Showing papers by "University of Texas System published in 2001"

Molecules with extended half-lives, compositions and uses thereof

Abstract: The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulins, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.

Tissue penetrating device and methods for using same

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Template for room temperature, low pressure micro- and nano-imprint lithography

Abstract: Described are imprint lithography templates, methods of forming and using the templates, and a template holder device. An imprint lithography template may include a body with a plurality of recesses on a surface of the body. The body may be of a material that is substantially transparent to activating light. At least a portion of the plurality of recesses may define features having a feature size less than about 250 nm. A template may be formed by obtaining a material that is substantially transparent to activating light and forming a plurality or recesses on a surface of the template. In some embodiments, a template may further include at least one alignment mark. In some embodiments, a template may further include a gap sensing area. An imprint lithography template may be used to form an imprinted layer in a light curable liquid disposed on a substrate. During use, the template may be disposed within a template holder. The template holder may include a body with an opening configured to receive the template, a support plate, and at least one piezo actuator coupled to the body. The piezo actuator may be configured to alter a physical dimension of the template during use.

Heater element for use in an in situ thermal desorption soil remediation system

Abstract: An in situ thermal desorption (ISTD) soil remediation system (20) may be used to remove or reduce contamination within soil (24). Heat may be transferred to the soil (24) from resistively heated, bare metal heater elements (56). The heater elements (56) may be placed directly within the soil (24). Alternately, the heater elements (56) may be suspended within casings (60). The heater elements (56) may be conductive heaters, or the heater elements may be radiative heater elements. The ISTD soil remediation system (20) may include temperature-resistant, chemical resistant, flexible conduits that transport off-gas removed from the ground to a treatment facility (34). A residence time of off-gas within the conduits may be sufficient to allow the off-gas to cool so that the off-gas may pass to a treatment facility (34) through a manifold and piping made of polymeric material.

PspC, a pneumococcal surface protein, binds human factor H.

Abstract: PspC was found to bind human complement factor H (FH) by Western blot analysis of D39 (pspC+) and an isogenic mutant TRE108 (pspC). We confirmed that PspA does not bind FH, while purified PspC binds FH very strongly. The binding of FH to exponentially growing pneumococci varied among different isolates when analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis.

Continuous optoacoustic monitoring of hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit

Abstract: An optoacoustic apparatus is disclosed which includes a radiation source of pulsed radiation and a probe having a front face to be placed in contact with a tissue site of an animal body. The probe further includes an optical fiber terminating at the surface of the front face of the probe and connected at their other end to a pulsed laser. The front face of the probe also has mounted therein or thereon a piezoelectric transducer for detecting an acoustic response to the radiation pulses connected to a processing unit which converts the transducer signal into a measure of hemoglobin concentration and/or hematocrit of blood.

Artificial bone implants

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be formed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.

Automated information processing in randomly ordered arrays

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a computer system to compare images generated from a randomly ordered array. This system preserves the relative position of each site within the array so that the same site can be compared in different images.

System and method for the analysis of bodily fluids

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Transmission line based inductively coupled plasma source with stable impedance

Abstract: A properly designed and positioned Faraday shield/dielectric spacer/source-coil assembly is used to nearly fix the input impedance of an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) source-coil, making a variable matching network almost unnecessary, and allowing for pulsed plasma processing with very little reflected power. Further, the nearly constant input-impedance also means a nearly constant standing wave pattern on the ICP source-coil and constant power deposition symmetry as well as plasma uniformity independent of RF power, gas pressure and gas composition. This is not possible without a properly designed and positioned Faraday shield because the source-coil impedance is coupled to that of the plasma and changes significantly with the plasma conditions. The ICP source-coil/dielectric spacer/Faraday shield assembly can then be designed to optimize the symmetry of the plasma generation independent of plasma conditions by varying the source coil structure, dielectric spacer material, dielectric spacer structure, and Faraday shield structure. An appropriately positioned aperture in the Faraday shield can allow enough capacitive coupling between the vacuum and ICP source coil to ignite the plasma while preventing any significant capacitive coupling during the subsequent high-density ICP phase.

Antibody conjugate formulations for selectively inhibiting VEGF

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific antibodies are also provided.

