Abstract: An approach to determine cantilever movement is presented. An observer based state estimation and statistical signal detection and estimation techniques are applied to Atomic Force Microscopes. A first mode approximation model of the cantilever is considered and a Kalman filter is designed to estimate the dynamic states. The tip-sample interaction is modeled as an impulsive force applied to the cantilever in order to detect the presence of sample. A generalized likelihood ratio test is performed to obtain the decision rule and the maximum likelihood estimation of the unknown arrival time of the sample profile and unknown magnitude of it. The use of the transient data results in sample detection at least ten times faster than using the steady state characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention includes infrared emitting materials and infrared emitting devices. The present invention demonstrates 1.54 micron infrared PL and EL emission from an organic complex. This provides a very simple way to obtain a light source at 1.54 micron wavelength that may be both optically and electrically pumped.

Abstract: A method and device for attracting insects involving the generation and/or release of particular amounts of carbon dioxide, in combination with an insecticide that does not repel such insects. Particular formulations as well as devices which incorporate such formulations for trapping, attracting and destruction of particular insects, including boring insects, such as termites and corn root worm insects, is set forth. Particular methods of administration of formulations and devices to enhance insect control and to prevent crop damage are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Asymmetric derivatives of furamidines with one of the phenyl rings of furamidine replaced with a benzimidazole have been found by quantitative footprinting analyses to bind GC containing sites on DNA more strongly than to pure AT sequences. These compounds have been shown to bind in the minor groove at specific GC containing sequences of DNA in a highly cooperative manner as a stacked dimer. Compounds of the present invention find use in selectively binding mixed sequence DNA, and may also be used in methods of regulating gene expression, methods of treating opportunistic infections and cancer, as well as in methods of detecting certain sequences of DNA.

Abstract: A digital data communication overlay system is disclosed which is overlaid on a predefined frequency band of an existing analog data communication system. The digital data communication overlay system comprises a digital mobile unit and a digital ground station. The digital mobile unit and the digital ground station are configured to transmit and receive spread spectrum digital data communication signals between each other over the same spread spectrum digital channel. This is done by spreading the spread spectrum digital data communication signals over the predefined frequency spectrum of the existing analog data communication system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Example of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a novel amino acid sequence motif, herein termed the RKIP motif, and to the family of proteins defined by the presence of that motif. Proteins comprising the RKIP motif modulate kinases involved in signal transduction pathways. The RKIP motif forms the basis for screening assays for the identification of agents useful for modulating signal transduction pathways subject to RKIP family mediated regulation, and for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving inappropriate activities of pathways subject to RKIP family medicated regulation.

Abstract: A novel mini-retrotransposon vector system is provided for integrating foreign DNA into plants. The invention includes a novel vector comprising a truncated and modified retroelement which includes the 5? and 3? LTR regions that provide transcription initiation and termination sites as well as the cis acting sequences required for reverse transcription. Novel vectors, plant cells, and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel method for recovering carboxylic acid from a waste water stream is described. The method involves first neutralizing the carboxylic acid in the waste water with CaO or Ca(OH)2 to form calcium carboxylate. The resulting calcium carboxylate is then reacted with sulfite or sulfate to regenerate the carboxylic acid. The resulting waste water typically has a carboxylic acid content of at least 25-wt %.

Abstract: Methods for protecting plants from insects are provided. Such methods comprise: applying a formulation comprising partially-desiccated nematodes and a carrier to plant surfaces growing above the surface of the ground (i.e., foliage). Such formulations have a water activity (Aw) of which is less then 0.998 and greater than 0.935. The carrier comprises water and a substance which maintains the water activity of the formulation at levels of from about 0.980 Aw to about 0.940 Aw for a period of 24 hours when the formulation is exposed to air at 70% relative humidity and 25° C. In one embodiment, the carrier is a solution or gel comprising water and a water-retentive polymer. In another embodiment, the carrier is a solution which comprises water and a humectant. In a further embodiment, the formulation comprises both a water-retentive polymer and a humectant. Preferably, the formulation further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light protectant.

