Abstract: Polyampholytes including fibronectin and aggrecan are made to aggregate and form fibrillar lattice networks environment free of cells, extraneous proteins and other materials which may be present in an extracellular matrix. A composition having sufficient charge density is utilized to cause aggregation and self-assembly of such polyampholytes and to provide an assay for determining the effects of environmental agents on such aggregation and self-assembly.

Abstract: A system for generating tunable pulsed monochromatic X-rays includes a tabletop laser emitting a light beam that is counter-propagated against an electron beam produced by a linear accelerator. X-ray photon pulses are generated by inverse Compton scattering that occurs as a consequence of the “collision” that occurs between the electron beam and IR photons generated by the laser. The system uses a novel pulse structure comprising, for example, a single micropulse. In this way, pulses of very short X-rays are generated that are controllable on an individual basis with respect to their frequency, energy level, “direction,” and duration.

Abstract: Method and system for diagnosing and treating thalamocortical dysrhythmia. Thalamocortical dysrhythmia occurs when unbalanced neural activity occurs due to the rise of low frequency (approximately 4-8 Hz) and high frequency (approximately 20-50 Hz) neuronal oscillation activity simultaneously within awake individuals. The underlying mechanism that causes thalamocortical dysrhythmia is abnormal input into thalamic cells, which causes a low-frequency shift, increased amplitude, and increased frequency correlation of neuronal oscillation at the cortical and thalamic levels. The present invention measures the neuronal activity at the cortical level, filters these measurements, and performs a Fourier transform to transfer neuronal oscillation data into the frequency domain. The present invention then selects at least one reference baseline based on the characteristics of control subjects that do not have thalamocortical dysrhythmia and/or patients that have thalamocortical dysrhythmia.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a CO2-philic analog of a CO2-phobic compound, includes the step of: reacting the CO2-phobic compound with a CO2-philic compound selected from the group of a polyether substituted with at least one side group including preferably a Lewis base, a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate substituted with at least one side group including preferably a Lewis base, a vinyl polymer substituted with at least one side group including preferably a Lewis base a poly(ether-ester) or a poly(ether-ester) substituted with at least one side group including preferably a Lewis base, to create the CO2-philic analog. A method of synthesizing a CO2-phile includes the step of copolymerizing at least two monomers, wherein a polymer formed from homopolymerization of one of the monomers has a Tg of less than approximately 250 K and a steric factor less than approximately 1.

Abstract: The present invention is for particulate compositions and methods for producing them that can absorb or scatter electromagnetic radiation. The particles are homogeneous in size and are comprised of a nonconducting inner layer that is surrounded by an electrically conducting material. The ratio of the thickness of the nonconducting layer to the thickness of the outer conducting shell is determinative of the wavelength of maximum absorbance or scattering of the particle. Unique solution phase methods for synthesizing the particles involve linking clusters of the conducting atoms, ions, or molecules to the nonconducting inner layer by linear molecules. This step can be followed by growth of the metal onto the clusters to form a coherent conducting shell that encapsulates the core.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for semi-automatically registering low signal to noise ratio relaxation-time images, with particular application to tracking motion in moving organs and quantifying myocardial perfusion reserve. For each image acquired in a time series, a corresponding high signal to noise ratio image is extrapolated from the collected data. The high signal to noise ratio images are registered to track motion, and the resulting registration data is copied onto the corresponding relaxation time image.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a machine for significant deviations from normal operations include collecting, at a first processing element, sensor data about the machine. The first processing element performs narrowband frequency domain processing to determine a segment of sensor data that indicates a deviation from normal operations that exceeds a threshold deviation. A message including the segment of sensor data is sent to a second processing element. In response to receiving the message, the second processing element performs different narrowband frequency domain processing to determine whether the deviation from normal operations is significant for maintaining the machine. If the deviation from normal operations is determined to be significant for maintaining the machine, then the deviation is reported to cause the machine to be maintained.

Abstract: A viewing enhancement lens (18-NAIL) which functions to increase the numerical aperture or light gathering or focusing power of viewing optics such as a microscope (26) used to view structure within a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer or chip or of imaging optics such as media recorders. The result is to increase the resolution of the system by a factor of between n, and n2, where n is the index of retraction of the lens substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling multilevel entities such as atoms, ions or molecules as well as entities with no apparent internal structure. Cooling is achieved by coherent scattering, where the frequency of the emitted radiation exceeds the frequency of the illumination radiation. Such coherent scattering is achieved by placing the entities in a resonator containing in which the cavity length and mirror coating are selected to support a resonant radiation. The entities are illuminated with an illumination radiation whose energy is lower than that of the resonant radiation supported by the resonator by a certain detuning energy selected such that coherent scattering of resonant radiation from the entities at a higher frequency than that of the illumination radiation is promoted by the resonator. As a result of the coherent scattering energy is carried away from the entities and they are cooled.

Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Abstract: A chewing gum composition produced by mixing an effective amount of lysin enzyme produced by group C streptococcal bacteria infected with a C1 bacteriophage and a carrier for delivering said lysin enzyme to a mouth, throat, or nasal passage.

Abstract: Disclosed are analogues of trimethine cyanine dyes which are useful for imparting fluorescent properties to target materials by covalent and non-covalent association.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of injecting a class of lipid soluble radioactive metal chelate compounds for intratumoral treatment of malignant, benign, metastatic, or inoperable tumors.

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstruction in a flow duct is provided. The method includes the steps of directing gas through at least one port of the flow duct, measuring a flow noise level of the gas directed through the at least one port, and comparing the noise level with a predetermined noise level. In the event that the flow noise level exceeds the predetermined noise level by at least a threshold amount, then the method includes the step of indicating the presence of an obstruction in the at least one port.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) includes a semiconductor device having a pair of mirror portions, an active region, a tunnel junction, a pair of cladding layers and a substrate. Heat generated by the VCSEL dissipates through the cladding layers, which utilize an indium phosphide material. The VCSEL also includes selective etches that are used to aperture the active region to allow electric current to be injected into the active region.

Abstract: Specific genetic deletions are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the M. tuberculosis genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to M. tb. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular M. tb isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from M. bovis or M. tuberculosis to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: An optical waveguide element has plural spherical bodies arranged in straight or curve with diameters of not more than 100 &mgr;m made of transparent uniform glass. The optical waveguide element may have plural spherical bodies arranged in straight or curve as are viewed from their ends with diameters of not more than 100 &mgr;m made of transparent uniform glass.

Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved methods for the localized delivery of heat and the use thereof for the repair of tissue. The method involves localized induction of hyperthermia in tissue or materials by delivering nanoparticles to the tissue or materials and exposing the nanoparticles to an excitation source under conditions wherein they emit heat. The generation of heat effects the joining of the tissue or materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and use of super-infective, tumor-specific vectors that are strains of parasites including, but not limited to bacteria, fungi and protists. In certain embodiments the parasites include, but are not limited to, the bacterium Salmonella spp., such as Salmonella typhimurium, the bacterium Mycobacterium avium and the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. In other embodiments, the present invention is concerned with the isolation of super-infective, tumor-specific, suicide gene-containing strains of parasites for use in treatment of solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-neoplastic and anti-psoriasis pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment and to insecticidal compositions and methods of controlling the growth of insects.