Methods and apparatus for diagnostic multispectral digital imaging

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating multispectral images of tissue. The multispectral images may be used as a diagnostic tool for conditions such as cervical cancer detection and diagnosis. Primary radiation is produced with an illumination source. The primary radiation is filtered to select a first wavelength and a first polarization. Tissue is illuminated with the filtered primary radiation to generate secondary radiation, which is filtered to select a second wavelength and a second polarization. The filtered secondary radiation is collected with a detector, and a plurality of multispectral images of the tissue is generated according to different combinations of first and second wavelengths and first and second polarization with an analysis unit in operable relation with the detector. Apparatus utilizing the invention include endoscopes and colposcopes.

Methods for high-precision gap and orientation sensing between a transparent template and substrate for imprint lithography

Abstract: Described are high precision gap and orientation measurement methods between a template and a substrate used in imprint lithography processes. Gap and orientation measurement methods presented here include uses of broad-band light based measuring techniques.

Systems and methods for cell subpopulation analysis

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for cell isolation and analysis. Cells are introduced into a dielectrophoretic prefilter including one or more trapping electrodes configured to trap at least a portion of the cells with a dielectrophoretic force. The cells trapped from the prefilter are directed into a dielectrophoretic field-flow fractionation separator coupled to the prefilter. The cells are discriminated by balancing a dielectrophoretic force ( and optionally a magnetophoretic force) with a gravitational force to displace the cells to positions within a velocity profile in the separator. At least a portion of the cells are trapped as a function of the cells' time of emergence from the separator with two or more spiral electrode segments coupled to the separator.

Foreign body retrieval device

Abstract: A retrieval device or snare for grasping foreign articles and retrieving them from the body of a patient The retrieval device includes a catheter open at both ends such that it may be advanced along a guidewire The distal end of a wire is attached to the first catheter near an opening system within the catheter The opening system may be a slot or a pair of holes A portion of the wire is oriented external of the catheter Manipulation of the proximal end of the wire causes a portion of the wire to form a loop external of the catheter The catheter may be tapered, as may be the wire A reinforcing material may be attached to the portion of the wire that forms the loop Another reinforcing material may also be attached to the proximal portion of the wire in order to stiffen the wire and improve its pushability A guidewire may be inserted into a patient and manoeuvered to an appropriate location within the patient, the catheter may be advanced over the guidewire, the wire attached to the catheter may be manipulated to capture a foreign body with the loop, and the catheter and foreign body may be withdrawn from the patient

Method and system of automatic fluid dispensing for imprint lithography processes

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic fluid dispensing method and system for dispensing fluid on the surface of a plate-like material, or substrate, including a semiconductor wafer for imprint lithography processes. The dispensing method uses fluid dispenser and a substrate stage that may generate relative lateral motions between a fluid dispenser tip a substrate. Also described herein are methods and devices for creating a planar surface on a substrate using a substantially unpatterned planar template.

Clusterhead selection in wireless ad hoc networks

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed wherein a plurality of nodes within an ad hoc wireless network are able to wirelessly communicate with each other. Each node includes a first data array for storing a node identifier used in selecting a clusterhead and a second data array for storing information relating to the node providing the node identifier for selecting the clusterhead to the node. Control logic of each node is configured according to a heuristic wherein the node initially determines a largest and smallest node identifier for each node. The node selects a clusterhead for the node responsive to the largest node identifier and the smallest node identifier using a set of predefined rules. The nodes within the area are then linked with the selected clusterhead.

Power spectral strain estimators in elastography

Abstract: Elastography can produce quality strain images in vitro and in vivo. Standard elastography uses a coherent cross-correlation technique to estimate tissue displacement and tissue strain using a subsequent gradient operator. While coherent estimation methods generally have the advantage of being highly accurate and precise, even relatively small undesired motions are likely to cause enough signal decorrelation to produce significant degradation of the elastogram. For elastography to become more universally practical in such applications as hand-held, intravascular and abdominal imaging, the limitations associated with coherent strain estimation methods that require tissue and system stability, must be overcome. In this paper, we propose the use of a spectral shift method that uses a centroid shift estimate (Fig. 5) to measure local strain directly. Furthermore, we also show theoretically that a spectral bandwidth method can also provide a direct strain estimation. We demonstrate that strain estimation using the spectral shift technique is moderately less precise but far more robust than the cross-correlation method. A theoretical analysis as well as simulations and experimental results are used to illustrate the properties associated with this method.

Generalized approach to the regulation and integration of gene expression.

