Abstract: A method of producing improved drought tolerance in a plant by introducing into a plant or plant part a vector having a nucleic acid molecule which expresses or increases a polypeptide that confers drought tolerance compared to a plant in which no vector with the nucleic acid is introduced. The polypeptide is a NON-RACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 (NDR1).

Abstract: A catalyst is prepared in situ by reaction between an aryl halide and a Ni(0) complex. The catalyst may be used to promote chain-growth polymerization of halogen-substituted Mg or Zn monomers by a controlled radical mechanism. Polymers, co-polymers, block copolymers, polymer thin films, and surface-confined polymer brushes may be produced using the catalyst.

Abstract: A sensor network includes a sink and multiple sensor nodes. The sink is coupled to a substrate and configured to transmit a periodic ultrasonic pulse on the substrate. A first one of the sensor nodes is coupled to the substrate. The first sensor node is configured to (i) receive the periodic ultrasonic pulse from the substrate, (ii) synchronize an internal clock of the first sensor node to the sink based on the periodic ultrasonic pulse, (iii) selectively detect an event in a region surrounding the first sensor node, and (iv) in response to detecting the event, transmit a first ultrasonic pulse toward the sink on the substrate.

Abstract: A coil configuration and method for transcranial magnetic stimulation enabling stimulation of deep regions of the brain without excessively stimulating the cortex is provided. The coil configuration utilizes at least one coil to produce an off-plane magnetic field to enhance the magnetic field from a top TMS coil. In one configuration three coils, referred to as the Triple Halo Coil and oriented at +30°, 0°, and ?30° relative to the plane of the TMS coil, are used. In another configuration a single variable position coil referred to as the Variable Halo Coil and positionable vertically and/or angularly is used.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a novel role for microRNA (miR) regulation of lipid metabolism via the MTP pathway, leading to reductions in apoB secretion and blood lipid levels. MiR regulation of the MTP pathway is shown herein to reduce hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in vivo. Therefore, inhibition of MTP expression and activity by miR regulation is identified as a new therapeutic target for treatment of cardiovascular disease and conditions or diseases associated with cardiovascular disease such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. Treatment of cardiovascular disease and associated conditions or diseases with the novel MTP inhibitors of the invention, such as miR-30c homologs or miR-30c agonists, reduces MTP-associated lipid production without side effects that occur with other methods of MTP inhibition.

Abstract: A particle usable as T1 and T2 contrast agents is provided. The particle is a gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) particle that is ferromagnetic at temperatures up to 290 K and is less than 2 ?m in diameter. An MRI contrast agent that includes a plurality of gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) particles that are less than 1 ?m in diameter is also provided. A method for creating gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) particles is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a Gd5Si4 bulk alloy; grinding the Gd5Si4 bulk alloy into a powder; and milling the Gd5Si4 bulk alloy powder for a time of approximately 20 minutes or less.

Abstract: A method of assisting with authenticating a workpiece is provided. In another aspect, ions are generated, accelerated in an accelerator, an isotope is created, and then the isotope is implanted within a workpiece to assist with authenticating of the workpiece. A further aspect includes a workpiece substrate, a visual marker and an isotope internally located within the substrate adjacent the visual marker.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize anti-CD11b antibodies, anti-CD18 antibodies, anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies, anti-integrin ?V antibodies, anti-integrin ?1 antibodies, Abciximab, neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) protein, and/or combinations thereof to treat solid tumor cancers are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are material compositions that include a metal doped, alumina rich yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:M). Also provided according to embodiments of the invention are scintillator compositions that include Y3-xMxAl5+yO12+z, as a primary phosphor and wherein 0?x<0.03, 0.001<y<0.2 and 0?z<0.012, or 0?x<0.01, 0.001<y<0.1 and 0?z<0.0625 and M comprises elements selected from cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), Chromium (Cr) and lutetium (Lu). and can include a single or a mixture of a these elements.

