Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: A solid state nanopore device including two or more materials and a method for fabricating the same. The device includes a solid state insulating membrane having an exposed surface, a conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the exposed surface of the solid state membrane, and a nanopore penetrating an area of the conductive material and at least a portion of the solid state membrane. During fabrication a conductive material is applied on a portion of a solid state membrane surface, and a nanopore of a first diameter is formed. When the surface is exposed to an ion beam, material from the membrane and conductive material flows to reduce the diameter of the nanopore. A method for evaluating a polymer molecule using the solid state nanopore device is also described. The device is contacted with the polymer molecule and the molecule is passed through the nanopore, allowing each monomer of the polymer molecule to be monitored.

Abstract: A solid state nanopore device including two or more materials and a method for fabricating the same. The device includes a solid state insulating membrane having an exposed surface, a conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the exposed surface of the solid state membrane, and a nanopore penetrating an area of the conductive material and at least a portion of the solid state membrane. During fabrication a conductive material is applied on a portion of a solid state membrane surface, and a nanopore of a first diameter is formed. When the surface is exposed to an ion beam, material from the membrane and conductive material flows to reduce the diameter of the nanopore. A method for evaluating a polymer molecule using the solid state nanopore device is also described. The device is contacted with the polymer molecule and the molecule is passed through the nanopore, allowing each monomer of the polymer molecule to be monitored.

Abstract: Provided is a cancer therapeutic agent comprising a cancer targeting molecule linked to a liver-expressed chemokine (LEC). In one embodiment, the cancer targeting molecule is an antibody that targets cancer cells or tumors in vivo. The cancer targeting molecule is associated non-covalently or covalently with LEC. The cancer therapeutic agents of the invention are useful for the treatment of cancer in an individual by reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in an individual and/or by inhibiting the development of metastasis. The effectiveness of the therapy using the LEC cancer therapeutic agents can be increased by reducing the activity of immunoregulatory T cells and/or by adoptively transferring immune T cells.

Abstract: For controlling a physical dimension of a solid state structural feature, a solid state structure is provided, having a surface and having a structural feature. The structure is exposed to a first periodic flux of ions having a first exposure duty cycle characterized by a first ion exposure duration and a first nonexposure duration for the first duty cycle, and then at a second periodic flux of ions having a second exposure duty cycle characterized by a second ion exposure duration and a second nonexposure duration that is greater than the first nonexposure duration, for the second duty cycle, to cause transport, within the structure including the structure surface, of material of the structure to the structural feature in response to the ion flux exposure to change at least one physical dimension of the feature substantially by locally adding material of the structure to the feature.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: For controlling a physical dimension of a solid state structural feature, a solid state structure is provided, having a surface and having a structural feature. The structure is exposed to a first periodic flux of ions having a first exposure duty cycle characterized by a first ion exposure duration and a first nonexposure duration for the first duty cycle, and then at a second periodic flux of ions having a second exposure duty cycle characterized by a second ion exposure duration and a second nonexposure duration that is greater than the first nonexposure duration, for the second duty cycle, to cause transport, within the structure including the structure surface, of material of the structure to the structural feature in response to the ion flux exposure to change at least one physical dimension of the feature substantially by locally adding material of the structure to the feature.

Abstract: Provided is a cancer therapeutic agent comprising a cancer targeting molecule linked to a liver-expressed chemokine (LEC). In one embodiment, the cancer targeting molecule is an antibody that targets cancer cells or tumors in vivo. The cancer targeting molecule is associated non-covalently or covalently with LEC. The cancer therapeutic agents of the invention are useful for the treatment of cancer in an individual by reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in an individual and/or by inhibiting the development of metastasis. The effectiveness of the therapy using the LEC cancer therapeutic agents can be increased by reducing the activity of immunoregulatory T cells and/or by adoptively transferring immune T cells.

Abstract: A solid state structure having a surface is provided and exposed to a flux, F, of incident ions under conditions that are selected based on: ∂ ∂ t ⁢ C ⁡ ( r , t ) = F ⁢   ⁢ Y 1 + D ⁢ ∇ 2 ⁢ C - C τ trap - F ⁢   ⁢ C ⁢   ⁢ &sigm

Abstract: A solid state structure having a surface is provided and is exposed to a flux, F, of incident ions.

Abstract: There is provided controlled fabrication of a solid state structural feature on a solid state structure by exposing the structure to a fabrication process environment the conditions of which are selected to produce a prespecified feature in the structure. A physical detection species is directed toward a designated structure location during process environment exposure of the structure, and the detection species is detected in a trajectory from traversal of the designated structure location, to indicate changing physical dimensions of the prespecified feature. The fabrication process environment is then controlled in response to the physical species detection to fabricate the structural feature.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) and an associated function remotely control convenience functions at a vehicle (16). A receiver/controller (14), located at the vehicle (16), receives vehicle remote convenience function request signals (30) that convey remote function request messages and controls vehicle systems (e.g., 48, 50, 52, and 68) to perform the remotely requested vehicle functions. The receiver/controller (14) includes a messaging processing portion (110) for providing a signal (e.g., 128/130) to activate an at-vehicle alarm component (e.g., 50/52) and for providing a signal (132) to activate a remote assistance-summoning component (68). A portable transmitter outputs the remote convenience function request signals (30) to cause remote control performance. The transmitter (12) includes a manually actuatable emergency pushbutton switch (94). The switch (94) is actuatable in a first operation mode (e.g.