Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods and systems for wireless data transmission by magnetic induction. In one embodiment, a network of magnetic induction units is provided. The units may be configured to transmit a data signal by modulation of a time-varying magnetic field. One or more units may also be configured to receive a data signal received from another magnetic induction unit. In one specific implementation, a network of underground magnetic induction units is provided, each having a sensor connected thereto. Each of the units, or a subset of the units, may be configured to transmit its sensed data to an adjacent or nearby unit, which, in turn, may retransmit the original data, along with additional appended data, to another adjacent unit. The network data may thereby be relayed in a multi-hop fashion until it reaches a desired destination.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an analyte, such as a target nucleic acid sequence, protein sequence or small molecule, which can also be employed to detect the formation of duplex structures, is disclosed. The method can comprise nucleic acids, proteins and small molecules, employing photoelectrochemically active nanoparticles, branched polymers or other structures that carry photoelectrochemically active molecules capable of generating a photocurrent when excited by light in the presence of an electric field is disclosed. The method can be employed to detect hybridization on an array and can be employed in sequencing, mutational analysis (for example, single nucleotide polymorphisms and other variations in a population) and for monitoring gene expression by analysis of the level of expression of messenger RNA extracted from a cell. The method is applicable to the detection of antibody binding or other protein binding for analyte detection in an array format.

Abstract: The present invention provides 2-heterosubstituted 3-aryl-4H-benzopyran-4-one compounds for the treatment of cancers, namely breast cancer. This invention further provides a method of synthesis of 2-(alkylthio)isoflavones that can be carried out at ambient conditions. This invention further provides a method of synthesis of the 2-heterosubstituted 3-aryl-4H-benzopyran-4-one from a 2-(alkylthio)isoflavone. The invention further provides methods of using the 2-heterosubstituted 3-aryl-4H-benzopyran-4-one compounds for the treatment of breast cancer in mammals.

Abstract: An adaptive hybrid energy system is provided. The system includes a first DC energy source that generates a first DC output by converting a first type of energy into an electrical output. Additionally, the system includes at least a second DC energy source that generates a second DC electrical output by converting a second type of energy into an electrical output. The system further includes a cascaded multilevel converter electrically connected to the first and second DC energy sources to convert a DC electrical output into a sinusoidal electrical output when at least one of the first and second DC energy sources is operable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of peptides based upon the M2GlyR sequence. These peptides are derivatives of the M2GlyR sequence and can be modified at their ends to include a plurality of polar amino acid residues to enhance their solubility. Particularly preferred derivatives include portions of the M2GlyR sequence which are palindromic to another portion of the peptide or to the M2GlyR sequence itself. Preferably these portions are at least 7 amino acid residues in length. Peptides embraced by the present invention are characterized by having greater effects on the transepithelial electrical resistance of cells at lower concentrations. Peptides of the present invention have been shown to increase Isc in MDCK epithelial cell monolayers with half maximal effects observed at or below 30 ?M, a nearly 10-fold improvement over any peptide previously characterized in the M2GlyR family.

Abstract: A method of forming mono-disperse iron-oxide core metal shell nanoparticles is disclosed. Particle size of the oxide core seeds is controlled and capped seeds are formed. The capping layer is desorbed by a thermally activated process and metal such as gold is chemically deposited on the core seeds in situ. This process can be repeated to produce multi-metal or different metal shells. A second capping layer is applied on the core/shell composite nanoparticles. In another step, the particles are sized by centrifuging to obtain a tightly controlled and narrow particle size distribution. The water-dispersibility of the particles is achieved by a thiol exchange reaction on the gold shell of the core/shell nanoparticles or by deposition of gold on ferritin-derived iron oxide cores in aqueous solution. Mono and multilayer thin films are assembled on different substrates using the core/shell particles and linking molecules.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes using an optical coherence tomography system to acquire a plurality of frames of a sample where each frame includes optical information about the composition of the sample through a section of the sample. The method further includes averaging over two or more of the frames to provide an image of the section of the sample where successive frames of the two or more frames are acquired with a time lapse of 0.05-0.7 seconds. Embodiments of the method may have unique advantages for endoscopic subcellular imaging. For example, they can enable subcellular imaging with low-NA optics (e.g., NA=0.25 or less) while providing morphological imaging of the underlying tissue up to 0.6 mm without focal tracking.

Abstract: Techniques for determining an equilibrium structure of a protein in a predetermined environment, the protein having Ramachandran angles and a known denatured structure, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a method is presented which involves determining a maximum RMS volume of the known denatured structure of the protein and calculating at least one force on the protein in its current structure in the predetermined environment. The net torque resulting from the at least one force for each of the Ramachandran angles of the protein is then determined. Then at least one section of the protein structure on a side of a Ramachandran angle with greatest torque is rotated to form a new structure. A new RMS volume for the new structure is then calculated, and the method is repeated using the new structure. The method ceases when the new RMS volume of the new protein structure is not less than the RMS volume of the starting structure.

Abstract: An asphalt binder includes asphalt and an asphalt binder modifier, which includes bio-oil. The asphalt binder can include a carboxyl additive. The asphalt can optionally include polymer-modified asphalt. An asphalt material includes mineral aggregate, an asphalt material binder including asphalt, and an asphalt binder modifier including bio-oil. A method for making the asphalt binder is disclosed. The asphalt material includes asphalt pavement and roofing shingles. The asphalt binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.