Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and for splitting and analyzing a liquid sample includes a fluid conduit (16), which defines a flow passage (18) and is configured to supply the liquid sample. The fluid conduit (16) has an outer surface and a micro-hole (30) through the outer surface into the flow passage (18). The apparatus (10) also includes an ambient ionizer (40) configured to generate and direct a charged solvent (44) toward the micro-hole (30) at the outer surface for ionizing a portion of the liquid sample (32) that emerges out of the micro-hole (30). The apparatus (10) further includes a mass spectrometer (60) having a sample entrance (62) adjacent the micro-hole (30) configured to analyze an ionized portion of the liquid sample (54).

Abstract: In a method for detecting disruptions proximate to an underground conduit, at least one signal carrying cable is positioned along a length of the conduit and between the conduit and a ground surface. At least one cable engaging member is connected to spaced apart locations on the at least one signal carrying cable to extend laterally outward of the at least one signal carrying cable. Each of the at least one cable engaging members is configured to transmit a force to the at least one signal carrying cable when impacted by an external force. A monitoring signal is provided to the at least one signal carrying cable, and a reflected monitoring signal is received in response to the supplied monitoring signal. One or more properties of the reflected monitoring signal are compared to one or more corresponding properties of a predicted reflected monitoring signal.

Abstract: A method of forming a superconductive device of a single layer of (BETS)2GaCl4 molecules on a substrate surface which displays a superconducting gap that increases exponentially with the length of the molecular chain is provided.

Abstract: Glucose deprivation is an attractive strategy in cancer research and treatment. Cancer cells upregulate glucose uptake and metabolism for maintaining accelerated growth and proliferation rates. Specifically blocking these processes is likely to provide new insights to the role of glucose transport and metabolism in tumorigenesis, as well as in apoptosis. As solid tumors outgrow the surrounding vasculature, they encounter microenvironments with a limited supply of nutrients leading to a glucose deprived environment in some regions of the tumor. Cancer cells living in the glucose deprived environment undergo changes to prevent glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis. Knowing how cancer cells evade apoptosis induction is also likely to yield valuable information and knowledge of how to overcome the resistance to apoptosis induction in cancer cells.

Abstract: Treatment of autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases associated with overexpression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) as well as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and/or TLR3/TLR4 signaling in nonimmune cells, monocytes, macrophages, and/or dendritic cells in association with related pathologies. The use of phenylmethimazoles, methimazole derivatives, and tautomeric cyclic thiones for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases associated with TLR3 as well as TLR4 and/or TLR3/TLR4 cellular signaling in association with related pathologies is disclosed. Methods of treating a subject having a disease or condition associated with abnormal TLR-3 as well as TLR-4 and/or TLR3/TLR4 cellular signaling in association with related pathologies are also disclosed. The present disclosure also relates to the treatment of autoimmune-inflammatory pathologies and chemokine and cytokine-mediated diseases associated with TLR overexpression and signaling.

Abstract: Systems and methods include generating visual feedback from a traced pattern that is completed by an individual using a multi-touch device. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to displaying a previously generated pattern by a user interface of the multi-touch device to the individual for the individual to trace. The traced pattern generated from continuously tracing the previously generated pattern by the individual from an initial point on the previously generated pattern to an end point on the previously generated pattern is received via the user interface of the multi-touch device. Visual feedback is generated via the user interface that translates motion-based behavior data associated with the traced pattern to a visible depiction of the motion-based behavior data.

Abstract: A method and device for evaluating a colonoscopy procedure includes an endoscope (12) having a distal portion (22) and a proximal portion (24). A plurality of sensors (28) are positioned along the endoscope (12) and operatively connected to a processing system (14). The plurality of sensors (28) and processing system (14) detect a first bending of the distal portion (22) and a second bending of the proximal portion (24). The first and second bending are compared by the processing system (14) for estimating the formation of the partial loop in order to predict the formation of a full loop during the colonoscopy procedure.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer storage mediums securely authenticate an identity of an individual based on a pattern that is traced by the individual. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to prompting an individual with a pattern to trace when attempting to authenticate the identity of the individual during an identity authentication session. Motion-based behavior data that is generated by motions executed by the individual as the individual traces the pattern is captured via a motion-capturing sensor. The motion-based behavior data is unique to the individual and has a low likelihood of being duplicated by an unauthorized individual attempting to fraudulently pose as the individual. The captured motion-based behavior data is compared to previously captured motion-based behavior data from previous traces of the pattern completed by the individual.

Abstract: A method of purifying water is provided that includes applying a voltage to an electrolytic cell 10 that includes an anode 14, a cathode 16 and an alkaline electrolyte composition having a pH value of about 11 or less. The alkaline electrolyte composition 13 includes at least one waste metal ion to be reduced, and a sacrificial reductant, such as urea, ammonia or a combination thereof, to be oxidized. According to the disclosed method, the voltage is applied across the cathode 16 and the anode 14 and is sufficient to reduce the at least one waste metal ion to form at least one elemental metal species at the cathode 16, and to oxidize the sacrificial reductant at the anode 14. Additionally, the applied voltage does not affect the generation of hydrogen at the cathode 16 and/or oxygen at the anode 14.

