Abstract: The present invention provides a method of simultaneously screening at least two candidate agents for an activity affecting regeneration of an embryonic teleost. According to this method, for each agent, a fin of the embryonic teleost is amputated. Next, the amputated teleost is incubated with the candidate agent for a specified period of time. After this period of time, the amputated teleost is imaged. This image is compared to an image of an amputated teleost that was incubated for the specified period of time in the absence of the candidate agent. When comparing the images, a change in morphology of the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost incubated in the presence of the candidate agent compared to the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost raised in the absence of the candidate agent indicates that the candidate agent affects regeneration.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, and methods for controlling an arthropod pest population that employ an eremophilane sesquiterpene parent structure are presented. The compounds have minimal adverse or toxic effects on humans, non-human animals, and the natural environment. The compounds may be isolated from natural sources, semi-synthesized from naturally occurring compounds, or completely synthesized. The compounds may be applied directly to a pest, or the locus of a pest, and function as topical or ingestible toxins. Eremophilane sesquiterpenes 13-hydroxy-valencene, valencene-11,12-epoxide, valencene-13-aldehyde, and nootkatone-1,10-11,12-diepoxide are exemplary compounds.

Abstract: A system can comprise a screw and a nut, which are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the screw and the nut components can comprise one or more magnets configured to exert a repulsive force on one or more magnets of the other component as a result of the relative motion. Interactions between the one or more magnets of the screw and the one or more magnets of the nut can allow for conversion between linear motion and rotary motion. One or more tools can be used to aid in manufacturing the screw and/or the nut. In some embodiments additional components can aid in maintaining alignment of the screw and the nut.

Abstract: A method for assisting multi-tasking computer users includes receiving from a user a specification of a task being performed by the user or an indication of completion of a task, collecting state changes in multiple executing programs, predicting a current task being performed by the user based on a recent state change event, a past specification of a task being performed by the user, and past events and associated tasks. Based on the predicted current task, user interface elements in multiple executing programs are adapted to facilitate performance of the task. The method may also allow a user to specify a new task based on a task template derived from a completed task to facilitate completion of the new task. The task templates also may be shared among users, and active tasks may also be team tasks shared among users.

Abstract: Novel nonlinear optical materials are described having the general formula MxM?yScz(BO3)4 where M and M?are metals, typically rare earth metals, and the sum of x, y, and z is about four. One example of such a material is La0.7Y0.3Sc3(BO3)4. Exemplary crystalline materials according to the general formula exhibit useful optical characteristics and desirable physical properties for nonlinear optical applications. Novel compositions and devices using the nonlinear optical materials also are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for chemical synthesis and/or analysis are disclosed. One embodiment of a disclosed apparatus comprises a laminated, microfluidic structure defining a reactor and a separator. Such apparatuses, or portions thereof, generally have dimensions ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. To implement synthetic processes, disclosed embodiments of the apparatus generally include at least one valve, and often plural, selectively actuatable valves. Detectors, including optical detectors, also can be used to detect product and other materials as they flow by, or are otherwise presented to, the detector. Individual apparatuses may be coupled both in series and in parallel to form a system for making chemical compounds. The apparatus is particularly useful for making compounds requiring iterative reaction schemes, and further can be used to make compounds having morphological structures that resemble the morphology of the apparatus itself, such as dendrimers.

Abstract: Multi-precision multiplication methods over GF(2m) include representing a first polynomial and a second polynomial as an array of n words. A recursive algorithm may be used to iteratively decompose the multiplication into a weighted sum of smaller subproducts. When the size of the smaller subproducts is less than or equal to a predetermined size, a nonrecursive algorithm may be used to complete the multiplication. The nonrecursive algorithm may be optimized to efficiently perform the bottom-end multiplication. For example, pairs of redundant subproducts can be identified and excluded from the nonrecursive algorithm. Moreover, subproducts having weights in a special form may be efficiently calculated by a process that involves storing and reusing intermediate calculations.

Abstract: Multi-precision multiplication methods include storing a first operand and a second operand as a first array and a second array of n words. A first weighted sum is determined from multiple subproducts of corresponding words of the first operand and the second operand. The methods may further include iteratively determining a next weighted sum from a previous weighted sum and a recursively calculated intermediate product. The disclosed methods can be used in a variety of different applications (e.g., cryptography) and can be implemented in a number of software or hardware environments.

Abstract: An adhesive composition made by reacting a soy protein with at least one compound under conditions sufficient for introducing additional phenolic hydroxyl functional groups, amine functional groups, and/or thiol functional groups into the soy protein structure.

