Abstract: The invention relates to thin film single layers, electronic components such as multilayer capacitors which utilize thin film layers, and to their methods of manufacture. Chemical solution deposition and microcontact printing of dielectric and electrode layers are disclosed. High permittivity BaTiO3 multilayer thin film capacitors are prepared on Ni foil substrates by microcontact printing and by chemical solution deposition. Multilayer capacitors with BaTiO3 dielectric layers and LaNiO3 internal electrodes are prepared, enabling dielectric layer thicknesses of 1 ??m or less. Microcontact printing of precursor solutions of the dielectric and electrode layers is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to combining targeted therapies with selected chemotherapeutics for the treatment of melanoma. The invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell by reducing Akt3 activity, a method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell comprising contacting a melanoma tumor cell with an agent that reduces Akt3 activity to restore normal apoptotic sensitivity to a melanoma tumor cell, allowing a lower concentration of chemotherapeutic agents resulting in decreased toxicity to a patient. Also disclosed is a method for treating a melanoma comprising administering an agent that reduces Akt3 activity and an agent that reduces V599E B-Raf activity, thereby treating a melanoma tumor.

Abstract: The invention relates to combining targeted therapies with selected chemotherapeutics for the treatment of melanoma. The invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell by reducing Akt3 activity. A method for inducing apoptosis in a melanoma tumor cell comprising contacting a melanoma tumor cell with an agent that reduces Akt3 activity to restore normal apoptotic sensitivity to a melanoma tumor cell, allowing a lower concentration of chemotherapeutic agents resulting in decreased toxicity to a patient. Also disclosed is a method for treating a melanoma comprising administering an agent that reduces Akt3 activity and an agent that reduces V599E B-Raf activity, thereby treating a melanoma tumor.

Abstract: A quantum well-based p-i-n light emitting diode is provided that includes nanopillars with an average linear dimension of between 50 nanometers and 1 micron. The nanopillars include a laminar layer of quantum wells capable of non-radiative energy transfer to quantum dot nanocrystals. Quantum dot-Quantum well coupling through the side walls of the nanopillar-configured LED structure achieves a close proximity between quantum wells and quantum dots while retaining the overlying contact electrode structures. A white LED with attractive properties relative to conventional incandescent and fluorescence lighting devices is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles uses tunable standing surface acoustic waves includes a channel defined on a substrate and a pair of variable frequency interdigital transducers. The channel is disposed asymmetrically between the transducers such that the zero order node location is outside of a working region in the channel.

Abstract: Barrier treatment compositions using conidia of entomopathogenic fungi and methods for applying and using the same for bed bug population control and prevention are disclosed. The compositions and methods of the invention provide residual biopesticides control for bed bug populations using barrier treatment compositions transferring conidia of entomopathogenic fungi to a population of bed bugs providing effective kill within about 24 hours to about 10 days. The compositions and methods provide significantly enhanced horizontal transmission of the conidia of the entomopathogenic fungi providing enhanced bed bug control without detrimental effects of bed bug tolerance, resistance and/or negative impact on humans or animals contacting the residual biopesticides.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more isothiocyanates and/or isoselenocyanates. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described including one or more isothiocyanates and/or isoselenocyanates. Methods of treating a subject are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject having a condition characterized by Akt dysregulation. Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an isothiocyanate and/or isoselenocyanate to a subject detectably increases apoptosis and/or decreases proliferation of cancer cells, particularly cancer cells characterized by Akt dysregulation.

Abstract: A passive damper for earthquake hazard reduction includes an inner member received in an outer member, with an elastomeric material disposed in the gaps between the inner and outer member. The elastomeric material has at least a first and a second portion. The first portion is bonded or connected to both the inner member and outer member such that no slippage occurs between the members and the material. The second portion is not bonded or connected to at least one of the inner and outer members such that slippage may occur.

Abstract: An activated carbon material for removing a contaminant from a liquid. The activated carbon material can be a plurality carbon grains that have a pore volume of approximately 0.1 milliliters per gram (mL/g) in the range of less than about 15 angstroms in width. The carbon grains can also have or contain a nitrogen-containing species having a concentration of more than 2 atomic percent nitrogen. A plurality of the carbon grains can be used to make a contactor that is operable to remove or reduce perchlorate having a concentration of 20 parts per billion (ppb) to less than 4 ppb from 4,500 bed volumes of water with the nitrogen-containing species leaching off of the carbon grains less than 0.1 mg/L. The activated carbon material can also be electrochemically regenerated.

Abstract: A process for producing proppants from waste mineralogical material. The process can include providing the waste mineralogical material in a form such as particles, fines, dust, powders, and the like, and forming a plurality of “green” pellets from the waste mineralogical material. Thereafter, the plurality of green pellets are fed into a provided flame drop tower that has a combustion flame, a hot zone, and a collection basin located downstream from the hot zone. The plurality of green pellets pass through the hot zone, are melted and subsequently solidified in the shape of a sphere downstream from the hot zone to form vitrified glass spheres. In some instances, the vitrified glass spheres are subjected to a devitrification step.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.

Abstract: A composition to control acid rock drainage is provided. The composition includes a slurry made from water and solids, the solids containing powders of limestone, clay and magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide. In some instances, the slurry is thixotropic and contains between 10 to 75 weight percent of solid powders. The solid powders can include between 40 to 75 weight percent limestone, 10 to 35 weight percent clay and 10 to 30 weight percent magnesium oxide or a proportional concentration of magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating neoplasias in an animal or human comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one chemotherapeutic agent along with the biotherapeutic endogenous pentapeptide Met-enkephalin, referred to as opioid growth factor. Also provided are methods of treating neoplasias in an animal or human in need of such treatment, comprising the administration to the animal or human therapeutically effective amounts of a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a carrier and therapeutically effective amounts of at least one neoplasia-treating agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent or radiation, along with opioid growth factor.

Abstract: An improved filamentous fungi is disclosed that has an enhanced nutritional profile by utilizing pulsed ultraviolet irradiation. According to the invention, the vitamin D component of mushrooms and other filamentous fungi may be drastically increased with no deleterious affects on appearance with the use of pulsed UV radiation. Mushrooms so treated had up to 1800% DV in one serving of fresh mushrooms.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, identification and quantification of gram negative bacteria and gram negative bacterial antigens are rapid, efficient and highly specific. Compositions for the detection and identification of highly variable serogroups are provided.

Abstract: An electronic circuit to increase voltages from one or more energy sources. The electronic circuit can include a first set of capacitors and a second set of capacitors, and a first set of switches associated with the first set of capacitors and a second set of switches associated with the second set of capacitors. Also included is at least one energy source and an external load. The first and second set of capacitors, first and second set of switches, the at least one energy source, and the external load are arranged and connected such that the first set of capacitors is connected to the at least one energy source in parallel while the second set of capacitors is connected to the external load in series, and vice versa.

Abstract: Solanum pimpinellifolium plants which are exceptionally high in fruit lycopene content (˜300-390 ?g lycopene/g fresh fruit) are disclosed herein, which may be used in plant breeding to make the tomato plants of the present invention. The invention also discloses genetic markers, which are associated with the trait which may be used in marker-assisted selection for development of plants, lines, or varieties with the trait.