iBridge Network Innovations

Wicking Condensate Evaporator at AC Condenser

2008-05-13T23:11:59Z

Wicking Evaporative Media Portion in Rooftop Air Conditioning Units with No Connections or Moving Parts

Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane

2008-05-13T03:45:52Z

As-Grown Nanoparticles Immobilized in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane

SNP Discovery in Candidate Genes for Cattle Lipid Composition

2008-05-13T15:22:54Z

Markers for Genetic Variation Among Cattle Associated with the Fatty Acid Composition of Milk

High Efficiency, Low Cost Solar Cells

2008-05-13T20:04:05Z

Composite Nanostructured Solar Cell Fabricated with Re-usable Substrate

Tissue and cell microarray compound for freshly frozen samples

2008-05-13T18:48:58Z

Problem or Unmet Need Tissue microarrays are an emerging technology for the rapid molecular characterization of biopsy and cell culture samples. Arrays are formed by arranging many tissue samples in a block, then slicing them with a microtome; the multi-tissue sheaf may then be immobilized on a glass slide for analysis. Initial arrays could only be used with a limited set of techniques due to the use of fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. In contrast, frozen tissue is amenable many more assays, including immunohistochemical staining, nucleic acid quantification, and receptor-ligand binding studies. Recently developed arraying techniques embed frozen tissues in a block of Optimal Cutting Temperature compound (OCT). The low temperature needed to keep OCT in solid form complicates microarray fabrication; brittle blocks cracking or repeated freeze-thaw cycles can degrade frozen sections. Furthermore, cell samples placed into the holes of pre-frozen OCT blocks freeze rapidly, causing cell damage. A simple, reliable and cost-efficient method for making frozen cell and tissue microarrays is needed to realize the technology’s potential.

Details of the Invention This invention introduces a new compound of OCT and preserving, non-caustic agents for making housing blocks for frozen tissue and cell microarrays. The resultant compound has the same physical characteristics as OCT at low temperatures (below 0°C), but is able to be flexible and soft in solid phase at temperatures above 0°C. Using the new compound simplifies construction, improves sample preservation and enables novel design of tissue array cryo-blocks for pathology and cell biology research.

Impeller Designs for an Internal Impeller Respiratory Assist Catheter (iPRAC)

2008-05-13T18:40:35Z

This invention involves a small catheter that can be percutaneously inserted into the venous system and used by intensivists to help assist breathing in patients with acute and acute-on-chronic lung failure.

Regulation of Fluid Transfer in a Compact Disk (CD)-Based Microfluidic Device

2008-05-13T21:15:57Z

Researchers at the University of CA, Irvine have developed a method and apparatus that is capable of regulating fluid flow between the various features and elements contained in CD-based microfluidic devices. This CD-based microfluidic device having multiple chambers therein includes multiple “start” chambers or elements for holding and receiving fluid.

Method and device to treat ocular motor disorders

2008-05-13T08:31:43Z

This invention consists of implantable devices and methods for treating unwanted eye movements and strabismus.

Combinatorial approaches to physiologic pattern recognition (CAPPER)

2008-05-13T10:31:39Z

The inventors have developed a novel algorithm and software for diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic applications. Populations of interest include those individuals with Sleep Disordered Breathing, Chronic Kidney Disease, those who are critically ill, and those with heart failure or hypertension.

Use of Photosensitized Epon Epoxy Resin 1002F for MEMS and BioMEMS Applications

2008-05-14T01:32:06Z

Researchers at UC Irvine have found that a certain resin (“Resin”) can be made photosensitive in the same way as SU-8, but is neither brittle nor fluorescent. The Resin is already readily available in industry.

Mitochondrial DNA Variants Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

2008-05-13T18:40:06Z

We have discovered a number of human mitochondria1 DNA (mtDNA) lineages (haplogroups) that strikingly increase or decrease individual risk for developing the various symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome (diabetes, obesity, hypertension, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, etc.).

Compound to Aid in Smoking Cessation

2008-05-14T00:55:18Z

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have shown that monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition greatly enhances nicotine self-administration in animals.

Compact Atomic Magnetometer and Gyroscope

2008-05-14T00:20:46Z

This invention consists of a compact, inexpensive and highly sensitive gyroscope/magnetometer that runs on very low power (eg battery power) and is even suitable for remote deployment or even handheld portable systems. Simple fabrication further enhances the low cost approach of this design.

