Abstract: An apparatus is presented for providing alignment to a pipe or conduit extending through a floor, wall or ceiling, comprising a box-like housing having a first set of one or more openings extending therethrough, one or more pipe stubs for extending through the first set of openings for receiving partially therein the pipe or conduit, and elastomeric members for securing the pipe stubs within the openings of the housing and to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The alignment device is adapted for positioning within a floor, wall or ceiling. The number, location and size of the openings can be varied to accommodate various piping systems, and may be determined on a case- by-case basis prior to construction, relying on customized or standardized pipe fittings. Other embodiments may consist of multiple openings of various dimensions, aligned in the center of the housing or in combinations suitable for specific pipes and other variations.

Abstract: A device for making electrical connections is provided, along with a method of use. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: A laser system using ultrashort laser pulses is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and a spectrometer. Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan system and method characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses. Fiber optic communication systems, photodynamic therapy and pulse characterization tests use the laser system with additional aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A nanoscale motion detector attaches a gold nanorod (30) to the rotating arm (26) of a molecular structure (10) to cause the nanoparticle to rotate. The molecular structure is an F1-ATPase enzyme. The gold nanorod is exposed to a light source. The long axis of the gold nanorod scatters red light when the nanorod is in a first position. The short axis of the gold nanorod scatters green light when the nanorod is in a second position. A polarizing filter filters the red and green light to detect the rotational motion by observing alternating red and green lights. A detection DNA stand (50) is coupled between the gold nanorod and the molecular structure. The detection DNA strand hybridizes with a target DNA strand (58) if the target DNA strand matches the detection DNA strand to form a structural link between the molecular structure and gold nanorod.

Abstract: A cine imaging filter and method of use that includes a denoising image-filter based on the Karhunen-Loeve transform along the temporal direction to take advantage of the high temporal correlation among images. The cine imaging filter may further include the application of a simple formula describing the quantitative noise reduction capabilities of the KLT filter as a function of eigenimage cutoff. Additionally, the filter may validate its accuracy in numerical simulation and in in-vivo real time cine images. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the cine imaging filter may employ a technique to automatically select the optimal eigenimage cutoff to maximize noise reduction with minimal effect on image information.

Abstract: A laser system provides harmonic generation in a laser beam pulse. In another aspect of the present invention, a laser operably remits a laser pulse, a gaseous optical medium operably creates third or greater harmonic generation in the pulse, and a controller characterizes and compensates for distortions in the pulse. A further aspect of the present invention employs multiple optical media arranged to cause cascading harmonic generations in a laser pulse.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex, the polyelectrolyte complex comprising an intermolecular blend of a predominantly positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte and being free of salt crystals having a size greater than about 1 micrometer and free of voids having a size greater than about 100 nm, the article having no transverse dimension less than about 10,000 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides a target and methods for specific binding and inhibition of RNAP from bacterial species. The invention is directed to a method for identifying agents that bind to a bacterial RNAP homologous RNA-exit-channel amino-acid sequence, comprising preparing a reaction solution comprising the agent to be tested and an entity comprising a bacterial RNAP homologous RNA-exit-channel amino-acid sequence, and detecting presence or amount of binding. The invention has applications in control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy.

Abstract: A method of reshaping an article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex, the polyelectrolyte complex comprising an intermolecular blend of a predominantly positively-charged polyelectrolyte and a predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte by controlling the salt doping level.