Abstract: The volume of electron flow through the cbb3 branch of the electron transport chain and the redox state of the quinone pool generate signals that regulate photosynthesis gene expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides. An inhibitory signal is generated at the level of the catalytic subunit of the cbb3 cytochrome c oxidase and is transduced through the membrane-localized PrrC polypeptide to the PrrBA two-component activation system, which controls the expression of most of the photosynthesis genes in response to O2. The redox state of the quinone pool is monitored by the redox-active AppA antirepressor protein, which determines the functional state of the PpsR repressor protein. The antirepressor/repressor system as well as a modulator of AppA function, TspO, together with FnrL and PrrA stringently control photopigment gene expression. These regulatory elements, together with spectral complex-specific assembly factors, control the ultimate cellular levels and composition of the photosynthetic membrane.

Self-sealed irrigation system

Abstract: A self-sealed irrigation system for supplying a treatment fluid to a treatment site is disclosed. The system includes a flexible containment member that has a delivery channel which delivers treatment fluid to the treatment site, a sealing channel supplied with a suction force, and a recovery channel. The delivery channel delivers the treatment fluid to the treatment site. The recovery channel removes spent treatment fluid from the treatment site. The sealing channel hermetically seals the containment member to the body surface surrounding the area to be treated. The containment member is designed such that any spent treatment solution which should by-pass the recovery channel is drawn into the sealing channel thereby preventing any treatment fluid from leaking to the outside environment. The containment member is connected to a suction pump which circulates treatment fluid through the treatment site and a reservoir which supplies the treatment fluid to the system.

High-resolution overlay alignment systems for imprint lithography

Abstract: A method of determining and correcting alignment during imprint lithography process is described. During an imprint lithographic process the template may be aligned with the substrate by the use of alignment marks disposed on both the template and substrate. The alignment may be determined and corrected for before the layer is processed.

Short-term culture of peritoneum explants confirms attachment of endometrium to intact peritoneal mesothelium

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the initial adhesion of endometrium to the peritoneum. Design: Descriptive study using light and confocal laser-scanning microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Setting: University-based laboratory. Patient(s): Women without endometriosis undergoing surgery for benign conditions. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Explants of peritoneum (n = 20), prepared from four patients, were cultured for 1 hour with mechanically dispersed proliferative or secretory endometrium. Peritoneum was cultured with endometrium from the same patient. Specimens were fixed and serially sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin stain, immunohistochemistry using an anti-cytokeratin monoclonal antibody, and transmission electron microscopy. Result(s): In 17 of 20 explants, endometrium was adherent to intact mesothelium. There was no evidence of transmesothelial invasion at any sites of attachment. Although in most cases endometrium was adherent to mesothelium via endometrial stroma, there were many sites of endometrial epithelium-mesothelium attachment. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated an intact monolayer of cytokeratin-positive cells below the sites of endometrial implantation. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated intact, viable, mesothelial cells below sites of attachment. Conclusion(s): This study demonstrates that endometrium rapidly adheres to intact peritoneal mesothelium. In addition, this study demonstrates that endometrial epithelial cells, as well as stroma, can attach to mesothelium. Further studies are needed that characterize the mechanism of endometrial-mesothelial cell adhesion.

Cytogenetic studies in human blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro to radiofrequency radiation at a cellular telephone frequency (835.62 MHz, FDMA).

Abstract: Freshly collected peripheral blood samples from four healthy human volunteers were diluted with RPMI 1640 tissue culture medium and exposed in sterile T-75 tissue culture flasks in vitro for 24 h to 835.62 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a frequency employed for customer-to-base station transmission of cellular telephone communications. An analog signal was used, and the access technology was frequency division multiple access (FDMA, continuous wave). A nominal net forward power of 68 W was used, and the nominal power density at the center of the exposure flask was 860 W/m(2). The mean specific absorption rate in the exposure flask was 4.4 or 5.0 W/kg. Aliquots of diluted blood that were sham-exposed or exposed in vitro to an acute dose of 1.50 Gy of gamma radiation were used as negative or positive controls. Immediately after the exposures, the lymphocytes were stimulated with a mitogen, phytohemagglutinin, and cultured for 48 or 72 h to determine the extent of genetic damage, as assessed from the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei. The extent of alteration in the kinetics of cell proliferation was determined from the mitotic indices in 48-h cultures and from the incidence of binucleate cells in 72-h cultures. The data indicated no significant differences between RF-radiation- and sham-exposed lymphocytes with respect to mitotic indices, incidence of exchange aberrations, excess fragments, binucleate cells, and micronuclei. In contrast, the response of the lymphocytes exposed to gamma radiation was significantly different from both RF-radiation- and sham-exposed cells for all of these indices. Thus, under the experimental conditions tested, there is no evidence for the induction of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in human blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro for 24 h to 835.62 MHz RF radiation at SARs of 4.4 or 5.0 W/kg.

