Abstract: Methods of measuring a sample characteristic and accessories for infrared (IR) spectrometers are provided. An accessory includes an input port and an output port having an optical path therebetween, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structure for contacting a sample, a mirror system, and an optical element for producing collimated light. The SPR structure produces internally reflected light responsive to broadband IR light, modified by a SPR between the SPR structure and the sample. The mirror system directs the broadband IR light from the input port to the SPR structure and directs the internally reflected light from the SPR structure to the output port, producing output light indicative of a characteristic of the sample associated with the SPR. The optical element is disposed along the optical path between the input port and the output port.

Abstract: Disclosed are inhibitors of the USP1/UAF1 deubiquitinase complex, for example. of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, and Q are as defined herein, which are useful in treating diseases such as cancer, and improving the efficacy of DNA damaging agents in cancer treatment. Also disclosed is a composition comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier and at least one compound of the invention, a method of method of inhibiting a heterodimeric deubiquitinase complex in a cell, and a method of enhancing the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer in a mammal undergoing treatment with an anti cancer agent. Further disclosed is a method of preparing compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Copolymers useful as components of polymer electrolytes are provided in which the copolymer comprises at least one block sequence represented by formula (I): A-(T)-B(I) wherein A is a vinyl aromatic block, T is a tapered copolymer region copolymerized from a vinyl aromatic monomer and an oligo(oxyalkylene) acrylate monomer and B is an oligo(oxyalkylene) acrylate block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform.

Abstract: A method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering malic acid to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to recruit plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant. Administration of malic acid promotes biofilm formation of PGPR on the plant's roots, thereby restricting entry of a foliar pathogen through stomatal pores present in the leaves. Another method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering acetoin to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to increase pathogen resistance in aerial parts of the plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a geophysical position of an object in an underwater channel are provided. Acoustic signals from at least two sources are received by a receiver of the object. The acoustic signals have a frequency corresponding to at least one waveguide mode associated with the underwater channel, where the acoustic signals are transmitted at predetermined transmission times. An arrival time for the at least one waveguide mode is determined from the received signals, based on the predetermined transmission times. The geophysical position is determined based on the arrival time and a modal group velocity for the at least one waveguide mode.

Abstract: Medical treatment simulation devices are disclosed. One medical treatment simulation device is configured to be secured to a subject and to cover at least a portion of a torso of the subject. The medical treatment simulation device includes a base member, a movable member, and at least one sensor. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The movable member is biased to be in a predetermined position relative to the base member. The sensor is configured to detect a movement of the movable member relative to the base member.

Abstract: Medical treatment simulation devices are disclosed. One device includes an overlay, a tracheostomy structure, one or more tubes, at least one sensor, and at least one feedback device. The overlay is configured to be secured to a subject. The overlay is configured to cover at least a portion of a neck and upper torso of the subject. The tracheostomy structure is provided in a neck portion of the overlay. The one or more tubes are positioned within the overlay. The tubes are connected to the tracheostomy structure. The sensor is coupled to the tracheostomy structure and configured to detect a manipulation of the tracheostomy structure. The feedback device is coupled to the overlay. The feedback device is configured to provide feedback based on the manipulation detected by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A system for use in detecting an electromagnetic wave includes an inductive device and a spintronic device. The inductive device generates an induced electromagnetic field when the inductive device receives the electromagnetic wave. The spintronic device has an impedance that changes when exposed to the induced electromagnetic field from the inductive device. The change in impedance is indicative of the electromagnetic wave received by the inductive device. Another system for use in detecting or transmitting an electromagnetic wave includes a conductive device and an inductive device. The inductive device is configured to generate an induced electromagnetic wave when the inductive device receives an electromagnetic wave passed by the conductive device. Another system for detecting electromagnetic wave permittivity or permeability of an object includes a pair of antennas and an inductive device.

Abstract: Spectral imaging sensors and methods are disclosed. A spectral imaging sensor includes a color-coded array of apertures positioned to receive light from an object to be imaged. The array includes a first plurality of apertures configured to pass light in a first predetermined wavelength range and a second plurality of apertures configured to pass light in a second predetermined wavelength range different from the first predetermined wavelength range. The imaging sensor further includes one or more optical elements positioned to receive light passing through the color-coded array, and a photodetector positioned to receive light from the one of more optical elements. A spectral imaging method includes the steps of filtering light from an object to be imaged through a color-coded array of apertures, redirecting the filtered light with one or more optical elements, and receiving the redirected light with a photodetector.