Optical Tomography of Structural Proteins within Extracellular Matrix

2008-05-13T23:25:13Z

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a system to image biological tissues with high resolution and 3D capabilities.

Mouse Model of Cardiac and Muscle Disease and Cancer Caused by a Mitochondrial DNA Point Mutation

2008-05-12T08:28:13Z

UC Irvine researchers report the introduction of a mtDNA harboring a missense mutation in the COI gene into the mouse that predisposes the mice to develop myopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as well as certain hyperproliferative conditions in an age-related manner.

Novel Single Domain Phytochrome-Based Fluorescent Protein

2008-05-13T00:34:33Z

Isolation and Characterization of a Red Fluorescent Phytochrome-Related Mutant Protein

Novel Digital Tonography Methods and Apparatus for Glaucoma Diagnosis

2008-05-13T10:24:09Z

Real-time Continuous and Direct Measurement of Aqueous Outflow Resistance

Lyme Disease Assay

2008-05-13T23:15:59Z

Lyme Disease Assay

Constitutive Promoter in Dicot Plants

2008-05-12T16:26:33Z

Constitutive Promoter in Dicot Plants

Nod Factor Binding Protein from Legumes

2008-05-13T05:38:13Z

Nod Factor Binding Protein from Legumes

Candidate Vaccine for Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV)

2008-05-12T16:30:25Z

Candidate Vaccine for Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV)

Gene for Resistance to Bacterial Blight Disease

2008-05-13T03:39:58Z

Gene and its Associated Peptide that Confers Resistance to Xanthomonas

Pathogen Resistance in Cereals

2008-05-13T00:03:02Z

Pathogen Resistance in Cereals

Sperm Preservation

2008-05-12T16:26:49Z

Ultrarapid Freezing of Sperm for Long-Term Storage

Precision Planting Device

2008-05-13T23:30:27Z

Ultra-Precise Seed Planter with Data-Logging

3-D Embryonic Stem Cell GFP-Based Fluorescence Assays for High-Throughput Drug Screening, Bioprocess Development, and Biosensing Applications

2008-05-13T05:25:54Z

Mammalian, live-cell, fluorescent, kinetic assays are common tools for the pharmaceutical industry, for safety evaluation agencies and even for basic science research as these assays are highly suitable for automatic high-throughput screening and they enable the characterization of rapid cellular events. However, fluorescent signals generated in such assays are usually too weak for in situ measurements. Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture system that out-performs conventional 2-D cultures which lack proper in vivo tissue functions and are inherently prone to error. The higher cell density in 3-D cell culture shows differences in drug cytotoxicity responses as compared with those from the 2-D cell culture assays and also gives a potential for higher signal to noise ratio (SNR). OSU has designed, built and tested a high throughput, real time, bioactivity assay based on the 3-D culture of GFP-expressing embryonic stem (ES) cells, which can increase SNR at least one order of magnitude and minimize errors due to biological system changes caused by cell activities as compared to conventional 2-D cultures. The 3-D ES cell culture system using inexpensive materials can afford parallel, automated, accurate and long-term (more than one week) cell bioactivity assays. This system has the potential for use as high-throughput biosensors, micro-bioreactor arrays for bioprocess optimization, cytotoxicity assays for drug screening and discovery, and media optimization for expanding and differentiating embryonic stem cells.

Beating Heart Surgical Device

2008-05-13T17:55:24Z

There are a variety of surgical procedures that require access to the left ventricle of the heart. Currently these surgical procedures involve placing the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine to allow complete access to the left ventricle with additional risk to the patient. The novel surgical methods and companion devices developed at Ohio State allow access to the left ventricle of a patient during surgery without the need for heart-lung bypass. Interventions including coring and inspection of the interior of the ventricle cavity can be accomplished. By eliminating the need for bypass during surgery patient outcomes may be significantly improved. The new technology allows surgical procedures such as implantation of a left ventricular assist device to be performed without the added complications of placing the patient on the heart-lung machine.

This reduces complications from:

use of blood thinning agents
mechanical degradation of blood components requiring post-operative transfusions
mechanical induced inflammation response
increased risk of stroke

Tunnel and Backwards Diodes and their uses

2008-05-13T09:56:35Z

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed diodes that use quantum effects known as “tunneling”. These diodes work at a very low voltage and at room temperature, unlike other tunneling diodes. Additionally, they avoid the use of silicon, instead using polymers and titanium oxide. Other researchers have tried titanium oxide and could not make the combination work. Instead of applying the titanium oxide directly to the polymer, Berger’s team applied a thin film of titanium and then oxidized it, giving them greater control over the properties of the diode. This allows the diodes to be manufactured cheaply and easily incorporate into existing technologies. By fashioning two of these diodes together, the research team was able to form a logic switch, a simple computer chip device. The diodes can be used in the following:

Organic computer chips, augmenting silicon to be used in lightweight, portable electronics that run on less power.
Using a tunnel diode with a strong short circuit running backwards will allow a sensor to be build that can “see through” solid material by sensing ambient radiation.

Methods to genetically manipulate human natural killer cells

2008-05-13T18:21:38Z

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a novel retrovirus based method to genetically manipulate human natural killer (NK) cells. This retrovirus based approach results in the permanent transduction of NK cells with genetic material. This is in contract to episomal vectors that are lost with cell division / long term cell culture. The method is also the first to result in successful transduction of the CD56dim NK population. The method has been successful with a variety of genes into primary NK and NK-derived cell lines. With the advent of NK cell transplantation in cancer therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, the genetic manipulation of NK cell populations prior to administration may provide therapeutic benefits by enhancing NK cell survival, function, cytokine production, and tumor specific killing.

Circulating Plasma DNA Levels as a Biomarker in Dogs with Lymphoid Cancer

2008-05-13T17:01:28Z

Dogs have a similar incidence of spontaneous cancers as people, and a noninvasive test to monitor disease status in dogs would be of great value. Humans with cancer often have increased levels of cell-free circulating DNA. Researchers at The Ohio State University determined that some dogs with lymphoid malignancies (lymphoma and lymphoid leukemia) have significantly higher concentrations of circulating plasma DNA than normal dogs or dogs that are ill with diseases other than cancer. Antigen receptor rearrangement assays for clonality indicated that plasma DNA had was derived from the primary tumors. Dogs with lymphoid neoplasia and plasma DNA >25ng/ml had shorter remission times than those with <25ng/ml (p=0.0116), suggesting that increased tumor-derived plasma DNA may be a negative prognostic indicator. Monitoring plasma DNA levels in dogs with lymphoid cancer may assist in diagnosis, determining response to treatment, and detecting residual disease.

Corrosion Resistant Coating

2008-05-13T09:56:58Z

Researchers at the Ohio State University have discovered a novel method to fabricate an inorganic corrosion resistant coating. The invention covers the chemistry and methods of application for an inorganic corrosion resistant coating. The coating may be applied to aluminum, iron, zinc, magnesium, cadmium and their alloys. The coating may also be appropriate for use with other less widely used metals and alloys.

Coatings formed by this method possessed good corrosion resistance in lab tests, and the corrosion resistance demonstrated by the vanadium coatings approaches that of chromate coatings that are currently in widespread use. Chromate coatings, however, have several disadvantages that are addressed by using vanadium coatings. First, chromates are known carcinogens, and human exposure to low levels of chromate may have both acute and chronic health consequences. Second, chromates are long-lived in the environment and proper treatment and disposal of chromates is an expensive and hazardous process. Vanadium coatings do not process this level of toxic hazard and represent an environmentally friendly alternative to the existing chromate coatings.

Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) for Solid State Lighting

2008-05-13T23:39:45Z

As energy usage becomes more of a concern worldwide each year, researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a lighting solution that uses less electricity and provides a designable spectrum of illumination. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are based on organic (carbon based) materials. In contrast to traditional Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are small point sources used for anything from clocks to televisions to stop lights, OLEDs are made in sheets which provide a diffuse area light source perfect for environmental lighting. Compared to conventional lighting means such as incandescent, fluorescent and halogen lighting, OLED lighting uses less energy and provides the same quality of light or better. OLEDs can also be used for non-traditional lighting approaches such as illuminating walls, floors or draperies as well as point of use lighting such as flashlights and desk lights.

Modified Luciferase For Chemical Testing

2008-05-13T03:02:50Z

Testing high-volume production chemicals for toxicity is an increasing priority for manufactures and consumers alike, resulting in a potential multibillion-dollar testing industry. However, no consistently reliable testing methods currently exist.

In the past, animal testing was used, but this method is now viewed as cruel and unethical and is expensive and time-consuming as well. In vitro testing of chemicals has gained ground, but current methods of in vitro testing are time-consuming and unreliable because the chemicals interfere with the test response. This problem occurs frequently in a common testing method that uses luciferase, an enzyme from the North American firefly.

Rechargeable Nickel Batteries

2008-05-13T07:54:53Z

Nickel-based batteries have a broad temperature range of operation, a long storage life, a high cycle life, and are easy to maintain. Although these qualities are significant advantages over other battery systems, nickel-based batteries are problematic because they are expensive to manufacture and relatively heavy, which limits their use in portable devices, electric vehicles, and aerospace engineering. In addition, improper disposal of nickel-based batteries can create environmental problems.

Wireless Positioning System

2008-05-13T08:09:35Z

Wireless technologies have made tremendous inroads in commercial products over the last few years, particularly for communication applications. However, these technologies have not been fully utilized for other purposes, especially their ability to track targets and locate objects.

Adjustable Dynamic Joint

2008-05-13T12:38:08Z

In today’s increasingly sedentary and technology-dependant culture, people spend long hours sitting every day. Prolonged sitting has an extensive and well-documented list of negative health effects upon the human body. Next to the common cold, lower back pain is the biggest reason for worker absenteeism. Although sitting requires less physical effort than standing or walking, it puts a great deal of stress upon the lower body. Simply put, the human body is not physiologically suited for extended inactivity.

The Adjustable Dynamic Joint is a dynamic solution to a static problem. The ability of the ADJ to continuously redistribute stress across muscles and ligaments provides a revolutionary way to significantly reduce the effects of prolonged sitting upon the human frame. The joint, which provides motion in 360 degrees, allows the user to exercise core muscles with natural daily movements. The ADJ can be fitted into seating in a wide range of environments, such as the home, office or car.

Method for Generating Primate Trophoblasts

2008-05-11T18:40:21Z

Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into a number of progenitor cell types. A trophoblast is a differentiated cell that is a precursor of the cells which participate in forming the human placenta. Trophoblast cells are difficult to isolate and are not readily available for research. This invention provides the first method to cause a culture of primate embryonic stem cells to repeatedly, directly, and uniformly differentiate into trophoblast cells. Treating primate (non-human and human) embryonic stem cells with a single protein induction factor causes the cells to transform into trophoblast cells. Several protein factors, including bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 4, BMP2, BMP7, and growth and differentiation factor 5, can serve as trophoblast-induction factors. Trophoblast cells are created directly from embryonic stem cells without the intervening step of forming an embryoid body. This method results in a stable and nearly pure culture of primate trophoblast cells.

Rapid Shell Building Method and Materials

2008-05-12T13:24:33Z

Investment casting is commonly used to produce high quality metal objects. The process generally involves creating a thin-walled ceramic shell around a wax pattern of a part; removing the pattern once the shell has hardened; filling it with molten metal and letting the metal solidify; and finally conditioning the metal part after the shell is removed. Creating the shell traditionally involves dipping the pattern into a slurry of liquid refractory material and then, while the coat is still wet, sieving dry refractory grains onto the pattern. After the coat air-dries, dipping and sieving are repeated as many as seven times to produce the desired, thin-walled shell. This process of dipping, air-drying and redipping typically takes 24 hours or more. This invention describes a method of reducing the time required to create a shell for investment casting. After a pattern is coated with a layer of slurry, a stucco coat is applied over the moist layer. The stucco contains an amorphous mineral silicate to help wick the moisture away from the slurry layer. After 20-60 minutes, the stucco layer becomes saturated with water. The saturated portion is then blown off, physically removing water from the shell. Additional slurry and stucco coats are applied until the desired shell thickness is achieved.

Controlled Decoration of Nanostructures with Aerosol Nanoparticles

2008-05-14T01:09:57Z

Composites of nanoparticles arranged on the surface of carbon nanotubes have many applications, such as nano-electronics, sensors, fuel cells, solar cells and hydrogen storage. Current methods of making these composites primarily utilize wet chemistry techniques, which are slow and limited in scope and allow only limited control of the assembly process. This invention describes an efficient method of using electrostatic force to coat nanostructures, including single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, with aerosol nanoparticles. First, an electrically conductive nanostructure is created. Then a mini-arc plasma flow is used to produce an aerosol of charged nanoparticles. When a voltage is applied to the nanostructure, the charged nanoparticles are attracted to the nanostructure and attach to its surface.

Energy from Organic Waste

2008-05-11T10:14:50Z

Anaerobic digestion is an attractive waste management option for high-strength wastes, such as dairy manure and wastewater from food processing industries. High molecular weight compounds are hydrolyzed into compounds suitable for use as a source of energy and cell carbon. Non-methane-forming bacteria then convert these compounds into identifiable, lower molecular weight intermediate compounds, such as volatile fatty acids. Finally, methane-forming bacteria convert the intermediate compounds into carbon dioxide and methane in the form of biogas. This process requires that the two types of bacteria be in dynamic equilibrium, and the final step takes more than two weeks. This invention describes alternative technologies, such as anaerobic catalysis or photocatalysis, which enhance the overall conversion of volatile solids to biogas to make anaerobic treatment of waste more efficient. Both of these methods use a solid, titanium dioxide-based catalyst material that is contacted with a liquid or gas containing target reactants, such as the intermediate compounds created during the second step of the anaerobic digestion process. Either heat (catalysis) or UV light (photocatalysis) may be used to facilitate the reaction on the solid material. Because these methods convert the intermediate compounds into carbon dioxide and biogas chemically, rather than biologically, the need for slow growing, methane-forming bacteria in the final step is eliminated.

A Bioluminescent Gram-Negative Coccus, Photococcus Caeruleum

2008-05-13T09:32:02Z

All known bioluminescent bacteria are gram-negative and shaped like a short, straight or curved rod. They can grow under aerobic or anaerobic conditions and are able to ferment. This invention describes a novel bioluminescent bacterium, Photococcus caeruleum, isolated from the surface of marine shrimp. While P. caeruleum is most closely related to members of the genus Photobacterium, its spherical shape, growth and biochemical characteristics clearly distinguish it. This isolate, strain BC1, is catalase and oxidase positive but unable to utilize maltose as a sole carbon and energy source. It is a gram-negative, non-motile bacterium that produces DNase and requires oxygen to grow. Strain BC1 grows optimally at 27ºC and pH 6.5-7.5.

Countermeasures Against Osteoporosis by Novel Multiple Intensity Mechanical Stimulation (NOMIMS)

2008-05-13T12:10:40Z

Whole body vibration is often used to prevent or combat osteoporosis in the elderly. A vibrating platform stimulates tissue to increase muscle growth and bone mineral density. Different muscle and bone tissues resonate at different frequencies, but the current platforms vibrate sinusoidally at a single frequency and intensity. This invention features a platform that stimulates multiple muscle and bone groups simultaneously by vibrating at twelve different frequencies and intensities. A set of four rotating actuators support the platform. Each actuator is shaped like a rounded, irregular polygon, with twelve different radii around a center point. As the actuators rotate together, the platform moves up and down at varying heights, from one-sixteenth to five-sixteenths of an inch. The higher the peak, the longer it takes the platform to reach it, creating twelve different frequencies per rotation, and then pausing.

Therapeutics for Treating Alcoholism and Seizures

2008-05-13T09:43:47Z

Although compounds that bind to neurotransmitter receptors, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, are used to reduce anxiety, they can also induce sedation and hypnosis. The inventors previously developed compounds that targeted specific GABA receptors to treat anxiety with fewer undesirable side effects (See WiSys Reference Number T02017US). This invention describes the use of these stereospecific benzodiazepine derivatives as anticonvulsants. When administered to patients, they decrease anxiety or treat convulsant disorders with reduced sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and ataxic effects. In addition, these compounds can diminish alcohol craving and self administration in alcoholics.

Prefabricated Panels for Temporary Structures

2008-05-12T08:32:02Z

Temporary structures are often used to provide quick shelter from the elements or to partition indoor space. They must disassemble and be durable and reusable. Many systems exist for creating temporary structures, but most require many different parts. This invention describes a standardized panel and clip-based system for easily assembling temporary, prefabricated indoor or outdoor structures. The panels come in several different sizes and two shapes, rectangular and triangular. They are synthetic, with a lip around the inside that has notches at designated intervals. The releasable clips fit over the lip when the notches are aligned and slide laterally to secure the panels together.

Compounds Related to Capsaicin; Potential New Analgesic Agents

2008-05-12T06:56:21Z

Capsaicin, a member of the vanilloid class of compounds, is the irritant compound in hot peppers. Capsaicin derivatives, along with TRPV1, a specific receptor for vanilloids, are an exciting area of research in the analgesic field. This biological material provides four new capsaicin derivatives. These compounds were rationally engineered to include modifications likely to affect TRPV1 receptor response.

