Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of Raman-active reagents for use in biological and other applications, as well as methods and kits for their use and manufacture. Each reagent includes a Raman-active reporter molecule, a binding molecule, and a surface enhancing particle capable of causing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The Raman-active reporter molecule and the binding molecule are affixed to the particle to give both a strong SERS signal and to provide biological functionality, i.e. antigen or drug recognition. The Raman-active reagents can function as an alternative to fluorescence-labeled reagents, with advantages in detection including signal stability, sensitivity, and the ability to simultaneously detect several biological materials. The Raman-active reagents also have a wide range of applications, especially in clinical fields (e.g., immunoassays, imaging, and drug screening).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of changing intensity of a reflected beam which may be expressed as a method of changing the amount of reflected light from a beam of light, the method comprising: (a) providing a substrate bearing a film of a reflective material; (b) directing a first beam of light at a reflecting point upon the reflective material so as to create a reflecting beam therefrom; (c) directing a second beam of light at the reflecting point upon the reflective material so as to alter the amount of light in the reflecting beam, and (d) detecting the change in the amount of light in the reflecting beam. The invention also includes an apparatus for changing the amount of reflected light from a beam of light and measuring that change, as well as related apparatus for providing a pulsed optical signal by changing the amount of reflected light from a beam of light.

Abstract: Novel fused ring dicationic anti-protozoan compounds. Representative protozoan species include but are not limited to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b.r.) and Plasmodium falciparum. Prodrugs of these compounds can be used as an oral treatment for malaria and human African trypanosomiasis.

Abstract: Fructooligosaccharide (FOS)-related protein nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, FOS-related fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-FOS-related antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides of the invention and methods for their use are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling yeast-to-filamentous growth transition in fungi comprising contacting a fungal cell with an anti-fungal small molecule in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit the yeast-to-filamentous growth transition, wherein the anti-fungal small molecule is 5-(p-Bromobenzylidine)-?-isopropyl-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3-thiozolidineacetic acid or an analog thereof. A method for treating fungal infections comprising contacting one or more fungal cells with an anti-fungal small molecule in an amount effective to control the fungal infection, wherein the anti-fungal small molecule is 5-(p-Bromobenzylidine)-?-isopropyl-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3-thiozolidineactic acid or an analog thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a hierarchical shadow detection system for color aerial images. The system performs well with highly complex images as well as images having different brightness and illumination conditions. The system consists of two hierarchical levels of processing. The first level involves, pixel level classification, through modeling the image as a reliable lattice and then maximizing the lattice reliability using the EM algorithm. Next, region level verification, through further exploiting the domain knowledge is performed. Further analyses show that the MRF model based segmentation is a special case of the pixel level classification model. A quantitative comparison of the system and a state-of-the-art shadow detection algorithm clearly indicates that the new system is highly effective in detecting shadow regions in an image under different illumination and brightness conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for prediction and/or control of the profile and/or shape of rolled metal strip. The device and method are compatible with both cluster-type and non cluster-type mills. The device and method employ a customized deflection model of the rolling mill, thereby combining the advantages of well-known finite element method with other relevant methods to allow real-time operation of the rolling mill without the computational complexities of such methods. In one form, the customized deflection model helps to obtain a compact, linear, and flexible analytical model with non-iterative solution, multiple continuous elastic foundations, third-order displacement fields, simple stress-field determination, and capability to compute dynamic deflection characteristics.

Abstract: A microphone having an optical component for converting the sound-induced motion of the diaphragm into an electronic signal using a diffraction grating. The microphone with inter-digitated fingers is fabricated on a silicon substrate using a combination of surface and bulk micromachining techniques. A 1 mm×2 mm microphone diaphragm, made of polysilicon, has stiffeners and hinge supports to ensure that it responds like a rigid body on flexible hinges. The diaphragm is designed to respond to pressure gradients, giving it a first order directional response to incident sound. This mechanical structure is integrated with a compact optoelectronic readout system that displays results based on optical interferometry.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments generally relate to methods and compositions that affect the GTP-binding activity of members of the Rho family GTPases, preferably Rac (Rac1, Rac2 and/or Rac3), such compositions include compounds that modulate the GTP/GDP exchange activity, along with uses for the compounds including screening for compounds which recognize Rac GTPase, and methods of treating pathological conditions associated or related to a Rho family GTPase, including Rac. The preferred embodiments also relate to methods of using such compounds, or derivatives thereof, e.g., in therapeutics, diagnostics, and as research tools.

Abstract: Malignant tumors that are intrinsically resistant to conventional therapies are significant therapeutic challenges. An embodiment of the present invention provides an oncolytic virus capable of killing target cells, such as a tumor cells. In various embodiments presented herein, the oncolytic virus is armed or encodes a therapeutic polypeptide. In at least one embodiment, a recombinant oncolytic virus has been generated that can specifically replicate in cancer cells leading to their destruction and at the same time secrete robust amounts of a therapeutic polypeptide. Compositions and methods disclosed herein have broad therapeutic applicability.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated MSU Line E0028, the plants and seeds of MSU Line E0028, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety E0028 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety E0028 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety E0028. The present technology also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from MSU Line E0028 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A culture cell for growing animal cells in vitro has sides and a bottom forming a volume. The volume contains a layer of nanofiber upon which animal cells can be cultured. The layer of nanofiber can be oriented or non-oriented. Multiple layers can be placed in the volume, where the layers have different composition and/or different porosity. The nanofiber can be, for example, surface treated or of a core-shell construction.

Abstract: This invention comprises salophene-based metallic complexes. Included are metal-chelating analogues, and method of their preparation and use. These analogues have therapeutic activity including anticancer activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions comprising porous metal oxide selected from porous titanium oxide and porous alumina and an alkali metal or an alkali metal alloy. The compositions of the inventions are described as Stage 0 and I materials. These materials differ in their preparation and chemical reactivity. Each successive stage may be prepared directly using the methods described below or from an earlier stage material. Stage 0 materials may, for example, be prepared using liquid alloys of Na and K which are rapidly absorbed by porous metal oxide under isothermal conditions, preferably at or just above room temperature, to form loose black powders that retain much of the reducing ability of the parent metals. When the low melting Group 1 metals are absorbed into the porous metal oxide at about 150° C., an exothermic reaction produces Stage I material, loose black powders that are stable in dry air. Further heating forms higher stage materials of unknown composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a second-generation-fatty acid conjugate and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The second-generation-fatty acid conjugate are useful in the treatment of cancer in a human in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides active compounds for modulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and methods of making the same. The methods of preparing the active compounds utilize different intermediate compounds.

Abstract: A method for processing CoPt alloys with improved magnetic properties. The method includes sealing a sample of a CoPt alloy in an evacuated quartz tube, and heating the alloy to a temperature of approximately 1000 degrees C. to homogenize the alloy for approximately 3 hours. The sample is then cooled at a controlled cooling rate of 120-150 degrees C. per minute to 600 degrees C. The sample is then held at 600 degrees C. for 10 hours to promote isothermal ordering. Finally, the sample is quenched in mineral oil.

Abstract: The use of collectins and/or surfactant proteins for the treatment and prevention of ocular disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and detecting an optically encoded document having a uniquely designed document verification indicator is disclosed. One embodiment includes applying a spatially varying Brewster angle pattern on a substrate. Another embodiment includes an apparatus for detecting the spatially varying Brewster angle pattern including a light source, a slit aperture, a polarizer, at least one parabolic mirror, and an image capturing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of circuits and methods for circuits for the detection of soft errors in cache memories are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods and examples are also described herein.