Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods of synthesis of the compositions are described. In particular, liquid crystal-functionalized nanoparticles, liquid crystal-templated nanoparticles, nanocomposite compositions including the nanoparticles, and composite compositions including the nanocomposites are detailed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a compound of general Formula: or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts, racemates, isomers and/or tautomers thereof comprising cyclizing an azomethine ylide of general Formula: wherein, A is a cyclic or non-cyclic group; Z is a carbon or a heteroatom; n is selected from 0, 1, 2 or 3; W, X and Y may be the same or different and each are selected from hydrogen; optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryl, alkylthio, heterocyclyl; carboxy, carboxy ester, carboxamido, acyl, acyloxy, mercapto, halogen, nitro, sulfate, phosphate, cyano and optionally protected hydroxy; or W and X, together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a saturated or unsaturated nitrogen containing heterocyclic group which may be optionally substituted or optionally fused to a saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic group, aryl group or heterocyclic group is provided.

Abstract: A scanner for probe microscopy that avoids low resonance frequencies and accounts better for piezo nonlinearities. The x, y and z axes of a linear stack scanner are partially decoupled from each other while maintaining all mechanical joints stiff in the direction of actuation. The scanning probe microscope comprises a probe, a housing, at least two actuators, each coupled to the housing, and a support coupled to the housing and to at least a first of the actuators at a position spaced from the point at which the actuator is coupled to the housing. The support constrains the motion of the first actuator along a first axis while permitting translation along a second axis. The actuators are preferably orthogonally arranged linear stacks of flat piezos, preferably in push-pull configuration. The support can take different forms in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Wood finishes and methods of production and application of wood finishes are provided. The finishes may contain biologically produced components, such as proteins, and specifically may include whey proteins derived from dairy processing. The wood finishes are environmentally friendly as they use reduced levels of solvents and provide a safe and protective coating for wood and wood products.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a cantilever, a scanning mechanism which relatively scans the cantilever and a sample which exist in liquid, and an application mechanism which applies photolytic light to a caged compound existing in the liquid or the sample.

Abstract: Ultrasensitive detection of a chemical substance (analyte) by mass spectrometry is achieved by employing a molecular tag that yields an intense parent ion and then an intense daughter ion in a multi-stage mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Metal chelates are useful for improving the contrast of X-ray, ultrasound, radionuclide and magnetic resonance (MR) images. However, the metal complexes must be stable and inert so that toxicity resulting from dissociation in the body can be minimized. This invention provides 16-member ring metal chelates that can provide a charge balanced metal complex having improved stability, especially for gadolinium(III) and samarium (III).

Abstract: A wave rotor apparatus is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a radial wave rotor includes fluid passageways oriented in a direction offset from its rotational axis. A further aspect of the present invention employs stacked layers of generally radial channels in a wave rotor. Moreover, turbomachinery is located internal to a wave rotor in yet another aspect of the present invention. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a radial wave rotor has an igniter and fuel injector. Correctional passages are employed in still another aspect of the present invention wave rotor.

Abstract: An optically controlled microfluidic chip is provided for administering a fluid to a neuronal site. The chip is made of at least one unit or pixel, each of which constitutively emits fluid in the dark, and reduces emission of fluid in response to light. The individual pixels are capable of being individually controlled, thereby translating a spatial pattern of incident light into a spatial pattern of neuronal stimulation. Each pixel contains a housing, an aperture in the housing, and a reservoir containing fluid that is connected to the aperture. The aperture is designed to allow continuous emission of fluid from the reservoir through the aperture when the pixel is in the dark. Each pixel also includes an optical control, which reduces the emission of fluid from the reservoir through the aperture in response to light.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the sequence of a polynucleotide by tracking the motion of a nucleotide-selective, processive enzyme along a template, in a reaction mixture that alters the enzyme movement in a base specific manner. The movement trace of the enzyme is collected, and arranged in temporal order. The enzyme movement traces are correlated with the reaction conditions, and from these characteristic signals, the nucleotide sequence is derived.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic methods and compositions for treatment of autoimmune and anti-inflammatory disorders comprising administering an effective amount of a derivative of triptolide alone or in combination or alternation with other anti-autoimmune or anti-inflammatory compounds.

