Abstract: The present application relates to functionalized nanodiamonds, to complexes comprising a functionalized nanodiamond reversibly bound to a nucleic acid and to compositions comprising such functionalized nanodiamonds and complexes. In particular, the functionalized nanodiamonds comprise at least one naturally occurring basic amino acid, or analogs or derivatives thereof, covalently linked to a nanodiamond. The present application also includes methods and uses of the complexes and compositions, for example for delivering a nucleic acid to a cell.

Abstract: A composition comprising an isolated fowl adenovirus (FAdV), wherein the FAdV is a strain selected from FAdV-2, FAdV-7, FAdv-8a, FAdV-8b, FAdV-8a/8b or FAdV-11 serotype strains; and a suitable carrier and methods for inducing protective immunity in a subject and/or its progeny.

Abstract: This application describes a state deviation technique for identifying transient instabilities in power systems. Such instabilities may result from disturbances such as external faults and power swing conditions. Detection of transient instabilities is based on the direction of change of phase angle of a machine such as a generator at an equilibrium point. Method and apparatus as disclosed may also be used for assessing system-wide transient stability of a power system or portion thereof.

Abstract: An energy exchanger is provided. The exchanger includes a housing having a front and a back. A plurality of panels forming desiccant channels extend from the front to the back of the housing. Air channels are formed between adjacent panels. The air channels are configured to direct an air stream in a direction from the front of the housing to the back of the housing. A desiccant inlet is provided in flow communication with the desiccant channels. A desiccant outlet is provided in flow communication with the desiccant channels. The desiccant channels are configured to channel desiccant from the desiccant inlet to the desiccant outlet in at least one of a counter-flow or cross-flow direction with respect to the direction of the air stream.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol to produce propylene glycol as the major product comprising contacting the glycerol with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions for the formation of propylene glycol is disclosed. In particular, propylene glycol is formed with a selectivity of greater than about 90%.

Abstract: A process for producing a lubricant from an epoxy-triglyceride comprising treating the epoxy-triglyceride with an esterifying agent in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions to produce the lubricant is disclosed.

Abstract: Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cyclodextrin-based drug delivery agents that comprise a cyclodextrin moiety covalently linked to a moiety of a gemini surfactant. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the drug delivery agent and a therapeutic agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new class of antennas and microwave components are introduced. In this approach a high-permittivity dielectric film is applied (i.e. printed) on a dielectric substrate, which may be grounded. By changing the shape of the high-permittivity film, different microwave devices (e.g. waveguides, filters, couplers, and antennas) are produced. By changing the size and permittivity of the high-permittivity film and dielectric substrate, these elements are designed at different frequencies for different applications. Highly-efficient microwave devices can result due to the absence of surface currents.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for synchronizing ovulation in a herd, inducing superovulation in a single animal, and improving frequency of successful implantation and development of fertilized ova.

Abstract: The present application includes alkali metal-promoted trimetallic catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis from synthesis gas, the catalyst comprising a catalyst of Formula (1): A-M1-M2-M3.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject. Compositions and methods can comprise administering a modified host defense peptide to the vertebrate subject in an amount effective to activate the immune response in the vertebrate subject, wherein the modified host defense peptide is inverted in amino acid sequence from an amino terminus to a carboxy terminus or modified to one or more D-amino acids, or both modifications, when compared to a host defense peptide. Compositions and methods are provided which comprise administering a modified host defense peptide to the vertebrate subject in an amount effective to modify an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for image processing suitable for use in wireless capsule endoscopy are provided. The image processing techniques exploit characteristic features of endoscopic images to enable low complexity compression. A color space conversion, coupled with lossless predictive coding and variable length coding are employed. Sub-sampling and clipping may also be used. The described image processing can be used both with both white-band imaging and narrow-band-imaging.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen.

Abstract: Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to functionalized nanodiamonds comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond and compositions comprising the same. The present disclosure also relates to methods of performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), for example on small molecules, using matrices comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining whether or not a horse is genetically normal, is a carrier of, or is affected with or predisposed to Congenital Stationary Night Blindness and/or leopard complex spotting. The method is based on detection of an insertion in an intron in the horse Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily M, Member 1 (TRPM1) gene.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for bridging between commercially available, high-speed image sensors and low cost, low power microcontrollers. An image sensor interface processor is provided for controlling an image sensor, and receiving and storing image data. A microcontroller (or other general purpose or image processor) can communicate with the image sensor interface processor, to access pixel data in a random access fashion through a parallel memory access interface at any speed desired by the microcontroller. Moreover, automatic power management of the image sensor can be provided by the image sensor interface processor. In some alternative embodiments, the described image sensor interface processor may be integrated into the image sensor itself, or a microcontroller, or some other intermediate device.

Abstract: Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lentil plants having increased resistance to an imidaizolinone herbicide. One such plant described herein is the RH44 lentil variety. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these lentil plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these lentil plants.