Abstract: This invention concerns methods of identifying genetic alterations with which a microbe can be used to produce fatty acids at a large amount for making biofuels. Also disclosed are microbes with such genetic alterations and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods are described for determining the pattern of cytosine methylation in a DNA specimen, where the methods involve comparing the amount of DNA fragments generated by a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme with the amount of DNA fragments generated by a methylation-insensitive isoschizomer of the methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: Provided are efficient, cost-effective and water tolerant methods (e.g., single-vial methods) for preparing fatty acid esters from organic matter, including: obtaining organic matter having at least one fat substituent, contacting the organic matter in a reaction mixture with a basic solution under conditions suitable to provide for hydrolytic release of monomeric fatty acids from the at least one fat substituent to provide a base-treated reaction mixture, and esterifying the monomeric fatty acids of the base-treated reaction mixture by acidification of the reaction mixture and treating in the presence of an organic alcohol to provide fatty acid esters. The methods optionally further include, prior to esterifying, neutralizing the base-treated reaction mixture to provide for neutralized fatty acids, separating the neutralized fatty acids from the neutralized reaction mixture, and dissolving the separated fatty acids in the esterification reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of improving growth performance, improving the efficiency of feed utilization, increasing feed digestibility, and decreasing mortality of immature and developing animals receiving animal feed. Methods of producing a crude keratinase enzyme extract and animal feed supplements for achieving the same are also provided.

Abstract: The developmental neural network is trained using a synaptic maintenance process. Synaptogenic trimming is first performed on the neuron inputs using a synaptogenic factor for each neuron based on standard deviation of a measured match between the input and synaptic weight value. A top-k competition among all neurons then selects a subset of said neurons as winning neurons. Neuronal learning is applied only to these winning neurons, updating their synaptic weights and updating their synaptogenic factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Specifically, the inventions provide a device and methods of using the device for accurately, quantitatively, and non-invasively diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both patients at risk for GERD and patients demonstrating reflux-like symptoms. In particular, the inventions relate to detecting and analyzing upward esophageal movements in patients, such as human infants, children, and adults.

Abstract: Metamatenal members for absorbing sound and pressure, and modular systems built of metamaterial members are provided. The metamaterial member includes an outer mass. The outer mass can have a cavity formed therein in which a stem coupled to an inner mass is disposed, or the outer mass can be solid and contain an inner mass embedded therein. The inner mass can include an inner core and an outer shell. Multiple metamaterial members can be attached to form a modular system for absorption of sound and pressure.

Abstract: Provided herein are OspA polypeptides from Lyme Disease-causing Borrelia having certain alteration(s). In one embodiment, the alteration(s) increase the conformational stability of the OspA polypeptide containing the alteration(s) while maintaining at least some of the antigenicity of the corresponding unaltered OspA polypeptide. In another embodiment, the altered OspA polypeptide has reduced cross-reactivity to hLFA-1, as compared to the corresponding unaltered OspA polypeptide.

Abstract: A biological control is disclosed for termites, including subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, comprising a mixture of a chitin synthesis inhibitor such as lufenuron with a pathogen or opportunistic pathogen. The combination greatly enhances the effectiveness above that of the individual components. For example, P. aeruginosa is commonly found in association with termites, but it is not normally harmful to termites. However, in the presence of lufenuron, P. aeruginosa becomes an opportunistic pathogen that kills termites. As another example, B. thuringiensis, which otherwise has shown only limited effectiveness against termites, has greatly enhanced lethality in combination with lufenuron. In another aspect a termite toxicant is administered to termites in a clay-based bait. Clay acts as an attractant for subterranean termites such as C. formosanus, and a clay bait can increase a colony's consumption of a toxicant.

Abstract: A method for making a composite superconductor and a superconductor made using the method. Superconducting filaments are embedded in a matrix material. Oxygen-containing elements are also embedded in the matrix material, with the oxygen-containing elements preferably being dispersed evenly among the superconducting filaments. A surrounding reinforcement material contains the other elements and preferably seals the superconductor from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of determining antimicrobial activity of an agent can include providing a well, wherein the well contains at least one antimicrobial agent, the well further including at least two electrodes. A sample of a microbe can be added into the well and a voltage pulsed between the electrodes. An electrical property can be sampled and recorded. In another aspect, a method of identifying at least one microbe includes taking a sample containing the at least one microbe, isolating the at least one microbe from the sample, dividing the at least one microbe into a at least one well, wherein each well contains at least one antimicrobial agent and at least two electrodes. A voltage is pulsed between the at least two electrodes, an electrical property is sampled during the pulsing and recorded. In another aspect, a diagnostic device for detecting at least one microbe is presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing glyphosate-tolerant wheat genotypes by mutagenesis, glyphosate wheat plants produced by such methods, and related compositions and methods.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method for increasing temporal resolution in Phase Contrast (PC) MR imaging. The increased temporal resolution may be obtained by reusing information encoded into phase of an MRI signal where said reuse occurs prior to the difference reconstruction.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing ammonia borane are provided. The methods comprise reacting at least one amine borane with ammonia such that ammonia borane is produced. Ammonia borane has a chemical formula of NH3.BH3 and provides a good source of storage hydrogen making it useful in a variety of applications including a potential hydrogen source for fuel cells. The methods can further comprise separating the ammonia borane from the other products of the reaction. Exemplary methods can produce ammonia borane having purity greater than about 90 percent. In further examples, the methods can produce ammonia borane having purity greater than about 95 percent or greater than about 99 percent.

Abstract: Photouncaging-assisted evaluation of large-scale synaptic reorganization of brain circuits and methods in use thereof. The current invention utilizes laser-scanning photostimulation in large-scale and with higher accuracy to detect synaptic reorganization in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Using the invention's methodology, disease and non-disease conditions can be determined, and treatments can be personalized and administered more efficiently.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device for proximity-based social and professional networking which features electronics and software for the passive automated local wireless exchange of personal and/or business information with other electronic devices is disclosed. In some embodiments, an electronic device includes a controller having an operations unit; a communication unit configured to receive and/or transmit data from a first external source; and a memory unit configured to communicate with the controller and receive and/or transmit data from the controller. The operations unit may be configured to determine if received data from the first external source meets a set threshold and wherein the operations unit may be configured to instruct communication unit to accept data that meets or exceeds said threshold. The communication unit may receive and transmit data from the first external source provided the external source is within a predetermined proximity.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for imidazole derivative compounds useful to inhibit the formation of biofilms and/or inhibit microbial growth, compositions including these compounds, devices including these compounds, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus, resonator and method for modulating light including a mechanism to compensate for parameter deviations. The apparatus may be capable of phase shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation, and includes a waveguide, a plurality of micro-resonators, and an electronic structure. The plurality of micro-resonators are positioned adjacent to the waveguide and have a parameter deviation in at least one resonator characteristic. The electronic structure is electrically biased so as to cause electro-optic modulation of amplitude and a phase of the light output by the apparatus, each bias voltage comprising a numerical offset that is determined based upon the parameter deviation, thereby reducing any overall effect caused by the material or manufacturing imperfections. An electronic encoder may provide driving voltage levels for phase shift keying or quadrature amplitude modulation. The number of output amplitude and phase states of light depends on the number of output voltage levels of the encoder.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a Malus domestica apple tree, named ‘WA 38’ that is distinguished by its intense and nearly full color, internal indices that are different than its parents, and its long common storage life.