Abstract: Sunburn and insect damage to fruit and vegetable crops is significantly reduced by treatment of both fruit and foliage with a preventative amount of thixotropic smectic clay material, chemically altered to render its surface lipophilic, which is combined with a wax emulsion comprising a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, an emulsifying agent and water. In the practice of this invention the sunburn and insect protective composition is further diluted in an aqueous solution that is sprayable by commercial applicators.

Abstract: An electrodeless excimer UV lamp, comprising an enclosed chamber with a gas sealed within the enclosed chamber, wherein the gas is capable of being used to generate a plasma discharge, a first electrode wrapped around the outer surface of the chamber at a first location, a second electrode wrapped around the outer surface of the chamber at second location, and a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. During operation of the UV lamp, a plasma discharge is generated by applying a voltage to the electrodes wrapped around the outer surface of the chamber to ignite the gas or gas mixture inside the chamber and generate a plasma discharge within the chamber, such that a specific wavelength of UV radiation will be generated by the particular gas within the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns apparatus and methods useful in estimating crop yields of plants that are supported on a trellis. According to one aspect, a method for measuring the mass of trellised plant structures includes measuring the tension of a support wire of the trellis structure on which the plant structures are supported, such as with a load cell placed in-line with the support wire. The tension of the support wire is converted into the mass of new plant growth supported on the support wire, using, for example, an empirically derived algorithm specific to the trellis structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting sprouting of potato tubers, the methods each including the step of contacting a potato tuber with an amount of a chemical agent including at least one aliphatic carbonyl compound selected from the group consisting of a C3 to C14, ?,? unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde and a C4 to C14, ?,? unsaturated aliphatic ketone, wherein the amount of the chemical agent is effective to inhibit potato tuber sprouting. Some aldehydes and ketones useful in the practice of the present invention are defined by formulae I and II, respectively, as set forth herein. In the practice of the methods of the invention the chemical agent is applied after the potato tubers have been harvested, but typically not later than the onset of sprouting.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of gathering information useful to derive the velocity of the free surface liquid flow in an open channel flow. The method involves recording successive images of controlled surface waves on the open channel flow with sufficient resolution to derive spread of fronts of the controlled surface waves, using image velocimetry to derive celerity of controlled surface waves, and inferring the velocity vector field of the underlying liquid flow using wave theory elements or calibrations. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention uses an artificial nonintrusive mechanism to set up the controlled surface waves, uses artificial light to illuminate the controlled surface wave to accentuate its affronts, digital camera to capture the successive images. Software can be used to utilizes image velocimetry and to infer the velocity vector field.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding (E)-?-farnesene synthase from peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequence has been determined. Accordingly, an isolated DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) is provided which codes for the expression of (E)-?-farnesene synthase (SEQ ID NO:2), from peppermint (Mentha piperita). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for (E)-?-farnesene synthase, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of (E)-?-farnesene synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith. In yet other aspects, modified host cells are provided that have been transformed, transfected, infected and/or injected with a recombinant cloning vehicle and/or DNA sequence encoding (E)-?-farnesene synthase.

Abstract: A method for padding, filtering, denoising, image enhancing and increased time-frequency acquisition is described for digitized data of a data set where unknown data is estimated using real data by adding unknown data points in a manner that the padding routine can estimate the interior data set including known and unknown data to a given accuracy on the known data points. The method also provides filtering using non-interpolating, well-tempered distributed approximating functional (NIDAF)-low-band-pass filters. The method also provides for symmetric and/or anti-symmetric extension of the data set so that the data set may be better refined and can be filtered by Fourier and other type of low frequency or harmonic filters.

Abstract: Composites for destroying chemical and biological agents such as toxins and bacteria, and methods of preparing and using those composites are provided. According to the invention, the substance to be destroyed is contacted with the inventive composites which comprise finely divided metal oxide nanoparticles at least partially coated with carbon. Advantageously, the composites exclude water while not excluding the target compound or adsorbates. The desired metal oxide nanoparticles can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxide nanoparticles include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining improved innate immunity, disease resistance or performance in animals is disclosed. The method involves assays for a genetic differences in the NRAMP1 gene of the animal which is associated with superior disease resistance. Novel NRAMP1 sequence, assays, and compositions for identifying the presence of absence of these alleles are provided.