Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are misfolded or partially misfolded proteins surrounding a metallic nanocluster, termed “proteon nucleation center” (PNC). Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form.

Abstract: A system and method for passive collection of oil from water based on a density differential. A sealed column of water is elevated above the oil/water surface within a low pressure contained volume, and oil moves upward into the contained volume displacing the water due to the lower density of the oil. Filled containers of oil are exchanged for containers of water, or oil is transferred from the filled containers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.

Abstract: An illumination system for a microscope, including a light source for generating light to illuminate a sample for microscopic observation, at least one collimating lens for collimating light generated by the light source, and a darkfield condenser for receiving collimated light and directing a hollow cone of light onto the sample under observation. The system optionally includes an adapter for enhancing economy of light transmission from the light source to the specimen, the adapter having a centrally disposed spacer and a plurality of optical fibers surrounding the spacer, to generate a hollow cylinder of light for transmission to the darkfield condenser. The system provides improved resolution and contrast, and is well suited for adaptation to fluorescence microscopy techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is a dark field illumination system including a light source which is fixed on an entrance slit of a condenser and an objective aligned with the condenser such that the objective and the condenser are adjusted to find a focus spot on a sample. The present invention essentially uses structured illumination to achieve an improved illumination system. The present invention also includes a system and method wherein the objective is coupled to an iris and aligned with the condenser such that when the iris is closed only dark field images are produced, and when the iris is open, direct entrance of light is allowed into the objective and bright field illumination is produced.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.