Abstract: A method of conducting an enzymatic reaction assay involving adenosine 5?-monophosphate (AMP) comprising the steps of reacting one or more compounds and producing AMP, deaminating the AMP to produce IMP, and oxidating the IMP by NAD+ to produce XMP and NADH.

Abstract: The use of magnetic fields in the production of porous articles is generally described. Certain embodiments comprise exposing a matrix to a magnetic field such that particles within the matrix form one or more elongated regions (e.g., one or more regions in which the particles chain). In some embodiments, after the magnetic field has been applied, the particles and/or a liquid within the matrix can be at least partially removed. Removal of the particles and/or the liquid can leave behind anisotropic pores within the remainder of the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention provides Hahella chejuensis-derived recombinant cellulase and a use thereof. The recombinant cellulase according to the present invention has a high stability at a high temperature and an optimized activity at a neutral pH, and therefore has a high availability in a process. Also, since the cellulase according to the present invention has an exoglucanase activity as well as an endoglucanase activity, a monosaccharide can be produced during decomposition of cellulose and an additional treatment required in a fermentation process is not needed, and therefore a cost may be reduced. Such an enzyme activity is advantageous to a fermentation or thermal treatment condition for producing a biofuel, and therefore industrial profits may be achieved.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that selectively propagates information through a neuromorphic circuit comprising a set of interconnected neurons. During operation, a neuron in the set of neurons receives information-carrying current pulses from one or more upstream information-carrying neurons, wherein the information-carrying current pulses are insufficient to cause the neuron to generate output current pulses. The neuron also receives selectively generated gating current pulses from one or more gating neurons, wherein the gating current pulses cause a neural voltage of the neuron to approach a firing threshold. In this way, concurrently received information-carrying current pulses combine with the gating current pulses to cause the neural voltage to exceed the firing threshold, which causes the neuron to generate output current pulses that propagate to downstream neurons.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composite materials, ionic liquid compositions for preparing the composite materials, and methods for using the composite materials prepared from the ionic liquid compositions. The composite materials typically include structural polysaccharides and preferably include macrocyclic compounds. The composite materials may be prepared from ionic liquid compositions comprising the structural polysaccharides and preferably the macrocyclic compounds dissolved in the ionic liquid, where the ionic liquid is removed from the ionic liquid compositions to obtain the composite materials.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compounds are provided that relate to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of preeclampsia.

Abstract: A user rehabilitation system and method that includes authenticating a user with authentication information input, determining a therapy identification, providing a display of a therapeutic sequence of exercises wherein the therapeutic sequence of exercises includes a plurality of primitive motions, receiving a data stream from a motion-sensing device, analyzing the data stream and comparing the data stream to corresponding therapeutic exercises to identify a mistake when a comparison result is below a first threshold, updating a mistake counter when the comparing identifies that the user failed to perform a therapeutic exercise adequately, updating an alert counter when the mistake counter is above a second threshold, sending a first alert message to a medical professional when the mistake counter is greater than a third threshold, sending a second alert message to a caregiver when the alert counter is greater than an alert threshold, and recording an evaluation result.

Abstract: 4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate salt was synthesized and isolated. The pentafluorosulfanyl salt was examined in a wide assortment of reactions to form novel SF5-bearing alkenes, alkynes, and biaryl derivatives using Heck-Matsuda, Sonogashira, and Suzuki coupling protocols. Dediazoniation of the salt furnished the corresponding p-SF5—C6H4X,C6H4OS(O)(CF3)?NSO2CF3, and p-SF5—C6H4—NTf2 derivatives. The azide derivative p-SF5—C6H4N3 entered into click chemistry with phenylacetylenes to furnish the corresponding triazoles. Various SF5-bearing alkenes were synthesized by coupling reactions using a metal catalyst. Fluorodediazoniation selectively furnished the fluoro derivative p-SF5—C6H4F. Homolytic dediazoniation gave the unsymmetrical biaryls, thus demonstrating the broad utility of pentafluorosulfanyl diazonium salts as building blocks of SF5-aromatics that are in high demand in many branches of chemistry including biomedicine and materials chemistry.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a cooperatively-controlled robot includes a robotic actuator assembly comprising a tool holder and a force sensor. The cooperatively-controlled robot further includes a control system adapted to communicate with the robotic actuator assembly and the force sensor, and an actuator in communication with the control system and mechanically coupled to a tool. The force sensor is configured to detect a vibrational force applied on the tool and send a signal to the control system based on the vibrational force. The control system is configured to receive the signal and determine a force to apply to the tool to damp the vibrational force. The control system then signals to the actuator to apply the determined force, and the actuator applies the determined force to actively damp a vibration of the tool.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptides that have activity as mast cell activating proteins (MCAP), as well as compositions, adjuvant compositions, vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations that include the peptides. Also provided are methods of using the peptides, including methods for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen in a mammal upon administration.

Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: In a non-conventional lap tool, i.e., not a stiff tool nor a conformable tool, and related method for grinding/polishing a substrate surface, includes a rigid base plate and attached work surface to define a cavity containing a non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid behaves as a solid when the work surface is subjected to high shear stress, i.e., rapid tool stroke, yet behaves like a liquid when the tool is moved around the substrate surface when the shear stress of the work surface is low. A diaphragm can be used to further define the cavity and to seal within the non-Newtonian fluid therein.

Abstract: A system for detecting ice or water within an area of interest having a detection system measuring radiance or reflectance of the area of interest when exposed to shortwave infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range containing a crossover point between the curves representing the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by ice and water. The detection system measures the radiance or reflectance in a first band having a wavelength in a spectral band on a first side of the crossover point and outputting a first band signal, and further measures the radiance or reflectance in a second band having a wavelength in a spectral band on a second opposing side of the same crossover point and outputting a second band signal. A processing unit determines a ratio of the first band signal and the second band signal and compares the ratio to a predetermined critical ratio and outputs a determination signal indicating presence of ice or water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides modified bacteria and modified peptidoglycan comprising modified D-amino acids; compositions comprising the modified bacteria or peptidoglycan; and methods of using the modified bacteria or peptidoglycan. The modified D-amino acids include a bioorthogonal functional group such as an azide, an alkyne or a norbornene group. Also provided are modified peptidoglycans conjugated to a molecule of interest via a linker.

Abstract: An encapsulated polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (EPSCT) light shutter is formed from a cholesteric liquid crystal and monomer that is encapsulated into micron sized, polymer-coated droplets by either an emulsification or phase separation process. The polymer-coated droplets are disposed between transparent electrodes, where they are irradiated by ultra-violet (UV) light to polymerize the monomer.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a photosynthetic microorganism that produces biofuels and biofuel precursors.

Abstract: Chemoselective isolation of aliphatic hydroxyl group-containing and aromatic hydroxyl group-containing compounds is accomplished via formation of polymeric siloxyl ethers. Chemoselective release of aliphatic hydroxyl group-containing and aromatic hydroxyl group-containing compounds from polymeric siloxyl reagents is described.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition, including a drug and a collagen, in which the composition is satisfactory in handleability and has sustained-release property. The sustained-release pharmaceutical composition includes: a drug; a collagen; and at least one kind of sugar selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides, and tetrasaccharides. The inventors of the present invention have found that the in vivo administration of a collagen solution containing a sugar results in the gelation of a collagen. Based on this finding, the inventors have found that a composition containing a drug, a collagen, and a sugar can control the release rate of the drug, and such composition can be used as a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A scintillation detector array includes a scintillator array comprising a plurality of scintillator elements, a photodetector array comprising a plurality of photodetector elements, an active light guide separating the scintillator array from the photodetector array. The active light guide formed of a scintillator material having different emission properties than the plurality of scintillator elements.

Abstract: Provided are mesoporous carbon structures and a method for preparing the same. The mesoporous carbon structures have a high surface area, a large pore volume and a large pore size in addition to a small mesopore length. Therefore, when using the mesoporous carbon structures as an anode active material for a lithium secondary battery, it is possible to provide a lithium secondary battery with excellent lithium ion storability and charge/discharge efficiency.