Abstract: A smart lifting device, a system, and a related and method for evaluating a duty cycle status of a lifting device suspendable from a support for lifting loads are disclosed. The subject matter may include attaching a load to a base member; lifting the base member and the load using the support; monitoring parameters related to the lifting step using at least one sensor and a lift monitor attached to the base member, the at least one sensor detecting at least an instance of lifting; and reporting information related to the determined parameters. The device and system may include base members and lift monitors with sensors and/or communications devices, as well as optional computer interfaces.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against an influenza virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of hemagglutinin polypeptides bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate, each hemagglutinin polypeptide having a hemagglutinin epitope. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting influenza immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against an influenza virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of hemagglutinin polypeptides bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate, each hemagglutinin polypeptide having a hemagglutinin epitope. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting influenza immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against an influenza virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of hemagglutinin polypeptides bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate, each hemagglutinin polypeptide having a hemagglutinin epitope. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting influenza immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against an influenza virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of hemagglutinin polypeptides bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate, each hemagglutinin polypeptide having a hemagglutinin epitope. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting influenza immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: A load cell is presented that has a load cell housing defining an interior cavity. The load cell housing also defines an bore in a first exterior face. In another aspect, the load cell has a load member positioned within the interior cavity, where a load knob protrudes out of the bore and above the first exterior face. In one aspect, the load cell also has a first electrode and a second electrode positioned within the interior cavity. In another aspect, a conductive polymer element is positioned therebetween the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of inhibiting CD8+ T cell deletion by the liver via the use of Toll-like receptor-4 inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions of Toll-like receptor-4 inhibitors and either immunogenic agents or activated CD8+ T cells, which can be used to enhance secondary immune responses in normal and immunocompromised subjects. The administration of Toll-like receptor-4 inhibitors, alone or in combination with one or both of immunogenic agents or activated CD8+ T cells, to subjects to enhance secondary immune responses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against an influenza virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of hemagglutinin polypeptides bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate, each hemagglutinin polypeptide having a hemagglutinin epitope. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting influenza immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods evaluating efficacy of an immune response by assessing alpha-1 integrin, screening for, and manufacturing those therapeutic agents. Described herein the presence of VLA-1+ (positive) T cells indicates an effective immune response. Also disclosed are methods of screening for antigens that induce the production of VLA-1+ (positive) T cells, methods of isolating the antigens, and methods using the antigens identified in the screening methods to treat a subject with a disease.

Abstract: A novel device and method are provided herein for the production of underwater sound. This device, termed a plasma jet underwater acoustic source includes a central electrode and a concentric insulator having a longitudinal bore to accommodate the central electrode, the bore being spaced from the central electrode by a longitudinally-extending annular chamber. A plasma cavity is bounded at its upper end by the central electrode, and is in communication with the annular chamber. The cavity is adapted to be connected to a gas supply, so that it may be filled with gas. An outer housing of electrically-conductive material surrounds the insulator and terminates in a centrally-apertured end plate whose central aperture provides an extension to the plasma cavity, the end plate being adapted to be grounded.