Abstract: Provided are methods of enhancing an immune response and methods for reducing the recruitment of monocytes to a lymph node by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an antigen. The invention also provides relate methods for amplifying vaccine immunity by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an vaccine. The invention also provides related methods of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by administering to an individual with cancer an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an anti-tumor preparation. In addition, related compositions comprising an ARB or a compound of Formula (I) and an antigen, vaccine, or anti-tumor preparation are provided.

Abstract: A network device connecting a client station with a TCP/IP server, the device includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals from at least one of the server and the client station, and a receiver configured to receive signals from at least one of the server and the client station. The device also includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine a priority level of the network device based on a dynamic traffic load of the network device, and assign a high priority setting to a first data packet received during a predetermined period of time. Duration of the predetermined period of time is based on the priority level of the network device.

Abstract: Users may be identified across websites, such as social media websites. Prior user information data and candidate user information data may be received. An algorithm may identify a first plurality of behavioral patterns in the prior user information data and a second plurality of behavioral patterns in the candidate user information datum. The algorithm may determine whether the candidate user information datum and the prior user information data correspond to the same user based, at least in part, on the first and second pluralities of behavioral patterns.

Abstract: For lingual transformation-based encryption, a method parses communication data into lingual units. The method further generates a validation nonce from the lingual units. In addition, the method generates a transform unit for each lingual unit by applying a lingual message transformation to each lingual unit as an encryption function of a selection rule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: A method of generating one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells comprising the steps of collecting a urine specimen from a patient; centrifuging the urine specimen; and removing the one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells.

Abstract: A new and distinct Buddleja cultivar named ‘MISS PEARL’ is disclosed, characterized by white ruffled flowers, upright spike-like inflorescences, compact growth habit with high lateral branching and dense foliage, medium green leaf color (adaxial side) with silver-gray underside. Plants are female sterile and anthers malformed or lacking. The new variety is a Buddleja, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: Functionalized titanium nanotubes can be utilized to detect compounds of interest, for example peroxide-based explosives. The nanotubes may desirably be coated, for example with a silicon oxynitride coating, in order to improve detection performance and/or functionality in the presence of moisture, saline, or other conditions typically unfavorable to titanium nanotube detection devices and methods. Inexpensive, compact, reusable, and responsive sensors may be fabricated from the coated nanotubes.

Abstract: Benzofuran compound, composition thereof, kit thereof, and/or method thereof. A benzofuran-2-carboxamide moiety may be N-arylated and/or N-alkylated, and the resulting benzofuran compound may be a sigma receptor ligand that binds to, e.g., a ?1 receptor and/or a ?2 receptor with relatively high affinity and/or selectivity. For example, the benzofuran compound may be 5,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide, 3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide, or 6-methoxy-3-methyl-N-phenyl-N-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)benzofuran-2-carboxamide. The composition may include the benzofuran compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and method based on creating a structure of nanoclusters in a composite metal and insulator material by co-depositing the metal and insulator material and irradiating the composite material to create nanoclusters of metal within the composite material. In one variation, the composite material may be continuously deposited and concurrently irradiated. A further variation based on a multilayer structure having alternate layers of metal/material mixture. The alternate layers have differing metal content. The layer structure is irradiated with ionizing radiation to produce nanoclusters in the layers. The differing metal content serves to quench the nanoclusters to isolate nanoclusters along the radiation track. The result is a thermoelectric device with a high figure of merit. In one embodiment, the multilayer structure is fabricated and then irradiated with high energy radiation penetrating the entire layer structure.

Abstract: Reconfigurable power systems and converters and operating methods therefor are disclosed. Reconfigurable power systems may include a DC power source, an electrical energy storage device, an AC power grid connection, and a power converter configured to selectively couple two or more of the DC power source, the electrical energy storage device, and the AC power grid connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a method of producing an outer layer material for forming into a structure and that comprises an entanglement having a hydrophobic polymer host and a hydrophilic guest, including in one embodiment the steps of: intermingling cloaked hydrophilic guest complexes with the hydrophobic host; crosslinking molecules of the guest with the guest; and performing a hydrolysis reaction.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a cancer associated disorders using the Fhit gene.

Abstract: A cranial cap dressing for dressing a craniotomy wound comprising a breathable elastic outer layer sized to fit snuggly on a human head of a patient and an absorbent inner layer attached to the breathable elastic outer layer.

Abstract: Unique methods and systems are introduced herein for the determination of unique spatial light modulator based optical signatures of intrinsic and extrinsic scattering surface markers. These techniques can be used to authenticate semiconductor components and systems at various stages during the manufacturing process by measuring and cross correlating the surface marker's unique optical signature. In addition, these techniques can be used with extrinsic surface markers which are added to existing hardware (e.g. containers, locks, doors, etc.). These markers can then be measured for their unique optical signatures, which can be stored and used at a later time for cross-correlation to authenticate the surface marker and verify the hardware's provenance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel turbine design that increases turbine efficiency whereby turbine blades experience cyclic pitch variations while rotating about the blade axis which is accomplished by means of a concentric end cam double follower mechanism. This mechanism rotates the blades by 90 degrees about a horizontal axis which allows the blades rotating upstream and downstream to be oriented horizontally and vertically so minimum drag and maximum drag are obtained respectively. Since the aiding downstream drag is at a maximum, and the adverse upstream drag is at a minimum, this configuration allows for higher power output compared to conventional vertical axis wind turbines.

Abstract: The invention discloses injectable hydrogels which are in the form of crosslinked nano beads or particle in the size range 5 nm to 10 ?m, comprising PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical peripheral end groups such that one of the terminal groups is involved in formation of hydrogel and the other in involved in the conjugation of drugs or imaging agents and their methods of preparation. The said gel is formed by reaction of the PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical end groups with other polymer wherein the other polymer is selected from the group of linear, branched, hyperbranched or star shaped polymers with functionalized terminal groups. The PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical terminal groups consists of a Generation 2 and above PAMAM dendrimer with symmetrical end groups modified using the amino acids or their modified forms.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, the invention provides Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79 strains having pyrrolnitrin biosynthetic genes for biocontrol of soilborne diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanosheet synthesis. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) atomic thin films and hydrogen evolution reactions. In one or more embodiments, a synthesis process may include sublimation of sulfur and MoCl5, reaction of MoCl5 and S to produce gaseous MoS2 species, transfer of the MoS2 species by carrier gas, diffusion of MoS2 species from the gas phase onto receiving substrates, and precipitation of MoS2 on the substrates.

Abstract: A system and method for designing a helmet to reduce mild traumatic brain injury sustained by a user during primary or secondary head impact include modeling a helmeted head including a head, brain, and helmet using a finite element computer model, the finite element computer model including material properties for the head, brain structures, and helmet and estimating at least intracranial pressure, brain strain and strain rate in response to an impact; and selecting at least one of a helmet cushion material and helmet shell material to limit at least one of intracranial pressure, brain strain and strain rate to a corresponding threshold for an associated impact.