Abstract: Methods of using specific operational charge and discharge parameters to extend the life of alkaline batteries are disclosed. The methods can be used with any commercial primary or secondary alkaline battery, as well as with newer alkaline battery designs, including batteries with flowing electrolyte. The methods include cycling batteries within a narrow operating voltage window, with minimum and maximum cut-off voltages that are set based on battery characteristics and environmental conditions. The narrow voltage window decreases available capacity but allows the batteries to be cycled for hundreds or thousands of times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3, wherein A and B represent one or more metals with A having a valence lower than B, to methods of making the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 comprising their synthesis within and precipitation from reverse micelles, and the use of the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 as capacitors, and their use in dynamic random access memory, electromechanics, and non-linear optics.

Abstract: A method for producing an adsorbent, having the steps of combining a first sludge and a second material to form a mixture, thermally drying the mixture, and pyrolizing the mixture using at least four temperature zones wherein each temperature zone is set between about 600° C. and 1,100° C. The first sludge is a municipal sludge or an industrial sludge, and the second material is a compost material or one of municipal sludge or industrial sludge differing from the first sludge. The compost material is at least one of tobacco waste, waste paper and wood char, or a combination thereof. Further, the drying can happen in two stages. Each stage can include two separate temperatures.

Abstract: A method for improving neuronal performance of a target nerve of a patient according to one exemplary embodiment includes the step of: exposing the nerve to a pulsed magnetic field generated by DC current having a predetermined magnetic field strength at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined magnetic field strength and the predetermined frequency are selected such that an amplitude of a compound action potential of the target nerve increases as a result of the exposure and remains elevated for a time period after the exposure has ended.

Abstract: The present invention provides selective modification of polypeptide sequences with electron transfer moieties. The resulting polypeptide assemblies represent a novel class of electron transfer complexes that are capable of transferring electrons over very long distances at fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the production of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: A device for enhancing transmission of incident electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength is presented that includes an aperture array structure in a thin film. The structure includes a repealing unit cell having more than one aperture including a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein a parameter of the first aperture differs from that of the second aperture. The unit cell repeats with a periodicity on the order of or less than said predetermined wavelength, The structure parameters are configured to preferentially support cavity modes for coupling to and enhancing transmission of a predetermined polarization state at the predetermined wavelength. By structuring the unit cell with apertures that differ by appropriate degrees in at least one of dimension, height, dielectric constant of material filling the apertures, shape, and orientation, the devices can be adapted for polarization and/or wavelength filtering- and/or light circulating, weaving, or channeling.

Abstract: A system includes an in vivo imaging device for imaging a blood vessel with a resolution level of at least fifty micrometers. The in vivo imaging device is capable of detecting a microcalcification in a fibrous cap of an atheroma. The system also includes a processor for receiving an image of the blood vessel from the in vivo imaging device. The processor uses the image to determine whether the blood vessel contains at least one microcalcification within the fibrous cap. In some embodiments, the processor is configured and arranged to predict a risk of rupture of the fibrous cap based, at least in part, on the presence of the at least one microcalcification. In some embodiments, treatment of a patient is based on the determination from the imaging whether the blood vessel includes at least one microcalcification within the fibrous cap of the atheroma.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel synthetic C-glycolipids that selectively induce a ThI-type immune response characterized by enhanced IL-12 secretion and increased activation of dendritic cells. The compounds of the invention are thereby useful in treating infections, cancers, cell proliferative disorders, and autoimmune diseases, both directly and as adjuvants.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed in this specification pertains to a method for detecting cells with elastic cell membranes. A plurality of cells are fixed to an impedimetric transducer and osmotic stress is applied. Those cells with elastic membranes, including cancer cells, undergo a volume change which is detected by the impedimetric transducer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adsorbent comprising: a) 20-30% porous carbon with incorporated organic nitrogen species; and b) 70-80% inorganic matter. The invention is directed to a method of making an adsorbent which comprises: a) thermally drying dewatered sewage sludge to form granulated organic fertilizer; and b) pyrolyzing said the organic fertilizer at temperatures between 600 and 1000° C. The invention is additionally directed to the process of removing acidic gases from wet air streams comprising putting an adsorbent in contact with the wet air stream and allowing the adsorbent to adsorb the acidic gases.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant; (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder; and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein pertains to a method for screening drugs using second-harmonic generation microscopy. The tissue is scanned with a pulsed laser light which has an excitation wavelength. At least some of microtubules within the tissue produce generated light with a second-harmonic wavelength that is half the excitation wavelength. A microtubule pattern within the tissue is determined based on an analysis of the generated second-harmonic wavelength.