Abstract: A cerebral-ischemia supervisory monitor includes: a pair of optical fibers which each have a tip part that can be placed substantially perpendicularly to an exterior surface of a cerebrum; an irradiation portion which is connected to a basic end part of one of the optical fibers, and via this optical fiber, can irradiate the exterior surface of a cerebrum with ultraviolet rays; a light-receiving portion which is connected to the basic end part of the other one of the optical fibers, and via this optical fiber, can receive fluorescence that is emitted when the ultraviolet rays excite cerebral cells; and a display portion which can display an intensity of the fluorescence.

Abstract: Device for enhancing cooling of electronic circuit components that is substantially or fully independent of orientation. A thin profile thermosyphon heat spreader mounted to an electronics package comprises a central evaporator in hydraulic communication with a peripheral condenser, both at least partially filled with liquid coolant. A very high effective thermal conductivity results. Performance is optimized by keeping the evaporator substantially full at all orientations while leaving a void for accumulation of vapor in the condenser. A cover plate and a parallel base plate of generally similar dimension form the evaporator and condenser. Optionally, an opening in the base plate is sealed against the electronics package and places the heat-dissipating component in direct contact with the liquid coolant. Alternatively, the base plate may be formed with the electronics package from a single piece of material. A boiling enhancement structure is provided in the evaporator to encourage vapor bubble nucleation.

Abstract: Systems and methods using an image produced by a constrained image reconstruction process as a constraint in a forward iterative reconstruction process are described. One example system may include a constrained reconstruction logic to receive an initial data having an initial format and to produce an image data. The example system may include an iterative reconstruction logic that uses the image data as a constraint in a forward iterative step and that computes a correction factor based on comparing the image data to a reference data. The example system may include a deconstruction logic to deconstruct the image data into a deconstructed image data having the initial format and to selectively update the deconstructed image data based, at least in part, on the correction factor.

Abstract: A combined electrochromic/electroluminescent device includes at least one pixel 101-104. Each pixel includes a substrate 107 having an electrically conductive surface 105, and an electrochemically active counter electrode layer 110 disposed on the electrically conductive surface. An electrolyte layer 115 which provides electrolytes is disposed on the counter electrode 110. An electrically conductive layer 125 is disposed on the electrolyte layer 115. An electroactive layer 130 is disposed on the electrically conductive layer 125, the electroactive layer providing both electroluminescence and an electrochromically active working electrode, wherein the electrically conductive layer 125 provides transport of electrolytes therethrough.

Abstract: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissues growth and repair is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening to identify compounds that modulate the ability of a protein to translocate to the mitochondria when a cell is subjected to cellular stress. Such compounds can be useful to modulate the level of apoptosis in a cell. For example, compounds identified according to the methods described herein can be used to treat disorders characterized by excessive apoptosis, e.g., a neurological disorder, or insufficient apoptosis, e.g., cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel probes, which can be used to detect and identify target molecules of interest in a sample. The disclosed probes can be used to monitor conformational changes induced by molecular recognition events in addition to providing signaling the presence and/or identity of a target molecule. Methods, including solid phase synthesis techniques, for making probe molecules that exhibit changes in their optical properties upon target molecule binding are described in the disclosure. Also disclosed herein are novel chromophore moieties, which have tailored fluorescent emission spectra.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming (or providing) a series of layers formed on a substrate, the layers including a first plurality of layers including an n-type ohmic contact layer, a p-type modulation doped quantum well structure, an n-type modulation doped quantum well structure, and a fourth plurality of layers including a p-type ohmic contact layer. Etch stop layers are used during etching operations when forming contacts to the n-type ohmic contact layer and contacts to the n-type modulation doped quantum well. Preferably, each such etch stop layer is made sufficiently thin to permit current tunneling therethrough during operation of optoelectronic/electronic devices realized from this structure (including heterojunction thyristor devices, n-channel HFET devices, p-channel HFET devices, p-type quantum-well-base bipolar transistor devices, and n-type quantum-well-base bipolar transistor devices).

Abstract: This invention provides a bistable liquid crystal device. The bistable liquid crystal device includes a first substrate having thereon a first conductive layer and a first alignment layer; a second substrate having thereon a second conductive layer and a second alignment layer; and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second alignment layers. The first alignment layer induces a first pretilt angle ?1 in the range of 20°-65° between the liquid crystal layer in contact with the first alignment layer. The second alignment layer induces a second pretilt angle ?2 in the range of 20°-65° between the liquid crystal layer in contact with the second alignment layer. The liquid crystal layer is capable of maintaining a stable bend state or a stable splay state at zero bias voltage and is switchable between the stable bend state and the stable splay state when a switching energy is applied in operation to the liquid crystal layer.