Abstract: A total internal reflection fluorescence imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a metal nanostructure layer, which includes a metal thin film and a nanostructure formed over the metal thin film; a light source unit, which provides incident light such that the incident light is totally reflected off the metal nanostructure layer and an evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction is created between the metal nanostructure layer and a specimen arranged over the metal nanostructure layer; and a fluorescence image extracting unit, which extracts and images a fluorescence signal generated by the specimen due to the evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Nonlinear sensors, which actively exploit dynamic transitions across sub-critical or saddlenode bifurcations in the device's frequency response, can exhibit improved performance metrics and operate effectively at smaller scales. This sensing approach directly exploits chemomechanically induced amplitude shifts for detection. Accordingly, it has the potential to eliminate the need for numerous power-consuming signal processing components in final sensor implementations. Various embodiments pertain to low-cost, linear and nonlinear bifurcation-based mass sensors founded upon selectively functionalized, piezoelectrically actuated microcantilevers. Yet other embodiments pertain to an amplitude-based sensing approach based upon dynamic transitions across saddle-node bifurcations that exist in a sensor's nonlinear frequency response.

Abstract: A method for monitoring remote access connection latency between a client device and a server device comprises using a virtual channel between the client device and the server device to determine a value for the latency in a network connection therebetween.

Abstract: Organic dyes that are covalently bonded multimers or higher order symmetrical structures where one or more dye units may optionally contain deuterium substitutions are disclosed. The disclosed dyes are particularly useful for optical coatings, new optical nanomaterials, high density storage devices. The structural and optical characteristics of the disclosed dyes provide avenues for increased information-content through surface-enhanced Raman resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for monitoring remote access connection latency between a client device and a server device comprises using a virtual channel between the client device and the server device to determine a value for the latency in a network connection therebetween.

Abstract: A method of processing plant cellulose includes providing plant cellulose that is from a plant expressing a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and saccharifying the plant cellulose to produce fermentable sugars. The method can also include fermenting the fermentable sugars to produce alcohol. A method of producing a plant having beneficial saccharification properties includes introducing into a plant a polynucleotide encoding a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and expressing in the plant the CESA polypeptide variant, wherein plant cellulose of the plant expressing the CESA polypeptide variant has beneficial saccharification properties as compared to a wild-type plant.

Abstract: An inhibitor against the formation of biofilm includes ?-casein macropeptide. The inhibitor prevents or reduces the formation of a biofilm by inhibiting attachment or attachment/invasion followed by biofilm formation on the abiotic or biotic surfaces by L. monocytogenes. The inhibitor can be applied as a food or pharmaceutical additive, a detergent for food or equipments for manufacturing food or pharmaceutics as well as a packing material for food or pharmaceutics.

