Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying and using new germplasm providing aphid resistant in soybean plants, particularly for use in breeding soybean plant lines and cultivars representing specific set(s) of germplasm. In particular, aphid resistant soybean plants comprising new sources of germplasm and stacked germplasm/genes conferring enhanced aphid resistance are provided. These enhanced aphid resistant plants find use in breeding soybean plant lines (cultivars) including lines having superior aphid resistance. Further, the inventions relate to providing new aphid resistant germplasm identified by markers associated with plants having decreased damage from aphid feeding, as well as plants having enhanced tolerance to aphid infestation.

Abstract: A method of optimizing 4D cone beam computed tomography (4DCBCT) imaging is provided that includes using a scanner to generate projections of a target, where the projections are used to form a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the target, where the CBCT includes a 3D image of the target, and using an appropriately programmed computer to control rotation speed of a gantry and projection acquisition of the CBCT in real-time according to a measured patient respiratory signal, where the real-time acquisition of the CBCT forms an optimized 4DCBCT image set.

Abstract: The inventors have identified several proteases and a protease inhibitor that are overexpressed in ovarian cancer tumors. They have developed monoclonal antibodies against the proteins and shown that they can be detected in serum and the levels of the proteins in serum fluctuate during cancer treatment. They have shown that serum assays for the proteases and protease inhibitor can be used for early detection of ovarian cancer, and for monitoring cancer treatment.

Abstract: Radiopaque bismuth particles and methods of making and using the radiopaque bismuth particles are disclosed. The radiopaque bismuth particles include an elemental bismuth core and an outer coating comprising one or more coating agents. Disclosed radiopaque bismuth particles are suitable for use in surgical sponges and plastic objects.

Abstract: Alveolar macrophages contribute to host defenses against influenza. Enhancing their function contributed to protection against influenza and other acute lethal pulmonary infections. Wild-type mice and Tg mice expressing GM-CSF in the lung were infected with influenza virus, and lung pathology, weight loss and mortality were measured. GM-CSF was also administered to lungs of wild-type mice that were infected with influenza virus. All Tg mice expressing GM-CSF in the lungs survived with greatly reduced weight loss and lung injury and histologic evidence of a rapid host inflammatory response that controlled infection vs. wild-type mice not expressing GM-CSF in the lungs. This resistance to influenza was abrogated by elimination of alveolar phagocytes, but not by depletion of T cells, B cells or neutrophils. Tg mice had far more alveolar macrophages than wild-type mice and were more resistant to influenza-induced apoptosis. Delivery of intranasal GM-CSF to wild-type mice also conferred influenza resistance.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that includes an image sensor may be used to detect the result of a biomolecular assay. The biomolecular assay may be performed in an optical assay medium that provides an optical output in response to light from a light source, with the optical output indicating result. A wavelength-dispersive element may be used to disperse the optical output into spatially-separated wavelength components. The mobile computing device may be positioned relative to the wavelength-dispersive element such that different wavelength components are received at different locations on the image sensor. With the mobile computing device positioned in this way, the image sensor may be used to obtain one or more images that include the separated wavelength components of the optical output. A wavelength spectrum of the optical output may be determined from the one or more images, and the result may be determined from the wavelength spectrum.

Abstract: A 3D porous metal-organic framework and method of making are described. In some embodiments, a 3D porous metal-organic framework may be based on a trinodal (3,3,4) net of zyg topology by the self-assembly of the nonlinear hexacarboxylate (BHB) with the paddle-wheel Cu2(COO)4 cluster. Although its porosity and surface area are moderate, the open copper sites and optimal pore spaces enable the pore spaces to be fully utilized for methane storage, resulting in a high methane storage density and high absolute volumetric methane storage at room temperature and 35 bar. By the immobilization of high density open metal sites and the deliberate control of the pore space for their efficient methane storage, this porous MOF functions as an efficient media for methane and natural gas storage.

Abstract: A method of producing graphene comprises forming a composition comprising magnesium and carbon, and isolating graphene from the composition. The isolated graphene is crystalline.

Abstract: Robots, controllers, systems, and methods for microcrawler robots (e.g., with stick-slip gaited locomotion and/or with power multiplexing between actuators).

