Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting micro-calcifications in mammograms using novel algorithms and stochastic resonance noise is provided, where a suitable dose of noise is added to the abnormal mammograms such that the performance of a suboptimal lesion detector is improved without altering the detector's parameters. A stochastic resonance noise-based detection approach is presented to improve suboptimal detectors which suffer from model mismatch due to the Gaussian assumption. Furthermore, a stochastic resonance noise-based detection enhancement framework is presented to deal with more general model mismatch cases.

Abstract: A system and method for reverting the antibiotic tolerance of persister cells. Brominated furanones, which are quorum sensing inhibitors, are used to revert the antibiotic tolerance of persister cells and enhance their susceptibility to antibiotics by up to one hundred fold. Brominated furanones can be used against bacterial persister cells in biofilms or planktonic form.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure provides a method comprising: providing a first portion of an exhaust gas from racks of computer devices in an enclosed aisle arrangement for cooling in an air cooling device; and diverting a second portion of the exhaust gas from the racks of computer devices to an underfloor plenum for mixing with a cooled gas provided by the air cooling device, forming a mixed cooling gas in the underfloor plenum; and providing the mixed cooling gas to the racks of computer devices.

Abstract: A semi-insert hearing protector includes a thin-walled enclosure sized substantially to that of the outer ear of a wearer, the enclosure being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and secured to the head of said wearer by means of an adjustable headband. A short tube extends from the enclosure for communication with the ear canal, the short tube being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and including a flexible cuff disposed over the tube made from a resilient material. The enclosure contains sound absorbing material configured to vary the frequency characteristic of sound attenuation by the semi-insert.

Abstract: A method for selectively dissolving the beta (?) phase of a titanium alloy out of the surface of the alloy, thereby leaving behind a nano-scale porous surface having enhanced bonding properties with either a biological tissue, such as bone, or an adhesive material, such as a polymer or ceramic by immersing the alloy in an ionic aqueous solution containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide and then exposing the alloy to an electrochemical voltage process resulting in the selective dissolution of the beta phase to form a nano-topographic metallic surface.

Abstract: A mutant Escherichia coli ?-barrel monomeric protein pore bioengineered to remove a lumen-occluding domain and modify some of its extracellular domains. The modified protein, FhuA ?/C?4L, forms a highly conductive pore as compared to other known pores and is capable of sensing large polypeptides and discriminating between modified protein analytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: A new isolate of Sporidiobolus johnsonii that is capable of producing over a significant percentage of CoQ10 upon the addition of para-hydroxy benzoic acid in stationary phase, and a method of obtaining CoQ10 from the S. johnsonii isolate which can be scaled up to industrial levels.

Abstract: A multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes system which incorporates polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane into conventional biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes built up by poly(?-caproactone) and polyethylene glycol blocks, resulting in biostability. The multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes are synthesized from lysine-diisocyanate with poly(?-caprolactone)-diol, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-diol, and poly(ethylene glycol) using a one-step synthesis process.

Abstract: A composite material containing polymeric nanofibers, themselves containing NO-donor molecules, imbibed with an elastomer matrix is permeable to both water and gas so that dissociation reactions in the presence of water releases NO gas in a sustained manner. The NO-donor nanofibers may be formed by synthesizing acceptable NO-donor molecules, blending such molecules in solution with PVP, PCL or PVAc, electrospinning the blend at relatively high voltage for form fiber mats, applying PDMS rubber to the fiber mat and crosslinking it. The resulting NO-releasing electrospun fiber composite may be used in medical devices such as catheters, stents, or vascular grafts, with the purpose of releasing nitric oxide within a controlled rate and for a sustained period of time, as well as other known medical applications for NO.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing hands and/or fingernails includes a brush assembly attached to a water faucet. The brush assembly includes a backplane with two opposed brushes attached to the backplane such that the bristles on each brush face outward from the backplane. A clamping mechanism removable attaches the brush assembly to the faucet. The clamping mechanism is pivotable on the faucet so the user can move the brush assembly into the water stream to use the brushes and out of the water stream for rinsing.

Abstract: Multi-shape products of the present disclosure comprise two components: a matrix component and a fiber component that is embedded or otherwise disposed in the matrix component. The matrix component exhibits certain shape memory properties. The fiber component interpenetrates the matrix component to facilitate fixing of the multi-shape product in various temporary shapes.

