Abstract: An air-balanced engine assembly is configured to operate efficiently while producing a reduced level of harmful emissions. The engine assembly includes a two-stroke internal combustion engine with multiple power cylinders and intake and exhaust manifolds that fluidly communicate with the cylinders. The engine assembly also includes an air balancing assembly with valves that control intake air flow from the intake manifold to the cylinders. The valves cooperate to balance intake air flow among the cylinders and are configured to substantially equalize trapped equivalence ratios among the cylinders.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for targeted delivery to and detection of sites of neovascular growth, including tumor vasculature, are provided. Compositions include polypeptides conjugated to or complexed with a bioactive compound, wherein the polypeptide is capable of binding to an OEC or a circulating progenitor thereof. Methods for identifying additional polypeptides with the same binding characteristics are further provided. Methods for targeted delivery of a bioactive compound to a site of neovascular growth are provided in which polypeptides capable of binding OECs or progenitors thereof are conjugated to or complexed with the bioactive compound and administered to a subject in need thereof. Methods for detecting neovascular growth are also provided, wherein the polypeptides conjugated to or complexed with a detectable label are administered to a subject and the label is detected.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer tumors, particularly ovarian cancer tumors, is described, where fused cyclic pyrimidine having a cancer treating ability is selectively delivered to an FR expressing cancerous tumor.

Abstract: The invention relates to increasing the availability of fermentable sugars from plant biomass, such as glucose and xylose. As described herein, ?-xylosidases can be employed with cellulases to enhance biomass conversion into free, fermentable sugar residues.

Abstract: A HA-gelatin-pluronic hydrogel and a method for making a HA-gelatin-pluronic hydrogel are provided. The hydrogel includes hyaluronic acid, gelatin-Type A and a thermoreversible, hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant gel. The thermoreversible, hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant gel can be a poly(ethylene oxide)99-poly(propylene oxide)67-poly(ethylene oxide)99 (“Pluronic F127”). The weight ratio of HA to gelatin-Type A is between 1:2 and 2:1 and preferably about 1:1. The weight ratio of HA and gelatin-Type A to thermoreversible, hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant gel is between 1:3,000 and 1:150, preferably between 1:3,000 and 1:600 and most preferably about 1:2,400. The hydrogel is formed by combining hyaluronic acid and gelatin-Type A to form a solution, cooling the solution, mixing the solution with Pluronic F127 to form a mixture and storing the mixture at a temperature of from 25° C. to 45° C. preferably about 37° C.

Abstract: This invention offers an effective method of inhibiting the expression of apolipoprotein E by mammalian cells. Apolipoprotein E is a protein that plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's Disease in humans. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a triarylmethyl amine compound having the general formula: wherein the R1 group may comprise acyclic amines and aliphatic amines. The R2 group may comprise one of three aryl varieties: aryl, substituted aryl, or heterocycle. Triarylamine compounds inhibit apolipoprotein E expression in mammalian cells. In one aspect of the invention the mammalian cells may be human cells, and more specifically may be human brain cells.

Abstract: A system and method of aggregating and predicting stock ranking stocks. The novel system and method uses a neighborhood model to aggregate a plurality of “neighboring” or related stocks having similar pricing trends. The system and method then uses a ranking optimization method to predict the ranking of each stock based on percentage change in price. The current invention facilitates investors trading by using a novel methodology to predict stock rankings and providing a neighborhood of related stocks, while having an easy-to-use interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. More specifically, a recombinant bispecific antibody fragment that simultaneously blocks beta-secretase activity while also promoting alpha-secretase activity, comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion blocks beta secretase activity and the second portion promotes alpha-secretase activity.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an apparatus. The apparatus includes a DC source port having a first DC source terminal and a second DC source terminal. Further, the apparatus includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch having first terminals coupled together, and the apparatus includes a fourth switch between the first switch and the second DC source terminal, a fifth switch between the second switch and the second DC source terminal, and a sixth switch between the third switch and the second DC source terminal. Also, the apparatus includes a first inductor coupled between the first DC source terminal and the first terminals of the first, second, and third switches, and a power grid port having a first power grid terminal and a second power grid terminal. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising nucleic acids encoding the serine/threonine kinase PIM-1, and methods for making and using them; including methods for inducing cellular proliferation, and protecting cardiac cells from hypoxia and cellular apoptosis. The invention provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising nucleic acids encoding PIM-1, and methods for enhancing the regenerative potential of stem cells in the heart.

