Abstract: A 400 kA high energy efficiency reduction pot, comprising: anode carbon blocks, anode busbars, crust breaking and feeding device, anode lifting device, girders and pillars, pot hooding and exhausting system, cathode busbar arrangement structure, cathode carbon blocks, cathode lining structure and cathode pot shell, the pot is characterized in that: 1) superstructure and portal-type pillars are supported by pipe truss girders structure; 2) anode carbon block has eight steel stubs to be configured in a symmetrical mode; 3) the superstructure has 24 double-anode assemblies or 48 single-anode assemblies, six alumina feeding points, and two fluoride salt feeding points; 4) sub-section fume collecting and exhausting system is installed between a horizontal hood plate and a feeding hopper; 5) a device for sealing the anode rod by means a negative pressure suction is provided; 6) a new lining structure of holding heat on bottom, dispersing heat from side, and adding expansion layer at the cathode end have been design

Abstract: Methods for identifying prodrug antibiotic compounds and direct inhibitory antibiotic compounds utilizing various screens are provided. Also provided are methods for treating infections using these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and compositions that inhibit the action of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), methods of inhibiting MGL and FAAH, methods of modulating cannabinoid receptors, and methods of treating various disorders related to the modulation of cannabinoid receptors.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and kits comprising carbohydrate-based inhibitors that bind GNBP and/or inhibit ?(1,3)-glucanase activity. Also provided are methods of using such inhibitors to protect against or treat pest infestation, as are compositions and kits comprising subparts of the carbohydrate-based inhibitors.

Abstract: A shunt system quick connector assembly to quickly connect and disconnect a catheter to a hydrocephalus shunt system comprising a valve in a valve housing. The catheter is affixed to the quick connector assembly. The quick connector assembly snaps over an external barb on the valve housing of the shunt system with an audible sound, so that the surgeon knows that connection has been made. The connector assembly can be operated quickly, minimizing the time for the surgical procedure and the opportunity for infection. The connector assembly has smooth surfaces to minimize the growing of tissue into the connection.

Abstract: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) can be used for the assessment and diagnosis of muscular disorders. EIM includes applying an electrical signal to a region of tissue and measuring a resulting signal. A characteristic of the region of tissue is determined based on the measurement. Performing EIM at different frequencies and/or different angular orientations with respect to a muscle can aid in the assessment and diagnosis. Devices are described that facilitate assessment and diagnosis using EIM.

Abstract: Nanoparticles containing nucleic acid and suitable for use as in vivo delivery agents for nucleic acids are provided. The nanoparticles use a covalent conjugate of a polycation such as polyethylenimine and phospholipids. The final DNA-containing nanoparticle has a vesicular structure with a polyplex core surrounded by a mixed lipid/PEG-lipid monolayer envelope and offers simple preparation, high loading capacity, and in vivo stability. The nanoparticles have good in vivo stability and a prolonged blood circulation time and can effectively deliver a gene to a biological target such as a tumor.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems, methods and devices for analyzing samples and, more particularly, to systems using tandem differential mobility spectrometers in combination with a mass analyzer to enhance the analysis process of constituents of a sample.

Abstract: Negative refraction in photonic crystals and diffraction grating is used to design plano-concave lenses to focus plane waves. Microwave experiments are carried out to demonstrate negative refraction and the performance of these lenses. Demonstration of negative refraction of visible light is also performed for the grism. These lenses can be used in optical circuits, astronomical applications, etc.

Abstract: A microscopy apparatus includes a heating source to provide a pulse of heating energy focused on a target to heat a localized region of the target, such as human tissue, to generate motion. A measuring source provides a measuring light beam focused on the target. A coherent confocal microscopy assembly focuses the measuring light beam on the target and returns a reflected signal from the target. A detection assembly receives the reflected signal from the target and detects a Doppler shift of the reflected signal. A scanning assembly scans pulses from the heating source over the target and scans the measuring light beam from the measuring source over the target to build up an image of a plane of the target.

