Abstract: A variety of methods, systems, devices and arrangements are implemented for use with motion capture. One such method is implemented for identifying salient points from three-dimensional image data. The method involves the execution of instructions on a computer system to generate a three-dimensional surface mesh from the three-dimensional image data. Lengths of possible paths from a plurality of points on the three-dimensional surface mesh to a common reference point are categorized. The categorized lengths of possible paths are used to identify a subset of the plurality of points as salient points.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one such device, target cells are stimulated using an implantable device. The device includes a light source for producing light from electrical power. An optical transmission element is made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light from the light source. This transmission element substantially encases the light source at a proximal end. The transmission element delivers light from the light source to a distal end. The shape and size of the transmission element facilitates implanting of the element within a patient. A fixation portion physically couples to the optical transmission element and secures the device to the patient. A heat dissipation portion removes heat from the near optical transmission element and the light source and dissipates the removed heat through the fixation portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for improving vision. Particularly exemplified herein are pyrimidine compounds that serve to proliferate retinal stem cells.

Abstract: Several methods to reduce surgical site infections include inserting a surgical access device into an incision, retracting tissue, and introducing fluid into the surgical access device such that the fluid exits the surgical access device and irrigates a surgical site. Other methods do not include introducing fluid into a surgical access device but include suctioning a fluid into the surgical access device and removing the fluid from the body.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering, structures thus obtained, and methods to characterize the nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering. Nanoscale array structures may comprise nanotrees, nanorecesses and tapered nanopillars.

Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides and methods for expressing light activated proteins in animal cells and altering an action potential of the cells by optical stimulation. The disclosure also provides animal cells and non-human animals comprising cells expressing the light-activated proteins.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and synthetic biology approaches for solvent production, including but not limited to butanol production. Described herein are recombinant bacteria and yeast strains which may be used in production of a solvent, including but not limited to butanol, from lignocellulosic and other plant-based feedstocks. Described herein are methods of producing solvents, including but not limited to butanol, using bacteria and yeast strains. Described herein are methods of producing organisms that display highly efficient butanol production.

Abstract: Novel double and triple fusion reporter gene constructs harboring distinct imagable reporter genes are provided, as well as applications for the use of such double and triple fusion constructs in living cells and in living animals using distinct imaging technologies.

Abstract: Genetically manipulated cells, lysates of such cells, systems, and methods of use thereof are provided, where one or more enzymes in a pathway of interest are genetically modified to incorporate a peptide sequence that provides for relocation of the protein, e.g., to the periplasm, so as to sequester the enzyme, and where the enzyme controls flux in the pathway of interest.

Abstract: Vaccine vectors and methods for enhancing resistance to Campylobacter infection or for enhancing the immune response to Campylobacter are provided herein. The vaccine vectors include a first polynucleotide which encodes an antigenic polypeptide selected from SEQ ID NO: 7-9 or a fragment thereof. The vector may also include an immunostimulatory polypeptide. The methods include administering the vaccine vectors to a subject.

Abstract: The use of model T cell receptors (TCRs) as scaffolds for in vitro engineering of novel specificities is provided. TCRs with de novo binding to a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) product can be isolated by: 1) mutagenizing a T cell receptor protein coding sequence to generate a variegated population of mutants (a library), 2) selection of the library of TCR mutants with the specific peptide-MHC, using a process of directed evolution and a “display” methodology (e.g., yeast, phage, mammalian cell) and the peptide-MHC ligand. The process can be repeated to identify TCR variants with improved affinity for the selecting peptide-MHC ligand.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing RNA and DNA from single cells are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously extracting RNA and DNA from single cells and separating the nucleic acids electrophoretically. An electric field is used to lyse a single target cell, such that the plasma membrane is selectively disrupted without lysing the nuclear membrane. Cytoplasmic RNA is separated from the nucleus by performing isotachophoresis (ITP) in the presence of a sieving matrix that preferentially reduces the mobility of the nucleus. During ITP, the cytoplasmic RNA accumulates at an ITP interface between leading and trailing electrolytes and can later be extracted free of nuclear DNA. The method can be performed in a microfluidic device that fully automates all steps of the process.

Abstract: Methods for estimating a conditional probability distribution for signal states of a non-linear random dynamic process. The filter is based on multiple particles, each defined by a state space model similar to the dynamic process. Each particle is updated on the basis of a control input derived by proportional gain feedback on an innovation process. The innovation process is the difference between an increment in an observed quantity measured by one or more sensors and an average of a function of the particles. The particle filter of the invention may also be applied to filtering problems with data association uncertainty where multiple measurements are obtained, of which at most one originates from a specified target.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for modulating Hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling in a cell. Aspects of the methods include methods for inhibiting Hh pathway-promoted cancer proliferation and/or metastasis that is promoted by Hh pathway signaling, methods for treating cancers promoted by Hh pathway signaling, and methods for screening candidate agents for the ability to treat a cancer promoted by Hh pathway signaling. In addition, reagents and kits thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods are provided.

Abstract: A system is configured to generate assertions for verification of an integrated circuit hardware design expressed at a register transfer level (RTL) for variables of interest, each including an antecedent and a consequent. A relative importance score for the variables is determined by characterizing respective variables by a level of importance with respect to a target variable of the consequent. The relative importance scores may be combined to form a relative importance score of the assertion. A relative complexity score for the variable is determined by characterizing the variable by a level of understandability of the variable with respect to the target variable. The relative complexity scores are combined to form a relative complexity score of the assertion. The relative importance and complexity scores are combined to generate a rank score, which is used in ranking the assertion with respect to the RTL design for which the assertion was generated.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates and improved interlocking nail and screw combination to repair fracture bones. The preferred combination uses an hourglass shaped intramedullary nail wherein the larger ends of the nail have holes capable of receiving screws. The holes may, or may not be conical. Further, the holes may or may not be threaded. The surgical screws have a variety of thread patterns, or lack threads. A non-threaded end is believed to improve healing because of a larger core diameter as compared to a comparably sized threaded screw end.

Abstract: A method for enhancing learning or memory of both in a mammal having impaired learning or memory of both from a neuro-degenerative disorder, which entails the step of administering at least one compound or a salt thereof which is a ?1-adrenergic receptor agonist, partial agonist or receptor ligand in an amount effective to improve the learning or memory or both of said mammal.

Abstract: A method of treating an individual having Down syndrome or Alzheimer's disease, which entails the step of administering an amount of one or more compounds to the individual which improve cognitive functioning in the individual by increasing hippocampal NE levels.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is fabricated such that it has a magnetically hard core surrounded by a thin magnetically soft shell. The magnetically hard core provides a relatively high intrinsic coercivity (Hci), and the magnetically soft shell provides a relatively high magnetic flux density (B). Due to magnetic exchange coupling between the core and shell, a relatively high maximum energy product (BH)max is achievable over a wide temperature range, including temperatures above 150° C. Further, such effects can be achieved without using rare-earth metals or precious metals helping to keep the manufacturing costs of the magnet low. To allow sufficient exchange magnetic coupling between the core and shell, the width of the shell is less than about 40 nanometers, and the overall dimensions are controlled such that the width of the shell is less than two times the Bloch domain wall thickness of the core.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct grapevine cultivar named ‘Hope’ which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of A-1562 (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype)×A-1704 (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype). This new grapevine cultivar can be distinguished by its very tight large clusters, fruity flavor, high yields, medium vigor, and healthy plant.