Abstract: A system and method for heterologous expression of polyketide biosynthetic pathways from streptomycetes hosts in Escherichia coli for the production and discovery of secondary metabolites. Genomic DNA from Streptomyces rimosus encoding the oxytetracycline biosynthetic pathway is inserted into the genome of the surrogate host Myxococcus xanthus. The M. xanthus transcriptional machinery recognizes and uses the streptomycetes promoter regions to express the biosynthetic enzymes. Co-expression in E. coli of S. rimosus oxytetracycline biosythensis enzymes and M. xanthus ?54, a key piece of the M. xanthus transcriptional machinery, enables E. coli to recognize and use the promoters from the S. rimosus oxytetracycline biosynthetic pathway, facilitating production of oxytetracycline.

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: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to fluorescent nucleic acid constructs and methods of using these switchable constructs to rapidly screen for target molecule interactions. More particularly, an RNA/DNA chimera comprising a fluorophore-quencher pair and a nucleic acid construct is disclosed for the rapid screening of interactions between the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, and a stem-loop region, SL3, of the HIV-1 RNA, or antagonists thereof. The compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used in preferred aspects of the present invention for diagnosing disease states, distinguishing the presence of infectious or toxic agents, drug discovery and design, and molecular electronic applications.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism using an effective amount of one or more of the following synthetic brominated furanones: (i) 4-bromo-5Z-(bromomethylene)-3-methylfuran-2-one; (ii) 3-(dibromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iii) 3-(bromomethyl)-5-(dibromomethylene)furan-2-one; (iv) 4-bromo-3-(bromomethyl)-5Z-(bromomethylene)furan-2-one; or (v) 4-bromo-5-(dibromomethyl)-3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one. The brominated furanones inhibit the growth of both fungi and bacteria, including the fungal species Candida albicans, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Chaetomium globosum, and Trametes versicolor and the bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The brominated furanones can be used topically or internally to treat human infections, and can be used to treat other objects, such as wood building supplies, to prevent fungal rot.

Abstract: A binary optical compound formed from a preparation of proteorhodopsin, is provided. The preparation is prepared by dissolving proteorhodopsin in distilled water, where the pH is adjusted to be above 11 either by using sodium hydroxide or an appropriate buffer. The preparation is then illuminated with either white light sources, lasers, or irradiation provided from light-emitting diodes. The necessary duration is intensity dependent, varying from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending upon the source and actinic wavelength. The resulting compound has a long lifespan and may be efficiently transitioned between states.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing corrugated and nanoporous microspheres including the steps of synthesizing substantially smooth spherical microspheres, and controlled wet-etching of the substantially smooth spherical microspheres with a basic solution having a pH above 10.00 is provided. The microspheres can include, for example, silica microspheres or titania microspheres of various sized diameters of between 50 nm and 600 nm. The basic solution can include an aqueous potassium cyanide solution or an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. Methods of using the corrugated and nanoporous microspheres described herein are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing hearing protection to a wearer includes an incorporated set of eyewear having an eyewear frame. In one version, a pair of ear muffler tubes are coupled to the supporting members of the frame or made integral therewith, the muffler tubes each extending to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal and includes at least one muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air that substantially reduces the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organo-ceramic composite material useful for the extraction of metal ions from solution. The organo-ceramic composite material is formed according to a sol gel synthesis scheme by reacting a functional precursor silane and its homopolymers with either (i) a mixture of a cross-linking silane and its homopolymers or (ii) the cross-linking silane, under conditions effective to yield the composite material of the present invention. Further aspects of the present invention relate to methods of removing a metal ion from a water stream and recovering a metal ion from a water stream, both of which include contacting a water stream containing a metal ion with an organo-ceramic composite material of the present invention under conditions effective to remove the metal ion from the water stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for improving the detection of signals obscured by noise using stochastic resonance noise. The method determines the stochastic resonance noise probability density function in non-linear processing applications that is added to the observed data for optimal detection with no increase in probability of false alarm. The present invention has radar, sonar, signal processing (audio, image and video), communications, geophysical, environmental, and biomedical applications.

Abstract: A cross-flow propulsion mechanism for use in providing propulsion to an aircraft, includes a housing defining an inlet, a rotor compartment, and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to receive an inflow of air along a first longitudinal axis. The rotor is mounted within the rotor compartment and adapted to receive the airflow introduced into the housing through the inlet and rotate about a second longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The outlet is adapted to receive the airflow processed through the rotor and exhaust air along a third longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The propulsion mechanism can be applied in a personal aircraft, an STOL aircraft, and a hybrid automobile and aircraft.

Abstract: Highly volatile MOCVD (Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) precursors are disclosed comprising a complex between a fluoroalkoxide ligand and one or more alkali, alkaline earth, lanthanoids or yttrium metals and one or more donor molecules. In one example, the fluoroalkoxide ligand is perfluoro-tert-butoxide and the complex is a heterobimetallic complex. These MOCVD precursors are highly volatile, non-oligomeric, non-pyrophoric and can be synthesized with high yields. They are ideally suited for MOCVD applications because of their ability to vaporize at low temperatures and at atmospheric pressure thus enabling the deposition of a more uniform and homogeneous metal coating of known stoichiometry on to a substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel Ln(III) complexes of pybox, and methods of making the same. The present invention also relates to a method of use of pybox as a chelating moiety and sensitizer for Ln(III) ion luminescence. Derivatives of pybox and methods of making the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition. The non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition includes a water-soluble polymer, a non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen encapsulated by the water-soluble polymer; and water. In one embodiment, the non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen includes, without limitation, a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal, and more specifically disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer can include, without limitation, a polyacrylamide, a polyol, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, or a water-soluble fluoride-bearing polymer. The present invention also relates to a porous hydrogel made with the use of the non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion. The present invention further relates to using the emulsion and hydrogel for various applications.

Abstract: A turbine generator having one or more wind turbines for generating energy and a series of plates located above and below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plates are aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. The turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. Solar panels may be provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to acrylic-based orthopedic bone cements, their use in spinal applications, and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements which include cross-linked PMMA beads, a linear polymer, and a monomer with various polymer to monomer ratios, and polymer bead to linear polymer ratios. The bone cement can include a polymer to monomer (P:M) ratio of between about 1:1 and 1.4:1, and can also include a polymer bead to linear polymer ratio of between about 1:1 and 2:1. Another embodiment of the present invention provides the use of a radiopacifier in the bone cement composition, such as ZrO2, in increasing concentrations.

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: 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: An embodiment of the invention is a composition of diesel, biodiesel or blended fuel (DF) with exhaust gas (EG) mixtures or with liquid CO2. The composition is in a liquid state near the supercritical region or a supercritical fluid mixture such that it quasi-instantaneously diffuses into the compressed and hot air as a single and homogeneous supercritical phase upon injection in a combustion chamber. Suitable temperatures and pressures are greater than about 300° C. and 100 bar, and the mole fraction of EG or CO2 (XEG or XCO2) in DF is in the range of 0.0-0.9. In a combustion process embodiment, composition embodiments are injected into a combustion chamber under supercritical conditions.

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 method for purifying a membrane protein is disclosed which includes providing a test sample potentially including a target membrane protein; adding incremental amounts of a precipitating agent to the test sample to form one or more mixtures; and treating the one or more mixtures under conditions effective to obtain precipitated, purified target membrane protein if present in the test sample.