Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound which induces a physiological dispersion response in bacterial cells in a biofilm. The present invention is also directed to compositions containing this compound, methods of isolating the compound, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a subject. This method includes selecting a subject with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and administering to the selected subject a sodium/hydrogen exchanger inhibitor under conditions effective to treat the subject for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods of identifying compounds suitable to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for ambulatory, real-time detection of removal of ectopic beats by obtaining consecutive patient heartbeats, and recognizing an ectopic beat by detecting a signature short-long sequence in an interbeat interval of the obtained heartbeats, with the signature short-long sequence including an ectopic coupling interval followed by a compensatory pause between RR intervals.

Abstract: A method for determining a sentiment associated with an entity includes inputting a plurality of texts associated with the entity, labeling seed words in the plurality of texts as positive or negative, determining a score estimate for the plurality of words based on the labeling, re-enumerating paths of the plurality of words and determining a number of sentiment alternations, determining a final score for the plurality of words using only paths whose number of alternations is within a threshold, converting the final scores to corresponding z-scores for each of the plurality of words, and outputting the sentiment associated with the entity.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, rugged, easy-to-operate biosensor useful for rapidly detecting cells, viruses, antibodies, and other proteins. A capillary tube has a capture antibody immobilized on its interior surface. The specific capture antibody is selected based upon a desired target analyte to be detected. A sample potentially containing the target antigen is introduced into the capillary tube. Thereafter, a second antibody labeled with a fluorescent dye is introduced. Upon excitation by electromagnetic energy, typically supplied by a laser, the fluorescence of the sample is captured and analyzed. The apparatus is extremely compact and rugged making it ideal for field use. In addition, accurate results may be obtained by relatively unskilled operators directly from a self-contained readout. Optionally, an external device (e.g., a computer) may be connected to the apparatus via an optional interface.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Abstract: A photoplethysmography apparatus and method is provided for high resolution estimating of Time-Frequency Spectra (TFS) and associated amplitudes using Variable Frequency Complex Demodulation (VFCDM), in a two-step procedure using a Time-Varying Optimal Parameter Search (TVOPS) technique to obtain TFS, followed by VFCDM to obtain even greater TFS resolution and instantaneous amplitudes associated with only specific frequencies of interest, via the combined TVOPS and VFCDM.

Abstract: Methods and systems of applying physical stimuli to tissue are disclosed. The methods can include reducing or suppressing pancreatitis in a subject by administering a low magnitude, high frequency mechanical signal on a period basis and for a time sufficient to reduce or suppress pancreatitis. The methods can include enhancing healing of damaged tissue in a subject by administering to the subject a low magnitude, high frequency mechanical signal on a periodic basis and for a time sufficient to treat the damaged tissue. The systems can include a device for generating a low magnitude, high frequency physical signal and a platform for applying the low magnitude, high frequency physical signal to the subject for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that demonstrate potent and selective inhibition of the open-channel conformation of the ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric foam formed of elastically anisotropic materials. The piezoelectric foam is defined with a unit cell having a relative density and volume fraction, and deformation specified by subjecting the unit cell to controlled mechanical and electrical loading conditions. Resultant stress and electric displacements field components are measured by capturing a homogeneous coupled response of the unit cell and by computing piezoelectric material constants using the captured homogeneous coupled response, to identify asymmetric and symmetric F1, F2 and F3 type piezoelectric foam structures.