Nanoscale Corona Discharge Electrode

2008-05-13T07:11:50Z

Corona discharge is a process by which an electric field near a discharge electrode ionizes air to produce an electrical current between two electrodes. It has many industrial applications, including manufacturing ozone, scrubbing air particles in air-conditioning systems, removing unwanted volatile organics, and photocopying. But electrostatic photocopiers and other office machines that utilize corona discharge produce small amounts of ozone, which can be a health hazard. Current techniques to reduce ozone production and power consumption employ wire electrodes with radii as small as one micrometer; however, the ability to further decrease wire size is limited by practical considerations of wire strength and durability. This invention describes the use of nanotubes and other nano-objects as corona discharge electrodes. A metal wire or plate, or other conductive substrate can be coated with nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, to produce a robust discharge electrode with a small radius of curvature. These novel corona ion sources provide high ion concentration and high charging efficiency with minimal ozone production.

Resealable Clear Flexible Package for Shoes

2008-05-12T13:04:14Z

Shoeboxes protect shoes during shipping, but they take up space even when empty and must be removed from the shelf and opened to see the shoes. They also require folding and glue to assemble. Shoe bags are one alternative to shoeboxes that make shoes visible. This invention provides see-through packaging that protects shoes and is less expensive to manufacture and ship than shoeboxes. The packaging consists of a piece of stiff material like cardboard and a plastic bag. The rigid insert provides a base for the shoes to sit on and three fold up sides that extend higher than the shoes. The plastic bag fits over the base and keeps the sides folded up without any adhesive. The bag is closed by either a drawstring or a plastic zipper, and may include a reinforced hole so that the shoes can be hung from a peg. The shoes can be seen from all sides, if the insert is transparent, and slipped out of the packaging via the fourth open side.

Anti-anxiety Agents with Reduced Sedative and Ataxic Effects

2008-05-12T12:34:10Z

Anxiety disorders are treated with anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics). Most anxiolytics currently on the market cause adverse side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired memory, and decreased coordination. This invention provides orally active benzodiazepine derivatives that possess enhanced anxiolytic activity and greatly reduced side effects. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter. The inventors modified elements of known benzodiazepine agents to create compounds with enhanced agonist efficacy at certain GABA type A receptor subtypes. This change led to agents showing enhanced anxiolytic activity and little or no sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant activities. Several of the modified benzodiazepines were tested orally in rats and found to reduce situational anxiety without causing significant sedation, muscle relaxation or ataxic effects.

Use of Electrical Property Enhanced Tomography to Detect Tumors in Homogeneous Tissues

2008-05-13T18:36:33Z

Electrical property enhanced tomography (EPET) is a new medical imaging modality that maps the electrical properties of the body’s tissues to produce high resolution images of internal structures. This technology is an EPET method for identifying cancerous tumors within homogeneous tissues of the body, especially breast tissue. The method works by first locating the outer boundary of an object, such as the human breast, and detecting the accumulated electrical charge at that boundary when a known voltage is applied. This peripheral boundary is detected by using arrays of sensors that interleave with the EPET scanner’s standard sensors for making electrical property measurements. Once the object’s exterior shape is known, EPET can be used to estimate the electrical properties within the object. When located inside otherwise homogeneous tissue, anomalies such as tumors contribute additional accumulated charge on EPET sensors. This extra charge can then be used to locate and measure the size and electrical properties of the tumors.

Winter-Hardy Plum Cultivar for Wisconsin

2008-05-13T11:27:11Z

A plant breeder who specializes in the development of winter-hardy fruits has now produced a winter-hardy plum cultivar called ‘Lydecker’ for the fresh market. Lydecker is the result of a cross between the ‘Oka’ cherry plum and a conventional Japanese dessert plum (Prunus salicina) known as ‘Z’s Blue Giant.’ Oka has in its lineage P. besseyi, a native North American plum species adapted to northern climes. P. besseyi can withstand severe winters and generally is more productive and ripens one month earlier than P. americana, a native plum more commonly used to produce hardiness in new hybrids. Lydecker yields fruit that rivals many California-grown dessert plums in flavor and appearance, and matures two to four weeks earlier than any other large, high-quality plum grown in the Midwestern U.S. Lydecker also grows and yields fruit in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zone 3b (-30 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit) and above, making it suitable for production in northern climates. Lydecker exhibits a naturally compact growth habit and good graft compatibility with most common plum rootstocks. The new plum cultivar also shows average susceptibility to brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) and black knot (Dibotryon morbosum), and is more tolerant to bacterial spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. Pruni) when compared to most Japanese-American hybrids grown in the Midwest.