensor localization. In one embodiment, the method has the steps of creating an interference signal from a first transmitter and a second transmitter, measuring phase offsets of the interference signal received by a first receiver and a second receiver, respectively, and determining the locations of the first and second transmitters and the first and second receivers from the measured phase offsets.