Abstract: Methods and compositions for performing low background multiplex nucleic acid amplification reactions are provided. Aspects of the invention include contacting a nucleic acid sample with two or more primer pairs for two or more target nucleic acids under template dependent primer extension reaction conditions, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. The resultant amplified composition is then contacted with target nucleic acid circularizing reagents, and product circularized target nucleic acids are then selected, e.g., for further amplification. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing embodiments of the inventions.

Abstract: A method of modifying properties of intrinsic tissue of an organ is provided. The method includes providing an organ, where a first electrode is disposed proximal to the organ first end. The first electrode has a surface area and insulator. A second electrode is disposed opposite the first electrode, where the organ is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode has surface area and surface insulator. An organ-shaping device is provided that is disposed on the organ between the electrodes, where the organ-shaping device deforms the organ middle section along at least one lateral direction between the electrodes. An electric current is provided between the first second electrodes, where a current density gradient is provided by the electrode surface areas and the deformed organ middle section, and the properties of the intrinsic muscle tissue are modified according to the current density gradient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: For use in or as part of a communications system benefiting from compensation for one or more non-idealities of components in the communications system, aspects of the invention are directed to providing compensation for such non-idealities. An example method which is applicable in a system that receives a pilot signal having an expected amplitude, includes determining a received amplitude for the received pilot signal using at least one of the components of the communications system, and using feedback indicative of a comparison of the determined received amplitude and the expected amplitude, compensating for a non-ideality of the component.

Abstract: A fiber-optic sensor includes an optical fiber coil and a laser source optically coupled to the coil. Light from the source is transmitted to the coil as a first optical signal and a second optical signal counter-propagating through the coil. The optical paths of the first optical signal and the second optical signal are substantially reciprocal with one another and the first optical signal and the second optical signal are combined together after counter-propagating through the coil to generate a third optical signal. The laser source is frequency-modulated or can have a coherence length longer than a length of the coil.

Abstract: Computational methods are used to create cardiovascular simulations having desired hemodynamic features. Cardiovascular modeling methods produce descriptions of blood flow and pressure in the heart and vascular networks. Numerical methods optimize and solve nonlinear equations to find parameter values that result in desired hemodynamic characteristics including related flow and pressure at various locations in the cardiovascular system, movements of soft tissues, and changes for different physiological states. The modeling methods employ simplified models to approximate the behavior of more complex models with the goal of to reducing computational expense. The user describes the desired features of the final cardiovascular simulation and provides minimal input, and the system automates the search for the final patient-specific cardiovascular model.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing, attenuating neuronal damage or stimulating neuronal repair prior or following central nervous system injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.

Abstract: Compounds which specifically inhibit legumain, also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase are provided. The compounds have an epoxide or N-Michael acceptor warhead, and have an asparagine side chain attached to a nitrogen atom in the backbone adjacent the warhead. The compounds also preferably comprise a proline residue adjacent the asparagine, and the compound may also contain a third residue and/or a label for cellular or in vivo imaging of active legumain.

Abstract: One or more quantum dots are used to control current flow in a transistor. Instead of being disposed in a channel between source and drain, the quantum dot (or dots) are vertically separated from the source and drain by an insulating layer. Current can tunnel between the source/drain electrodes and the quantum dot (or dots) by tunneling through the insulating layer. Quantum dot energy levels can be controlled with one or more gate electrodes capacitively coupled to some or all of the quantum dot(s). Current can flow between source and drain if a quantum dot energy level is aligned with the energy of incident tunneling electrons. Current flow between source and drain is inhibited if no quantum dot energy level is aligned with the energy of incident tunneling electrons. Here energy level alignment is understood to have a margin of about the thermal energy (e.g., 26 meV at room temperature).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of studying (e.g., detecting, localizing, and/or quantifying) biomarker(s) and the like.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both of the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, thermal energy transfer between thoracic/abdominal core body and the environment occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices can be used to increase the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is introduced into the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and removed from the head of the mammal or cold is merely applied thereto. The subject methods and devices can also be used to reduce the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is removed from the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and introduced into the head of the mammal or heat is merely applied thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that measures at least one property of the liquid or gas, where the invention is a CMUT sensor that includes a substrate, a first layer disposed on the substrate, where the first layer includes a cavity, and a compound plate, where the compound plated includes a bottom plate, an intermediate plate and a top plate. According to the invention, the intermediate plate has at least one sample inlet, a sample cavity and at least one sample outlet, where the bottom plate is disposed on the first layer, and the cavity in the first layer is sealed by the compound plate. The cavity in the first layer can be a vacuum or contain a gas. The CMUT sensor can be disposed in an array of two or more sensors and connected electrically in parallel.

Abstract: Techniques for determining values for a metric of microscale interactions include determining a mesoscale metric for a plurality of mesoscale interaction types, wherein a value of the mesoscale metric for each mesoscale interaction type is based on a corresponding function of values of the microscale metric for the plurality of the microscale interaction types. A plurality of observations that indicate the values of the mesoscale metric are determined for the plurality of mesoscale interaction types. Values of the microscale metric are determined for the plurality of microscale interaction types based on the plurality of observations and the corresponding functions and compressed sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning of wastewater comprising a submerged membrane biological reactor system (MBR) and a submerged membrane module (MBD) wherein the MBR is in fluid communication with the MBD for feeding excess sludge from the MBR to the MBD and wherein the MBR comprises an outlet which releases permeate passed through the membrane of the MBR and the MBD is in fluid communication with the MBR for feeding permeate passed through the membrane of the MBD back into the MBR and comprises an outlet for releasing gas.

Abstract: A multi-mode transmitter within an integrated circuit device. The multi-mode transmitter transmits a first data sequence in a baseband signal when a first transmission mode is enabled, and transmits the first data sequence in a multi-band signal when a second transmission mode is enabled.

Abstract: With the advent of touch-free interfaces such as described in the present disclosure, it is no longer necessary for computer interfaces to be in predefined locations (e.g., desktops) or configuration (e.g., rectangular keyboard). The present invention makes use of touch-free interfaces to encourage users to interface with a computer in an ergonomically sound manner. Among other things, the present invention implements a system for localizing human body parts such as hands, arms, shoulders, or even the fully body, with a processing device such as a computer along with a computer display to provide visual feedback on the display that encourages a user to maintain an ergonomically preferred position with ergonomically preferred motions. For example, the present invention encourages a user to maintain his motions within an ergonomically preferred range without have to reach out excessively or repetitively.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of delivering a compound, a composition, and the like.

Abstract: Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M?1, and may be greater than about 107 M?1, greater than about 108 M?1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide.