Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dissolving metals by photocatalysis. A metal-containing material to be dissolved is dispersed in a mixed solution of photocatalyst-containing cyanide and organic chloride; then, a photocatalyst is added; next, an oxygen-containing gas or a substance which is capable of generating oxygen is introduced; and irradiation is applied for a period of time to dissolve metals. Compared with the prior method, the present invention is advantageous in moderate reaction condition, energy conservation, environmental protection, low cost, and convenient operation, and is suitable for mass industrial treatment on metal dissolution.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of regulating U1 activity associated with its splicing role as well as its role in protecting pre-mRNAs from premature termination by cleavage and polyadenylation, thereby modulating expression of a gene or genes. In one embodiment, the invention includes compositions and methods for regulating gene expression and treating diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of regulating U1 activity associated with its splicing role as well as its role in protecting pre-mRNAs from premature termination by cleavage and polyadenylation, thereby modulating expression of a gene or genes. In one embodiment, the invention includes compositions and methods for regulating gene expression and treating diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is disclosed of a relay turn-off control system for use with an alternating-current (AC) signal input. The system may include a relay, a relay current load sensor connected to the relay, and a rectifier circuit connected to the relay current load sensor and having an output. A microprocessor may be connected to the rectifier circuit output. The microprocessor may be configured to set a relay turn-off signal output time based on an empirically determined duration time for the relay to turn-off and further based on determining a zero-cross period via use of a modulo operation.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a cell-based system to identify novel modulators of splicing or splicing dependent processes. The cell-based system of the present invention utilizes a fast and highly sensitive reporter, that responds to defects in the splicing machinery itself and is sensitive to changes in the signals that regulate splicing dependent processes such as those that modulate the EJC, splicing-dependent export, localization or translation efficiency. The present invention further uses the cell-based screen to identify several small molecules that modulate both constitutive and alternative splicing. Accordingly, the present invention includes general or alternative splicing inhibitors identified using the assay described herein. The present invention also provides methods of treating a subject having a condition associated with aberrant target RNA expression.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is disclosed of a relay turn-off control system for use with an alternating-current (AC) signal input. The system may include a relay, a relay current load sensor connected to the relay, and a rectifier circuit connected to the relay current load sensor and having an output. A microprocessor may be connected to the rectifier circuit output. The microprocessor may be configured to set a relay turn-off signal output time based on an empirically determined duration time for the relay to turn-off and further based on determining a zero-cross period via use of a modulo operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel global gene expression regulation mechanism whereby U1 snRNP (U1) protects pre-mRNAs. In one embodiment, the invention includes compositions and methods for regulating gene expression and treating diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a cell-based system to identify novel modulators of splicing or splicing dependent processes. The cell-based system of the present invention utilizes a fast and highly sensitive reporter, that responds to defects in the splicing machinery itself and is sensitive to changes in the signals that regulate splicing dependent processes such as those that modulate the EJC, splicing-dependent export, localization or translation efficiency. The present invention further uses the cell-based screen to identify several small molecules that modulate both constitutive and alternative splicing. Accordingly, the present invention includes general or alternative splicing inhibitors identified using the assay described herein. The present invention also provides methods of treating a subject having a condition associated with aberrant target RNA expression.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating and abrogating spinal muscular atrophy by administering an antioxidant. Additionally, the invention provides a method of protecting the SMN protein by administering an antioxidant.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.