Abstract: Electronic components, including a transceiver (220) for two-way wireless communications, are carried by a freely roaming animal (190) such as a rat. Electrodes are implanted in the brain of the animal to provide cues and rewards to the animal to achieved desired behaviors, including controlling the direction and speed of movement of the animal, and training the animal to recognize odors. Network interface components (265) allow a network of the animals to work together. Sensors (225, 230, 235, 245, 255, 260) carried by the animal provide information to a remote base station regarding, e.g., heading and location. Chemical or gas sensors, along with a video camera and a microphone provide information regarding an environment of the animal. The animal can search for people buried in rubble piles, and detect explosives, chemicals or other dangerous materials. A vehicle (500) for deploying the animal is also provided.

Abstract: Many types of artificial reefs have been deployed in the world's oceans, bays and estuaries. These range from sinking ships to dispersing old building debris. In most approaches, the material placed in the marine environment lacks any nutrients needed for growth or concern regarding proper chemical conditions necessary to start and sustain life. In this discovery, concrete is made from both inorganic and organic components. The inorganic components are selected to include species that will be used to create a receptive surface to start and sustain life. Moreover, other conditions such as pH, chemical toxicity, nutrient levels and biodegradability are considered in the formulation. Additionally, there is an organic component that is part of the concentration mixture which provides trace nutrients and serves to weaken the structures so it will biodegrade over time. The biodegradable concrete slowly releases small quantities of resources (over months and years) providing a steady flux of essential nutrients.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention utilizes computer software to determine an estimation of the age of an animal by measuring, analyzing, comparing, calculating, and presenting age features and the age of animals such as deer, moose, elk, bovids, pronghorns and the like from digital data and/or photographs of the animals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reactive modified lignin, methods of preparing such modified lignin, and materials, such as polymer systems, incorporating the modified lignin. More specifically, the lignin can be modified by selectively masking reactive functional groups such that the material has a modulated reactivity and is thus better suited for incorporation into and/or formation of further materials, such as carbon fibers.

Abstract: A contrast agent having a contrast protein have contrast properties and at least one targeting moiety, wherein the at least one targeting moiety is operatively linked to or incorporated within the contrast protein. Methods for targeting contrast agents and for preparing such agents are included.

Abstract: The invention generally related to a method for preparing a layer of graphene directly on the surface of a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a carbon-containing layer on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate and depositing a metal film on the carbon layer. A thermal cycle degrades the carbon-containing layer, which forms graphene directly upon the semiconductor substrate upon cooling. In some embodiments, the carbon source is a carbon-containing gas, and the thermal cycle causes diffusion of carbon atoms into the metal film, which, upon cooling, segregate and precipitate into a layer of graphene directly on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: For aging-aware routing, an aging module calculates an aging score for links and routers in a Network-on-Chip for a previous epoch. A routing module dynamically routes a flow through the links and the routers to satisfy routing criteria including a least total aging score for the links and the routers of the flow.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing inflammatory disorders are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise a recombinant bacterium genetically modified to decrease the display of lipoteichoic acid on the cell surface. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a recombinant bacterium modified to decrease the display of lipoteichoic acid on the cell surface. Administration of the recombinant bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The recombinant bacterium may be administered in a single dose or series of doses. Methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of inflammatory disorders including, for example, treating or preventing inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, or Crohn's disease.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment concerns an aqueous inorganic coating precursor solution comprising a mixture of water, polynuclear aluminum hydroxide cations, and polyatomic ligands selected from nitrate (NO3?), nitrite (NO2?), or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the composition has a molar concentration ratio of polyatomic ligands to aluminum of less than 3; an aluminum cation concentration of from about 0.01 M to about 3.5 M; and/or a polyatomic anion concentration of from about 0.1 to about 2.5 times the aluminum cation concentration. Embodiments of a method for forming the precursor solution also are disclosed. For example, certain embodiments comprise adding a metal having a sufficient reduction potential to reduce nitric acid to an aqueous solution comprising aluminum nitrate (Al(NO3)3).

Abstract: Magnetic resonance reconstruction includes motion compensation. Inverse-consistent non-rigid registration is used to determine motion between shots. The motion is incorporated into reconstruction. The incorporation compensates for the motion resulting from the period over which the MR data is acquired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid). In various embodiments, the present invention provides fibers comprising the esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid) blend, carbon fibers made therefrom, and methods of making the fiber and the carbon fibers.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas with ease of operation and reduced operating and capital costs. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S over CO2 from biogas.

Abstract: The virtual telemicroscope system (VTS) of the present invention captures an entire image of a specimen on a test slide as an original high power image, signal processes the original high power image to generate a low power background image, generates an initial virtual slide based on the low power background image and posts and/or transmits the initial virtual slide to a remote user enabling the remote user to view the low power background image on a remote user's computer screen. While viewing the initial virtual slide, the remote user may identify (i.e., select) one or more specific areas on the background image and request the service provider to provide detailed images (e.g., higher magnified image than the background image) at the defined locations. In response, the VTS provides the remote user with the requested partial high power image by simply signal processing the original high power image and generating a secondary virtual slide based on the newly processed image.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of immunization against Alzheimer's Disease and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention determine the effective toughness of a given material, and also implement materials possessing improved effective toughness values. In one embodiment, a method of determining the effective toughness of a material includes: causing a crack to propagate through the material; where the relative constant velocity and the relative overall direction are prescribed and maintained for the duration of the propagation of the crack through the material; measuring the energy release rate of the crack as it propagates through the material; and defining the effective toughness of the material as the maximum value of the measured energy release rate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide antioxidant-based diacids and polymers comprising glycol groups as described herein, and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments the polymers described herein are formulated as microspheres or hydrogels. Described herein is the chemical incorporation of antioxidants, e.g., coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid, into a polymer backbone for use, e.g., in applications for localized release and rapid delivery. As provided, the chemical composition of the linker molecules used (of which hold together two bioactives via ester linkages) may be used to vary the hydrophilicity of the polymer. The bioactive release rate may also be altered for a tunable release delivery system, allowing for increased bioactive release compared to other linkers previously utilized.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making palatable methionine-restricted foods, to deliver a methionine-restricted diet to human or veterinary patients. A protein or a food product containing protein is partially oxidized, preferably with ozone, to oxidize nearly all of the methionine and cysteine. After oxidation, tryptophan and lysine are optionally added back since they tend to be oxidized also. Optionally, a small amount of methionine is also added back so that the final methionine is within a preferred range of about 0.85 to about 1.8 gram methionine per 100 gram total protein, preferably about 1.2 gram per 100 gram total protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds of formula (I): compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of using these compounds in a variety of applications, such as treatment or suppression of diseases associated with decreased mitochondrial function resulting in diminished ATP production and/or oxidative stress and/or lipid peroxidation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microparticle containing essential palmarosa and lemongrass oils for controlling enteric diseased caused by microorganisms. More specifically, the microparticle according to the present invention can be used for controlling enteric infections caused by pathogenic bacteria in humans and animals, and can be used as an alternative to the administration of antibiotics for that purpose. The microparticle can be used in the veterinary and pharmaceutical fields and can be administered orally.

Abstract: A new variety of sweetpotato identified as ‘LA06-52’ is disclosed having disease resistance to Fusarium wilt, Rhizopus soft rot (intermediate), southern root-knot nematode, and Streptomyces soil rot, an orange flesh, copper skin and high yield characteristics.