Abstract: Trenched vertical power field-effect transistors with improved on-resistance and/or breakdown voltage are fabricated. In one or more embodiments, the modulation of the current flow of the transistor occurs in the lateral channel, whereas the voltage is predominantly held in the vertical direction in the off-state. When the device is in the on-state, the current is channeled through an aperture in a current-blocking region after it flows under a gate region into the drift region. In another embodiment, a novel vertical power low-loss semiconductor multi-junction device in III-nitride and non-III-nitride material system is provided. One or more multi-junction device embodiments aim at providing enhancement mode (normally-off) operation alongside ultra-low on resistance and high breakdown voltage.

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: Provided is a method of treatment for reducing fibrosis involving administering purified collagenase into an anterior chamber of an eye of a human patient.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for fast and adaptive computer-aided detection of pulmonary nodules and differentiation of malignancy from benignancy in thoracic CT images using a hierarchical vector quantization scheme. Anomalous pulmonary nodules are detected by obtaining a two-dimensional (2D) feature model of a pulmonary nodule, segmenting the pulmonary nodule by performing vector quantification to expand the 2D feature model to a three-dimensional (3D) model, and displaying image information representing whether the pulmonary nodule is benign, based upon the 3D model expanded from the 2D feature model, with duplicate information eliminated by performing feature reduction performed using a principal component analysis and a receiver operating characteristics area under the curve merit analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed an acoustically transparent material including an acoustic wave steering material, and methods for fabrication and use thereof. The materials are specially designed structures of homogenous isotropic metals. These structures are constructed to propagate waves according to Pentamode elastic theory. The metamaterial structures are two-dimensional, intended to propagate acoustic waves in the plane in a manner which closely emulates the propagation of waves in water. The acoustically transparent materials described herein have particular utility as acoustic wave steering materials and acoustic cloaks.

Abstract: Receptor protein kinases (RPTKs) transmit extracellular signals across the plasma membrane to cytosolic proteins, stimulating formation of complexes that regulate key cellular functions. Over half of the known tyrosine kinases are implicated in human cancers and are therefore highly promising drug targets. A large-scale loss-of-function analysis of tyrosine kinases using RNA interference in the clinically relevant Erb-B2 positive, BT474 breast cancer cell line showed that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a cytosolic, non-receptor tyrosine kinase that has been extensively studied for its role in B cell development, is required, in altered form, for BT474 breast cancer survival. This alternative form contains an amino-terminal extension that is also present in tumorigenic breast cells at significantly higher levels than in normal breast cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of optical electrophysiological probing, including: providing a fluorescing chemical probe; contacting a thick portion of tissue with the fluorescing chemical probe to create a thick portion of treated tissue; applying a first range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to the treated portion of tissue; and detecting a plurality of depth-specific emission wavelengths emitted from the thick portion of treated tissue.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization device for the treatment of high-grade spinal disorders is disclosed herein. The dynamic spinal stabilization device includes two or more screw assemblies, each of which include a pedicle screw and a head socket containing a curved internal track that limits the range of motion and center of rotation of the spinal segments stabilized using the device to the physiological levels of a nondegraded spinal segment.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to bio-adhesive components isolated from bio-oil prepared from animal waste, methods of preparation of the bio-adhesive components and uses thereof. Such uses include, but are not limited to, asphalt bio-binders, bio-adhesion promoters, asphalt bio-rejuvenators, asphalt bio-extenders, bio-asphalt as well as uses in roofing, soil stabilization, crack and joint sealing and flooring adhesives.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a base polymer and a nanoparticle that increases the strength of the base polymer.

Abstract: A scalable photobioreactor system for efficient production of photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria is described. In various embodiments, this system may include the use of extended surface area to reduce light intensity and increase photosynthetic efficiency, an external water basin to provide structure and thermal regulation at low cost, flexible plastic or composite panels that are joined together make triangular or other shapes in cross-section when partially submerged in water, use of positive gas buoyancy and pressure to maintain the structural integrity of the photobioreactor chambers and use of structure to optimize distribution of diffuse light. Other embodiments concern air tubes comprised of plastic film at the bottom of each photobioreactor chamber to provide sparging air bubbles to the chamber. The photobioreactor system design also comprises gas exchange, temperature control, air pumping, liquid pumping, filtration, media recycling and harvesting methods.