Abstract: A method of producing analgesia in a mammal is provided by rotational (alternating) intrathecal administration to the mammal of a pharmaceutically effective dose of at least one opioid receptor agonist, such as a ?-, ?-, or ?-opioid receptor agonist for a first period of time, followed by intrathecal administration to the mammal of a pharmaceutically effective dose of at least one opioid receptor-like receptor 1 (ORL-1) agonist for a second period of time. The intrathecal drug administration of the first and second periods of time may be repeated a plurality of times without attaining tolerance in the mammal to either drug. Implantable apparatus for rotational administration of the active agents is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: An amide is formed by reacting an ?-ketoacid or salt thereof in a decarboxylative condensation reaction with an amine or salt thereof comprising a nitrogen covalently bound to an atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The amide bond is formed between the ?-carbon of the ketoacid and the nitrogen of the amine. The ?-ketoacid can be formed using a novel sulfur reagent.

Abstract: The present invention presents a framework for separating specular and diffuse reflection components in images and videos. Each pixel of the an M-channel input image illuminated by N light sources is linearly transformed into a new color space having (M?N) channels. For an RGB image with one light source, the new color space has two color channels (U,V) that are free of specularities and a third channel (S) that contains both specular and diffuse components. When used with multiple light sources, the transformation may be used to produce a specular invariant image. A diffuse RGB image can be obtained by applying a non-linear partial differential equation to an RGB image to iteratively erode the specular component at each pixel. An optional third dimension of time may be added for processing video images. After the specular and diffuse components are separated, dichromatic editing may be used to independently process the diffuse and the specular components to add or suppress visual effects.

Abstract: Layered structures and associated fabrication methods that serve as the foundation for preparing high-operating-temperature electrochemical cells have a porous ceramic layer and a porous metal support or current collector layer bonded by mechanical interlocking which is provided by interpenetration of the layers and/or roughness of the metal surface. The porous layers can be infiltrated with catalytic material to produce a functioning electrochemical electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and compositions for genetically altering cellulose biosynthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to materials that comprise organic frameworks. The disclosure also relates to materials that are useful to store and separate gas molecules and sensors.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a procedure for bulk scale preparation of high aspect ratio, 2-dimensional nano platelets comprised of a few graphene layers, Gn. n may, for example, vary between about 2 to 10. Use of these nano platelets in applications such as thermal interface materials, advanced composites, and thin film coatings provide material systems with superior mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and antifriction characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrafast real-time optical imaging that can be used for imaging dynamic events such as microfluidics or laser surgery is provided. The apparatus and methods encode spatial information from a sample into a back reflection of a two-dimensional spectral brush that is generated with a two-dimensional disperser and a light source that is mapped in to the time domain with a temporal disperser. The temporal waveform is preferably captured by an optical detector, converted to an electrical signal that is digitized and processed to provide two dimensional and three dimensional images. The produced signals can be optically or electronically amplified. Detection may be improved with correlation matching against a database in the time domain or the spatial domain. Embodiments for endoscopy, microscopy and simultaneous imaging and laser ablation with a single fiber are illustrated.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for modulating plant growth and organogenesis using dominant-negative receptor-like kinases.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a cell comprising a modified or altered enzymatic activity of a rice-diverged glycosyltransferase (GT).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an (Al,Ga,In)N laser diode, comprising depositing one or more III-N layers upon a growth substrate at a first temperature, depositing an indium containing laser core at a second temperature upon layers deposited at a first temperature, and performing all subsequent fabrication steps under conditions that inhibit degradation of the laser core, wherein the conditions are a substantially lower temperature than the second temperature.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of depositing graphene includes bringing a stamp into contact with a substrate over a contact area. The stamp has at least a few layers of the graphene covering the contact area. An electric field is developed over the contact area. The stamp is removed from the vicinity of the substrate which leaves at least a layer of the graphene substantially covering the contact area.

Abstract: Contemplated substituted arylpiperazinyl compounds, and most preferably 18F-Mefway, exhibit desirable in vitro and in vivo binding characteristics to the 5-HT1A receptor. Among other advantageous parameters, contemplated compounds retain high binding affinity, display optimal lipophilicity, and are radiolabeled efficiently with 18F-fluorine in a single step. Still further, contemplated compounds exhibit high target to non-target ratios in receptor-rich regions both in vitro and in vivo, and selected compounds can be effectively and sensitively displaced by serotonin, thus providing a quantitative tool for measuring 5-HT1A receptors and serotonin concentration changes in the living brain.

Abstract: A method for producing a neuroblast and a cellular composition comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells is provided. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compositions which affect neuroblasts and for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder, and a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing curable polyorganosiloxanes where noble metal oxides are used as hydrosilylation catalysts. The noble metals can be used in solid granular form or as part of a fixed bed, and do not form part of the final curable composition or cured product. The cured polyorganosiloxanes have increased stability and can be used as encapsulation resins at a temperature far lower than 300° C., have excellent light transmission properties (colorless transparency) in a wavelength region of from ultraviolet light to visible light, light resistance, heat resistance, resistance to moist heat and UV resistance, and do not generate cracks and peeling even in use over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method of forming an optically active region on a silicon substrate includes the steps of epitaxially growing a silicon buffer layer on the silicon substrate and epitaxially growing a SiGe cladding layer having a plurality of arrays of quantum dots disposed therein, the quantum dots being formed from a compound semiconductor material having a lattice mismatch with the silicon buffer layer. The optically active region may be incorporated into devices such as light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and photodetectors.

Abstract: A mechanically stable and oriented scanning probe tip comprising a carbon nanotube having a base with gradually decreasing diameter, with a sharp tip at the probe tip. Such a tip or an array of tips is produced by depositing a catalyst metal film on a substrate (10 & 12 in FIG. 1(a)), depositing a carbon dot (14 in FIG. 1(b)) on the catalyst metal film, etching away the catalyst metal film (FIG. 1(c)) not masked by the carbon dot, removing the carbon dot from the catalyst metal film to expose the catalyst metal film (FIG. 1(d)), and growing a carbon nanotube probe tip on the catalyst film (16 in FIG. 1(e)). The carbon probe tips can be straight, angled, or sharply bent and have various technical applications.