Abstract: Inhibitors of AMPA-type glutamate ion channels are useful as biochemical probes for structure-function studies and as drug candidates for a number of neurological disorders and diseases. Disclosed herein is the identification of an RNA inhibitor or aptamer by an in vitro evolution approach and characterization of its mechanism of inhibition on the sites of interaction by equilibrium binding and on the receptor channel-opening rate by a laser-pulse photolysis technique. The aptamer of the invention is a noncompetitive inhibitor of AMPA-type glutamate ion channels, one that selectively inhibits the GluA2Qflip AMPA receptor subunit without any effect on other AMPA receptor subunits or on kainate or NMDA receptors. Furthermore, the aptamer preferentially inhibits the closed-channel state of GluA2Qflip with a KI=1.5 ?M or by ˜15-fold over the open-channel state. The potency and selectivity of this aptamer rival those of small molecule inhibitors.

Abstract: A bio-oil formulation, useful as an asphalt binder substitute in pavement and roofing shingles, includes bio-oil and a polymer additive. The bio-oil binder can include an asphalt additive. The bio-oil binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive. A method for making the bio-oil binder is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical energy storage systems comprising metallolyte composites, iron fluoride composites and iron oxyfluoride composites. The present invention further provides methods for fabricating metallolyte composites.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses recombinant bacteria suitable for live attenuated vaccines, and methods of use thereof. One aspect of the present invention encompasses a recombinant Salmonella bacterium. The bacterium comprises a first promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding a toxin and a second promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an antitoxin, wherein the second promoter is inactive in vivo, but active in vitro.

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: This invention discloses a synthetic procedure for preparing nanoparticulate materials of various metal cyanide compounds containing manganese(II) ions in the crystal lattice with the surfaces coated by a hydrophilic compound, and their use as MRI contrast agents with high sensitivity, long blood circulation half lives and low toxicity at low-field and high field MR scanners.

Abstract: A contact-type endoscope surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe includes a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, a transparent substrate adhered to the GRIN lens, and a rough metallic layer adhered to an opposite side of the transparent substrate from the GRIN lens. The GRIN lens focuses light from a Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer, and the rough metallic layer is positioned at the distal end of the contact-type endoscope SERS probe.

Abstract: A semiconductor junction may include a first semiconductor material and a second material. The first and the second semiconductor materials are extrinsically undoped. At least a portion of a valence band of the second material has a higher energy level than at least a portion of the conduction band of the first semiconductor material (type-III band alignment). A flow of a majority of free carriers across the semiconductor junction is diffusive. A region of generation and/or recombination of a plurality of free carriers is confined to a two-dimensional surface of the second material, and at the interface of the first semiconductor material and the second material.

Abstract: The methods of the invention provide improved rice grain nutrition by manipulation of the rice starch crystalline structure leading to easier penetration of nutrients into the rice grain and enhancement of rice grains with nutrients, thereby creating enhanced rice grain products. In addition, methods of direct delivery of nutrients into rice grains are also presented.

Abstract: A novel method of preventing or reducing ototoxicity in vertebrates undergoing treatment with therapeutically effective amounts of platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics is disclosed herein. The method(s) comprise administering an effective amount of an otoprotective agent comprising Dihexa prior to, concomitantly with, or subsequently to administration of the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent or aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Abstract: A composition comprising a diatom frustule and a metal coating, and a method for making the same, are disclosed herein. The metal coating may comprise a metal film or metal nanoparticles, which may be attached to the surface via a linker. The composition has a surface coverage ratio of from about 1% to about 100%. The composition may also comprise an antibody. Also disclosed is a method for using the composition comprising contacting the composition with a target molecule, exposing the composition to light, and measuring the resulting Raman scattering.

Abstract: For mitigating a compromised network-on-chip, code appends a node identifier of a destination node to a packet transmitted in a multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSOC). The MPSOC may include third-party components such as a network-on-chip. The code may detect a copy of the packet from the node identifier. In addition, the code may drop the copy of the packet in response to the copy of the packet being routed to an unintended node.

