Abstract: There is described a sensor for sensing a variable of a sample. The sensor generally has a graphene layer supported by a substrate; a parylene layer coating the graphene layer opposite the substrate; a sensing layer coating the parylene layer opposite the substrate, and being exposable to the sample; and electrical contacts at opposite ends of the graphene layer.

Abstract: A technique for separating components of a microfluid, comprises a self-intersecting micro or nano-fluidic channel defining a cyclic path for circulating the fluid over a receiving surface of a fluid component separating member; and equipment for applying coordinated pressure to the channel at a plurality of pressure control areas along the cyclic path to circulate the fluid over the receiving surface, applying a pressure to encourage a desired transmission through the separating member, and a circulating pressure to remove surface obstructions on the separating member. The equipment preferably defines a peristaltic pump. Turbulent microfluidic flow appears to be produced.

Abstract: A topologically-protected traveling-wave amplifier includes resonators arranged in a two-dimensional array defining a periphery including a first edge. An output line is coupled to an output resonator disposed along the first edge spaced from an input resonator coupled to an output line. A synthetic gauge field generator associated with the resonators provides a topologically-protected edge state corresponding to propagation along the periphery in a propagation direction from the input resonator along the first edge to the output resonator. A parametric driving element creates pairs of photons in the edge state and amplifies a signal propagating along the first edge in the propagation direction. A signal incident from the input line propagates in the propagation direction along the first edge while being amplified and is detected at the output line as an amplified signal. A signal incident from the output line is attenuated before emerging at the input resonator.

Abstract: Active dichoptic perceptual-learning tasks or dichoptic game play have been shown to significantly improve visual acuity of amblyopic children and adults. However, these dichoptic perceptual learning tasks are intensive and repetitive such that non-compliance is high. In contrast, the invention provides dichoptic perceptual learning in a manner that the user maintains its use and compliance is increased. Further, compliance becomes automatic if the user performs tasks in a normal manner and “forgets” that they are actually undergoing treatment as it is integrated with minimal disruption to their life and activities. Accordingly, a methodology exploiting complementary dichoptic stimulation is presented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; wherein R1, R2, Ra, Rb and Rc are as defined herein, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and methods for the treatment of cancer using same.

Abstract: There is described a photodetector for detecting incoming infrared light. The photodetector generally has a substrate; an i-type semiconductor region extending along the substrate, the i-type semiconductor region being sandwiched between a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region; a grating coupler being optically connected to one of two ends of the i-type semiconductor region, the grating coupler redirecting incoming infrared light into and along the i-type semiconductor region via the one of the two ends of the i-type semiconductor region for propagation of infrared light along the i-type semiconductor region; and a photocurrent detection circuit electrically connected to the p-type semiconductor region and to the n-type semiconductor region for detecting a photocurrent resulting from said propagation.

Abstract: A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators.

Abstract: An attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain (YS1646) is repurposed to produce a vaccine. Plasmid-based candidates expressing either the TcdA or TcdB RBD were screened. Different vaccine routes and schedules were tested to achieve detectable serum and mucosal antibody titers in C57BL/6J mice. When given in a multi-modality schedule over 1 week (day 0 IM+PO, days 2 and 4 PO), several candidates provided 100% protection against lethal challenge. Substantial protection (82%) was achieved with combined PO TcdA/TcdB vaccination alone (d0, 2 and 4). These data demonstrate the potential of the YS1646-based vaccines for C. difficile.

Abstract: Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) biosensors for assessing the intracellular localization, internalization and trafficking into cellular compartments of proteins such as receptors, and other biomolecules such as second messengers, are disclosed. These biosensors, which are dependent on the concentration/density of the BRET donor and acceptor in cellular compartments rather that specific protein-protein interactions, use a Renilla GFP/Luc BRET pair, which allows the robust and reproducible monitoring of protein trafficking/localization, with a sensitivity compatible with high-throughput screening (HTS). The use of these biosensors for various applications, including assessing/monitoring protein endocytosis, recycling and intracellular trafficking, receptor maturation/rescue by pharmacological chaperones, various endocytosis/exocytosis processes, activation/inhibition, as well as biomolecule concentration/density in different cellular compartments, is also disclosed.

Abstract: InGaN offers a route to high efficiency overall water splitting under one-step photo-excitation. Further, the chemical stability of metal-nitrides supports their use as an alternative photocatalyst. However, the efficiency of overall water splitting using InGaN and other visible light responsive photocatalysts has remained extremely low despite prior art work addressing optical absorption through band gap engineering. Within this prior art the detrimental effects of unbalanced charge carrier extraction/collection on the efficiency of the four electron-hole water splitting reaction have remained largely unaddressed. To address this growth processes are presented that allow for controlled adjustment and establishment of the appropriate Fermi level and/or band bending in order to allow the photochemical water splitting to proceed at high rate and high efficiency. Beneficially, establishing such material surface charge properties also reduces photo-corrosion and instability under harsh photocatalysis conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising quinolinones. The quinolinones and compositions thereof are useful as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex modulators.

