Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving a treatment outcome comprising administering a heat shock protein (HSP) preparation or an ?-2-macroglobulin (?2M) preparation with a non-vaccine treatment modality. In particular, an HSP preparation or an ?2M preparation is administered in conjunction with a non-vaccine treatment modality for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases. In the practice of the invention, a preparation comprising HSPs such as but not limited to, hsp70, hsp90 and gp96 alone or in combination with each other, noncovalently or covalently bound to antigenic molecules or ?2M, noncovalently or covalently bound to antigenic molecules is administered in conjunction with a non-vaccine treatment modality.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, compounds, and methods relating to recombinant adenoviral-based polypeptides for treating disorders associated with epithelial tissues.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter, including a hollow housing, a plurality of end shields, a first shield, a second shield, a third shield, a first conductive rod, a second conductive rod, a static contact, and a moving contact. The hollow housing includes an inner wall. The end shields are disposed on an upper end and a lower end of the inner wall of the hollow housing. The hollow housing is double layered and made of ceramic. The first shield, the second shield, and the third shield are disposed on the inner wall between end shields on the upper end and end shields on the lower end of the inner wall in the form of an inward embedment or an outward embedment. The first conductive rod and the second conductive rod are vertically inserted into the hollow housing from a top and a bottom of the hollow housing, respectively.

Abstract: A peptide (Peptide-1) based on the C-terminal of Equine CC10 has been discovered that can be used as a vaccine to protect horses from respiratory airway obstruction (RAO). Antibodies to Peptide-1 may also be administered for short-term passive immunotherapy to RAO-affected horses, and can be used to measure the level of CC10 protein in serum to identify potential RAO horses (horses with reduced CC10). Due to similarities between equine RAO and human asthma, this peptide or its antibodies may also be useful in treatment or prevention of human asthma.

Abstract: An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an ?-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects are disclosed. The system includes an optical imaging system providing a light source; a photosensitive medium adapted to change states upon exposure to a portion of the light source from the optical imaging system; a control system for controlling movement of the optical imaging system, wherein the optical imaging system moves continuously above the photosensitive medium. The method includes moving a maskless optical imaging system providing the light beam in a continuous sequence; presenting the light beam on a portion of the photosensitive medium; lowering a plate upon which the photosensitive medium resides; and applying a new layer of the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for protecting a kidney from renal injury. For example, acute renal injury may be associated with decreased or blocked blood flow in the subject's kidney or exposure to a nephrotoxic agent, such as a radiocontrast dye. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, novel superparamagnetic magneto-dielectric polymer nanocomposites are synthesized using a novel process. The tunability of the dielectric/magnetic properties demonstrated by this novel polymer nanocomposite, when an external DC magnetic field is applied, exceeds what has been previously reported for magneto-dielectric polymer nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: A gas sensor operable at ambient conditions, the sensor includes functionalized feather-like tellurium (Te) nanostructures on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) networks.

Abstract: A dishwashing system for cleaning soiled kitchenware, dishware and utensils is provided. The dishwashing system uses a combination of compressed air and blasting media to thoroughly remove grease and loose as well as hardened food particles from soiled surfaces, without hand tool scrubbing, manual rinsing, or use of soap, detergent, surfactants or other chemicals, whether in pre-soaking or cleaning. This heavy-duty dishwashing system accomplishes this thorough cleaning using no or a minuscule quantity of water. The overall energy requirements are low compared to existing systems due to elimination of water, reduction of the heating load and possible use of the heat of incineration. The dishwashing system may include a system for reclaiming used blasting media by separation from food residues. The dishwashing system is most appropriate for locations where freshwater is unavailable or costly, such as arid zones and aboard ships, and where disposal of gray water is impermissible.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polymer devices impregnated with semiochemical attractants for termites. The materials for delivering the semiochemicals are preferably cellulose-free. Devices of the subject invention are placed in soil and provide a slow-release and permeation of the semiochemicals into the adjacent soil so that termites tunneling in the vicinity are directed toward the chemical sources. Because the semiochemicals are impregnated in the polymer, the device also protects the semiochemicals so that they do not degrade rapidly under field conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention comprises a durable station housing, preferably with a removable bait, wherein the body of the station housing itself is impregnated with a semiochemical attractant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF19 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for their use as additives for reducing the sulfur content of FCC gasoline employ a support material montmorillonite clay material. A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) mixture, therefore, is provided comprising an FCC catalyst and separate particles of sulfur reduction additive consisting of porous montmorillonite clay.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotides encoding polypeptides with mutations leading to amino acid substitutions linked to hereditary kidney disease or malformation of the urinary tract are provided herein. Constructs, cells, probes and inhibitory molecules comprising these mutations are also provided and may be used in screening assays for candidate agents to treat or reverse these diseases or alternatively to provide diagnostic tests. Methods of diagnosing subjects likely to develop these diseases or to be carriers of these diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and in particular MSCs pretreated with pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) or analogs and fragments of PACAP, for treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, and for the improvement of affective and cognitive function in a normal individual or in an individual suffering from a neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disease.

Abstract: Methods for forming activated platelet gels using nsPEF's and applying the activated gels to wounds, such as heart tissue after myocardial infarction. The platelets are activated by applying at least one nsPEF with a duration between about 10 picoseconds to 1 microsecond and electrical field strengths between about 10 kV/cm and 350 kV/cm.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of obtaining volatile hydrocarbons produced by photosynthetic microorganisms using a two-phase gaseous/aqueous bioreactor.

Abstract: A wakefulness-maintaining device capable of maintaining a driver's wakefulness by making the driver aware of changes in sound characteristics.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component shaped for implantation into a bone, a second component intended for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells, and a third component intended for location exterior to the skin surface having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of producing fine particulate alkali metal niobate in a liquid phase system, wherein the size and shape of particles of the fine particulate alkali metal niobate can be controlled; and fine particulate alkali metal niobate having a controlled shape and size. Specifically disclosed are a method of producing particulate sodium-potassium niobate represented by the formula (1): NaxK(1-x)NbO3 (1), the method including four specific steps, wherein a high-concentration alkaline solution containing Na+ ion and K+ ion is used as an alkaline solution; and particulate sodium-potassium niobate having a controlled shape and size.