Abstract: Detecting fine-grained similarity in image includes determining a core area of a search image by generating an image salient map from a plurality of layers of the search image and determining a connected area based on the image salient map. Feature descriptors are generated from the core area of the search image. A plurality of capsule vectors are generated from different ones of a plurality of keypoints of the feature descriptors. Capsule vectors of the search image are compared with capsule vectors of each image of the dataset to generate a top-K matrix. Similarity scores for the top-K matrix are calculated. One or more image of the dataset having fine-grained similarity with the search image are selected based a bundled similarity score for each image of the dataset. The bundled similarity score is a summation of the similarity scores of the image.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, computer program products and/or computer-implemented methods of use provided herein relate to detecting a closed ring in a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud via cycle basis. A system can comprise a memory configured to store computer executable components; and a processor configured to execute the computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components can comprise a filtering component that can filter a first undirected graph of a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud, by eliminating one or more edges of the first undirected graph that are longer than an adaptive threshold, wherein filtering the first undirected graph can produce a second undirected graph; and a detection component that can detect a minimum cycle basis of the second undirected graph to determine a cycle path that can traverse an irregular annular shape that is represented by the 3D point cloud.

Abstract: An antiviral composition contains a sialidase inhibitor. Methods for treating a viral infection include administering the composition to a patient. The sialidase inhibitor may be of general formula (l) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of OH, O-acetyl, N3, OCOCH2X1 and NHCOCHX1; X1 is selected from the group consisting of H, a C1-C5 alkyl group, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, valoryl, hexanoyl, pentanoyl, and 2-methylpropanyl; R2 is H or COCH2X2; X2 is selected from the group consisting of H, a C1-C5 alkyl group, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, valoryl, hexanoyl, pentanoyl, and 2-methylpropanyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COCH2X3 and OCOCH2X3; X3 is selected from the group consisting of H, a C1-C5 alkyl group, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, valoryl, hexanoyl, pentanoyl, and 2-methylpropanoal; R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, a C1-C6 alkyl group, and CH2X4; and X4 is H or a C1-C6 alkyl group.

Abstract: A multiplexed method of monitoring immune-cell responses to different ligands using a micropillar/microwell plate platform is disclosed. The method may include dispensing immune cells onto at least one micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains at least one test compound. The method may also include immobilizing antibodies onto at least one micropillar on a micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains a test compound. The method may also include treating the micropillar chip with at least one reactive polymer.

Abstract: A multiplexed method of monitoring immune-cell responses to different ligands using a micropillar/microwell plate platform is disclosed. The method may include dispensing immune cells onto at least one micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains at least one test compound. The method may also include immobilizing antibodies onto at least one micropillar on a micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains a test compound. The method may also include treating the micropillar chip with at least one reactive polymer.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.

Abstract: The present Specification describes materials and methods which provide for improved performance of medical prostheses, including vascular graft material, artificial heart valves, and other implanted materials. The materials comprising bound thrombomodulin or a functionally equivalent derivative protein, provide for fewer undesirable side effects including inflammation, thromboses and neointimal hyperplasia.

Abstract: Polymeric molecules including glycopolymers useful for biomolecular recognition processes are provided comprising anchoring groups by which they can be immobilized onto surfaces. These molecules are easily synthesized. They are broadly described as molecules comprising a polymer backbone with pendent multivalent groups attached to the polymer backbone and an anchoring group attached to the polymer backbone for covalently or noncovalently attaching the molecule to a surface or another molecule. Such polymeric molecules can be attached to other molecules or surfaces to provide a wide range of bioactive materials. In addition, this invention provides sulfated glycopolymers which are useful for reducing blood coagulation, stimulating growth factors to bind to their receptors, stimulating cell proliferation and preventing degradation of soluble growth factors under conditions of low pH, heat, and proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract: The present Specification describes materials and methods which provide for improved performance of medical prostheses, including vascular graft material, artificial heart valves, and other implanted materials. The materials comprising bound thrombomodulin or a functionally equivalent derivative protein, provide for fewer undesirable side effects including inflammation, thromboses and neointimal hyperplasia.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.