Abstract: A leaky wave antenna system is set forth. The antenna comprises: a microstrip fabricated on a top surface of a substrate; a ground plane formed on a bottom surface of the substrate; and a plurality of impedance components, each impedance component having one terminal electrically coupled to a lengthwise edge of the microstrip abutting the top surface of the substrate. A switch is electrically connected between each one of the plurality of impedance components and the ground plane. A control module coupled to the plurality of switches operates to specify a direction of a main beam radiating from the microstrip by selectively connecting one or more of the plurality of impedance components to the ground plane.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents which modulate microRNA activity. The invention involves contacting a cell harboring a microRNA and a microRNA binding sequence, which is operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein, with a test agent and determining whether the test agent increases or decreases the expression of the reporter protein thereby identifying a microRNA modulator. Antagonists identified by this screening assay are provided, as are methods for using the same to inhibit microRNA activity and prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a method of testing a disinfectant or antibiotic using phenanthridium derivatives with a 2+ charge or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eco-friendly compositions and methods for providing plant growth enhancing formulations comprising mixtures of microbial isolates. In particular, numerous bacterial and fungal strains were isolated from a variety of soil types, from rhizospheres and from root nodules of leguminous plants, in designed combinations, for providing plant growth and plant productivity enhancing formulations. These specifically designed polymicrobial formulations would further provide protection against plant pathogens lowering the need for nitrogen containing fertilizers, solubilize minerals, protect plants against pathogens, and make available to the plant valuable 10 nutrients, such as phosphate, thus reducing and eliminating the need for using chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.

Abstract: In various embodiments, electronic apparatus, systems, and methods include a unified compact spatiotemporal method that provides a process for machines to deal with space and time and to deal with sensors and effectors. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to human endogenous retrovirus env (HERV-WL) polypeptides, nucleotide sequences, HERV-WL antibodies, methods to detect cancer, and methods to determine the effectiveness of the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A composition in the target language is parsed into plural different linguistic components, including sound level, grammar level and at least one functional grammar level component. The linguistic components are then expressed on different facets of an n-sided block device representation system according to predefined sets of rules. The facets of the block device may then be selectively examined by the learner to visualize how the target language functions to express the composition with respect to the way sounds, grammar and functional grammar are used. The block device representation system may be computer-implemented, rendering the facets on display panels associated with physical blocks, or as computer-generated images upon a display device.

Abstract: An insect trap has a “U” or similar shaped cross-section view, forming a circle or square, with a dark-colored coarse outer surface and a light-colored smooth inner surface. The trap can be placed around an arthropod-infested object such as furniture leg, luggage, food to form a barrier to prevent movement of arthropods between the infested object and its surrounding areas. The trap can also be placed where arthropods live or forage to monitor their numbers and activities such as at corners of a room, along perimeters of a room, inside a cabinet, inside food storage container, etc.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of ovarian cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses graphene supported bifunctional catalysts and metal-air batteries comprising the same. In one aspect, a metal-air battery comprises a metal anode, a cathode, an electrolyte disposed between the metal anode and the cathode, and a catalyst on the cathode. The catalyst reduces both the charge overpotential and discharge overpotential of the battery. The catalyst is disposed on a graphene support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14 X L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for determining whether an individual has Sjögren's disease (SD). The method entails determining in a biological sample from the individual the presence of antibodies directed to salivary gland protein 1 (SP-1), parotid secretory protein (PSP), carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6), or determining a combination of the antibodies. Determining that the individual has SD is based on the presence of the antibodies. The method provides for detection of early SD. Kits for antibody detection containing the antigens to which the antibodies of SD patients are directed are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a glucose indicator protein, a biosensor comprising one or more glucose indicator proteins, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

Abstract: A method of identifying compounds as direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction through high-throughput screening and lead development. The direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction are more specific and free of various undesirable effects than existing indirect inhibitors, and are potential drug candidates of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases or conditions involving oxidative stress and/or inflammation, including but not limited to cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Novel compounds are identified and methods of preventing or treating diseases or conditions related to Keap1-Nrf2 interaction activity by use of the novel compounds identified or compositions containing such compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fungicidal compound including an aminoglycoside analog having certain substituents at the 6 position of ring III that exhibit improved antifungal activity but possess minimal antibacterial properties in combination with fungicidal azoles. The aminoglycoside compounds are analogues of kanamycin A. Also provided are methods of synthesizing and methods of using the compounds of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing fungal disease.

Abstract: This invention discloses a highly efficient method, system and apparatus for nucleic acid analysis, including sequencing (both automated re-sequencing and de-novo sequencing). The system is capable of sequencing DNA sizes ranging from fragments to mammalian size genomes having mouse draft quality at a much reduced cost. The system comprises a massive parallel capillary electrophoretic separation using two-dimensional monolith multi-capillary arrays (2D-MMCA). Sequence identification can be performed using fluorescent or otherwise labeled dideoxynucleotide-terminated DNA extension product generated by gel matrix-, or beads-, or substrate tethered-, or otherwise immobilized colonies of single template molecules.

Abstract: The computer-implemented system to facilitate creation of educational information employs a networked computer system that stores at least one resource in association with a first electronic file, storing metadata information about usage of the resource. A resource assembly tool implemented by a computer is programmed to access the networked computer system to display information to an instructor about at least one resource, including the metadata information. This aids the instructor in selecting resources for inclusion in educational information being created. The resource assembly tool is configured to assemble the educational information to include resources selected for inclusion being created for dissemination to learners via said networked computer system. The networked computer system is further configured to capture information about usage of the resource and to update the stored metadata information to reflect said captured information.

Abstract: A method of mapping threshold gate cells into a Boolean network is disclosed. In one embodiment, cuts are enumerated within the Boolean network. Next, a subset of the cuts within the Boolean network that are threshold is identified. To minimize power, cuts in the subset of the cuts are selected.

Abstract: Comestible materials encapsulated by a film-forming composition including a plant protein source and methods of forming the same are provided. The film-forming composition affects the site of digestion of the comestible material within the digestive tract of an animal or a human thereby allowing the material to be most effectively utilized by the body. Also, the film-forming compositions may be used to enhance the stability of the encapsulated material and prevent undesired interaction with other components of a mixture.