Abstract: The invention relates to liquid chromatography techniques for rapidly characterizing samples, such as polymer solutions, emulsions and dispersions, and to devices for implementing such techniques. The system includes a design that provides the ability to perform chromatographic separations by using mobile phase composition gradients and temperature gradients during separations. The invention accomplishes this by providing mixing zones for a plurality of fluids as well as heated and chilled feeds feeding the fluids to the mixing zones. Additionally, the system provides the ability to analyze separated components with a detector and/or collect separated fractions into vessels of a fraction collector for further separation and/or analysis.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving items in a direction is disclosed herein. The conveyor may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is not perpendicular to the direction. A first pulley and a second pulley may be located proximate the second end with a connector connecting the first pulley to the second pulley. A first belt extends between the first end and the first pulley. A second belt extends between the first end and the second pulley. The second belt is longer than the first belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a vessel block comprising reactor vessels for receiving components of a reaction and a valve block removably attached to the vessel block. The valve block includes a first plurality of valves in fluid communication with an inlet port for supplying pressurized fluid to the reactor vessels and configured to fluidically isolate one or more of the reactor vessels from at least one of the other reactor vessels. The valve block further includes a second plurality of valves in fluid communication with the reactor vessels for injecting chemical components into the pressurized reactor vessels or sampling chemical components from the pressurized reactor vessels. The vessel block and valve block are configured to sustain an operating pressure of at least 15 psig.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor generally includes a plurality of reactor vessels and a plurality of valves configured to allow flow into the reactor vessels when a gas is supplied to the reactor at a pressure higher than a pressure within the reactor vessels and restrict flow from the reactor vessels. A method includes inserting chemical components into the reactor vessels, supplying a first gas to the reactor vessels to pressurize the reactor vessels, stopping supply of the first gas, and supplying a second gas to the reactor at a lower pressure than a pressure within the reactor vessels. The second gas passes through the valves and into the reactor vessels when the pressure within the reactor vessels drops below the pressure of the second gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a plurality of reactor vessels for receiving components of a reaction, an inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid, and a plurality of valves configured to transfer fluid from the inlet port to the reactor vessels and fluidically isolate one or more of the reactor vessels from at least one of the other reactor vessels. The reactor further includes a pressure monitoring system comprising an array of pressure sensors configured to sense pressure in the reactor vessels. Each of the pressure sensors is aligned with one of the plurality of reactor vessels and located external to the reactor vessels and fluid passageways in fluid communication with the reactor vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, immunoglobulins specific for such markers, and methods of using such markers and/or immunoglobulins to assess an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for testing computer programs m response to a program upgrade or installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer executes software to detect when an upgrade or an installation occurs. When an upgrade or installation occurs the computer initiates a test of one or more applications and/or operating systems. The results of these tests are logged in one or more error logs that can be displayed to a program developer or operating system administrator for diagnosis.

Abstract: Single AAV vector constructs for regulated expression of an immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof and methods of making and using the same are described. The AAV vectors comprise a regulated promoter operably linked to the coding sequence for a first and second immunoglobulin coding sequence, a sequence encoding a self-processing cleavage site between the coding sequence for the first and second immunoglobulin coding sequence and a additional proteolytic cleavage site, which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from an expressed immunoglobulin molecule or fragment thereof. The vector constructs find utility in enhanced production of biologically active immunoglobulins or fragments thereof in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for vector-mediated delivery and in vivo expression of polynucleotides encoding anti-cancer compounds that are effective in the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of recombinant viral and non-viral vectors to deliver genes encoding one or more anti-angiogenic or proapoptotic gene products for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Multivalent soluble receptor proteins that bind to more than one angiogenic factor are described. Nucleotide and vector sequences which encode the multivalent soluble receptor protein, as well as host cells which comprise them and methods of making and using them are also described. The multivalent soluble receptor proteins and vectors which encode them find utility in treatment of cancer and other diseases associated with angiogenesis.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous structure and process for forming it, which is an interconnecting web of polyolefin filaments having filament widths greater than about 1 micrometer which are further interconnected with webs of smaller polyolefin filaments having filament widths less than about 1 micrometer, wherein the smaller polyolefin filaments comprise a majority of all filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides vector compositions for expression of a soluble form of VEGFR3 and methods for their use in the inhibition of one or more of lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic metastasis and angiogenesis, as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for allowing quality of an image to be tested. For example, the present invention may be utilized to test the quality of an image produced by a helmet-mounted display such as an Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS). In at least one embodiment, after the image is captured by a camera, for example, at least one measurable aspect of the image is analyzed in an objective manner to determine at least one possible difference in the measurable aspect of the image and a corresponding measurable aspect of a recalled representation of the image and presenting the difference via a visual display device.

Abstract: Cell specific replication-competent viral vectors comprising a self processing peptide cleavage sequence are provided. The targeted replication-competent viral vectors include two or more co-transcribed genes under transcriptional control of the same heterologous transcriptional regulatory element (TRE), wherein at least a second gene is under translational control of a self processing cleavage sequence or 2A sequence. Exemplary vector constructs may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage site which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from the viral vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for vector-mediated delivery and in vivo expression of polynucleotides encoding anti-cancer compounds that are effective in the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of recombinant viral and non-viral vectors to deliver genes encoding one or more anti-angiogenic or proapoptotic gene products for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening separation media for performance in capillary electrophoresis. In one aspect the invention comprises concurrently loading a plurality of capillaries from one corresponding end of each with a respective plurality of separation media, adding a sample to each capillary, advancing the samples through the capillaries under an applied electric field, measuring a property of the samples or components thereof as they advance through the capillaries, and using the measured properties to identify one or more preferred sets of separation media. At least one of the steps of loading or advancing are carried out simultaneously over the plurality of capillaries.