Abstract: A soluble fused donor-acceptor conjugated polymer (fDA-CP) is prepared that absorbs light throughout nearly all the visible spectrum and is essentially black to the human eye when in the neutral state. The conjugated polymer has acceptor units that are isolated by a plurality of fused donor units. The fDA-CP assumes a conformation that results in a close ?-stacking between adjacent lamella with a separation of less than 4.5 ? in the solid state and extended conjugation to promote high charge carrier mobilities. The fDA-CP is prepared by the polycondensation of a plurality of at least one fused donor-acceptor oligomer (fDA-oligomer) that has a flat internal acceptor unit and at least one fused donor unit incorporated in the oligomers, and optionally, an additional conjugated aromatic monomer or oligomer copolymerized with the fDA-oligomers.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus and method of a Maximum Likelihood (ML) scheme in a Single-Carrier (SC) system are provided. The apparatus includes at least two antennas, at least two Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) demodulators, at least two subcarrier mappers, at least two OFDM modulators, and a detector. The antennas receive signals. The OFDM demodulators convert the signals into frequency domain signals. The subcarrier mappers confirm signals mapped to frequency domain subcarriers. The OFDM modulators convert the signals into time domain signals. The detector constructs at least one set for candidate transmission symbols and detects receive signals through ML detection using the set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline non-hygroscopic form H1 of efavirenz, and pharmaceutical compositions containing it. In accordance with the present invention efavirenz was dissolved in acetone at 25° C.-30° C., the solution was slowly added to water at 0° C.-5° C., the separated solid was filtered, washed with mixture of acetone and water and dried at 25° C.-35° C. under below 65% relative humidity for 18 hours to give crystalline non-hygroscopic efavirenz form H1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provide an aflatoxin production inhibitor that inhibits aflatoxin production specifically and efficiently, is highly safe, and is practical, and an efficient production method thereof; and a method for controlling aflatoxin contamination that uses the aflatoxin production inhibitor, specifically relating to an aflatoxin production inhibitor that includes at least one of a dioctatin represented by the following formula (I) and a derivative thereof, as an active ingredient: where, in the formula (I), R represents one of hydrogen and a methyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides active agents, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, or 17-AAG, encapsulated by safe poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (“PEG-b-PLA”) micelles. The compositions provide effective solubilization of drug combinations, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, and 17-AAG, as well as others described herein. A significant advantage of PEG-b-PLA as a carrier is that it is less toxic than Cremophor® EL or DMSO, which are used in currently known compositions. Additionally, PEG-b-PLA micelles are easier to handle than DMSO and they do not possess a foul odor, which is a problem with formulations currently in clinical trials. Accordingly, the invention provides stable and biocompatible drug formulations that improve bioavailability without causing toxicity. It was also found that larger doses of individual drugs in micelle formulations can be administered compared to non-micelle formulations.

Abstract: Sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen include an electrically-insulating support; a first and second electrode; and a palladium structure alone or in combination with an organic insulating film. The palladium structures of the sensors are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structure extends to and contacts the second electrode to create a conductive path. The palladium structures of the switches are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structures extend to and contact an organic insulating film deposited on the second electrode. Upon exposure of the switch to hydrogen, portions of the palladium structure extend through the film and contact the second electrode to create a conductive path. Methods of detecting hydrogen and methods of fabricating a sensor for detecting an analyte of interest are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Abstract: A PTFE-based composite material includes a PTFE major phase filled with a metal oxide minor phase. The major phase is intermixed with the metal oxide minor phase, wherein the minor phase includes a plurality of irregularly shaped metal oxide nanoparticles. The irregularly shaped nanoparticles provide substantial reductions in steady state wear rate over otherwise similar nanocomposites. The metal oxide can comprise aluminum oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides an agent that reduces the expression of G?12 or G?13 polypeptide, as well as an agent that enhances G protein G?12 or G?13 expression and/or activity. An agent of the invention may be used to decrease or increase G protein G?12 or G?13 expression and/or activity thereby to treat or prevent the onset of a disease or condition associated with G?12 or G?13 expression and/or activity. The invention also provides a method for screening for an anti-cancer or anti-angiogenesis agent, as well as an agent that promotes angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating chromatic aberration; in an embodiment, only the chrominance signal is filtered in the luminance/chrominance coordinates so as to eliminate the chromatic aberration so that the chromatic aberration can be eliminated regardless of a property of a lens. In addition, there are advantages in not only eliminating the chromatic aberration but also preventing resolution of the original image from being damaged.

Abstract: A nasal interface device and a method of use are disclosed. The device includes a facial adaptor configured to be secured to the nose of a user and having two nostril pads having open channels configured to be inserted into nostrils of the user and a piercing/swivel adaptor configured to interact with the facial adaptor through the two nostril prongs. The piercing/swivel adaptor is further configured to be coupled to an airway tube, the airway tube is configured to supply air/gas to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.

Abstract: A context-aware role-based access control system and a control method thereof. The context-aware role-based access control system includes: a context-aware user assignment manager (CAUAM) for performing a role assignment function, a role delegation function, or a role revocation function for a user according to a context of the user, based on a preset context request condition; a context-aware permission assignment manager (CAPAM) for performing a permission modification, a permission restoration, and a personalized permission modification for a permission, which the role has, according to changes in the context of the user; an information repository for storing a user profile and context information; and an access control manager (ACM) for controlling the context-aware user assignment manager, the context-aware permission assignment manager, and the information repository, and processing an access control request.