Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for improving the efficiency of a transient gene delivery system to differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells by serum starving the targeted cells for one to three days prior to transfection. Such a serum starvation surprisingly resulted in increased expression of a constitutively-controlled plasmid from 50.4% to 83.2% of the population and increased expression of a promoter/enhancer controlled plasmid from ˜1.4% to ˜3.7% of the population.

Abstract: The present invention provides bifunctional silica mesoporous materials, including mesoporous silica nanoparticles (“MSN”), having pores modified with diarylammonium triflate and perfluoroaryl moieties, that are useful for the acid-catalyzed esterification of organic acids with organic alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula I, II, and III as defined herein, as well as salts thereof. The compounds may have activity as anti-proliferative agents.

Abstract: Packaging and a dessert food product combines a hot portion and a cold portion. In one embodiment, the dessert combines hot pie with a topping of ice cream in a single package. In one aspect of the invention, the microwaveable food product and package incorporates a food package that simultaneously includes various susceptor films that allow for differential heating of food. The susceptor film(s) shield the cold-portion food products from being heated in the microwave while they provide even heating of the hot portion of the product. The packaging provides a quick, convenient and tasty dessert with minimal effort. In another aspect of the present invention, the pie and ice cream formulation has been optimized to maintain superior flavor and texture properties after freezing and microwave reheating.

Abstract: Methods of regulating uterine contractions using light are described. An exemplary method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting visible light.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for detecting a disease of a prostate. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include receiving an image dataset acquired with at least one acquisition mode; segmenting a region of interest including the prostate from the dataset; applying conformal mapping to map the region of interest to a canonical shape; generating a 3D visualization of the prostate using the canonically mapped dataset; and applying computer aided detection (CAD) to the canonically mapped volume to detect a region of disease of the organ.

Abstract: Described herein are fragments of fibronectin and vitronectin and variants thereof that have certain activities, including growth factor-binding activity. Also described are fragments of growth factors that bind to fibronectin and inhibit binding of full-length growth factors to fibronectin. Compositions containing such fragments are useful in cosmetic treatments (e.g., the treatment of wrinkles or UV photodamage of skin), and the treatment of wounds and cancer.

Abstract: Seismic displacement demands for design of a bridge frame structure are typically determined from linear-elastic analysis (LEA), which are often incorrect, and compared to displacement capacity from a nonlinear pushover analysis. Nonlinear time-history analysis (NTHA) provides the most realistic assessment of displacement demands because it properly models the physics of the dynamic problem, wherein stiffness of the bridge varies over time. However, using NTHA to determine a bridge response from multiple earthquake motions based on the stiffness method requires excessive time. A unique approach for determining the nonlinear time-history response of a bridge frame is disclosed that is thousands of times faster than the stiffness method while providing the same results. Computational efficiency allows bridge design engineers to use NTHA for the seismic design of bridge structures by producing multiple determinations in less than one second.

Abstract: ‘NCAJ1’ is a new Albizia julibrissin tree particularly distinguished by a pendulous habit, burgundy foliage, and pinkish flowers.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample is described, including the steps of associating an initiator with the analyte to form an analyte associated initiator, contacting the analyte associated initiator with a reagent adapted to undergo a self-catalytic reaction which produces a product, and obtaining an observation or measurement corresponding to a change in the amount of the product. Kits and additional methods related to analyte detection are also described.

Abstract: An object, such as a tumor from a breast lumpectomy, is placed into an object positioning device that can hold the object without deforming it. Such a device can include a container with a deformable foam, gel, or other material. The object positioning device is moved into an imaging device. Images of the object within the object positioning device are acquired by the imaging device. The acquired images are stored, processed, or output on a display device. Information about the spatial orientation of the object with respect to a reference object is preserved.

Abstract: Provided herein is a prosthetic device in patients with ventricular assist device (VAD) support and a closed off aortic valve orifice, which reestablishes the formation of normal fluid flow patterns in the aortic root. The prosthesis includes a circular body having a first surface and a second surface and a projection disposed on the first surface of the body, wherein the projection includes a plurality of walls extending away from the first surface of the body, each wall being positioned such that a first side edge contacts a center of the body, thereby forming a plurality of intercepted arcs, each located between adjacent walls; and a plurality of concave parabolic surfaces, each disposed within an intercepted arc. Also provided are methods of using the prosthetic device to reduce thrombosis formation in patients with VAD support.

