Abstract: Methods and kits for detection of bacteria, especially Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, are provided using a unique combination of selective ingredients and two-phase culture (solid-phase culture gel and liquid-phase culture/enrichment broth) allows for high sensitivity and specificity of the kits for growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in the detection methods and kits. The invention, through the detection mechanism accomplished by the novel formulation of selective ingredients and the two-phase culture, allows for real-time detection of a single cell of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus within 24±2 hours of introducing a target sample to the Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus detection kits.

Abstract: The configurations herein are directed to a sleep trolley system for automation of sleep disruption. Such a unique system often includes a platform support system; a natural habitat chamber configured for an animal subject, wherein the natural habitat chamber is removeably disposed thereon the platform support system; an agitator disposed therein the natural habitat chamber, wherein the agitator is configured with a first magnetic component to provide magnetic coupling; a trolley affixed to the platform support system; wherein the trolley is configured with a second magnetic component, wherein the second magnetic component exerts a magnetic attraction force with the first magnetic component coupled to the agitator as disposed therein the natural habitat chamber; and a control system configured to move the trolley along a dimension of the platform support system so as to guide the agitator along a corresponding length of the natural habitat chamber via the magnetic attraction force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an improved asphalt. The method involves providing an asphalt and providing a compound of formula (I), as described herein. The asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (I) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt. Also disclosed are an asphalt product and a method of making asphalt material. The invention further discloses a method of producing an improved asphalt comprising providing a polymer modified asphalt and providing a compound of formula (IIa) or formula (II). The polymer modified asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (IIa) or formula (IIb) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt, which is yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of prodrugs susceptible to nitroreductase (NTR) activation. In particular, provided herein are mitochondria-targeting prodrug compounds and probes, including profluore scent near-infrared (NIR) probes and non-fluorescent prodrugs, as well as to methods of using said prodrug compounds and probes for imaging mitochondria and for mitochondria-specific delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides combinations and formulations including a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) or a LHRH analog; and curcumin or a curcumin analog. LHRH or LHRH analog can be fused or conjugated to a curcumin or curcumin analog. Invention combinations and formulations can also include an anti-cell proliferative drug. Invention combinations and formulations can be used for inhibiting proliferation of a cell; treating a hyperproliferative disorder; and treating a neoplasia, tumor, cancer or malignancy.

Abstract: A method for optical imaging of single protein molecules including tethering single protein molecules via a flexible polymer linker to a glass slide having a surface coated with an indium tin oxide (ITO) so that the single protein molecules are tethered to the coated surface. The single protein molecules are driven into oscillation by applying an alternating electric field to the coated surface and the glass slide is located in the field of view of an objective lens. Incident light is directed onto the coated surface from an angle to generate an evanescent field and produce scattered light. The scattered light is collected and imaged by a CMOS imager to record a sequence of images of the scattered light. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter is applied to each pixel of the recorded image sequence to produce an oscillation amplitude image from which size, charge, and mobility of the plurality of single protein molecules can be determined.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system is provided. The energy harvesting system includes a waveguide, a luminophore embedded in the waveguide, and a solar photovoltaic array or a solar photovoltaic cell coupled to the waveguide. The energy harvesting system is visibly transparent, having an average visible transmittance of greater than about 50% and a color rendering index of greater than about 80 at normal incidence to the waveguide.

Abstract: ‘Emerald Sprite’ is a new Cotoneaster cultivar with a highly compact, mounding habit, extremely dense foliage, short internodes, and improved fire blight resistance.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for improving automobile safety are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for reducing driver distraction and improving automobile safety are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicular system with an L-shaped infotainment display for reducing driver distraction and improving safety are disclosed.

Abstract: A method may include predicting an acceleration event of a vehicle. The method may further include predicting a maximum speed of the predicted acceleration event. The method may also include determining an engine start time based on the predicted maximum speed. The method may still further include starting an engine of the vehicle at the engine start time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intramedullary mandibular implants for the temporomandibular joint. The mandibular implants include a stem portion, a collar portion and a head portion. The stem, collar and head portions may be integral. The stem portion may define an inferior end and the head portion may define a superior end of the implants. The head portion may be arcuate in the sagittal plane to provide an articulating surface with a fossa or a fossa component. The collar portion may be intermediate of the head and stem portions and form a channel between an interior surface of the collar portion and an exterior surface of the stem portion. In use, the stem portion may be implanted within a condyle of a mandible such that an end portion of the condyle is situated within the channel of the implant and the head portion articulates with the fossa or fossa component.

Abstract: A method of treating neuropathy in a subject, the method comprising identifying a subject who has neuropathy; and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising one of inorganic nitrite and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian guided into and scattered by a particle in a rotated fluid allows the detection of the rotational of the fluid. The presented system allows for virtually real-time determination of vorticity characterization in a fluid. The system allows the direct measurements of fluid flow vorticity using a spatially shaped beam with a superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes that reports on the rotational Doppler shift from microparticles intersecting the beam focus.

Abstract: Pneumonia due to the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii is a life-threatening infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients. The inability to culture the organism as well as the lack of a sequenced genome has hindered antigen discovery that could be useful in developing effective vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and diagnostic methods. A method of surface proteomics of Pneumocystis murina that reliably detects surface proteins that are conserved in Pneumocystis jirovecii is described. In particular, eight identified P. murina surface proteins are described. Methods of eliciting immune responses against the identified proteins, generating therapeutic antibodies against the identified proteins, as well as diagnostic methods based on the identified peptides are described.

Abstract: Biocompatible hydrogel compositions according to aspects of the present invention are provided wherein the biocompatible hydrogel composition is or includes a physical hydrogel, a chemical hydrogel or both a physical hydrogel and a chemical hydrogel, along with biocompatible hydrogel compositions encapsulating a therapeutic agent and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.

Abstract: New 1,3-dipenyl pyrazole derived azomethines and N-aryl amines have been synthesized. These anti-MRSA agents combat MRSA and other infections. These azomethine and N-arylamine derivatives of benzoic acid provide combat MRSA and other infections.

Abstract: Co-clustering based on generalized conceptual relationships can automatically detect story forms incorporating archetypes/targets and actions. Co-clustering can help in identifying similarities that exist in low-dimensional sub-spaces of sparse data such as textual paragraphs. Through co-clustering, the clusters themselves and their characteristic features are identifiable which can be useful in describing and summarizing their contents. The residual error of factorization with concept-based features is significantly lower than the error with prior keyword-based features. Qualitative evaluations also suggest that concept-based features yield more coherent, distinctive and interesting story forms compared to those produced by using prior keyword-based features.