Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus, systems and methods for microfluidic crystallization based on gradient mixing. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) a first layer, (b) a plurality of first channels and a plurality of vacuum chambers both arranged in the first layer, where the plurality of vacuum chambers are each coupled to at least one of the first channels, (c) a membrane having first and second surfaces, where the first surface of the membrane is coupled to the first layer, (d) a second layer coupled to the second surface of the membrane, (e) a plurality of wells and a plurality of second channels both arranged in the second layer, where the wells are each coupled to at least one of the plurality of second channels and (f) a plurality of barrier walls each disposed in the plurality of second channels and arranged opposite to one of the plurality of vacuum chambers.

Abstract: A computer-based method for generating a context preserving mapping of tubular structures represented by a 3D dataset having the steps of projecting a skeleton of a 3D tubular structure on to a 2D plane, and adjusting the projected skeleton to correct projection imbued distortion in skeleton length. The 2D projected skeleton is processed to remove intersections, and a surface boundary around the 2D skeleton is determined for the map. The 3D surface of the skeleton is mapped to match the 3D boundary to create a 3D map of the tubular structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes subunit vaccines containing Gn and Gc glycoproteins of the Rift Valley Fever Virus, including nucleic acids encoding such glycoproteins, host cells, vectors, and immunoreagents generated with the glycoproteins, methods of vaccination, methods of diagnosis, and kits.

Abstract: The methods of the present disclosure are directed toward methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer in a subject. The present disclosure provides methods of diagnosing abnormal cells in a subject by measuring the level of Hexim-1 in a sample from the subject, where elevated levels of Hexim-1 indicate abnormal cells. This disclosure further provides methods of treating cancer or hyperplasia, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Hexim-1 or an activator of Hexim-1 expression or activity.

Abstract: Materials and methods for converting brown grease to useful diesel fuel are described. One material is a palladium catalyst on a silicon/carbon support. A method comprises flowing fresh hydrogen over a reaction of diluted brown grease on a palladium/carbon catalyst.

Abstract: A robot for legged locomotion incorporating passive dynamics with touchdown and takeoff control and method.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to multi-coordinating polymers as ligands that combine two distinct metal-chelating groups, lipoic acid and imidazole, for the surface functionalization of QDs. These ligands combine the benefits of thiol and imidazole coordination to reduce issues of thiol oxidation and weak binding affinity of imidazole. The ligand design relies on the introduction of controllable numbers of lipoic acid and histamine anchors, along with hydrophilic moieties and reactive functionalities, onto a poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) chain via a one-step nucleophilic addition reaction. We further demonstrate that this design is fully compatible with a novel and mild photoligation strategy to promote the in-situ ligand exchange and phase transfer of hydrophobic QDs to aqueous media under borohydride-free conditions. Ligation with these polymers provides highly fluorescent QDs that exhibit great long-term colloidal stability over a wide range of conditions.

Abstract: Provided are antisense morpholino oligomers targeted against bacterial virulence factors such as genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance or biofilm formation, or genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions, for instance, in the treatment of an infected mammalian subject.

Abstract: An active catheter device is provided. At least one elongate catheter segment includes an elongate flexible tube member defining an axis, and a pair of ferrule members operably engaged with and spaced apart along the tube member. The ferrule members are not rotatable about the axis relative to each other. At least one articulation member is operably engaged with and extends at least between the ferrule members along the tube member. Each articulation member is configured to be actuatable to cause a change in a distance between the ferrule members so as to articulate the tube member. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

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 recording the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A self-powered sensing system is provided for the monitoring of quasi-static structural responses. The sensing system is comprised of: an energy concentrator having a member configured to detect a variation of a physical stimuli and change shape in response to the variation of the physical stimuli, where the variation typically occurs at a frequency less than one Hertz; a transducer coupled the member of the energy concentrator and generates a voltage in response to the change in shape of the member; and an event logging circuit configured to receive the voltage from the transducer and log the voltage in a non-volatile memory. Physical stimuli may include temperature, pressure or an applied force.

Abstract: Provided is a method for compensating for tissue motion during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and an apparatus for use thereof. The method includes acquiring a plurality of short-time MR scan images; selecting a reference scan image from the acquired plurality of short-time MR scan images; defining a set of transformation images based on the acquired plurality of short-time MR scan images other than the selected reference scan image; registering the reference scan image and the defined set of transformation images; calculating an average of aligned, registered images of the defined set of transformation images; and generating a motion-corrected image based on the calculated average.

Abstract: A modular X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system having a higher degree of modularity provides experimental versatility and in situ capabilities. The modular XCT system includes interchangeable X-ray sources and detectors that allow for the XCT system to be readily adapted to different imaging tasks, such as those that may require different trade-offs between spatial resolution, exposure time, power, and other scanning parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating thermochemical processing of biomass and anaerobic digestion are provided. Light oxygenated organic compounds are produced as byproducts of thermochemical biomass processing e.g. by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, and are converted to methane by anaerobic digestion. Thermochemical processing units may or may not be co-located with the anaerobic digestion units, with co-location providing benefits for e.g. rural agricultural enterprises.

Abstract: Graft copolymer polyelectrolyte complexes are disclosed for the efficient delivery of anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents into biological cells, and for maintaining the biological activity of these molecules while in serum and other aqueous environments are provided. Such complexes comprise (1) an anionic graft copolymer containing an anionic polymer backbone, with pendent carboxylic acid groups and pendant chains containing amphipathic or hydrophilic polymers covalently bonded to a portion of the pendant carboxylic acid groups, (2) one or more anionic, cationic or polyelectrolyte therapeutic agents, and (3) optionally a liposome optionally containing an additional therapeutic agent. Also disclosed are functional nanoparticles containing the complexes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to, among other things, agents that modulate the homophilic interaction between two CRACC polypeptides, methods for making such agents, and therapeutic applications in which the agents are useful. For example, the agents described herein are useful for modulating an immune response in a mammal. Also featured are screening methods for identifying additional agents capable of modulating the activation of an immune cell exposed to an antigen.

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: ‘NCIV2’ is a new tetraploid cultivar of deciduous holly with a compact, roughly rounded growth habit, and prolific, large, showy orange fruit.

Abstract: ‘NCIV3’ is a new male tetraploid cultivar of deciduous holly with a compact, roughly rounded growth habit.

Abstract: A composite magnetic nanoparticle drug delivery system provides targeted controlled release chemotherapies for cancerous tumors and inflammatory diseases. The magnetic nanoparticle includes a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, a magnetic nanoparticle, the biological targeting agent human serum albumin, and a therapeutic pharmaceutical composition. The composite nanoparticles are prepared by oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent evaporation and high shear mixing. An externally applied magnetic field draws the magnetic nanoparticles to affected areas. The biological targeting agent draws the nanoparticles into the affected tissues. Polymer degradation provides controlled time release delivery of the pharmaceutical agent.