Abstract: A method for impulse noise detection and removal in color images based on Moran's/statistic using Moran's/vector median filter (MIVMF) which comprises detection and removal components. The detection module determines if a pixel is noise or is noise-free. If it is a noise pixel, the vector median filter (VMF) will be used to remove the noise. This detection capability meets the so-called “switching” mechanism, which only selects noisy pixels for suppression. The inventive filter expedites processing time with the reduced number of vector calculations due to this new detection function, achieved with Moran's/index and the indication of 1-D Laplacian kernels. Compared to other vector-type median filters, the inventive MIVMF was faster in the filtering process and efficient in removing random impulse noise with different noise levels in color images. The MIVMF demonstrated a promising de-noising result based on the criteria of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM).

Abstract: A microfluidic solenoid point of use device for discrete quantitation of magnetized cells. The inventive device provides higher accuracy, lower cost, and less bulk than other counting devices.

Abstract: Phage ?241 specific for Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from an industrial cucumber fermentation where both acidity (pH?3.7) and salinity (?5% NaCI) were high. A method for preparing a food item at least substantially free of Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination contacted the food item with a bacteriophage ?241 under conditions for the bacteriophage ?241 to lyse all or substantially all the Escherichia coli O157:H7 present in the food item, while Escherichia coli strains other than O157:H7 were not affected. A method for detecting the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by contacting a bacteriophage ?241 with a food item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A unified enterprise mobile data system that allows fine distinction and control of groups from individual contacts. The group structures that a user sees in the group screen generally matches the business structures the user works with. When the user is associated with and accesses a screen for a group, s/he sees messages just for this group. Each group is associated with a secured shared data storage space; group calendar, to-do list, and task tracker. The group structure provides a unified entry to access all group associated resources. Aggregate secured shared data storage space, group calendar, to-do list, and task tracker covering all groups with which the user is associated are also accessible to the user, providing rapid generalized access to all the user's information and data. The unified enterprise mobile data system provides dynamic membership for users in geolocation-based groups in response to the user's movements in and around locations of the enterprise.

Abstract: A method and software supporting the method that improves the perceived quality of a vocalist's and/or singer's spoken or sung tone by teaching how to self-lower the larynx and maintain the lower laryngeal position while vocalizing and singing. An exemplary vocal instruction method comprising instructing a vocalist to self-monitor electromyographic data during singing, the data provided from an electromyograph device, the device comprising electrodes attached to a skin surface covering the vocalist's larynx, translating the data to a graphic display indicating to the vocalist the relative tension or flaccidity of the vocalist's laryngeal depressor muscles, instructing the vocalist to perform at least one physiological and/or anatomical function sufficient to result in lowered real-time tension of the laryngeal depressor muscle assessed by the electromyo-graphic device.

Abstract: A system and method for using the system that permits a severely-ability challenged user to communicate with his or her environment using a brain-controlled interface. In one embodiment, the user's functional capability with the system is assessed to enhance candidate optimization for system benefit.

Abstract: The invention provides improved mutagenic plasmids and a method for making and using them. In one embodiment a cyclic mutagenic nucleic acid is replicated to form interlocking, digestibly separable duplex or simplex rings; and then one or more of the interlocked rings are cleaved selectively by means of a restriction enzyme to liberate an intact duplex or simplex ring. The mutagenic plasmids show substantially improved efficiencies in transforming cellular microorganism that are exposed to them.

Abstract: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity was modulated by contact with an effective amount of a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, resulting in phosphorylation of S602, T46, and/or S58. Kinetics and stoichiometry are disclosed. The contact strongly reduced nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and inhibited the cytochrome c reductase activity of eNOS reductase domains. Three sites of phosphorylation were determined that matched the serine-proline (SP) and threonine-proline (TP) motifs of typical MAP kinase phosphorylation sites.

Abstract: The invention provides improved mutagenic plasmids and a method for making and using them. In one embodiment a cyclic mutagenic nucleic acid is replicated to form interlocking, digestibly separable duplex or simplex rings; and then one or more of the interlocked rings are cleaved selectively by means of a restriction enzyme to liberate an intact duplex or simplex ring. The mutagenic plasmids show substantially improved efficiencies in transforming cellular microorganism that are exposed to them.