Abstract: A method and its possible embodiments are presented for collecting airborne biological and non-biological agents and concentrating them into small amounts of liquid. Airborne particles are drawn into the sampler and by the action of an electrostatic field are deposited on the collection electrode covered with superhydrophobic substance (surface contact angle >150°). At the end of the sampling period a small liquid droplet (5-60 ?L) is injected at the top of the sampling chamber. Since the sampler is positioned at an angle to the horizontal, the droplet rolls-off of collection electrode's surface under the force of gravity and removes the deposited particles. The droplet is then collected by a liquid capture system. The particles concentrated in such small amounts of liquid facilitate sample analysis by various techniques. The suggested sampler's embodiments achieve sample concentration rates higher than 1×106/min which will allow detection of very low particle concentrations.

Abstract: Provided is a fluidic device including a main channel, wherein a first inlet fluidly connects to an upstream end of the main channel and introduces magnetic beads into a first side of the main channel. A second inlet is fluidly connected to the upstream end of the main channel and introduces a sample stream into a second side of the main channel. A magnet disposed adjacent to the second side of the main channel pulls the magnetic beads towards a sidewall of the second side, and thus into the sample stream. The beads continue through an extended incubation channel before entering a return channel. The return channel includes a detection region. Also provided is a multi-layer micro-fluidic assay device. An assay method that utilizes a microfluidic assay device is provided as well.

Abstract: Three unique subtypes of N-hydroxyamides and N-hydroxycarbamates containing both the vanilloid moiety (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl) and a lipophilic aliphatic moiety. Also disclosed are direct syntheses of these vanilloid fatty hydroxamates. The compounds possess inhibitory activity against the enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and matrix metallo-proteinase 9 (MMP-9). In addition, these substances bind to the calcium channel protein TRPV1 and inhibit vesicant-induced inflammation in skin and cornea. The compounds have utility in treating topical or systemic inflammatory processes in the skin and/or eye.

Abstract: For high-resolution spectral volume sampling, a band-pass filter spectrally filters electromagnetic radiation from a scene to wavelengths within a specified wavelength range. A slit array is located at an image of the scene and includes a plurality of slits arranged in parallel. Each slit has a specified width and a specified spacing between slits. Each slit further transmits the electromagnetic radiation. A dispersion device disperses the transmitted electromagnetic radiation from the slit array with a specified dispersion while focusing the transmitted electromagnetic radiation onto a detector array so that each wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from each slit is focused as a unique, non-overlapping line on the detector array.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously surveying the status of a large number of DNA mutation markers are described. In addition, methods for simultaneously determining the methylation status at multiple sites of a collection of genes, in a single assay, are described.

Abstract: A method of detecting a compromised machine on a network. The method receives an email message from a machine on the network and classifies it as either spam or non-spam. A probability ratio is then updated, according to whether the message was spam or non-spam, by applying a sequential probability ratio test. If the probability ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the machine is compromised. If the probability ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold, then the machine is normal. The operations of receiving a message, classifying the message, updating the probability ratio, and indicating the machine is normal or compromised until the probability ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold are repeated for a plurality of messages. Such repeated operations are performed on each of the messages one at a time, as each of the messages is received.

Abstract: A method of forming a miniature, surface micromachined, differential microphone, comprising depositing a sacrificial layer on a surface of a silicon wafer; depositing a diaphragm material on a surface of the sacrificial layer; etching the diaphragm material layer to isolate a diaphragm; and removing a portion of the sacrificial layer beneath the defined diaphragm. A diaphragm formed in the diaphragm material layer is supported by a hinge and otherwise isolated from a remaining portion of the diaphragm material layer by a slit adjacent a perimeter of the diaphragm. An enclosed back volume beneath the diaphragm has a depth defined by a thickness of the sacrificial layer, and communicates with an external region via the slit. A transducer may be provided for producing an electrical signal responsive to a displacement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for methods of preventing, removing or inhibiting microbial biofilm formation or microbial infection in a plant or plant part thereof, including applying thereto a treatment effective amount of an active compound as described herein, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Methods of enhancing a microbicide (e.g., including a copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator are also provided, including applying an active compound as described herein. Compositions comprising an active compound as described herein in an agriculturally acceptable carrier are also provided, and in some embodiments the compositions further include a microbicide (e.g., including copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator.