Abstract: A method of making a compound of Formula I? comprises reacting a compound of the formula DLCHO, with a compound of the formula to produce the compound of Formula I?. Methods of using the compounds are also described, particularly as intermediates for the synthesis of porphyrin rods, which porphyrin rods are in turn useful for (among other things) the production of molecular memory devices.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for methods of preventing, removing or inhibiting microbial biofilm formation or microbial infection in a plant or plant part thereof, including applying thereto a treatment effective amount of an active compound as described herein, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Methods of enhancing a microbicide (e.g., including a copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator are also provided, including applying an active compound as described herein. Compositions comprising an active compound as described herein in an agriculturally acceptable carrier are also provided, and in some embodiments the compositions further include a microbicide (e.g., including copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator.

Abstract: Enantiomers are characterized, identified, synthesized and/or modified with a shaped laser pulse. In another aspect of the present invention, binary shaping and circular polarization are employed with a laser pulse. A further aspect of the present invention provides a quarter-wave plate in combination with one or more pulse shapers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graphite-coated magnetic nanoparticles, methods for the synthesis of graphite-coated magnetic nanoparticles, and methods of using graphite-coated magnetic nanoparticles for targeted delivery of siRNA-based therapy, as multimodal imaging probes and for hyperthermia cancer treatment.

Abstract: Methods and therapeutic treatments of ocular diseases are provided including applying peg-Arginase I to affected eyes. Methods are provided that simultaneously treat inflammation and neovascularization of eyes while promoting healing. Methods are provided to treat lesions or infections of an eye.

Abstract: A method of producing bioplastics from algae, the method including processing algae to yield an aqueous phase containing glycerol, and fermenting the aqueous phase with a bioplastic-producing bacteria to yield bioplastics.

Abstract: A system and method for endoscopic measurement and mapping of internal organs, tumors and other objects. The system includes an endoscope with a plurality of light sources and at least one camera; a processor; a memory; and a program stored in the memory. The program, when executed by the processor, carries out steps including projecting light beams from the plurality of light sources so light points associated with the light beams appear on an object; and generating at least one image frame of the object based on the light points. The program, when executed by the processor, can further carry out steps including converging positions of the light points and determining a measurement of the object. The determining step can further include using a “shape from motion” process, a “shape from shading” process, and an inter-frame correspondence process, and can be performed by a third party for a transactional accommodation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of depositing a polymer onto a surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises using a high electric field and a high frequency vibratory motion to deposit a polymer solution onto the surface. Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of manufacturing an electrode or diode. In some embodiments, the method comprises using a high electric field and a high frequency vibratory motion to deposit a polymer onto a surface. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is an electrode manufactured by any method disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a diode manufactured by any method disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector and is configured to mount to a machine having multiple axes of control. A control signal on the connector determines a path of a rotating tool holder.

Abstract: A prediction and assessment tool for bioremediation performance based on a comprehensive understanding of the link between chemical flow and microbial community interactions includes linking molecular microbial ecology data with electron and alkalinity balances to make it possible to understand dechlorinating microbial communities and their metabolic processes. The interactions of biological processes and site mineralogy result in changes to alkalinity and pH that can lead to incomplete reductive dechlorination resulting from suboptimal pH. Understanding these interactions allows for strategies to predict expected bioremediation outcomes and/or to mitigate incomplete reductive dechlorination.