Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells. Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam. In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring concentricity between a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a fixture having a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element is configured to apply force in an orthogonal direction to the second spring element. A sensor is mounted to the fixture, and the sensor is configured to measure a distance to the second component. The fixture is configured to slide substantially inside a groove of the first component.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring concentricity between a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a fixture having a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element is configured to apply force in an orthogonal direction to the second spring element. A sensor is mounted to the fixture, and the sensor is configured to measure a distance to the second component. The fixture is configured to slide substantially inside a groove of the first component.

Abstract: A bearing manipulator for supporting and manipulating a bearing is provided. In one embodiment, the bearing manipulator includes a frame having at least one adjustable roller to support the bearing, and at least one adjustable arm to secure the bearing to the frame. The bearing manipulator further includes a motor configured to incrementally rotate the bearing.

Abstract: A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6-phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA2?) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autoimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD65, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Abstract: A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6-phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA2?) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autioimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD65, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells, Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam-In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

Abstract: A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6-phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA2?) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autioimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD65, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Abstract: Described is the identification of ZnT8 as an autoantigen target in type I autoimmune diabetes (T1D), other autoimmune disease, and other diabetes-linked diseases and conditions. Also described are a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic tools and methods based on this discovery. The identification of genetic variation in ZnT8 as an important player in the initiation of the disease process and the progression of autoimmunity to clinical diabetes is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6 phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA-2) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autoimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD65, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Abstract: A system configured to detect faults in signal lines. A system includes a first component configured to communicate with a second component via a signal path including one or more signal traces. Sense signal lines are manufactured such that at some point they are in close proximity to a signal trace which is to be monitored. The sense signal lines are configured to use parasitic coupling to redirect a portion of a signal conveyed via a signal trace to a monitoring component. The first component is configured to convey a test signal indicative of a type of test via the signal path, and a reference signal to the monitoring component. The monitoring component is configured to utilize the reference signal to ascertain a presence or absence, or characteristics of a received redirected signal. The monitoring component may optionally utilize a locally generated reference signal.

Abstract: A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.

Abstract: A structure and method of manufacture for a sorber, wherein a mass of sorbent contained in a sorber enclosure comprises a plurality of sorbent disks stacked in face-to-face relation. The sorbent disks are formed from a solid sorbent material such as zeolite and contain surface features in at least one face of each disk which, when the disks are stacked, form passageways by which sorbate is distributed throughout the mass of sorbent material. In one embodiment, each sorbent disk is annular in shape and has a plurality of radial grooves which extend from the periphery of the disk to the aperture through the center of the disk. The disks are stacked face-to-face and an inner conductor is inserted through the center apertures of the disks. This assembly is then inserted into a conductive housing and is enclosed by a pair of end plugs or caps which are secured to the housing. A port in one of the end caps allows sorbate to enter and exit the sorber enclosure.

Abstract: A method for bonding diamond heat distribution structures to integrated circuit packages using optical contacting. In one embodiment, a heat spreader comprising diamond slab has a flat contact surface which is polished to a high degree of smoothness. An integrated circuit's package also has a flat contact surface which is polished to a high degree of smoothness. The contact surfaces of the diamond slab and the package are thoroughly cleaned and are then placed in contact with each other, establishing an optical contact bond between them. In one embodiment, the contact surfaces of the diamond and package which are to be bonded together are first polished, then a layer of an intermediate material such as silicon carbide is deposited on the polished surfaces. The silicon carbide layers on the contact surfaces are cleaned and placed in contact with each other to establish an optical contact bond.

Abstract: A diamond foam article comprises diamond deposited material on a substrate having an open contiguous structure that permits the flow of fluids in at least one direction through the material. Methods for forming a diamond foam article comprise providing a foam substrate; preparing the foam substrate for diamond deposition; and depositing diamond material on the foam substrate by one of several diamond deposition methods.

Abstract: A device is provided for attachment to the existing snap portions on a helmet such as a motorcycle helmet. Design elements are presented on a display member, and in some embodiments the display member extends across several helmet snap portions. One embodiment incorporates helmet accessories, such as visors, while still providing the outward presentation of the design elements on the display member.

Abstract: A graphitic carbon foam material may have application as a heat sink or heat spreader for an integrated circuit. The graphitic carbon foam material may be coupled directly to an integrated circuit by a number of different methods. The graphitic carbon foam material may be disposed within a chamber such that a heat exchange fluid may be directed through the graphitic carbon foam material.

Abstract: An optical interconnect is provided that optically connects two adjacent printed circuit boards, or electrical component. The optical interconnect includes a floating frame which is flexibly connected to one electrical component. The floating frame includes a plurality of optical guides. The optical guides are connected to the electrical component either electronically or optically. A second frame, coupled to a second electrical component also contains a plurality of optical guides. A mechanical guide assembly positions the first frame and the second frame are optically coupled. The optical guide in the second frame connects to the second electrical component providing a path for a signal from the first electrical component to the second electrical component.

Abstract: A graphitic carbon foam material may have application as a heat sink or heat spreader for an integrated circuit. The graphitic carbon foam material may be coupled directly to an integrated circuit by a number of different methods. The graphitic carbon foam material may be disposed within a chamber such that a heat exchange fluid may be directed through the graphitic carbon foam material.

Abstract: A method for bonding diamond heat distribution structures to integrated circuit packages using optical contacting. In one embodiment, a heat spreader comprising diamond slab has a flat contact surface which is polished to a high degree of smoothness. An integrated circuit's package also has a flat contact surface which is polished to a high degree of smoothness. The contact surfaces of the diamond slab and the package are thoroughly cleaned and are then placed in contact with each other, establishing an optical contact bond between them. In one embodiment, the contact surfaces of the diamond and package which are to be bonded together are first polished, then a layer of an intermediate material such as silicon carbide is deposited on the polished surfaces. The silicon carbide layers on the contact surfaces are cleaned and placed in contact with each other to establish an optical contact bond.