Abstract: A method for generating THz radiation comprises illuminating a semiconductor crystal with an optical pulse train. The semiconductor crystal comprises alternating parallel crystal domains, with each domain having a crystal orientation inverted with respect to adjacent domains. The optical pulse train propagates substantially perpendicularly relative to domain boundaries in the semiconductor crystal. The THz radiation is generated from the optical pulse train by optical down-conversion mediated by the semiconductor crystal. Optical path lengths through the crystal domains at least in part determine a frequency of the generated THz radiation. THz generation efficiency may be enhanced by placing the semiconductor crystal within an external resonant cavity, by placing the semiconductor crystal within a laser cavity, or by placing the semiconductor crystal within an OPO cavity. The semiconductor crystal may comprise zinc-blende, III-V, or II-VI semiconductor.

Abstract: Enhancement mode, field effect transistors wherein at least a portion of the transistor structure may be substantially transparent. One variant of the transistor includes a channel layer comprising a substantially insulating, substantially transparent, material selected from ZnO, SnO2, or In2O3. A gate insulator layer comprising a substantially transparent material is located adjacent to the channel layer so as to define a channel layer/gate insulator layer interface. A second variant of the transistor includes a channel layer comprising a substantially transparent material selected from substantially insulating ZnO, SnO2 or In2O3, the substantially insulating ZnO, SnO2, or In2O3 being produced by annealing. Devices that include the transistors and methods for making the transistors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbonation vessel comprising a container for holding a quantity of fruits or vegetables, an insert pan separating a lower space within the container from an upper space and having a gas vent for allowing gas to flow from the upper space to the lower space, a lid covering the upper space and a top opening of the container, a sealing member positionable between the lid and the top opening of the container, and at least one clamp for clamping the lid to the top opening of the container with the sealing member therebetween, thereby sealing the vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel can retain at least thirty pounds per square inch internal pressure. The internal pressure may comprise gaseous carbon dioxide generated in the upper space of the vessel by mixing sodium bicarbonate and citric acid with water, allowing sublimation of dry ice within the upper space, or other carbon dioxide gas generating means.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions produced from abundant and renewable resources such as lignocellulosic materials, particularly decayed lignocellulosic materials or demethylated lignin. Other components present in particular examples of the adhesive compositions include relatively inexpensive materials, such as borates and/or polyethyleneimine. Also disclosed are lignocellulosic composites that are made from the adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A novel strain of Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremori (“Ropy 352”) has been identified and isolated. Ropy 352 produces a previously unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS 352) that when expressed or added to milk, imparts highly desirable sensory characteristics to the milk, including making the milk very thick, with a very smooth mouth-feel, and slightly sweet with an obvious “chewable-bite”.

Abstract: Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.

Abstract: Scalable and unified multipliers for multiplication of cryptographic parameters represented as elements of either of the prime field (GF(p)) and the binary extension field (GF(2m)) include processing elements arranged to execute in pipeline stages. The processing elements are configurable to perform operations corresponding to either the prime field or the binary extension field. In an example, the processing elements include a dual-field adder having a field-select input that permits selection of a field arithmetic. In a representative example, multipliers are implemented as integrated circuits having processing units that each receive a single bit of one operand and partial words of the remaining operand.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling an arthropod pest population that include an eremophilane sesquiterpene pest control agent (such as, nootkatone or 13-hydroxy-valencene) and a dialkyl-substituted phenol pest control agent (such as, carvacrol) are disclosed. The compounds present in the compositions may be isolated from natural sources, semi-synthesized from naturally occurring compounds, or completely synthesized. The pest control compositions may be applied directly to a pest or the locus of a pest, and function as topical or ingestible pest toxins.

Abstract: A carbonation system is disclosed that effectively controls the treatment of fruits and vegetables with CO2 gas, providing enhanced flavor to fruits and vegetables. One embodiment of the invention uses a microprocessor to preferably monitor and control the pressure, temperature and gas flow within a sealable enclosure to effectively control the carbonation of fruits and vegetables. Another embodiment consists of a combination carbonation system and cooler that effectively controls the carbonation of fruits and vegetables by including pressure relief devices and an insulation cover. The insulation cover has apertures that provide for the distribution of CO2. A third embodiment is disclosed that also consists of a combination carbonation system and cooler. This third embodiment controls carbonation by including, among other features, feedback mechanisms and a pressure relief device. A method of using the first embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for substrate modeling are disclosed. In one disclosed method, for example, the substrate modeling comprises determining scalable Z parameters associated with at least two substrate contacts, constructing a matrix of the scalable Z parameters for the at least two substrate contacts, and calculating an inverse of the matrix to determine resistance values associated with the at least two substrate contacts. Computer-readable media containing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer system to perform any of the described methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Enhancement mode, field effect transistors wherein at least a portion of the transistor structure may be substantially transparent. One variant of the transistor includes a channel layer comprising a substantially insulating, substantially transparent, material selected from ZnO or SnO2. A gate insulator layer comprising a substantially transparent material is located adjacent to the channel layer so as to define a channel layer/gate insulator layer interface. A second variant of the transistor includes a channel layer comprising a substantially transparent material selected from substantially insulating ZnO or SnO2, the substantially insulating ZnO or SnO2 being produced by annealing. Devices that include the transistors and methods for making the transistors are also disclosed.