Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for preparing aqueous insoluble, ductile, flexible silk fibroin films. The silk films comprise silk fibroin and about 10% to about 50% (w/w) glycerol, and are prepared by entirely aqueous processes. The ductile silk film may be further treated by extracting the glycerol from and re-drying the silk film. Active agents may be embedded in or deposited on the glycerol modified silk film for a variety of medical applications. The films may be shaped into 3-dimentional structures, or placed on support surfaces as labels or coatings. The glycerol modified silk films of the present invention are useful in variety of applications such as tissue engineering, medical devices or implants, drug delivery, and edible pharmaceutical or food labels.

Abstract: The analysis tool employs a computer-implemented algorithm that uses homotopy-based approaches to map the solution from the exit point to the controlling unstable equilibrium point (UEP). The computational time is reduced significantly by using an approximate exit point rather than computing an accurate exit point as it is required in finding the controlling UEPs using traditional transient stability direct methods. In addition, this method eliminates the necessity of computing the minimum gradient point (MGP) which is a key element in using Newton methods. These properties provide an advantage to homotopy-based approaches over traditional iterative methods in terms of both speed of computation and reliability of finding solutions.

Abstract: Congenital abnormalities of the kidney or the urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common cause of pediatric kidney failure. These disorders are highly heterogenous, and their etiology is poorly understood. Dual serine/threonine and tyrosine protein kinase (DSTYK) mutations were detected in 2.2% of patients with congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, suggesting that DSTYK is a major determinant of human urinary development, downstream of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. Methods and kits are provided for identifying and treating subjects at greater risk of developing CAKUT based on the presence of DSTYK mutations. Techniques include obtaining a biological sample from a subject and determining if the biological sample indicates a mutation of a gene for DSTYK. If it is determined that the biological sample indicates the mutation of the gene for DSTYK, then it is determined that the subject has or is at risk of developing CAKUT.

Abstract: Systems that integrate electrocardiography (ECG) functions and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) functions, as well as methods of manufacturing such systems and methods of performing ECG and TMS using such systems, are provided. A system can include a hardware component and a software component in operable communication with the hardware component. The hardware component can include or be in operable communication with a TMS machine, and the software component can be configured to receive waveforms from ECG hardware.

Abstract: A novel monomer design for the synthesis of PPE-type polymers containing conjugated segments of well-defined length connected by flexible linkers under Sonogashira reaction conditions is presented. The resulting polymers retain the photophysical properties of a fully conjugated PPE. The extent of incorporation of the flexible units along the backbone is governed by the comonomer feed ratio and can be varied in a statistically predictable fashion.

Abstract: An interconnect is disclosed with enhanced immunity of electrical conductivity to defects. The interconnect includes a material with charge carriers having topological surface states. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating such interconnects. Also disclosed is an integrated circuit including such interconnects. Also disclosed is a gated electronic device including a material with charge carriers having topological surface states.

Abstract: An indirect bandgap thin film semiconductor circuit can be combined with a compound semiconductor LED such as to provide an active matrix LED array that can have high luminous capabilities such as for a light projector application. In another example, a highly efficient optical detector is achievable through the combination of indirect and direct bandgap semiconductors. Applications can include display technologies, light detection, MEMS, chemical sensors, or piezoelectric systems. An LED array can provide structured illumination, such as for a light and pattern source for projection displays, such as without requiring spatial light modulation (SLM). An example can combine light from separate monolithic light projector chips, such as providing different component colors. An example can provide full color from a single monolithic light projector chip, such as including selectively deposited phosphors, such as to contribute individual component colors to an overall color of a pixel.

Abstract: A variety of methods, devices, systems and arrangements are implemented involving nanowire meshes. One such method is implemented to include synthesizing metal nanowires in a solution containing a structure-directing agent. The metal nanowires are deposited on a substrate to form a sheet of nanowires. The deposited metal nanowires are heated to a temperature less than about 200 degrees Celsius and for a period of time of about 10 minutes to 60 minutes, thereby removing the structure-directing agent and modifying the electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the sheet of nanowires.

