Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer matrix, a polymerizer, and a plurality of capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The composite material can also include an adhesion promoter, and the polymerizer can be phase separated from the polymer matrix. The composite material can be made by dispersing the polymerizer and capsules into the polymer matrix. These composite materials can exhibit improved environmental stability, and can be used with a wider variety of activators.

Abstract: A negative dielectric is induced by the application of a dc bias-electric field in aggregates of oxide nano-particles whose surfaces have been specially treated. The magnitude of the dielectric constant and the frequency where the negative dielectric constant occurs can be adjusted. Such material systems have profound implications in novel devices as well as in science development, e.g. unusual wave propagation, secured communication and ultra-high temperature superconductivity.

Abstract: A micro resonator sensor includes a main waveguide, a resonance waveguide and optical path changing means. Optical path changing means are installed at apex regions contacting with adjacent optical waveguides forming the resonance waveguide and reflect at least a part of the split optical signal inputted into the resonance waveguide to circulate the split optical signal inside the resonance waveguide. The micro resonator sensor can be manufactured without an excessive radiation loss and can be manufactured as an on-chip.

Abstract: The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a rapid approach for isolating polypeptides capable of anchoring heterologous polypeptides to a bacterial inner membrane. In the technique, libraries of candidate anchor polypeptides are expressed as fusions with a heterologous polypeptide that is capable of being detected when bound to the inner membrane. In bacteria expressing a functional anchor sequence, the heterologous polypeptide becomes bound to outer face of the inner membrane. Bacteria with the functional anchor sequence can be identified by removing the outer membrane to remove non-anchored heterologous polypeptide followed by detection of anchored heterologous polypeptide. Such bacteria may be detected in numerous ways, including use of direct fluorescence or secondary antibodies that are fluorescently labeled, allowing use of efficient techniques such as fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying an increased risk of developing cancer in a subject. The methods include analyzing a first biological sample, such as a blood sample, from the subject for loss of imprinting of the IGF2 gene. According to the methods a loss of imprinting is indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer. The method can include analyzing genomic DNA from the sample for altered methylation of the IGF2 gene. The altered methylation for example includes hypomethylation of a differentially methylated region of IGF2, corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1 or a polymorphism thereof. The method can be performed on a subject having no apparent or suspected hyperproliferative disorder such as cancer.

Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes comparing a subject color medical image to normal color medical image data; and identifying abnormal pixels from the subject color medical image. Another embodiment includes a computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions for implementing one or more steps of that method. Another embodiment includes a device that has a field programmable gate array configured to perform one or more of the steps of that method. Another embodiment includes a device that has an application specific integrated circuit configured to perform one or more of the steps of that method.

Abstract: The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a space frame on which is mounted at least one hydrofoil for generating positive or negative lift. The frame is attachable to underwater equipment such as a turbine. The hydrofoils are adapted to produce negative lift when a flow of liquid passes over them and so in use cause the apparatus and attached equipment to sink to the seabed. The flow of water over the hydrofoils continue to produce negative life and so maintain the apparatus on the seabed. In certain embodiments, the hydrofoils can typically be set to a passive configuration in which they flip over when the current flow changes direction. Furthermore, the hydrofoils are selectively rotatable to provide an angle of attack such that they may be adapted to provide positive lift when it is necessary to remove the apparatus from the water.

Abstract: A method for measuring a growth rate of a carbon nanotube includes the following steps: (a) providing a substrate (12); (b) forming a catalyst layer on the substrate; (c) heating the substrate to a predetermined temperature; (d) intermittently introducing/providing and then interrupting a reaction gas proximate the substrate to grow a patterned carbon nanotube array, each carbon nanotube having at least one line mark formed thereon as a result of the patterned growth; and (e) calculating the growth rate which is equal to a length between a pair of line marks divided by a time interval between said two line marks.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a uniform length includes the steps of: (a) forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a substrate; (b) submerging the carbon nanotubes in liquid macromolecular material; (c) solidifying the liquid macromolecular material; (d) cutting the solidified liquid macromolecular material; and (e) removing the macromolecular material to obtain the carbon nanotubes with a uniform length. The method is simple, and carbon nanotubes with a desired length can be easily obtained. The length of the carbon nanotubes can be precisely controlled. Furthermore, each carbon nanotube is open at both ends thereof.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the cardiovascular system parameters using indicator dilution and non-invasive or minimally invasive detection methods is disclosed. Intravascular indicators are stimulated, and emissions patterns detected for computation of cardiac output, cardiac index, blood volume and other indicators of cardiovascular health.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple and convenient strategy for reducing the dimensions of organic micro- and nanostructures on metal surfaces. By varying electrochemical desorption conditions, organic structures patterned by Dip-Pen Nanolithography or any of the micro-contact printing procedures can be gradually desorbed in a controlled fashion. The electrochemical desorption is initiated at the exterior of the feature and moves inward as a function of time. The desorption process and adsorbate desorption are modified and controlled as a function of substrate morphology, adsorbate head and tail groups, and electrolyte solvent and salt. Different nanostructures made of different adsorbates can be miniaturized based upon judicious selection of adsorbate and supporting electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human hiwi protein and genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation and characterization of human hiwi proteins. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to a human hiwi gene. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing the human hiwi gene of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the human hiwi proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for isolating human hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: Novel benzamide compounds of Formula (I), Formula (II), and Formula (III), salts, water soluble salts, analogs and radiolabeled counterparts thereof as sigma-2 receptor radiotracers for imaging the proliferative status of solid tumors. A method for diagnosing a mammal for the presence of a mammalian tumor therein comprises administering to the mammal a diagnostic imaging detectable effective amount of a benzamide compound having a structure illustrated in Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III) and detecting binding of the compound to a tumor in the mammal. A method for diagnostic imaging of a mammalian tissue having cell surface sigma-2 receptors comprising administering to a mammal a diagnostic imaging amount of a compound having a structure illustrated in Formula (I) Formula (II) and Formula (III) and detecting an image of a tissue having an ample cells with sigma-2 receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoprisms etched to generate triangular framework structures. These triangular nanoframes possess no strong surface plasmon bands in the ultraviolet or visible regions of the optical spectrum. By adding a mild reducing agent, metal ions remaining in solution can be reduced, resulting in metal plating and reformation of nanoprisms. The extent of the backfilling process can be controlled, allowing the formation of novel nanoprisms with nanopores. This back-filling process is accompanied by a regeneration of the surface plasmon bands in the UV-visible spectrum.

Abstract: A total NOx sensor with minimal interferences from CO and O2 includes a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) pellet and a Pt-loaded zeolite Y layer. Furthermore, three platinum wires are attached to the YSZ surface which operate as the working, counter and reference electrode. A potentiostat is connected to the electrodes to maintain a fixed potential between the reference and working electrode. The potentiostat then monitors the relationship between time and current through the counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods that can be used to treat pathologies that are due to copper overload or to the presence of reactive oxygen species.

Abstract: Systems, Methods, and Computer Program Products for Transmitting Neural Signal Information. Systems, method, and computer program products are provided for neural signal transmission. A system according to one embodiment can include a signal receiver operable to receive a neural signal comprising an action potential. The system can also include an action potential detector operable to communicate with the signal receiver and detect when the action potential occurs. In addition, the system can include a transmitter in communication with the action potential detector and operable to transmit an information signal indicating the time when the action potential occurs and, in addition, can transmit samples associated with a detected action potential.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of asymmetric alkynylated ?-amino esters of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted alkyl cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, and Y is hydrogen or a nitrogen protecting group.