Abstract: A detuned duo-cavity laser-modulator device and method are provided which include lower, middle and upper reflectors, a gain region and an absorber region integrated into a semiconductor die. The middle reflector is disposed between the lower and upper reflectors. Together, the lower and middle reflectors define a first resonant cavity, while the upper and middle reflectors define a second resonant cavity. A gain region is disposed within a laser cavity of the resonant cavities to generate an optical carrier wave, while an absorber region is disposed within a modulator cavity of the resonant cavities to modulate a signal on the optical carrier wave. The laser and modulator cavities are detuned resonant cavities, with the detuning of the laser and modulator cavities being selected to minimized change in reflection from the modulator cavity to the laser cavity when the absorber region modulates the signal on the optical carrier wave.

Abstract: This invention provides a device, or product of manufacture, for use as a teaching device for tying knots, or as an aid in tying knots, e.g., as for use by handicapped or disabled individuals. The invention provides device, or product of manufacture, completely automated for tying knots using the device and/or methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for making and using these devices of the invention.

Abstract: A near infrared phosphorescent organometallic complex includes a cyclometalating ligand and a transition metal. The cyclometalating ligand includes a fused aromatic ring structure with carbon atoms, and a heteronuclear aromatic ring with a nitrogen atom. The transition metal is bonded to the nitrogen atom in the heteronuclear aromatic ring and one of the carbon atoms in the fused aromatic ring structure. The heteronuclear ring can be part of the fused aromatic ring. The organometallic complex is capable of phosphorescent emission with maximum emission intensity occurring at a wavelength in a range from about 650 nm to about 2000 nm.

Abstract: Analogs of bacteriocidal peptide microcin J25 (MccJ25) are provided that have an amino acid sequence that differs from that of MccJ25 by having at least one amino acid substitution; and that inhibit bacterial cell growth with a potency at least equal to that of MccJ25.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mutation associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, particularly domesticated cats, and more particularly Maine Coon cats. The methods include detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the feline MYBPC gene, and identifying feline subjects that have or are at risk of developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: A method of determining material parameters associated with a conductor using four points includes injecting and extracting alternating current into the plate using current-carrying wires operatively connected to two of the four points, measuring potential drop between the remaining two of the four points, and calculating the material parameters. The conductor can be of a homogenous material, a stratified material, or other type of material. The conductor can have any number of geometries, including that of a plate, a cylinder, a tube, a stratified cylinder or other shape.

Abstract: New, highly multifunctional reactive dye compounds are provided. The number of leaving groups in the non-chromophoric part of the molecule added to the number of chromophore moieties is at least equal to 5, preferably in the range of from 5 to 12, more preferably from 5 to 6. The new reactive dye compounds preferably have at least two asymmetric bridges.

Abstract: A miniature microwave plasma torch apparatus (10) is described. The microwave plasma torch apparatus (10) is used for a variety of applications where rapid heating of a small amount of material is needed. The miniature microwave plasma torch apparatus (10) operates near or at atmospheric pressure for use in materials processing. The apparatus (10) provides a wide range of flow rates so that discharge properties vary from diffusional flow of radicals for gentle surface processing to high velocity, approaching supersonic, torch discharges for cutting and welding applications. The miniature microwave plasma torch apparatus (10) also has a very small materials processing spot size.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, low-maintenance, water-saving automated animal watering device (10) is provided which includes a watering tank (12) moveable between a lower, water-full condition and an upper, water-low condition. Preferably, one end of the tank (12) is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft (64), while the other end of the tank is biased upwardly via a lower lift spring (72). The device (10) also has a water fill assembly (16) operably coupled with tank (12) to selectively fill the tank (12) when needed, and a drain valve assembly (18) also coupled with tank (12) in order to completely drain the tank (12) on a periodic basis. A control assembly (20) is coupled with at least the tank (12) and drain valve assembly (18), and is operable to actuate the drain valve assembly (18) after a predetermined number of movements of the tank (12) between the elevated and lowered positions thereof.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic composition having at least one syringopeptin and at least one rhamnolipid so that the composition has one or more of the following activities: antibacterial; antifungal; and antitumor activity. The therapeutic composition includes the following: a therapeutically effective amount of a syringopeptin; a therapeutically effective amount of a rhamnolipid; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting or treating cancer or a microbial infection in a subject, wherein the method includes the following: providing a subject in need of inhibition or treatment of cancer or a microbial infection; and administering a therapeutic amount of a therapeutic composition to the subject so as to inhibit or treat the cancer or microbial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a target area with an ultrasound wave pattern, including: providing an ultrasound apparatus having an ultrasound wave generator operatively attached to a plurality of transducers, coupled to an immersible support and configured to emit an ultrasound wave; immersing the apparatus into a water environment; positioning the apparatus proximate to a target area to treat at least one in situ organism; and emitting a pattern of ultrasound waves from the transducers, the pattern of ultrasound waves additive in effect and emitted onto the target area to threat an in situ underwater organism.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for purifying a protein of interest.

Abstract: A control system and apparatus for use with laser ionization is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a laser, pulse shaper, detection device and control system. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and a mass spectrometer in yet other aspects of the present invention, the control system and apparatus are used in MALDI, chemical bond cleaving, protein sequencing, photodynamic therapy, optical coherence tomography and optical communications processes.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of a thin film containing highly anisotropic colloids that includes the steps of immersing a substrate in a first solution or dispersion comprising a first substance, wherein the first substance has an affinity for the substrate. Then, immersing the substrate in a second solution or dispersion comprising a second substance, wherein the second substance has an affinity for the first substance. A least one of the first substance and the second substance is a highly anisotropic colloid having at least one dimension differing from the others by a ratio of at least 1:1.5. The method incorporates highly anisotropic colloids using a layer-by-layer process that circumvents the tendency for separation of nanotubes at high nanotube loadings. Additionally, the method incorporates aligned highly anisotropic colloids and provides a method for carbon nanotube alignment, which among other advantages makes possible the preparation of unique criss-crossed composites.

Abstract: The Indo-Pacific marine sponge Ircinia ramosa has been found to contain two powerful (GI50 0.001 to <0.0001 ?g/ml) murine and human cancer cell growth inhibitors, denominated herein as irciniastatin A and irciniastatin B. Both were isolated (10-3 to 10-4% yields) by cancer cell line bioassay-guided techniques and named irciniastatins A (1) and B (2). Structural elucidation by a combination of spectral analyses, primarily high resolution mass and 2D-NMR (principally APT, HMQC, HMBC and ROESY) revealed unusual structures 1 and 2.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing immune response in a living organism is disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides an adjuvant peptide for use in raising an immune response to an antigen. The adjuvant peptide is selected from a group of peptides with an HIV-related sequence. Additionally, the adjuvant peptide can comprise a fusion-protein that acts as a mucosal adjuvant. The adjuvant peptide can be transformed into one or more living cells, such that the mucosal adjuvant can be produced in living cells and then administered by systemic, mucosal or epidermal delivery.

Abstract: A new and distinct peach variety of Prunus persica named ‘NJ350’ is provided. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of nonshowy flowers, fruit that ripen early in the season, attractive fruit with an orange-red ground color, clingstone fruit with a juicy, melting texture and moderately acidic flavor, and good production of firm fruit with a low incidence of split pits for the season.

Abstract: A new and distinct peach variety of Prunus persica named ‘NJF17’ is described. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of non-showy, light pink flowers, flat fruit that ripen in early mid-season, bright green-yellow to yellow fruit that are devoid of over color, clingstone fruit with a juicy, nonmelting texture and sweet, spicy flavor, and firm fruit that retain their firmness well.