Abstract: A robotic architecture for capturing the autonomous performance advantages the animal models enjoy in the natural environment is disclosed. A biomimesis process is employed to allow selective utilization of basic physical components and adaptation of a common control paradigm for each of different vehicle types. The biomimetic architecture involves five functional elements: a basic biomorphic plant for capturing the biomechanical advantages of the model organism; a neural circuit-based controller consisting of a finite state machine; myomorphic actuators producing linear graded force in response to trains of current pulses for mediating movements; labeled line code output by neuromorphic sensors; and a reactive behavioral sequencer executing command sequences defined within a behavioral library.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing an immune response, for example to a vaccine, by combining the administration of oxygen (O2 gas), an adenosine pathway antagonist and/or an HIF-1? antagonist, and/or inhibitors of enzymes that produce or generate adenosine with the administration of the vaccine to the patient. The present invention also relates to methods of inducing or enhancing immune responses, methods of treating subjects having a tumor, methods of ablating or killing tumor cells and methods of disrupting the blood supply to a tumor, comprising administering oxygen alone or in combination with therapeutic agents that prevent inhibition of anti-tumor T cells. Tumor defense-resistant immune cells, anti-viral immune cells, and methods of their production are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a relatively-thick film of a magnetic material on a substrate for use in microwave and millimeter wave devices is disclosed. The method includes preparing a wet paste comprising a binder material, glass frit, and a finely-grained magnetic material; applying the wet paste over a stencil, template or mask disposed on the substrate, to form a film on a surface of the substrate; drying the wet paste within an applied magnetic field, to vaporize fluid and organic compounds in the binder material and to produce a desired magnetic orientation in the magnetic film; and sintering the magnetic film. Hot pressing the magnetic film during sintering by adding weight on the film improves density.

Abstract: RF-optical metamaterials with (±?, ±?) figures-of-merit of interest are constructed from coupled magnetic and dielectric multi-resonant multi-disks (finite-size cylinders) or multi-sphere lattices arranged in a periodic or a random fashion to offer tailored magnetic and electric dipole moments. The present metamaterials include embedded particles arrays that provide coupled magnetic and electronic modes equivalent to L (inductor) and C (capacitor) circuit models. Novel arrangements of these dipole modes (L and C) tailor the transfer function to the physics of interest.

Abstract: A system and method employing a microplasma to electrically charge nano- or micro-particles in a gas phase and, subsequently, trap the charged particles within the microplasma using the microplasma's built-in electric fields are disclosed. Confinement of the particles allows their density to be increased over time such that very low concentrations of particles can be detected, e.g., by methods such as laser scattering and/or detection of the plasma-induced charge on the particles. Preferably, charge detection methods are employed when nano-particles are to be trapped and detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measureable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material.

Abstract: Methods are presented for realizing zero-dispersion segmented flow for transfer of small microfluidic samples onto or within microfluidic analysis or processing devices. Where fluidic systems are in whole or in part made of materials favorable to the zero-dispersion conditions for an indicated solvent/carrier fluid system, the system may be covalently coated to impart the necessary surface properties. This invention is demonstrated in an embodiment where 1 microliter samples (6) are robotically prepared and transferred through 3 meters of capillary tubing (4) to a microcoil NMR probe.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting acousto-photonic emissions in optically turbid media that provide increased levels of detection sensitivity. The detection system includes an ultrasonic transducer, a laser, a photo-detector for detecting ultrasound-modulated laser light, and circuitry for processing the detected signals for subsequent analysis. The ultrasonic transducer generates an ultrasonic wave that propagates within an optically turbid medium. The laser generates a coherent light beam, which is split to form signal and reference beams. The signal beam is sent through the turbid medium, where it is phase modulated by the ultrasound. The ultrasound-modulated signal beam is provided to a photo-refractive crystal for subsequent interference with the reference beam to convert the phase modulation to intensity modulation.

Abstract: Methods of making bispecific binding complexes and nanopolymers coupled to detection and/or therapeutic agents are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using such bispecific binding complexes and nanopolymers for detecting and treating cells.

Abstract: A modular multiple lane or capillary electrophoresis (chromatography) system that permits automated parallel separation and comprehensive collection of all fractions from samples in all lanes or columns, with the option of further on-line automated sample fraction analysis, is disclosed. Preferably, fractions are collected in a multi-well fraction collection unit, or plate. The multi-well collection plate is preferably made of a solvent permeable gel, most preferably a hydrophilic, polymeric gel such as agarose or cross-linked polyacrylamide.