Abstract: To measure a convex mirror, a reference beam and a measurement beam are both provided through a single optical fiber. A positive auxiliary lens is placed in the system to give a converging wavefront onto the convex mirror under test. A measurement is taken that includes the aberrations of the convex mirror as well as the errors due to two transmissions through the positive auxiliary lens. A second, measurement provides the information to eliminate this error. A negative lens can also be measured in a similar way. Again, there are two measurement set-ups. A reference beam is provided from a first optical fiber and a measurement beam is provided from a second optical fiber. A positive auxiliary lens is placed in the system to provide a converging wavefront from the reference beam onto the negative lens under test. The measurement beam is combined with the reference wavefront and is analyzed by standard methods.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: A wood composite board or panel, such as particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board or waferboard and a method of producing the same. The composite board or panel comprises a plurality of wood pieces, thermoset resin to bind the wood pieces and a filler having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such a filler include natural and synthetic graphites, metal, carbon, silicon carbide and other similar compounds and their mixtures.

Abstract: Provided are agents that can bind to copper, and form a tripartite complex with protein, and the use of these agents in the prevention and treatment of diseases with a vascular component, such as solid tumors. Compositions and methods for combination therapy of these diseases, including cancer, as well as therapeutic kits, are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new methods which make it possible, for the first time, to grow functional islet-producing stem cells (IPSCs), islet progenitor cells (IPCs) and IPC-derived islets (IdIs) in in vitro cultures. The subject invention also concerns the use of the in vitro grown IPSCs, IPCs and/or IdIs for implantation into a mammal for in vivo therapy of diabetes. The subject invention further concerns a process of using the implanted cells for growing a pancreas-like structure in vivo that has the same functional, morphological and histological characteristics as those observed in normal pancreatic endocrine tissue. The ability to grow these cells in vitro and pancreas-like structures in vivo opens up important new avenues for research and therapy relating to diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a Plasmid Maintenance System for the stabilization of expression plasmids encoding foreign antigens, and methods for making and using the Plasmid Maintenance System. The invention optimizes the maintenance of expression plasmids at two independent levels by: (1) removing sole dependence on balanced lethal maintenance functions; and (2) incorporating at least one plasmid partition function to prevent random segregation of expression plasmids, thereby enhancing their inheritance and stability. The Plasmid Maintenance System may be employed within a plasmid which has been recombinantly engineered to express a variety of expression products.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds that inhibit MMPs; methods for treating or preventing cancer, angiogenesis, arthritis, connective tissue disease, cardiovascular disease, inflammation or autoimmune disease in a mammal; a method for inhibiting a matrix metalloproteinase in vivo or in vitro; and a method for imaging a tumor in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers. The nucleoside enantiomer (−)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-flurocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane is an effective antiviral agent against HIV, HBV, and other viruses replicating in a similar manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a volatile composition, which comprises dispersing the composition into an air stream and generating an ion wind, thereby causing the molecules of the composition to become electrically charged. The composition can be an insect repellent, an insecticide, an anti-microbial, an anti-allergenic or a room-fragrancing composition.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of microarray technology. In particular, the invention provides an integrated microarray device, which device comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of distinct microlocations and a plurality of microarray chips, wherein the number of said microlocations equals to or is more than the number of said microarray chips. In preferred embodiments, the devices also comprises a temperature controller at some or all of the microlocations. The use of the integrated microarray devices for detecting interactions among various moieties in various fields, such as clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, environmental monitoring and forensic analysis, etc., are further provided.

Abstract: A method for mixing an in-situ aluminum matrix composite with an aluminum-litium alloy via the spray deposition process to obtain an Al—Li composite.

Abstract: Adapters configured to engage with conventional oral inhalers or inhalers with valved-holding chambers for laryngectomized subjects can sealably engage with the mouthpiece of same. The adapter can be configured and sized to slide onto conventional devices. The adapter is configured to enter the opening in the neck of a user a sufficient operative depth to facilitate delivery of the inhalant into the air passage and generally downwardly toward the pulmonary region or lower airway.

Abstract: The present invention features a human neurogenin3 (Ngn3) polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding Ngn3 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In addition, the invention features isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising an Ngn3 promoter, as well as a polynucleotide sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human Ngn3 polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for promotion of cell death in tumor cells using tricylo-dibenzo-diazocine-dioxides that bind to a pocket of Bcl-2 and block the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic function. A method of use of a compound of the general structural Formula (I) for use in treatment of cancer: wherein X and Y, and R and R1, and R2, R3, R4 and R5, and A and A1, have any of the values defined in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for analyzing particles using an impedance sensor. A flow-through impedance sensor may use two in-line electrodes driven in counter phase. A common sensor electrode may be used to, for example, detect impedance and determine trajectories through the sensor area. The sensor may be used in a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to use with microfluidic devices for determining particle characteristics such as position, velocity, size, and concentration as well as detection of bacterial spores and other biological agents of potential use in warfare and bio-terrorism.

Abstract: The present invention provides cytotoxic Epstein-Barr virus T-cell epitopes. These epitopes are QVKWRMTTL, VFSDGRVAC, VPAPAGPIV, TYSAGIVQI, LLDFVRFMGV, QNGALAINTF, VSSDGRVAC, VSSEGRVAC, VSSDGRVPC, VSSDGLVAC, VSSDGQVAC, VSSDGRVVC, VPAPPVGPIV, VEITPYEPTG, VEITPYEPTW, VELTPYKPTW, RRIYDLIKL, RKIYDLIEL and PYLFWLAGI. The present invention further provides vaccines including one or more of these epitopes, optionally with additional epitopes.

Abstract: A spin filter is composed of a first magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure, a second magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure and a non-magnetic semiconductor quantum well structure which is located between the first magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure and the second magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure. The first magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure and the second magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure are split in spin state. Carriers in down-spin state are penetrated through the first magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure and carriers in up-spin state are penetrated through the second magnetic semiconductor multi-quantum well structure.

Abstract: Peptides derived from amino acids 307 to 356 of the human blood coagulation factor Va are provided. Such peptides comprise: i) a length of between 3 and 50 amino acids, ii) a minimum of 3 contiguous amino acids from the 307-356 heavy chain region of factor Va, excluding peptide segments comprising amino acids 311 to 325 and amino acids 321 to 335, iii) optional additional amino acids at one or both ends of the contiguous amino acids such that the entire peptide is at least 60% identical to a sequence within 307 to 356 of factor Va, and iv) have an IC50 of between 50 nM to 500 &mgr;M for inhibition of prothrombinase. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prothrombinase-inhibiting peptide segments. The present invention also provides administration of the pharmaceutical composition to human subjects for the purpose of preventing thrombotic disorders.

Abstract: A strategy for immunizing against amyloid plaques using display technology. The strategy includes methods, agents, and pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) which rely upon presentation of an antigen or epitope on a display vehicle. The strategy further includes methods, agents, and pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) which rely upon presentation of an antibody, or an active portion thereof, on a display vehicle. Whether antigens or antibodies are employed, desegregation of plaques results from the immunization.