Abstract: A technique for separating components of a microfluid, comprises a self-intersecting micro or nano-fluidic channel defining a cyclic path for circulating the fluid over a receiving surface of a fluid component separating member; and equipment for applying coordinated pressure to the channel at a plurality of pressure control areas along the cyclic path to circulate the fluid over the receiving surface, applying a pressure to encourage a desired transmission through the separating member, and a circulating pressure to remove surface obstructions on the separating member. The equipment preferably defines a peristaltic pump. Turbulent microfluidic flow appears to be produced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding data are described herein. The method comprises inputting data to a first pipeline of a non-systematic polar encoder capable of encoding a polar code of length nmax, extracting, via at least one first multiplexer of size log nmax×1, a first polar code of length n<nmax at a first location along the first pipeline to generate a first encoded output, modifying the first encoded output to set frozen bits to a known value to obtain a modified first encoded output, inputting the modified first encoded output to a second pipeline of the non-systematic polar encoder, and extracting, via at least one second multiplexer of size log nmax×1, a second polar code of length n<nmax at a second location along the second pipeline to generate a second encoded output, the second encoded output corresponding to a systematically encoded polar code of length n.

Abstract: GaN-based nanowire heterostructures have been intensively studied for applications in light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, solar cells and solar fuel devices. Surface charge properties play a dominant role on the device performance and have been addressed within the prior art by use of a relatively thick large bandgap AlGaN shell covering the surfaces of axial InGaN nanowire LED heterostructures has been explored and shown substantial promise in reducing surface recombination leading to improved carrier injection efficiency and output power. However, these lead to increased complexity in device design, growth and fabrication processes thereby reducing yield/performance and increasing costs for devices. Accordingly, there are taught self-organising InGaN/AlGaN core-shell quaternary nanowire heterostructures wherein the In-rich core and Al-rich shell spontaneously form during the growth process.

Abstract: Provided herein are Mcl-1 antagonist compositions and methods of treating cancer using the compositions described herein.

Abstract: There is described a method of tuning an output optical pulse. The method generally has: generating a seed optical pulse, the seed optical pulse having a tunable parameter; propagating the seed optical pulse into and along one of a plurality of optical fibers each having a hollow core extending along a given length, the optical fibers having a parameter being different from one another; pumping a gas inside the hollow core of the one of the optical fibers, said pumping having a tunable parameter; the propagation of the seed optical pulse into and along the one of the optical fibers modifying the seed optical pulse into the output optical pulse; and tuning the output optical pulse by modifying the tunable parameter of the seed optical pulse, modifying the one of the optical fibers along which the seed optical pulse is propagated and modifying the tunable parameter of said pumping.

Abstract: Borate-glass biomaterials comprising: aNa2O. bCaO. cP2O5. dB2O3 wherein a is from about 1-40 wt %, b is from about 10-40 wt %, c is from about 1-40 wt %, and d is from about 35-80 wt %; and wherein the biomaterial has a surface area per mass of more than about 5 m2/g. Methods of making and uses of these biomaterials.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel pharmaceutically-useful compounds, to methods for their preparation, and to pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods for treating certain conditions.

Abstract: Small implantable silicon-based devices offer an ability to revolutionize the management of trauma victims. For example, implantable pressure sensors allow the devastating outcomes of compartment syndrome to be minimized through continuous or periodic monitoring whilst being compatible with the ongoing drives to increase out-patient care and reduced hospitalization time. Further, small implantable silicon-based sensor microsystems according to embodiments of the invention whilst being capable of measuring pressures under diverse conditions are easily used by nurses in hospital settings as well as also being easily deployed by paramedical personnel in cases of accidents, natural disasters, war, etc. Beneficially, the implantable sensor microsystem will not interfere with movement of the patient during stabilization, surgery, intensive care stay, outpatient management, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysing a sample of granular material, such as soil, is described. An elongated housing has a channel extending therethrough to define an optical path. A cavity is defined within the top of the housing to receive the sample, and a transparent sample-receiving surface is disposed within the cavity at a first elevation from the bottom of the housing. A lens assembly is positioned within the optical path at a second, lower, elevation. The lens assembly magnifies an image formed by light beams reflected by or transmitted through the sample. An image capturing device is disposed across the optical path at a third elevation that is lower than the second elevation. The image capturing device is thus lower than both the lens assembly and the transparent sample-receiving surface. A light source is mounted within the housing to emit light toward the sample-receiving surface.