Abstract: A method for selectively dissolving the beta (?) phase of a titanium alloy out of the surface of the alloy, thereby leaving behind a nano-scale porous surface having enhanced bonding properties with either a biological tissue, such as bone, or an adhesive material, such as a polymer or ceramic by immersing the alloy in an ionic aqueous solution containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide and then exposing the alloy to an electrochemical voltage process resulting in the selective dissolution of the beta phase to form a nano-topographic metallic surface.

Abstract: A formulation including injectable biodegradable nanospheres and/or microspheres as a delivery system for chondroitinase ABC (cABC) or a functional derivative of cABC to treat acute and chronic spinal chord injury in a mammal having the same is provided. The biodegradable nanosphere/microsphere formulation releases cABC or a functional derivative of cABC in a time-released manner at the site of the spinal cord injury. cABC infusion can promote axon regrowth and some behavioral recovery. The nanospheres and/or microspheres provided herein include cABC or a functional derivative of cABC loaded within and/or on a biodegradable polymer matrix. In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the biodegradable polymer matrix can be modified to target a specific scar site. In addition to providing a nanosphere formulation that include polymeric incorporated cABC, a method of treating a mammal having a spinal cord injury is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated antigen from Streptomyces coelicolor that is useful for developing, inter alia, vaccines against pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals. The present invention also relates to vaccines and antibodies developed using the isolated antigen. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antigen, vaccines, and antibodies of the present invention to detect, treat, and prevent infection and diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Embodiments of a product such as a stimuli-responsive product can comprise a shape memory component and a nanofiber component that forms a fibrous microstructure or network. The resulting product can be responsive to stimuli, such as electrical stimuli, in a manner that cause the product to deform, deflect, and rebound. In one embodiment, the product can comprise an epoxy and a continuous non-woven nanofiber, the combination of which provides a product with enhanced actuation speed.

Abstract: A bacteriorhodopsin based chemical sensing architecture based upon the collective response of bacteriorhodopsin and a number of its mutants; the wild type protein and a selection of genetically-engineered variants was able to respond differentially to a selection of amines. The observable response to the presence of a target chemical was manifested through a modulation of bacteriorhodopsin's photokinetic properties, which are monitored through pump-probe techniques using a custom prototype flash photolysis system. Differential responsivity exists at two levels; (1) bacteriorhodopsin proteins (wild-type and genetically-engineered variants) respond differentially upon exposure of a target chemical, and (2) the response pattern exhibited by the proteins differs from chemical to chemical. This dichotomy forms the basis for a BR-mediated chemical sensing technology that is highly sensitive and selective and may therefore discriminate between different chemicals.

Abstract: A system and method for treating bacterial cells with an electrochemical process, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Weak electric currents are used to effectively eliminate bacterial cells. The method may be adapted for novel therapies of chronic infections and strategies to control persistent biofouling. The system has broad spectrum applications in treating chronic and drug resistant infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and may also be used for decontamination of medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention involves pyrophosphate bridged coordination complexes and the treatment of medical conditions, such as cancer, using the pyrophosphate bridged coordination complexes. The pyrophosphate bridged coordination complexes include four new compounds, [Co(phen)2(H2P2O7)].4H2O (1.4H2O), [Ni(phen)2(H2P2O7)].8H2O (2.8H2O), [Cu(phen)(H2O)(H2P2O7)], and {[Cn(phen)(H2O)(P2O7)] [Na2(H2O)8]}.6H2O(4.14H2O) found effective for treating cancer cells. The pyrophosphate bridged coordination complexes also include three previously reported compounds, {[Ni(phen)2]2(?-P2O7)}.27H2O (compound 11), {[Cu(phen)(H2O)]2(?-P2O7)}.8H2O (compound 12), and {[Co(phen)2]2(?-25 P2O7)}.6MeOH (compound 13), (where phen is 1,1 0?-phenanthroline), whose effectiveness in treating cancer cells was previously unknown.

Abstract: A method of measuring the state of flow above an airfoil using an estimation of the velocity field based on a combination of Particle Image Velocimetry PIV and multiple surface pressure measurements processed through a POD/mLSE algorithm. Integral to the POD/mLSE algorithm is the estimation of the global POD coefficients. The utility of these time dependent coefficients, which are estimated from surface pressure only, are demonstrated in a simple proportional feedback loop (as the time series to drive the actuators) to keep the flow attached. This method requires realistic feedback flow control since surface measurements and not inflow measurements are required for practical applications. The estimation method works well with dynamic strain on flexible bodies and is not limited to estimation from pressure only.