Chromosome Damage and Micronucleus Formation in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to Radiofrequency Radiation at a Cellular Telephone Frequency (847.74 MHz, CDMA)

Abstract: Vijayalaxmi, Bisht, K. S., Pickard, W. F., Meltz, M. L., Roti Roti, J. L. and Moros, E. G. Chromosome Damage and Micronucleus Formation in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to Radiofrequency Radiation at a Cellular Telephone Frequency (847.74 MHz, CDMA). Radiat. Res. 156, 430–432 (2001). Peripheral blood samples collected from four healthy nonsmoking human volunteers were diluted with tissue culture medium and exposed in vitro for 24 h to 847.74 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation (continuous wave), a frequency employed for cellular telephone communications. A code division multiple access (CDMA) technology was used with a nominal net forward power of 75 W and a nominal power density of 950 W/m2 (95 mW/cm2). The mean specific absorption rate (SAR) was 4.9 or 5.5 W/kg. Blood aliquots that were sham-exposed or exposed in vitro to an acute dose of 1.5 Gy of γ radiation were included in the study as controls. The temperatures of the medium during RF-radiation and sham exposures in the Radial Tra...

The psychosocial impact of interactive computer use within a vulnerable elderly population: a report on a randomized prospective trial in a home health care setting.

Abstract: Quality of care for vulnerable elderly clients makes it important to consider the psychosocial effects of interactive computer use as a means to communicate for social, functional, and/or health care purposes in a home health care setting. In a 3-month randomized prospective trial, telecommunications terminals were installed in the private residences of computer-illiterate persons, 65-years-of-age and older, providing visiting nurses the opportunity to teach computer use with three different training methods. The control group had similar weekly nurse visits, but no computer terminal use. Pre-posttests using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale compared change in self-esteem and depression scores of computer-use clients with the scores of the control group clients. Interactive computer use, alone, did not significantly change scores. Compared to the control group, however, there was a significant change toward improved self-esteem and depression when interactive computer use was accompanied with weekly nurse computer training. Weekly training with a significant other, as a substitute for the nurse trainer, significantly improved self-esteem scores but not depression scores. Interactive computer use was not associated with decreased self-esteem or increased depression. Attitude changes and responses to the particular telecommunication service used in this study were mixed, suggesting future research should be based on improved telecommunication systems with access to programs that have greater practical application to the needs of elderly clients.

Method and apparatus for combined magnetophoretic and dielectrophoretic manipulation of analyte mixtures

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for discriminating matter utilizing dielectrophoresis combined with magnetophoresis. A sample having one or more constituents is injected into an inlet port of a chamber. A carrier medium flow is initiated at the inlet port to establish flow within the chamber. A dielectrophoretic force is generated to act on the constituents of the sample. A magnetophoretic force is generated to act on the constituents of the sample. The dielectrophoretic force and magnetophoretic forces are balanced to position the constituents within the chamber. The constituents are then collected at one or more outlet ports of the chamber according to the dielectric and magnetic characteristics of the constituents. The constituents may be collected as a function of time-of-exit from the chamber and/or position within the chamber.

Method and apparatus to prevent signal pile-up

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining position and energy information without pileup Signal integration, which is triggered by a present event, stops when a subsequent event is detected A weighted value (140) for estimating the total energy in a scintillation is calculated, which includes the energy of the current event and a residual energy from previous events Remnant correction with a residual subtraction circuit (190) is used to calculate a pileup free energy from two consecutive weighted values An analog filter may be applied to reduce noise Dynamic digital weighting of integrated values, and/or digital integration may be used during data processing Pileup can be avoided in conjunction with several types of applications, including multi-zone detector applications and coincidence detection applications High-resolution timing techniques are also disclosed that facilitate one's ability to avoid pileup

Local regional chemotherapy and radiotherapy using in situ hydrogel

Abstract: Methods regarding local regional treatment in situ for an individual, such as of a tumor, are provided herein. A hydrogel composition is generated in situ in the tumor by administering a polymer, such as a polysaccharide or a polymino acid, with a therapic agent, such as a radionuclide or a drug, and administering a cross-linking agent. The hydrogel/therapeutic agent composition is retained in the tumor for safe and efficient tumor therapy. Alternatively, a hydrogel composition is generated in situ in an artery which nourishes a tumor to occlude the artery.