Abstract: Glucose deprivation is an attractive strategy in cancer research and treatment. Cancer cells upregulate glucose uptake and metabolism for maintaining accelerated growth and proliferation rates. Specifically blocking these processes is likely to provide new insights to the role of glucose transport and metabolism in tumorigenesis, as well as in apoptosis. As solid tumors outgrow the surrounding vasculature, they encounter microenvironments with a limited supply of nutrients leading to a glucose deprived environment in some regions of the tumor. Cancer cells living in the glucose deprived environment undergo changes to prevent glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis. Knowing how cancer cells evade apoptosis induction is also likely to yield valuable information and knowledge of how to overcome the resistance to apoptosis induction in cancer cells.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry-based method for analyzing an acidic organic target compound includes directing a charged solvent (44) toward a pre-acidified sample (12) comprising the target compound, to thereby ionize the pre-acidified sample (12). The method further includes directing the ionized pre-acidified sample (54) to a mass spectrometer (18), the mass spectrometer (18) being configured to identify and quantify the target compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to conducting polymer composites for use in electrochemical applications and electrolysis applications, and methods of making the same. A composite material is provided that includes a conducting polymer; and a silsesquioxane compound. The composite material is used to prepare ion conducting membranes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA).

Abstract: A discharge electrode using carbon fibers, nanofibers and/or nanotubes to generate the corona discharge. The invention contemplates carbon fiber electrodes with or without a polymer matrix to form a composite, and a supporting configuration in which the fibers are wrapped helically around a supporting rod that extends along the length of the electrode. Another supporting configuration includes the fibers stretched across the gas flow path. Yet another supporting configuration includes mounting the fibers along the length of the support rod substantially parallel to the rod.

Abstract: A motorized drive system and method for articulating an articulated joint having a motor and an elastic cable. The elastic cable is operatively connected to both the motor and the articulated joint such that the motor articulates the joint via the elastic cable. In addition, the elastic cable is adapted to be sufficiently elastic such that the motorized drive system is configured to use one motor for each degree of freedom through which the articulated joint moves.

Abstract: A method using an electrolytic cell to electrolyze urea to produce at least one of H2 and NH3 is described. An electrolytic cell having a cathode with a first conducting component, an anode with a second conducting component, urea and an alkaline electrolyte composition in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode is used to electrolyze urea. The alkaline electrolyte composition has a hydroxide concentration of at least 0.01 M.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating biofilm formation and growth on a substrate are provided. The composition comprises 1 ppb to 1,000 ppm of at least one D-amino acid and 1 ppm to 60,000 ppm of at least one biocide. The method comprises contacting the substrate with 1 ppb to 1,000 ppm of at least one D-amino acid and 1 ppm to 60,000 ppm of at least one biocide. The compositions and methods are effective for preventing, reducing or eliminating biofilm formation or biofilm growth or both, as well as eradicating established, recalcitrant biofilms, particularly biofilms comprising sulfate reducing bacteria that are known to cause microbiologically influenced corrosion, biofouling, or both.

Abstract: Graphene can be produced from the byproducts formed during electrolysis of coal. These byproducts may be electrolyzed coal particles, gelatinous film formed on the electrolyzed coal particles, or the electrolyzed coal particles together with the gelatinous film. The electrolyzed coal byproduct is deposited as a thin layer onto a surface, or carrier substrate 50, which is heated to a temperature effective to form graphite while a reductant gas, such as hydrogen, flows over the heated coal product. The reductant gas flow carries the carbon particles and deposits them onto a surface 66, forming a layer of graphene thereon.

Abstract: An exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid, the exfiltration apparatus including a housing defining a fluid flow path and having a first filter/sorptive layer positioned within a first portion of the housing and a second filter/sorptive layer positioned within a second portion of the housing. The first portion of the housing and the first filter/sorptive layer are removable as a unit from the second portion of the housing. The exfiltration apparatus may also include a container positioned within the second filter/sorptive layer and a third filter/sorptive layer disposed within the container. The exfiltration apparatus may also include a container defining a fluid retaining chamber. The chamber may be generally positioned between the first filter/sorptive layer and the second filter/sorptive layer.

Abstract: A mechanical capstan amplifier. The mechanical capstan amplifier (60) having a first tensioner (64) with a first actuating rod (72) extending therefrom. The first tensioner (64) is configured to rotate the first actuating rod (72). The amplifier (60) also includes a drive motor (62) having a drive rod (78) extending therefrom. The drive motor (62) is configured to rotate the drive rod (78). A first cord (66), extending between the first actuating rod (72) and a first load to be moved also extends at least partially around the drive rod (78). Actuation of the first tensioner (64) causes the first cord (66) to tighten around the drive rod (78) and moves the load.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the yield in plant expression of recombinant proteins comprising engineering glycosylation sites into cloned genes or cDNAs for proteins using codons that drive post-translational modifications in plants and engineering the cloned genes or cDNAs to contain a plant secretory signal sequence that targets the gene products (protein) for secretion are present. The methods result in increased recombinant glycosylated protein yields. Proteins produced according to these methods are also present.