Abstract: A geospatial search portal, systems including the same, and methods of making and using the geospatial search portal are disclosed. The geospatial search portal generally includes an electronic information harvester, a tagger, metadata analysis logic, an electronic map having a plurality of electronic locations thereon, and a processor. The electronic information harvester seeks and retrieves relevant scholarly, technical, encyclopedic, factual and/or archival information. The tagger associates a plurality of georeferences and a plurality of metadata to each item of information. The metadata analysis logic analyzes the metadata and organizes the metadata into index terms and/or map symbols, and may comprise an indexer and a depictor. The processor is configured to display at least some of the associated information on the electronic map and/or in a textbox when the electronic location(s) on the electronic map, the georeference(s), and/or the metadata is/are electronically selected.

Abstract: An electrophoresis controller for use with an electrophoresis apparatus having a gel matrix disposed between electrodes for separation of particles along with a tracking dye. The electrophoresis controller includes a sensor system and a controller. The sensor system includes a support, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The support includes a first portion positionable on a first side of the gel matrix and a second portion positionable adjacent a second side of the gel matrix. The light emitter is positioned on the first portion of the support for emitting light onto one side of the gel matrix. The light receiver is positioned on the second portion of the support adjacent to the other side of the gel matrix for receiving light from the light source as it is passing through the gel matrix. At least one of the light emitter and the light receiver includes a light guide having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data transmission system having a multi-node wireless network in a geographic area within which a plurality of nodes are positioned, having a plurality of directional antennas fixed to respective nodes of the plurality of nodes, with each node including at least two directional antennas to transmit and receive in respective sectors emanating from each respective node. When yaw of a node exceeds a threshold amount, revised routing information is provided to identify preferred directional antennas for use in future link transmissions.

Abstract: To identify conserved and variable regions of the 16 S rRNA, an instant evolution experiment was performed on the entire 16 S rRNA. Analysis of these mutants identified regions that are required for function. These conserved sequences may be used as targets for pharmaceuticals that are taxonomically specific and which are refractory to the development of drug resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making alkali metal silicide compositions, and the compositions resulting from the method, comprising mixing an alkali metal with silicon and heating the resulting mixture to a temperature below about 475° C. The resulting compositions do not react with dry O2. Also, the invention relates to sodium silicide compositions having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprising at least three peaks with 2Theta angles selected from about 18.2, 28.5, 29.5, 33.7, 41.2, 47.4, and 56.2 and a solid state 23Na MAS NMR spectra peak at about 18 ppm. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of removing a volatile or flammable substance in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the alkali metal silicide compositions of the invention react with water to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An OPO is disclosed capable of rapid frequency tuning by non-mechanical means. The OPO includes a resonant cavity including one or more non-linear crystals in an optical path thereof. A pump laser pulse is transmitted into the resonant cavity simultaneously with a seed beam having a desired wavelength. The output beam from the resonant cavity has the same center wavelength as the seed beam. The wavelength of the seed beam may be modulated at a frequency larger than the pulse rate of the pump laser or larger than the inverse of the pulse duration. The OPO disclosed may be used to perform DIAL analysis wherein intra-pulse modulation of an output beam is used to obtain measurements of absorption at multiple frequencies for each pulse of a pump beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of analysis systems, electrophoresis devices, and associated methods of analysis are described herein. In one embodiment, a method of analyzing a sample containing an electrolyte includes sequentially introducing a leading electrolyte, a sample electrolyte, and a trailing electrolyte into a extraction channel carried by a substrate. The extraction channel has a constriction in cross-sectional area. The method also includes applying an electrical field to separate components of the sample electrolyte into stacks and to concentrate the separated components by forcing the sample electrolyte to migrate through the constriction in the extraction channel. Thereafter, the applied electrical field is removed and the separated and concentrated components of the sample are detected in a detection channel carried by the substrate.