Abstract: The genetically modified hemorrhagic fever virus of this invention possesses a viral ovarian tumor protease with decreased ability to remove ubiquitin (Ub) and ISG15 tags that the human organism uses to label proteins for removal. Unlike complete knockout strains, the modified virus retains enough activity for replication in a human cell line. This creates an immunogenic and non-pathogenic virus that can be used as an effective live vaccine agent.

Abstract: A docking system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described that provides a stable landing and take-off area as well as, in some embodiments, refueling and/or data transfer capabilities. The docking system may be portable to provide a ready docking area for a UAV in areas that may not otherwise be suitable for UAV operation. The docking system may include a landing surface, an orientation mechanism that adjusts the landing surface to provide a level landing area, and an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface that moves a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface for automated refueling of the UAV. A latching mechanism may secure the UAV to the landing surface when the UAV is located at the predetermined location.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of compounds that inhibit Class II fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), which is implicated in the pathogenic activity of a broad range of bacterial and parasitic agents. The compounds were identified by empirical testing, and provide a basis for further derivatization and optimization of 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid and related compounds. Crystal structure shows that the compounds don't bind directly to the catalytic site of the enzyme, and so are not defined simply as substrate analogs. Instead, they create a pocket by induced fit, resulting a powerful and specific inhibitory effect on FBA activity.

Abstract: A method of tailoring an educational learning environment to a particular student may include receiving a selection of an educational game type from a plurality of educational game types and determining a learning activity. The method may also include determining a difficulty level for the learning activity and accessing a parameter set based on the learning activity and the difficulty level. The method may additionally include accessing, based on the parameter set, a set of functional instructions and a plurality of graphic objects. The method may further include creating an educational game based on the set of functional instructions, the plurality of graphic objects, the educational game type, the learning activity, and the difficulty level.

Abstract: Provided is a photoamplified fluorescence turn-off assay where a masked photosensitizer is mixed with a fluorescent molecule. This mixture is brightly fluorescent because the masked photosensitizer is not capable of quenching the fluorophore. When the photosensitizer is released and amplified, the photosensitizer quenches the emission of fluorophores very efficiently.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) radar apparatus may be used in aircraft detection and avoidance. The radar apparatus may include an RF front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, a filtering module coupled with the RF front end module that filters RF signals received at the RF front end module, and a target data processing module coupled with the filtering module that detects and identifies one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals. Avoidance procedures may be initiated based on the identification and detection of one or more targets.

Abstract: A radiation shielding material contains ground scrap tire rubber, granulated iron or other metals of moderate cost, and a suitable binder, such as polyurethane or asphalt. The rubber particles can also have a metallic coating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the brain imager can provide motor cortex activation data using near infrared imaging techniques and EEG techniques among others. EEG and near infrared signals can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include micromechanical resonators. These resonators can be fabricated from thin silicon layers. Both rotational and translational resonators are disclosed. Translational resonators can include two plates coupled by two resonate beams. A stable DC bias current can be applied across the two beams that causes the plates to resonate. In other embodiments, disk resonators can be used in a rotational mode. Other embodiments of the invention include using resonators as timing references, frequency sources, particle mass sensors, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating overproduction of cortisol in a subject by administering to the subject a peptide that antagonizes adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to block the activation of melanocortin 2 receptors.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting electron spins using electron paramagnetic resonance are described. An excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal of varying amplitude and phase as compared to a reference signal may be present. A crossed loop resonator configured to isolate a detection signal produced by the excitation signal exciting an object with a magnetic field may also be preset. Further, a detection device configured to detect electron spins of the object using the detection signal isolated by the crossed loop resonator may be present.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting electron spins using electron paramagnetic resonance are described. An excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal of varying amplitude and phase as compared to a reference signal may be present. A crossed loop resonator configured to isolate a detection signal produced by the excitation signal exciting an object with a magnetic field may also be preset. Further, a detection device configured to detect electron spins of the object using the detection signal isolated by the crossed loop resonator may be present.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the brain imager can provide motor cortex activation data using near infrared imaging techniques and EEG techniques among others. EEG and near infrared signals can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding material is made of hydrogen-filed glass microspheres embedded within a suitable binder and held within a suitable support structure. The shielding material can be customized to various radiation field environments by adding a metallic coating to the microspheres or adding metal to the binder. In addition, the microspheres can be filled with a combination of gases or supplemented by other microspheres filled with different gases to meet specific radiation shielding requirements.

Abstract: ACTH analog compounds of the present invention include compounds comprising an ACTH peptide sequence with one or more structural modifications that can have one or more of the following preferred ACTH analog biological functions: (1) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of the ACTH analog compared to unmodified ACTH, (2) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of endogenous ACTH and (3) increased MC-2R binding affinity with reduced activation of the MC-2R receptor compared to unmodified ACTH binding to the MC-2R melanocortin. The ACTH analog compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders related to ACTH, ACTH receptors or corticosteroid secretion, such as premature labor and Cushing's Disease.

Abstract: A concrete material is disclosed according to one embodiment. The concrete material may include a mixture of cement, granular rubber and boron in various forms and ratios. The boron may include boron carbide. The rubber may be recovered rubber from used automobile and/or truck tires. Various other components may be added to the cement, such as, for example, binders, water, sand, rock, or other aggregates. Embodiments described herein may be used in radiation shielding applications, such as, for example, nuclear waste facilities, nuclear storage and/or transportation casks, nuclear power plants, medical waste facilities, illicit drug detection facilities, linear accelerator facilities, etc.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: A radiation shielding material contains ground scrap tire rubber, granulated iron or other metals of moderate cost, and a suitable binder, such as polyurethane or asphalt. The rubber particles can also have a metallic coating.

Abstract: This invention is a temperature-based smart insole capable of continuously or intermittently measuring the foot temperature of the patient at one or more locations of the foot while the insole is worn. The device provides feedback to the patient alerting the individual of risk based on his/her plantar temperatures. Benefits of this device include: its ability to free the patient from the clinical setting and increase patient's confidence to be mobile, thus enhancing circulation while at the same time allowing the patient to self-monitor their feet.

Abstract: Provided is a system for monitoring gait. More particularly, the system comprises: one or more pressure sensors; an algorithm which compares the data from the pressure sensor(s) to a stability profile, and provides a feedback value; means for communicating the feedback value; and a power source. Also provided is a method for gait analysis comprising: collecting signals from one or more pressure sensors located in pressure proximity to a foot, generating a test profile; comparing the test profile to a stability profile; generating a feedback signal; and communicating the feedback signal. The system may also comprise one or more accelerometers.