Abstract: Biodegradable, bioabsorbable cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds for filling a void in human or animal soft tissue, such as a surgical or other wound, are disclosed. Drugs incorporated into the polymer backbone and/or loaded into the matrix are released directly to the target site. Additional non-toxic chemical constituents can be used to tune the hydrophilio hydrophobic and other physical properties of the cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds, and incorporating brominated or iodinated constituents provides radio-opacity. The radio-opaque cross-linked polymer tissue scaffolds can assist in the targeting of radiation therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a prosthetic limb are provided. A sensor component receives input from a wearer's muscle and provides a signal to a control component. The sensor component may be a force sensing resistor placed inside a socket of a prosthetic limb between a residual limb and the hard side of the socket. The control component processes the signal and provides instructions to an actuation component. In this manner, an actuation component may move a joint, or may change the velocity of a joint, or may change other characteristics of the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dispersion of stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles that comprise cores and coatings on the cores, which comprise zwitterionic functional groups chemically bound to the cores, using a single solution that comprises dissolved iron ions and a zwitterion silane and/or a hydrolyzed product of the zwitterion silane.

Abstract: A formulation is provided that includes a volume of an aqueous multivalent physiological ion solution compatible with cerebrospinal fluid containing at least one divalent cation of magnesium or calcium, and at least one anion of carbonate or phosphate, and having a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. A zwitterionic therapeutic agent other than baclofen is dissolved the solution to achieve higher concentration or ease of solution and/or storage relative to therapeutic saline solutions of the same agent. A process of delivering a zwitterionic therapeutic agent into a subject is provided that includes dissolving a therapeutic amount of the zwitterionic therapeutic agent in a volume of artificial cerebrospinal fluid to form a stable formulation. The solution is then administered to the subject using an intrathecal pump.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a first polarization grating, a second polarization grating, and a liquid crystal layer. The first polarization grating is configured to polarize and diffract incident light into first and second beams having different polarizations and different directions of propagation relative to that of the incident light. The liquid crystal layer is configured to receive the first and second beams from the first polarization grating. The liquid crystal layer is configured to be switched between a first state that does not substantially affect respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough, and a second state that alters the respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough. The second polarization grating is configured to analyze and diffract the first and second beams from the liquid crystal layer to alter the different directions of propagation thereof in response to the state of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for size-based particle separation and methods for its use, where the microfluidic device comprises: (a) an inlet reservoir, where the inlet reservoir is configured for communication with an inlet electrode, (b) an insulator constriction coupled to the inlet reservoir via a microchannel, where the insulator constriction comprises an insulating material, and (c) a plurality of outlet channels each defining a first end and a second end, where the first end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to the insulator constriction, where the second end of each of the plurality of outlet channels is coupled to one of a plurality of outlet reservoirs, and where the plurality of outlet reservoirs are configured for communication with one or more outlet electrodes.

Abstract: A package providing a storage space with features capable of affecting atmospheric conditions therein, comprising a body having a first and at least one second storage space adjacent thereto, wherein the first storage space is defined by sidewalls, and the at least one second storage space is defined by sidewalls including at least a portion thereof which further defines the first storage space, the second storage space providing a reservoir for containing an antimicrobial agent therein, wherein the antimicrobial agent includes a precursor to chlorine dioxide gas and the portion of the sidewall which further defines the first storage space is configured to allow for the delivery of the chlorine dioxide gas from the second storage space into the first storage space.

Abstract: A new and distinctly salt and boron tolerant poplar tree cultivar named ‘RRR Yellow’, is particularly distinguishable by its ability to tolerate and grow in soil with high concentrations of salt, boron and selenium. The ‘RRR Yellow’ cultivar was originally discovered as a naturally occuring branch sport through stringent selection of cultivated poplar trees, and potentially from isolation of a single unique sapling or sport that exhibited high levels of salt and boron tolerance necessary for survival, and then propagated.