Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of functional proteomics and more particularly to the field of protein aggregation. The invention discloses a method for interfering with the function of a target protein and uses a non-naturally, user-designed molecule, designated as interferor, that has a specificity for a target protein and which induces aggregation upon contact with said target protein. The present invention also discloses such interferor molecules and their use in agrobiotech applications.

Abstract: In an aspect of the disclosed technology, a SRAM device includes a first stack of transistors and a second stack of transistors arranged on a substrate. Each of the first and second stacks includes a pull-up transistor, a pull-down transistor and a pass transistor, where each of the transistors includes a horizontally extending channel. In each of the first and second stacks, the pull-up transistor and the pull-down transistor have a common gate electrode extending vertically therebetween, and the pass transistor has a gate electrode separated from the common gate electrode. A source/drain of each of the pull-up transistor and the pull-down transistor and a source/drain of the pass transistor included in one of the first stack and the second stack are electrically interconnected with the common gate electrode of the pull-up transistor and the pull-down transistor included in the other of the first stack and the second stack.

Abstract: A memory cell is disclosed, comprising a static random-access memory, SRAM, bit cell, a first resistive memory element and a second resistive memory element. The first resistive memory element is connected to a first storage node of the SRAM bit cell and a first intermediate node, and the second resistive memory element connected to a second storage node of the SRAM bit cell and a second intermediate node. Each one of the first intermediate node and the second intermediate node is configured to be supplied with a first supply voltage via a first transistor and a second supply voltage via a second transistor, wherein the first transistor and the second transistor are complementary transistors separately controllable by a first word line and a second word line, respectively. Methods for operating such a memory cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dissemination of biological control agents or other substances through the use of bees, in particular bumblebees. It relates to a disseminator device, installable in or in connection to the hive, and which contains biological control agents or other substances which are picked up, carried and disseminated by the bees when leaving the hive.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, methods, and kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved endotracheal tubes or patient ventilation tubes which prevent the leakage of proximal secretions to the distal airways.

Abstract: A microstructured optical fiber comprises a doped core region embedded in a cladding layer, and a plurality of longitudinal tubes, wherein a radial cross-section of the optical fiber comprises a central hexagonal portion comprising a plurality of holes arranged according to a hexagonal grid surrounding a core section. Each hole corresponds to a respective tube, within a hexagonal boundary of the grid, and the plurality of holes comprises holes of first and second types arranged in a biaxial mirror-symmetric configuration. The holes of the first type are arranged in two side holey structures comprising distinct sub-grids of the hexagonal grid, defined by respective outer boundaries corresponding to portions of the hexagonal boundary of the grid and respective inner boundaries. Outer tangential lines to the respective inner boundaries cross each other at the opposed side of the core with respect to the side of the respective side holey structure.

Abstract: Agents that specifically bind to an opioid receptor in a conformationally specific way can be used to induce a conformational change in the receptor. Such agents have therapeutic applications and can be used in X-ray crystallography studies of the receptor. Such agents can also be used to improve drug discovery via compound screening and/or structure-based drug design.

Abstract: A system having a tunable impedance network and a method of tuning a tunable impedance network are disclosed. In one aspect, a telecommunications device comprises an electrical-balance duplexer (EBD) circuit coupled to at least one output node of a transmit path (TXin), an antenna, and at least one input node of a receive path (RXout), wherein the EBD circuit is configured to isolate the transmit path from the receive path by signal cancellation, and a balancing network (Zbal) as part of the EBD circuit. In one embodiment, the balancing network is an integrated tunable impedance network configured to provide an impedance that matches a target impedance (Zant) associated with the antenna at a first frequency and simultaneously at a second, different frequency. The network comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion reducing the influence of the tuning of the second portion at the first frequency. In some embodiments, the network preferably comprises no explicit resistors.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a phase locked loop, PLL, for phase locking an output signal to a reference signal. The PLL comprises a reference path providing the reference signal to a first input of a phase detector, a feedback loop providing the output signal of the PLL as a feedback signal to a second input of the phase detector, a controllable oscillator generating the output signal based on at least a phase difference between reference and feedback signal, a digital-to-time converter, DTC, delaying a signal that is provided at one of the first and second input, a delay calculation path for calculating a DTC delay value. The PLL further comprises a randomization unit for generating and adding a random offset, i.e. a pseudo-random integer, to the delay value. The offset is such that a target output of the phase detector remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vectors containing liver-specific regulatory sequences and codon-optimized factor IX or factor VIII genes, methods employing these vectors and uses of these vectors. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these liver-specific regulatory elements and codon-optimized factor IX or factor VIII genes are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy, in particular for the treatment of hemophilia A and B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved RNA transcription vector, which is very suitable for the production of mRNA for in vivo therapeutic purposes. The improvements in the vector reside in the presence of a translation enhancer (TE) and a nuclear retention element (NRS), especially when the latter is the “Expression and Nuclear Retention Element” (ENE) of Kaposi's sarcoma associated Herpes virus (KSHV).

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to an improved RNA transcription vector, which is very suitable for the production of mRNA for in vivo therapeutic purposes. The improvements in the vector in particular reside in the presence of a transcription enhancer and a nuclear retention element.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A sensor for dielectric spectroscopy of a sample is disclosed. The sensor comprises a waveguide inductively loaded with a composite dielectric section which comprises a sample holder and a discontinuity separating the sample holder from the waveguide. The electromagnetic impedance of the composite dielectric section varies gradually, at least along the propagation direction of the waveguide, and at least from the onset of the discontinuity towards the sample holder.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis has a first body and a second body rotatable relative to one another, a passive mechanical converting mechanism with a third body arranged movably with respect to the first body, and an elastic element arranged between the third and the second body. The mechanical converting mechanism is configured for converting an angular change between the first body and the second body into a change of load on the elastic element. There is further provided a ratio adapting device interacting with the converting mechanism and configured for modifying the conversion ratio by which the change of load on the elastic element is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression is being explored as an additional method to morphological scoring to choose the embryo with the highest chance to pregnancy. The present invention relates to a novel method of identifying biomarker genes for evaluating the competence of a mammalian oocyte in giving rise to a viable pregnancy after fertilization, based on the use of live birth and embryonic development as endpoint criteria for the oocytes to be used in an exon level analysis of potential biomarker genes. The invention further provides CC-expressed biomarker genes thus identified, as well as prognostic models based on the biomarker genes identified using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front-end module for a telecommunication device with an EBD circuit comprising a hybrid transformer for coupling via a transmit port to the telecommunication device transmitting a first frequency transmit signal, to an antenna, via a receive port to the telecommunication device receiving a second frequency receive signal, and to a tunable impedance circuit. In a first configuration the EBD circuit is configured to isolate the transmit port from the receive port at the first frequency, and the FEM comprises a first filter at the transmit port for attenuating the transmit signal with a predetermined amount at the second frequency. In a second configuration the EBD circuit is configured to isolate the transmit port from the receive port at the second frequency, and the FEM comprises a second filter at the receive port for attenuating the receive signal a predetermined amount at the first frequency.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits, and compositions for stratifying and treating subjects, e.g., subjects having cancer. In some examples, the methods involve use of a radiolabelled heavy chain variable domain derived from a heavy chain antibody (VHH), or a functional fragment thereof, as both a screening agent and a treatment agent. In some examples, the VHH, or a functional fragment thereof, that is radiolabelled with a radioisotope that is both a ?-emitter and ?-emitter.