Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection of ligand-cell membrane protein binding by solid state NMR spectroscopy. The method starts by forming a lipid bilayer inside nanopores of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate, the lipid bilayer containing a membrane protein sample. The AAO substrate is treated with multiple candidate ligands having potential binding affinity for the membrane protein. Solid-state NMR analysis is performed on the treated AAO/lipid preparation so as to generate an NMR spectrum for the treated membrane protein. The solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein is compared with the spectrum of the same preparation of membrane protein in the absence of the ligands. It is then determined whether the solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein has shifted from the NMR spectrum of the untreated membrane protein, a shift being indicative of protein binding by the candidate ligand.

Abstract: A method of making chlorins comprises the steps of reacting (e.g. condensing) a dipyrrin western half intermediate with an eastern half intermediate to form a tetrahydrobilene, and then cyclizing the tetrahydrobilene to form a chlorin. Intermediates including tetrahydrobilenes useful in such reactions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyarylates comprising repeating units having the structure: as well as their preparation and use as cell growth substrates.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hydrophilic elastomers involves the synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane with tunable hydrophilic surface properties. An elastomeric monolith with desired hydrophilic properties is produced by combining a polyethylene oxide polymeric surfactant additive with a PDMS base and curing agent during polymerization. The surfactant chain segment lengths are varied to control the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection of ligand-cell membrane protein binding by solid state NMR spectroscopy. The method starts by forming a lipid bilayer inside nanopores of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate, the lipid bilayer containing a membrane protein sample. The AAO substrate is treated with multiple candidate ligands having potential binding affinity for the membrane protein. Solid-state NMR analysis is performed on the treated AAO/lipid preparation so as to generate an NMR spectrum for the treated membrane protein. The solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein is compared with the spectrum of the same preparation of membrane protein in the absence of the ligands. It is then determined whether the solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein has shifted from the NMR spectrum of the untreated membrane protein, a shift being indicative of protein binding by the candidate ligand.

Abstract: A passive wireless corrosion sensor is disclosed. A circuit is configured to provide a signal response when energized. An antenna is configured to wirelessly receive energy for energizing the circuit and to receive the signal response from the circuit and transmit the signal response. A corrosion sensitive connector interposes the circuit and the antenna. The corrosion sensitive connector conducts the energy from the antenna to the circuit and conducts the signal response from the circuit to the antenna when in a substantially non-corroded state. The corrosion sensitive connector creates an effectively non conducting link between the antenna and the circuit when in a substantially corroded state.

Abstract: A taxane having a cyclopentyl ester substituent at C10, a keto substituent at C9, a hydroxy substituent at C2, a 2-thienyl substituent at C3? and an isopropoxycarbamate substituent at C3?.

Abstract: Methods involve a combination of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating or silane self assembly on a substrate; microcontact printing; and conductive graphite particles, especially size controlled highly conductive exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. The conductive graphite particles are coated with a charged polymer such as sulfonated polystyrene. The graphite particles are patterned using microcontact printing and intact pattern transfer on a substrate that has an oppositely-charged surface. The method allows for conductive organic patterning on both flat and curved surfaces and can be used in microelectronic device fabrication.

Abstract: An efficient method is disclosed for extracting lutein from corn, sweet potato, and other plant products, and for extracting aflatoxin-free lutein from aflatoxin-contaminated plant grains and other plant products safely without any toxic by-products. The lutein is extracted using acetone, and either chilled or saponified to separate from the lipids. If contaminated with aflatoxin, the extracted aflatoxin-contaminated lutein is treated with lipoxidase. This method may be used in producing aflatoxin-free lutein from other contaminated grains or plant oils, or other plant products, including corn, cotton, soybean, rice, barley, wheat, maize, millet, and peanut.

