Abstract: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for defending against unwanted observations of the information conveyed by electronic devices. The system allows users to access sensitive information in public without the fear of visual or other observational leaks. The present invention intercepts sensitive data elements before they are conveyed to a user and replaces the sensitive data with non-sensitive information referred to as aliases. In addition, the system provides a means of computing with sensitive data in a non-observable way. All of this is accomplished while maintaining full functionality and legacy compatibility across applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to separate and concentrate target species. In some embodiments, a punctuated continuous microchannel or parallel processing (array-based) separations are provided, the microchannel having a plurality of sequential, constrictive insulating features to form a plurality of reservoirs including a first, second and third reservoir, and a plurality of constricted passageways including a first constricted passageway that connects the first reservoir to the second reservoir and a second constricted passageway that connects the second reservoir to the third reservoir. A voltage is applied to the microchannel to create different electrical fields and/or different dielectrophoresis (DEP) gradients at each of the plurality of constricted passageways in order to separate species that have differing ratios of electrokinetic mobility to dielectrophoretic mobility.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method comprising treating a hydroxy-carboxylic acid compound with a compound of formula (I) in the absence of a solvent, to provide a diacid of formula (II), wherein R is a linker molecule; wherein each Y is independently a leaving group; and wherein X is a residue of a biologically active compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.

Abstract: Provided are humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or fragments thereof that bind with specificity to the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) human tumor antigen. Three distinct variable heavy and three variable light chains are provided, and can be combined to make a total of twenty-five distinct heavy and light chain combinations. Methods of using the mAbs and fragments thereof for cancer therapy and diagnostic imaging are provided, as are methods for making the mAbs and fragments thereof. In vitro cell cultures that express the mAbs and fragments thereof, and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A radiation detection system is disclosed comprising of number of detector elements arranged in a regular pattern that allows for directional information to be collected based on the number of radiation interaction events in each detection element. This system is mounted to an unmanned vehicle. In some embodiments, this information is used by the motion control unit of the unmanned vehicle to guide its movement toward a radiation source. A radiation spectrometer, also integrated in the detection system, is able to identify radiation sources.

Abstract: The wireless sensor network can including a plurality of anchor sensors each including a signal receiver, a processing module, and a transmitter. The signal receiver can be configured to detect a received signal. The received signal can include noise and further can include a transmitted signal from the node when the node is transmitting the transmitted signal. The node can be located at an exact location that is unknown to each of the plurality of anchor sensors. The exact location can be in a region that is known to each of the plurality of anchor sensors. The transmitted signal can be wirelessly transmitted from the node when the node is transmitting the transmitted signal. The wireless sensor network also can include a fusion center. The processing module of each anchor sensor of the plurality of anchor sensors can performs acts. The acts can include determining a probability of whether the node is present at each of a plurality of grid points of the region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are folded sheets of material for use as a structural member and assembly thereof. According to an aspect, a sheet of material defines one or more tabs, slots, and a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are spaced such that folding the sheet along the fold lines places the slots in substantial alignment for receiving the at least one tab such that a structural member having a web formed in an interior thereof is formed.

Abstract: Microcin MccPDI and bacteria harboring the mcpM gene which encodes MccPDI limit growth of and/or kill pathogenic bacteria such as pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and/or Shigella bacteria via proximity-dependent inhibition (PDI).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for the delivery of gas bubbles to liquids are generally described. The devices can include a primary conduit comprising a plurality of openings fluidically connecting an internal flow pathway of the primary conduit to an environment outside the primary conduit. The devices may also include, in some instances, a secondary conduit located at least partially within the primary conduit, the secondary conduit configured to redistribute the pressure of the gas delivered to the openings of the primary conduit, and comprising a plurality of openings fluidically connecting an internal flow pathway of the secondary conduit to a portion of the internal flow pathway of the primary conduit outside the secondary conduit. Certain of the gas delivery systems and methods described herein are capable of delivering gas at relatively uniform linear flow velocities across multiple gas outlet openings. Certain embodiments are related to inventive configurations (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for current monitoring in ultrasound powered neurostimulation. The apparatus may include an ultrasound transmitter configured to emit an ultrasound output directed at a piezoelectric device implanted in biological tissue. The apparatus may also include a detector configured to detect an induced current in response to the ultrasound output in the biological tissue. The piezoelectric device may include a piezoelectric material and a diode. The apparatus may include a feedback mechanism to control the amount of induced current in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ceramic composites and synthesis methods that include providing a plurality of nanoparticles with at least one first rare-earth single-crystal compound, and mixing the plurality of nanoparticles with at least one ceramic material and at least one ceramic binder including at least one solvent. The method further includes preparing a ceramic green-body from the mixture, and sintering the ceramic green-body to form a ceramic composite of a polycrystalline ceramic with a plurality of embedded single-crystal nanorods. The embedded single-crystal nanorods include at least one second rare-earth single crystal compound. The at least one second rare-earth single crystal compound can include or be derived from the at least one first rare-earth single crystal compound.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition of in a human patient comprising pharmacologically activating a translocator protein of 18 kDa (TSPO), wherein the condition is one of a chronic methamphetamine addiction, a medical consequence of methamphetamine use; a behavioral consequence of methamphetamine use, an HIV associated cognitive motor disorder, an HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and a neuroinflammatory response.

Abstract: The invention relates to Raman spectroscopy-based sensing technique. More particularly, the invention relates to a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite and methods of its use and fabrication.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are biosensing systems that measure lactose concentration in a solution.

Abstract: This invention provides an attenuated virus which comprises a modified viral genome containing nucleotide substitutions engineered in multiple locations in the genome, wherein the substitutions introduce synonymous deoptimized codons into the genome. The instant attenuated virus may be used in a vaccine composition for inducing a protective immune response in a subject. The invention also provides a method of synthesizing the instant attenuated virus. Further, this invention further provides a method for preventing a subject from becoming afflicted with a virus-associated disease comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective dose of a vaccine composition comprising the instant attenuated virus.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of forming highly ordered membrane protein crystals. The forming process is done in the presence of a magnetic field to exploit the diamagnetic anisotropy of the membrane protein. Further described is a method of magnetic alignment and crystallization of membrane proteins in two-dimensional (2D) sheets for protein structural characterization and applications in functional devices. Block co-copolymers are used in alternative embodiments to assist with the crystallization process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an image recognition algorithm implemented by a hardware control system which operates directly on data from a compressed sensing camera. A computationally expensive image reconstruction step can be avoided, allowing faster operation and reducing the computing requirements of the system. The method may implement an algorithm that can operate at speeds comparable to an equivalent approach operating on a conventional camera's output. In addition, at high compression ratios, the algorithm can outperform approaches in which an image is first reconstructed and then classified.

Abstract: A new and distinct Berberis cultivar named ‘NCBX1’ is disclosed, characterized by glossy purple foliage and a very compact plant habit. Plants have no observed female fertility. The new variety is a Berberis, normally produced as an outdoor garden plant.