Abstract: Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce a well-defined dose dependent signature in terms of changes in gene expression. In approaches and devices described herein, such a signature can be used to generate and use a self-contained radiation biodosimeter device, based on, for example, a blood finger stick. Various aspects of the invention are directed to biodosimetry with a fully integrated biochip using gene expression signatures.

Abstract: An imaging system has a microscope having an objective lens and a projection device configured to project spatially modulated light in one of several preselected predetermined pattern through the objective lens and onto tissue. The system camera configured to record an image of the tissue through the microscope and objective lens as illuminated by the spatially modulated light, and an image processor having a memory with a routine for performing spatial Fourier analysis on the image of the tissue to recover spatial frequencies. The image processor also constructs a three dimensional model of the tissue, and performs fitting of at least absorbance and scattering parameters of voxels of the model to match the recovered spatial frequencies. The processor then displays tomographic slices of the three dimensional model.

Abstract: The invention generally features compositions and methods that are useful for modulating angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for transforming primary mammalian cells using an oncogenic form of ALK wherein the transformed cells display features of that of a corresponding tumor cell isolated from a cancer subject. The invention also provides a method for immortalizing normal CD4+ T lymphocytes with a lymphoma-characteristic form of ALK such as NPM-ALK.

Abstract: This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically reducing CO2 is provided. A cathode is provided, wherein the cathode comprises a conductive substrate with a catalyst of a metal and a metal oxide based coating on a side of the cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode. An ionic transport is provided between the anode and cathode. The cathode is exposed to CO2 and H2O. The anode is exposed to H2O. A voltage is provided between the cathode and anode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for triaging patients according to radiation exposure measures electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of fingernails, toenails, and/or teeth. In vivo, radiation induced spectra are obtained from intact fingernails, toenails, or teeth placed within a magnet and with pickup coils over nails between the cut edge at the end of the fingernail and proximal skin or placed adjacent to at least one tooth. The system may also operate in vitro with fingernail clippings. At least three spectra are obtained with one after a delay at above twenty degrees Celsius, and at least one at power levels different from the others. The spectra are used to determine and remove a mechanically induced signal from EPR spectra to determine radiation-induced spectra. The radiation induced spectra are used to determine radiation dose, the dose is compared to triage limits, and a radiological triage tag is printed for the patients.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), acne, rosacea, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), comprising the step of contacting a subject with a compound or composition capable of decreasing prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) level or activity, a downstream signaling or receptor pathway thereof, or prostaglandin D2 synthase level or activity; methods of stimulating hair growth, comprising the step of contacting a subject with a compound or composition capable of increasing or decreasing the activity or level of a target gene of the present invention, or with a protein product of the target gene or an analog or mimetic thereof; and methods of testing for AGA and evaluating therapeutic methods thereof, comprising measuring PGD2 levels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for method for characterizing a height profile of a scattering surface relative to a fiducial plane. The scattering surface, which may be an interface between distinct solid, liquid, gaseous or plasma phases, is illuminated with substantially spatially coherent light, and light scattered by the scattering surface is collected and dispersed, such as by a grating, into zeroth- and first-order beams. A spatial Fourier transform of the zeroth- and first-order beams is created, and one of the beams is low-pass filtered. The beams are interfered at a focal plane detector to generate an interferogram, which is transformed to retrieve a spatially resolved quantitative phase image and/or an amplitude image of the scattering surface. Imaging may be performed during an etching process, and may be used to adaptively control a photoetching process in a feedback loop.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for identifying subjects, including canine subjects, as having an elevated risk of developing cancer or having an undiagnosed cancer. These subjects are identified based on the presence of germ-line risk markers.

Abstract: Description and specification of a new and distinct nectarine tree cultivar named ‘Bowden’ which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of Ark. 699N×Ark. 663CN made in 2001. This new nectarine cultivar can be distinguished by its very firm, non-melting white flesh, early-mid season ripening, medium-sized fruits, excellent fruit quality with distinct white nectarine flavor, and resistance to bacterial spot disease.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct blackberry cultivar named ‘A-1960’ which originated from seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of Ark. Selection Ark.-1583 (non-patented, unreleased genotype; female)×Ark.-1482 (non-patented, unreleased genotype; male) is provided. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its very firm fruit with long shape, medium-large size, attractive fruit appearance, very good flavor, excellent plant health, and cane erectness.