Abstract: Provided is a method for treating and reducing the recurrence of genital tract infections such as gonococcal infections. The method comprises local application of IL-12 incorporated in polymeric microspheres. The invention relates to compositions comprising IL-12 and methods for using such compositions for treatment of genital tract infections. Infections that can be treated by the present method include those that are caused by N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis or both.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5?-di(hydroxymethyl) furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: A self-balanced modulation method and a closed-loop magnetic flux rebalancing control method for parallel multilevel inverters. The combination of the two methods provides for balancing of the magnetic flux of the inter-cell transformers (ICTs) of the parallel multilevel inverters without deteriorating the quality of the output voltage. In various embodiments a parallel multi-level inverter modulator is provide including a multi-channel comparator to generate a multiplexed digitized ideal waveform for a parallel multi-level inverter and a finite state machine (FSM) module coupled to the parallel multi-channel comparator, the FSM module to receive the multiplexed digitized ideal waveform and to generate a pulse width modulated gate-drive signal for each switching device of the parallel multi-level inverter. The system and method provides for optimization of the output voltage spectrum without influence the magnetic balancing.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for measuring and correcting drift distortion in images obtained using the scanning microscope. One method includes obtaining an image series of a sample acquired using scanning-microscope by rotating scan coordinates of the microscope between successive image frames. The method further includes determining at least one measurement of an angle or a distance associated with an image feature as a function of rotation angle from the series of rotated images. The method further includes using the at least one measurement to determine a model for drift distortion in the series of images. The method further includes using the drift distortion model to generate a drift corrected image from the series of images.

Abstract: A harvester includes an auger tube having a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, an auger flight within the first portion of the tube and terminating prior to the second portion to move grain to the second portion, a window along the second portion of the tube and a camera to capture images of grain within the second portion of the tube. A computing device determines grain mass flow based upon the captured images, a dimension of the second portion of the tube and a grain density factor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for automated, high throughput molecular identification of macromolecular organic compounds. The method may provide an approximate solution to a momentum transfer cross section of an analyte in a buffer gas as measured by an ion mobility spectrometer that has low computational demand, has a high level of accuracy, and is adaptable for a variety of drift gases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex and iridium pincer complexes. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with unprecedented selectivities and TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melancortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as insulin resistance.

Abstract: Techniques and solutions are provides for increasing data bandwidth to wireless devices in a wireless network. Data bandwidth to a wireless device can be increased by using an array of wireless transmitters of one type, arranged to cover one or more areas of an enclosed space, in combination with one or more wireless transmitters of another type, to simultaneously transmit data to the wireless device over different wireless communication channels.

Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition for use in forming films or coatings that prevent damage in foodstuffs, including plants, fruits, and vegetables. The disclosed compositions comprise a cellulose nanomaterial and can further comprise a nanoscale mineral compound and one or more additional components. Also disclosed are films or coatings made using the disclosed compositions, as well as methods for making the disclosed compositions and methods for using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a glucose indicator protein, a biosensor comprising one or more glucose indicator proteins, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods for reducing blood clotting in a subject are provided, including methods to reduce the risk of and/or treat blot clotting pathologies. Also provided are compositions useful to reduce the risk or treat blood clotting pathologies.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and implementations of a zero silent data corruption (ZDC) compiler technique are disclosed. The ZDC technique may use an effective instruction duplication approach to protect programs from soft errors. The ZDC may also provide an effective control flow checking mechanism to detect most control flow errors. The ZDC technique may provide a failure percentage close to zero while incurring a lower performance overhead than prior art systems. The ZDC may also be effectively applied in a multi-thread environment.

Abstract: A gas detection device comprising a light emitting source including a first plurality of quantum dots of substantially discrete size and made of a semiconductor material a gas cell to contain the gas to be detected and a light detector.

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.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antigen detection reagents and related methods, systems, and kits. The reagents comprise an antigen-binding molecule conjugated to an inorganic component. In some embodiments, the inorganic component possesses catalytic functionality to provide a detectable signal. In some embodiments, the catalytic inorganic component is or comprises a bimetallic nanoparticle. In other embodiments, the inorganic component is a nanoflowers that provides a physical scaffold onto which the antigen-binding component and a reporter component can be loaded, resulting in augmented antigen-binding and reporting capabilities.

Abstract: A method for computing patient-specific hemodynamics. The method includes receiving three dimensional imaging data of a patent, extracting anatomical data from the three dimensional imaging data, calculating velocity and pressure fields corresponding to the extracted anatomical data, and calculating displacement and velocity of extracted solid particles corresponding to the anatomical data. The anatomical data comprises an anatomical boundary.

Abstract: The invention is related to the field of biotechnology, specifically to the investigation of biomolecular interactions and sensing of biomolecules using a surface plasmon resonance. The biological sensor and a method of its production based on the thin films of graphene, graphene oxide, or single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes are described. The technical results of the invention are a high sensitivity of the biosensor in combination with a high biospecificity; an expansion of the range of device applications; the protection of the metal film from an environmental exposure; the possibility to detect large biological objects.