Abstract: A novel dual-microphone speech enhancement technique is proposed that utilizes the coherence function between input signals as a criterion for noise reduction. The technique is based on certain assumptions regarding the spatial properties of the target and noise signals and can be applied to arrays with closely spaced microphones, where noise captured by sensors is highly correlated (e.g., inside a mildly reverberant environment). The proposed algorithm is simple to implement and requires no estimation of noise statistics. In addition, it offers the advantage of coping with situations in which multiple interfering sources located at different azimuths might be present.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of promoting bone growth are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of promoting bone growth described herein comprises promoting cell differentiation or phenotype progression in a population of bone cells by providing a citrate-presenting composition to the population of bone cells. In some embodiments, the citrate-presenting composition is provided to the bone cells at a first stage of cell development selected to obtain a first cell differentiation or phenotype progression. Additionally, in some cases, a second citrate-presenting composition is further provided to the bone cells at a second stage of cell development selected to obtain a second cell differentiation or phenotype progression.

Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning an object is provided. An x-ray source is provided, wherein the x-ray source provides a collimated x-ray beam with a cross-section with a length and thickness. A plurality of wedges is provided between the source and object. An actuator is connected to the wedges for moving the wedges substantially perpendicular to the length of the cross-section of the collimated x-ray beam. An x-ray detector is located on an opposite side of the object from the x-ray source and is for detecting x-rays that pass through the object and the plurality of wedges. A gantry rotates the x-ray source, the plurality of wedges, and the x-ray detector around an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is capable of being used for detection, comprising a noble metal nanoparticle. The inventive compositions exhibit little interaction with serum proteins while exhibiting pH-dependent adsorption onto live cell membranes. The nanoparticles of the claimed invention are capable of interacting with cell membranes, which in turn permits the advantages of nanoparticle bio-imaging to be extended to many pH dependent biological processes such as targeting acidic tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: Improved assays for detecting the presence of a specific cell-mediated immune response in an individual are provided, where a sample comprising T cells and other cells of the immune system, usually a blood sample or derivative thereof, is contacted with test antigen(s) of interest in the presence of a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonist. The sample is incubated for a period of time sufficient to activate effector T cells; and release of immune effector molecule(s) is then detected. In some embodiments, the PRR is an agonist of a toll-like receptor (TLR) expressed by mature antigen presenting cells, including without limitation agonists TLR3 and TLR7, such as LPS, poly I:C, imiquimod, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating inflammatory diseases by administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent that provides alpha B-crystallin activity, where the dose is effective to suppress or prevent initiation, progression, or relapses of disease, including the progression of established disease. In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject having a pre-existing inflammatory disease condition, an effective amount of alpha B-crystallin protein, to suppress or prevent relapses of the disease.

Abstract: A method of locating and controlling subsurface coal fires is provided that includes mapping a subsurface coal bed fire using a magnetometer, where the mapping includes locating a combustion zone and an air inlet to the combustion zone of the coal bed fire, drilling an injection port from the earth surface to a previously burned zone of the combustion zone, where the injection port is disposed between the air inlet and the combustion zone, inserting a tube in the injection port, where the tube has an exterior tube seal disposed around the tube, and the exterior tube seal isolates the earth surface from the combustion zone along an exterior of the tube. The method further includes injecting an inert gas through the tube to the combustion zone, where the inert gas controls the combustion zone of the coal bed fire.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: The embodiments of this invention use a multi-point scanning geometry. This design maintains the high frame rate of the slit-scan system and still allows both grayscale and multi-spectral imaging. In a confocal configuration, the multi-point scanning system's confocal performance is close to that of a single point scan system and is expected to yield improved depth imaging when compared to a slit-scan system, faster imaging than a point scan system, and the capability for multi-spectral imaging not readily achievable in a Nipkow disk based confocal system.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having a formula: where at least one of R1-R4 is a heterocycle, at least one of R1-R4 is an aryl group coupled to the ring by a linker atom, functional group, or other moiety, or where none of R1-R4 is an amide, and any and all combinations thereof. Remaining R1-R4 substituents independently are aliphatic, substituted aliphatic, amine, substituted amine, aryl, substituted aryl, cyclic, substituted cyclic, halide, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, hydrogen or hydroxyl. A method for treating a subject also is provided comprising administering a disclosed compound or compounds, or a prodrug that is converted into the disclosed compound or compounds, or a composition comprising the compound, compounds, or prodrugs thereof, to a subject. A method for making disclosed compounds also is provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry, an acoustic transducer and a pair of electrodes.