Abstract: A method for generating a phased siRNA (phasiRNA) in a plant cell comprises introducing into the plant cell an effective amount of a microRNA (miRNA). A transcript of a NB-LRR encoding gene may be cleaved in the plant cell. Resistance of the plant to a microbe may be reduced. The plant may enter a symbiotic interaction with a microbe. Nodulation in the plant may be improved. Related compositions are provided.

Abstract: Optical interconnect systems and methods are disclosed. An optical interconnect system includes a substrate, an optical waveguide, and first and second modulators. The optical waveguide has a first waveguide portion extending to a first coupling structure, a second waveguide portion extending from the first coupling structure to a second coupling structure, and a third waveguide portion extending from the second coupling structure. The first modulator is positioned adjacent the first coupling structure, and the second modulator is positioned adjacent the second coupling structure. The optical interconnect method includes modulating light with a first modulator to produce one-time modulated light, and modulating the one-time modulated light with a second modulator to produce two-time modulated light.

Abstract: Gait training apparatus and method for use thereof for providing leg swing assistance to a patient. The apparatus comprises a support structure and one or more leg orthoses attached to the support structure, each leg orthosis comprising a thigh member attached to the support structure at a hip joint, and a shank member attached to the thigh member at a knee joint. Both members have respective connectors for securing them to the corresponding body parts of the patient. The hip joint and knee joint are each biased by biasing members. The support structure may comprise a frame defining a patient activity region, including a base, a back support, a pair of support handles, and a weight support member mounted above the activity region. A method of using the device comprises selecting parameters for the biasing members using information about the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to the plant pathogen Colletotrichum, which causes anthracnose stalk rot, leaf blight and top dieback in corn and other cereals. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising the polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to the plant pathogen Colletotrichum, and processes of making the plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently introgress the gene from corn lines carrying the gene into other corn lines that do not carry the gene, in order to make them resistant to Colletotrichum and resistant to stalk rot.

Abstract: Simulators and methods for simulating an acoustic field of an acoustic waveguide are provided. A sound speed profile of the acoustic waveguide is generated, where the acoustic waveguide has a region of a first fluid within a second fluid, and the first fluid has a different acoustic index of refraction than the second fluid. The sound speed profile and predetermined parameters of a sound source and a receiver are applied to a parabolic equation (PE) model of sound propagation in the acoustic waveguide. The acoustic field of the acoustic waveguide is determined from the PE model. The acoustic field includes an interference pattern from interference between an acoustic signal of the acoustic source and at least one signal refracted by the region of the second fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a renewable route to para-xylene via cycloaddition of ethylene and 2,5-dimethylfuran and subsequent dehydration with high selectivity and high yields using acidic heterogeneous catalysts and a solvent for 2,5-dimethylfuran. The use of a solvent shows significant effects in the reduction of competing side reactions including hydrolysis of 2,5-dimethylfuran to 2,5-hexanedione, alkylation of p-xylene, and polymerization of 2,5-hexanedione.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to bio-based block polymers synthesized from functionalized lignin-based molecules (A-monomer) and functionalized fatty acids or fatty alcohols (B-monomer) derived from plant or animal oils, waxes or fats. The block polymers can be synthesized via numerous polymerization techniques, such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Most importantly, this class of bio-based block polymers shows promise as providing sustainable yet scalable and tunable thermoplastic elastomers and pressure-sensitive adhesives, among other applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a process that allow for the selective electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with high energy efficiency, using a cathode comprised of bismuth in combination with an anode such as an anode comprised of platinum. The electrolysis system may be comprised of a single or two compartment cell and may employ an organic electrolyte or an ionic liquid electrolyte. The invention permits the storage of solar, wind or conventional electric energy by converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and liquid fuels.

Abstract: A hydrogel for delayed release of an anionic macromolecule, wherein the hydrogel comprises the anionic macromolecule, 150 mM NaCl, and a peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:33 in an aqueous medium at a pH of 7.4; wherein the anionic macromolecule has an isoelectric point of at most 6.8; and wherein the hydrogel is capable of retaining at least 25% of the anionic macromolecule after 28-day extraction at 37° C. with a pH=7.4 BTP buffer containing 150 mM NaCl.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.