Abstract: A particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The nanostructure comprises an inorganic nanoparticle coated with a capping agent and an organic crystalline rod nucleated on the capped inorganic nanoparticle in a one-dimensional growth pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the general Formula DI: along with methods of making such compounds, formulations containing the same, and methods of using the same (e.g., in photodynamic therapy, for the production of solar cells, etc.).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for fractional pre-emphasis of multi-mode interconnect are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for fractional pre-emphasis of multi-mode interconnect. Multiple bits of binary data are periodically received. For each period, the multiple bits of binary data are encoded into multiple scalar values, each value representing a level of an analog signal to be output over a multi-mode interconnect system during the current period. Multiple analog signal outputs are generated corresponding to multiple scalar values, each signal output being driven to a level according to its corresponding scalar value. For each representative scalar value, a difference between the scalar value generated during the current period and the scalar value generated during the previous period is determined, and a pre-emphasis signal that is proportional to the difference is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the service life of a metallic structure subjected to cyclic loading. Such structures experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for an accurate prediction of the number of cycles to failure for a metallic structure by observing the slope of the rise in surface temperature of the structure after the cyclic loading has begun. The method of this invention provides early and accurate predictions of service life and does not require destructive testing. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be installed on working equipment, thus providing service life predictions for materials in real world use. The invention uses an empirically derived relationship that was confirmed using analytical relationships and material properties. The derived formula uses two constants that may be determined empirically using a disclosed process. The constants also may be estimated mathematically.

Abstract: Myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) inhibitory agents and vaccine and/or adjuvant enhancers are provided. Improved vaccine treatment regimens employing these agents are also provided. Cancer vaccines and methods for inhibiting tumor growth and cancer metastases are also presented. The myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) inhibiting agents are described as bisphosphonates (such as liposomal clodronate) and CCR2 inhibitors and/or CCR2 antagonists. Methods for enhancing antibody titer levels in response to an antigen of interest are also provided.

Abstract: Applicants claim the use of a pyrazine compound of formula I: or a salt thereof, for treating or preventing leishmaniases, and diseases and disorders caused by Trypanosoma cruzi or Trypanosoma brucei, and for inducing immunostimulation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to co-culture systems comprising (i) rotating wall vessel (RWV)-cultured epithelial or differentiated tissue attached to microcarrier beads and (ii) the peripheral tissue equivalent (PTE) module of the MIMIC® system, and to methods of using the co-culture systems for assessing chemical or biological (bacterial or viral) insults. The system models mucosal exposure to chemicals, pathogens or antigen at various sites in the human body. The microcarrier and MIMIC® co-culture approach provides an in vitro co-culture model that simultaneously demonstrates mucosa-mediated antigen presentation and immunogenic responses. Models of the present invention can be used, for example, in assessments of disease pathogenesis and in pharmaceutical development, reproductive physiology, and immunological and toxicological evaluations. Models of the present invention can generate patient-specific localized mucosal immunology using primary cells, resembling the human physiological situation.

Abstract: A number of DNA methylation inhibitors are described. The DNA methylation inhibitors were identified using a two-component enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter system to screen a compound library containing procainamide derivatives. The DNA methylation inhibitors can be used for cancer therapy and prevention.

Abstract: The present invention provides multifunctional nanoplatforms for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro, along with methods of imaging and detecting the presence of cancerous or precancerous tissues, and the therapeutic treatment thereof, including monitoring of treatment. The diagnostic nanoplatforms comprise nanoparticles and are linked to each other or other particles via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis. Individual unlinked nanoplatforms are also adaptable for therapeutic hyperthermia treatment of the cancerous tissue.

Abstract: A flexible chemiresistor (CR) sensor for sensing a molecule of interest in a fluid (liquid or gas) is provided. The flexible CR sensor comprises a flexible chemiresistor (CR) module. The flexible CR module comprises a flexible substrate such polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or polyimide (PI), and a thin film nanoparticle assembly assembled on the flexible substrate. The thin film nanoparticle assembly comprises metal or metal alloy core, ligand-capped nanoparticles and molecular linkers connecting the nanoparticles. The flexible CR sensor and an intelligent pattern recognition engine can be incorporated in a handheld device that can detect a molecule of interest in a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) accurately, rapidly, and without false positives. Any sensing array nanomaterial, pattern recognition, and compact/or electronic hardware can be integrated to achieve a desired detection limit and response speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for controlling plant pests. In particular, the present invention provides plant extracts with insecticidal activity.