Abstract: A method for the identification of chromosomal inversions is described. Single-stranded sister chromatids are generated, for example by CO-FISH. A plurality of non-repetitive, labeled probes of relatively small size are hybridized to portions of only one of a pair of single-stranded sister chromatids. If no inversion exists, all of the probes will hybridize to a first chromatid. If an inversion has occurred, these marker probes will be detected on the sister chromatid at the same location as the inversion on the first chromatid.

Abstract: A method of making a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane comprises reacting an aldehyde or acetal having at least one phosphono group substituted thereon with pyrrole to produce a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane; and wherein the phosphono is selected from the group consisting of dialkyl phosphono, diaryl phosphono, and dialkylaryl phosphono. Additional methods, intermediates and products are also described.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

Abstract: A new cultivar of switchgrass ‘Cimarron’ (SL93 2001-1) having increased biomass yield is provided. The switchgrass comprises all the morphological and physiological properties of the cultivar grown from a seed deposited under American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) No. PTA-10116. The invention also provides seeds, progeny, parts and methods of use of Cimarron, such as for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting intraventricular dyssynchrony is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) receiving information from an observer viewing a source image to define a plurality of points associated with muscle boundaries of a ventricle, b) extracting muscle boundaries for a series of source images to define a corresponding series of contour shape images using a Fourier descriptor model, and c) deforming each contour shape based at least in part on image forces, external forces, and internal forces to track movement of the muscle boundaries over time. In another embodiment, the method includes: a) characterizing the series of source images as a corresponding series of contour shape images representative of movement of muscle boundaries of the ventricle over time, b) classifying the series of contour shape images in a dyssynchronous class or a non-dyssynchronous class, and c) pre-diagnosing the ventricle as dyssynchronous or non-dyssynchronous.

Abstract: This invention relates to computer-aided diagnostics using content-based retrieval of histopathological image features. Specifically, the invention relates to the extraction of image features from a histopathological image based on predetermined criteria and their analysis for malignancy determination.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and techniques are described to perform operations including receiving speech that includes audio signals from a talker. A fundamental frequency, unique to the talker, is extracted from the audio signals. A tone in frequency with the extracted fundamental frequency of the received speech is modulated and the modulated tone is delivered to an audio transducing device.

Abstract: A method for producing sialylated molecules based on reverse sialylation that catalytically transfers the sialic acid moiety of sialylated donors to nucleotide monophosphates or transfer sialic acid moieties from sialylated donors to acceptor glycoproteins or glycolipids.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for increasing the degree of mixing of fluids, including under conditions of laminar flow and turbulent flow. In one embodiment, mixing of fluids using the invention's devices and methods is increased by splitting the flow of at least one of the fluids into two or more inlet channels. This is optionally followed by further splitting and merging (e.g., using one or more split and merge (SAM) mixer) the fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling nematode infestation of plants or animals. In particular, the present invention provides vectors comprising sequences designed to control nematodes by RNA interference (RNAi) and transgenic plants transformed with such vectors.

Abstract: A system for manipulating elongate surgical instruments comprises a console, which comprises an input controller. The input controller may have a haptic feedback mechanism. The system further comprises a slave component, which comprises a first linear actuator, a second linear actuator, and a first rotational actuator. Each actuator is in electrical communication with the input controller. The slave component further comprises a force sensor in electronic communication with the input controller. The force sensor is configured to measure a force acting upon the first elongate member on at least one degree of freedom. The force sensor will send a force signal to the haptic feedback mechanism of the input controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, methods, systems and kits for treating neuropathic pain regulated by SIP30. The present invention provides SIP30 antagonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain.