Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding transcription factors and methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate nicotine production in plants and to produce plants having modulated nicotine production.

Abstract: Fibrocartilage implants characterized by circumferential fiber networks embedded in arcuate or torroidal scaffolds with orthogonal fiber networks embedded therein to prevent separation of the circumferential fiber networks. The fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential fibers. Artificial knee meniscus and vertebral disc implants are disclosed, as well as articular disc implants for joints such as the temporomandibular joint and wrist. Methods for implanting the fibrocartilage devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable resistance memory device may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The device may further include a chalcogenide glass layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The chalcogenide glass layer may include a chalcogenide glass material co-deposited with a metal material. The metal material may include tin. The device may also include a metal ion source structure between the chalcogenide glass layer and the second electrode. The device may include a buffer layer between the first electrode and the chalcogenide glass layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a voltage regulation module that controls output voltage of a bidirectional DC to DC converter to an output voltage reference over an output current range between a positive power reference and a negative power reference. A positive power regulation module controls output power of the converter to the positive power reference over a positive constant power range between the output voltage reference and a positive output current reference. A negative power regulation module controls output power of the converter to the negative power reference over a constant power range between the output voltage reference and a maximum negative power limit, and a constant current module limits output current to a positive output current reference in a range between a minimum output voltage and output power of the converter reaching the positive power reference.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for isolated non-naturally occurring, mutant-human IAPP polypeptides. These polypeptides can be formulated or co-formulated at physiological pH, which enable the polypeptides of the instant disclosure to be delivered to a subject having an amyloid-based disease in a single injection with an insulin agent. The present disclosure also provides methods and compositions for treating amyloid-based disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of an isolated, mutant-hIAPP polypeptide, including formulations or co-formulations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging or treating a disease in a human or animal body. The system provides to the human or animal body a pharmaceutical carrier including one or more phosphors which are capable of emitting ultraviolet or visible light into the body and which provide x-ray contrast. The system includes one or more devices which infuse a diseased site with a photo-activatable drug and the pharmaceutical carrier, an initiation energy source comprising an x-ray or high energy source which irradiates the diseased site with at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to thereby initiate emission of said ultraviolet or visible light into the body, and a processor programmed to at least one of 1) produce images of the diseased site or 2) control a dose of said x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to the diseased site for production of said ultraviolet or visible light at the diseased site to activate the photoactivatable drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to SHIP inhibitor compounds and methods for using these compounds. In particular, the present invention discloses the following methods: (i) a method of treating graft versus host disease in a subject; (ii) a method of inhibiting a SHIP1 protein in a cell; (iii) a method of selectively inhibiting a SHIP1 protein in a cell; (iv) a method for treating or preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a recipient of an organ or tissue transplant; (v) a method of modulating SHIP activity in a cell expressing SHIP1 or SHIP2; (vi) a method of ex vivo or in vitro treatment of transplants; (vii) a method of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in a subject; (viii) a method of treating a hematologic malignancy in a subject; (ix) a method of inducing apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells; (x) a method of treating multiple myeloma in a subject; (xi) a method of inhibiting the proliferation of a human breast cancer cell; and (xii) a method of treating breast cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing.

Abstract: We constructed S. Gallinarum strains deleted for the global regulatory gene fur (FIG. 1) and evaluated their virulence and protective efficacy in Rhode Island Red chicks and Brown Leghorn layers. The fur deletion mutant was a virulent and, when delivered orally to chicks, elicited excellent protection against lethal S. Gallinarum challenge. We also examined the effect of a pmi mutant and a combination of fur deletions with mutations in the pmi and rfaH genes, which affect O-antigen synthesis, and ansB, whose product inhibits host T cell responses. The ?Afur ?pmi and ?fur ?ansB double mutants were attenuated, but not protective when delivered orally to chicks. However, a ?pmi ?fur strain was substantially immunogenic when administrated intramuscularly. Altogether our results show that the fur gene is essential for virulence of S. Gallinarum and the fur mutant is effective as a live recombinant vaccine against fowl typhoid.

Abstract: Innovative graft polymers designed for the efficient delivery of antisense molecules into biological cells and for maintaining the biological activity of these molecules while in serum and other aqueous environments are provided. Such polymers may comprise an anionic graft polymer comprising an anionic polymer backbone with pendant carboxylic acid groups and pendant chains comprising amphipathic or hydrophilic polymers covalently bonded to a portion of said pendant carboxylic acid groups. Antisense molecule delivery vectors comprising such polymers in combination with cationic agents for delivery of antisense molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Also described are methods of identifying anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: A novel Rh(I)-catalyzed approach to synthesizing functionalized (E,Z) dienal compounds has been developed via tandem transformation where a stereoselective hydrogen transfer follows a propargyl Claisen rearrangement. Z-Stereochemistry of the first double bond suggests the involvement of a six-membered cyclic intermediate whereas the E-stereochemistry of the second double bond stems from the subsequent protodemetallation step giving an (E,Z)-dienal. The reaction may be represented by the following sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): and salts and prodrugs thereof wherein R4, X1 and X2 have any of the meanings defined in the specification, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or salts and methods for their use in therapy. The compounds have useful antiviral properties.

Abstract: Compressive sensing based video rate imaging techniques are presented. Rather than scan the entire image, the imaging system only scans part of the topography of the sample as a compressed scan. After the data has been collected, an algorithm for image reconstruction is applied for recovering the image. Because compressive sensing is used, the imaging rate is increased from several minutes per frame to seconds per frame. Non-vector space control techniques are also presented. No-vector space control use image or compressive data as the input and feedback to generate a closed-loop motion control. Compressive sensing technique provides an efficient data reduction method to retain the essential information in the original image. The non-vector space control method can be used as motion control method with compressive feedback without or with noise.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and/or distinguishing a homogeneous population of cells based on their replication domain timing profile using high resolution genomic arrays or sequencing procedures are provided. These methods may be used to compare the replication timing profile for a population of cells to another replication timing profile(s), a replication timing fingerprint, and/or one or more informative segments of a replication timing fingerprint, which may be simultaneously or previously determined and/or contained in a database, to determine whether there is a match between them. Based on such information, the identity of the population of cells may be determined, or the identity of the population of cells may be distinguished from other populations of cells or cell types. Methods for determining a replication timing fingerprint for particular cell types are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic, prognostic and clinical methods of distinguishing high-risk IPMN from more benign IPMN as well as high-grade PanIN and PDAC from low-grade PanIN with moderate sensitivity and very high specificity using Das-1 and related antibodies.

Abstract: A novel method for real-time small-signal stability analysis for power electronic-based components in a power system. The method may be used to monitor a power system in real-time by perturbing the source side of an electronic-based component of the power system by injecting a current of about 0.5 to 1 percent of a nominal current of the power system at the source side, while simultaneously perturbing the load side of the power electronic-based component by varying the voltage at the load side. Time-domain results of the simultaneous perturbations may be transferred to frequency-domain results and the stability of the power system may be monitored by obtaining a Nyquist contour and employing Generalized Nyquist Criterion or unit circle criterion.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formulae (I), (II), (III), and (IV): and salts thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. The compounds are useful for treating cancers and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that are effective in the inhibition of viral replication. In particular, the methods and compositions are effective at interfering with the activity of host cell proteins required in viral replication. For example, an embodiment of the invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising RNA sequences to which the host cell proteins TIAR and/or TIA-1 bind.