Abstract: Methods of identifying malignant thyroid tissue comprising testing a thyroid tissue sample for the expression of at least two genes chosen from CCND2, PCSK2, and PLAB. Kits for use in the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: In the case of a pipelined processor, a performance gain is achievable through dynamically generating a main clock signal associated with a synchronous logic circuit and generating at least one backup register clock signal, the backup register clock signal at the same frequency as the main clock signal and phase shifted from the main clock signal to thereby provide additional time for one or more of the logic stages to execute. Error detection or error recovery may be performed using the backup registers. The methodology can further be extended, to design a system with cheaper technology and simple design tools that initially operates at slower speed, and then dynamically overclocks itself to achieve improved performance, while guaranteeing reliable execution.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor includes source, drain, and gate electrodes; a crystalline or polycrystalline layer of inorganic semiconductor; and a dielectric layer. The layer of inorganic semiconductor has an active channel portion physically extending from the source electrode to the drain electrode. The inorganic semiconductor has a stack of 2-dimensional layers in which intra-layer bonding forces are covalent and/or ionic. Adjacent ones of the layers are bonded together by forces substantially weaker than covalent and ionic bonding forces. The dielectric layer is interposed between the gate electrode and the layer of inorganic semiconductor material. The gate electrode is configured to control a conductivity of an active channel part of the layer of inorganic semiconductor.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow. The device includes an arc generator coupled to electrodes. The electrodes are placed adjacent a fluid flowpath such that upon being energized by the arc generator, an arc filament plasma adjacent the electrodes is formed. In turn, this plasma forms a localized high temperature, high pressure perturbation in the adjacent fluid flowpath. The perturbations can be arranged to produce vortices, such as streamwise vortices, in the flowing fluid to control mixing and noise in such flows. The electrodes can further be arranged within a conduit configured to contain the flowing fluid such that when energized in a particular frequency and sequence, can excite flow instabilities in the flowing fluid. The placement of the electrodes is such that they are unobtrusive relative to the fluid flowpath being controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-pancreatic cancer agent.

Abstract: The invention provides an adduct comprising a carbon nanotube and a transitional metal coordination complex, wherein the metal of the complex is attached by a covalent linkage to at least one oxygen moiety on the nanotube.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing nicotine analogs and derivatives are described. The methods are particularly useful for the regioselective production of enantiomerically pure nicotine analogs having substituents at the C4 position. Intermediates useful for the synthesis of such compounds are also described.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel protein interaction reporter (PIR) compounds (e.g., formulas I and II), comprising at least two protein reactive moieties (e.g., N-hydroxysuccinamide), each linked to a reporter moiety (e.g., mass reporter) by a covalent labile bond that is differentially cleavable with respect to peptide bonds (e.g., by a method such as collisional activation in a mass spectrometer, activation by electron capture dissociation (ECD), photoactivation, etc.), wherein the reporter moiety is operatively releasable from the PIR agent upon cleavage of the labile bonds, the released reporter moiety having a characteristic identifying property or label (e.g., m/z value). Particular PIRs comprise a mass reporter moiety, and further comprise an affinity group, (e.g., biotin), linked to the PIR (e.g., to the mass reporter moiety) by a selectively cleavable bone (e.g. photo-labile bond)).

Abstract: An innovative method is provided for assessing structural integrity of a sample. The method comprises: capturing a signal indicative of magnetic flux density caused by an Eddy current flowing in the sample; extracting an envelope of the captured signal using a demodulation scheme; sampling the envelope at a frequency that is lower than the frequency of the excitation current signal which generated the Eddy current; and examining the sampled envelope to assess structural integrity of the sample.

Abstract: An agent for treating strokes in humans is tested in a non-human subject by selecting an agent for testing and by preparing a selected non-human subject. The preparation includes: inducing a stroke event by advancing a microwire through the arterial system of the subject to a selected intracranial target position, inserting a microcatheter along the microwire and delivering an embolic device to the target position, occluding the artery at the target position by deploying the embolic device, verifying the occlusion and repositioning the embolic device if needed. After a predetermined occlusion interval, reperfusion of the subject is simulated by removing the embolic device and commencing therapy with the selected agent. At appropriate intervals, the effect of the conducted course of therapy is assessed non-invasively until terminal evaluation. In particular aspects, the method involves occluding the middle cerebral artery through an access achieved via the basilar artery.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of evergreen shrub holly distinguished in that it combines from three species (Ilex rugosa, I. integra, and I. pernyi), as well as exhibiting desirable landscape and production traits which distinguish it from other forms of Ilex. Plants of the new variety exhibit a moderately vigorous rate of growth, develop a dense, self-compacting, moderately broad conical form of moderate size, possess small, shiny, dark green leaves with a beautiful finely rugose surface and non-spiny margins (consumer friendly) with bright red fruit displayed on wood of the previous season's growth, and are outstanding for their high level of winter hardiness.