Abstract: A printed flexible battery is provided. The battery has an anode and a cathode printed on flexible, fibrous substrates. Current collectors are provided that form the anode/cathode connections when the assembly is folded. A hydrophobic polymer is printed in a pattern that contains the electrolyte to a predetermined region.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the level of a chemokine in a cell by administering to a cell an effective amount of a depside or an anthocyanin are provided. More particularly, a method for modulating the level of a chemokine in a cell by administering to a cell an effective amount of a depside having the structure of formula (IV): Formula (IV) wherein R is selected from H or CH3 or an anthocyanin selected from cyanidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, or combinations thereof, or an enantiomer, optical isomer, diastereomer, N-oxide, crystalline form, hydrate, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided. Also provided are compounds according to Formulas I-IV, pharmaceutical compositions, unit dosage forms, and food or feed supplements containing such compounds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adsorbent comprising: a) 20-30% porous carbon with incorporated organic nitrogen species; and b) 70-80% inorganic matter. The invention is directed to a method of making an adsorbent which comprises: a) thermally drying dewatered sewage sludge to form granulated organic fertilizer; and b) pyrolyzing said the organic fertilizer at temperatures between 600 and 1000° C. The invention is additionally directed to the process of removing acidic gases from wet air streams comprising putting an adsorbent in contact with the wet air stream and allowing the adsorbent to adsorb the acidic gases.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of preparing polyamide particles. The method include spray drying a solution containing a polyamide to form polyamide particles having an average diameter of between about 0.5 ?m and about 10 ?m and at least about 85% of the polyamide particles having a diameter distribution of no more than about 1.5 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering voltage limited neurostimulation to a patient. In one aspect, a method includes initiating a flow of electrical current through a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the patient and increasing the flow of electrical current toward a target value by increasing a voltage across the first electrode and second electrode. Prior to reaching the target value of electrical current, the method includes preventing the voltage across the first electrode and second electrode from increasing beyond a first predetermined limit; and subsequently, maintaining the voltage across the first electrode and second electrode at or within a predetermined range that does not exceed the first predetermined limit. The amplitude of the electrical current continues to increase toward the target value during at least part of a time when the voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A production unit for purifying water is provided. The production unit has a fluid intake and a heating basin fluidly connected to the fluid intake by a connector such that a layer of water with a depth of less than about 30 mm is provided. A transparent dome is mounted to the top surface of the base that defines an interior perimeter. A trough in the base is contiguous with an interior surface of the transparent dome. A fluid output is fluidly connected to the trough and extends away from the base. A plurality of lenses is configured to focus sunlight onto a corresponding plurality of focal points located on the layer of water.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel compounds containing an H2S releasing moiety and a nitric oxide (NO) releasing moiety covalently linked with a core (e.g., a salicylic acid moiety) and the use of such compounds in treating inflammatory diseases, including cancers. Therapeutic potency of these compounds is significantly higher than NSAIDs containing a H2S-releasing moiety alone (HS-NSAIDs) and NSAID containing a NO-releasing moiety alone (NO-NSAIDs). The compounds, in addition, exhibit reduced side effect, e.g., reduced stomach ulcers, upon administration.

Abstract: A novel electrode current collector design that can improve performance and extend cycle life for rechargeable batteries based on metal electrodeposition is disclosed. The novel electrode current collector has a reduced effective surface area that can help to balance efficiencies between battery electrodes and to ensure non-uniform electrodeposition of metal onto the anode current collector during charge. One result is mitigation of internal short circuits that can cause a battery to fail prematurely.