Abstract: The invention is a general method for improving the performance of the DNA-based vaccines. The method utilizes a complex DNA-generated profile of antigens to extend the effects of DNA-based vaccines and to broaden the immune response. This broadened immune response in turn improves the protection of the recipient from divergent (but related) strains of a pathogen. In addition, it effectively improves the efficacy of DNA-based vaccines used for treatment of viral diseases, including acquired immunity disorder (AIDS). One embodiment, where the target viral pathogen is HIV (the causative agent for aids), the method identifies an orderly set of plasmids of related sequences that may be used to prime a broad and strong immune response to HLA-restricted viral antigens. This mixture of plasmids is thus capable of priming an appropriate immune response to reduce the viral burden in HIV infected patients or to protect uninfected patients from HIV infection.

Abstract: Systems for locating implanted in vivo sensors systems adapted for use with an external beam radiation therapy delivery source include: (a) an external solenoid member; (b) an articulated arm opertively associated with the external solenoid member, wherein, in operation, the articulated arm is configured to translate the solenoid; (c) a controller configured to direct the movement of the articulated arm, the controller being in communication with the power source configured to power the external solenoid; (d) at least one implantable sensors unit, wherein the at least one implantable sensor unit is configured to sense at least one predetermined parameter of interest in vivo, and wherein the at least one implantable sensor unit comprises a solenoid, and wherein, in operation, the sensor unit solenoid corporates with the external solenoid to generate a magnetic coupling signal having a signal strength that varies based on the possession of the external solenoid member relative to the implanted sensors unit; (e)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic apparatus and method for automating the spreading of a biologic sample on a plate, wherein the robot includes at least one effector arm to hold and shake the plate and a pipetting arm to deliver the sample to the plate. The present invention also includes the spreading of the biologic sample being assisted by at least one bead being rolled on the interior bottom surface of the plate and then removed from the plate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.

Abstract: A series/parallel resonant converter includes a resonant control circuit 1 that outputs a pair of alternately high gate drive signals G.sub.1, G.sub.2 ; switches in the form of isolated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2 ; diodes D.sub.1, D.sub.2 ; a pair of resonant capacitors C.sub.R ; a series resonant inductor L.sub.RS ; a load 2; a zero current detector 4; a bus 6, 6'; and a parallel resonant inductor L.sub.RP in parallel with the load. The input line current and voltage are converted into an alternating current I.sub.LOAD and voltage V.sub.LOAD for driving the load 2. The load 2 may include a transformer T.sub.1, half bridge rectifier, capacitor, and PWM inverter.

Abstract: A gate-drive circuit (10) is an interface between a clock (12) and control circuit (14) and a circuit (16) comprising an isolated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices. The clock (12) provides two complementary clock signals (CLK1, CLK2) to the gate-drive circuit (10); the control circuit provides a signal (ENABLE) for turning the gate-drive circuit on and off, and the gate-drive circuit outputs isolated supply voltages (+RAIL, -RAIL), a drive signal (GATE), and a common reference signal (EMITTER). The control signal is sent across an isolation boundary via a 2-MHz push-pull converter in the gate-drive circuit (10). A transformer (T1) in the gate-drive circuit provides the isolation boundary. The power required to switch the IGBT device (16) is sent through the same 2-MHz converter. The secondary of the 2-MHz push-pull transformer (T1) is referenced to the IGBT emitter.