Abstract: The present disclosure provides conjugates, systems, devices, and methods for detecting cellular redox state. In one aspect, for example, a conjugate for detecting cellular redox state can include a first segment including a cell penetrating peptide conjugated to a first detection molecule, and a second segment including a cargo peptide conjugated to a second detection molecule, wherein the first segment and the second segment are coupled together by a redox-sensitive linkage, and wherein the first detection molecule and the second detection molecule have properties that allow linked proximity detection. In one specific example, the first detection molecule and the second detection molecule include a fluorophore/quencher pair.

Abstract: A new vitex plant named ‘Little Madame’ has violet blue flowers with a blotch of white on the anterior lip, is smaller and has a more dense compact form than ‘Heterophylla’. ‘Little Madame’ also has shorter internodes and more multiple branches at nodes than ‘Heterophylla’. ‘Little Madame’ has mostly three to five leaflets and leaf margins that vary from entire to jagged.

Abstract: Systems, constructs, and methods for reprogramming cells are provided. In one aspect, for example, a transformation construct for generating iPS cells can include an expression vector having a plurality of reprogramming factors, each reprogramming factor being under control of a separate promoter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for modulating angiogenesis and for inhibiting metastasis, tumors, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods include inhibitors of LOXL2 expression and activity, such as shRNA targeting LOXL2.

Abstract: A successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter including separable dual capacitor array is disclosed. The disclosed successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter comprises: a dual capacitor array configured to include a first capacitor array for converting most significant hits of n bits and a second capacitor array for converting least significant bits of the n bits; a comparator configured to compare a level signal outputted from the first capacitor array with a level signal outputted from the second capacitor array; and an SAR logic circuit configured to convert an analog input voltage into a digital signal having the n bits by using the comparison result. Here, the first capacitor array includes a 1-1 capacitor circuit and a 1-2 capacitor circuit and the second capacitor array includes a 2-1 capacitor circuit and a 2-2 capacitor circuit. Each of the capacitor circuits includes capacitors connected in parallel each other.

Abstract: Provided herein is a polymeric material comprising a polymer host; and a guest molecule comprising a glycosaminoglycan; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. In some embodiments, the polymer host comprises a silicone-based polymer. In other embodiments, the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A quality assurance system for radiation therapy equipment includes an image capturing unit installed on radiation therapy equipment and capturing an image of an indicating part indicating an operational state of the radiation therapy equipment, an image processing unit extracting an edge of the indicating part in image captured by the image capturing unit, a center point extraction unit extracting a center point with respect to the edge, and a quality evaluation unit evaluating quality of the radiation therapy equipment by tracking movement of the center point.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: An inductive wireless power transfer and communication system includes an electrostatic shield for one of the coils. The electrostatic shield is inductively coupled with the coil and is configured as an open circuit. A signal processing element or elements, especially a modulator or a demodulator, are connected across the electrical discontinuity in the electrostatic shield. Because the electrostatic shield is inductively coupled to the coil, the modulator or demodulator can operate on the signal on the coil. A variable impedance element is connected across the electrical discontinuity in the electrostatic shield. Because the electrostatic shield is inductively coupled to the coil, the variable impedance element can tune the impedance of the system.

Abstract: Provided herein is a robot for inspection of a pipeline using a multi-output differential module, the robot including a robot body configured to move along an inside of the pipeline, and having a driving power supply unit; a proceeding unit rotatably-connected to the robot body, and provided with a plurality of active proceeding units having proceeding wheels that proceed along an inner wall of the pipeline; and a power transmission unit supported against the robot body, connected to the driving power supply unit to transmit driving power to the active proceeding unit, and having the multi-output differential module that distributes the transmitted driving power to the active proceeding unit.

Abstract: A chemical formulation including: (a) at least one cement dispersant selected to disperse cementitious particles disposed in a water-based, flowable cementitious mixture, the cement dispersant including a polyphosphate; (b) a surfactant selected to reduce a surface tension of the mixture; (c) an accelerator selected to accelerate setting of the mixture; the formulation containing at least 200 grams of the polyphosphate per mole of an oxyalkalene functional group within the formulation.

Abstract: An open hardware education kit is provided. The open hardware education kit comprises an expansion board. The expansion board comprises a plurality of metal terminals joinable with a magnet, a plurality of conductive connection wires respectively connected with the metal terminals, and a plurality of pin headers respectively connected with the connection wires. The plurality of pin headers are joinable with an expansion header of open hardware.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a pair of 2-D images are described. In one example, a stereoscopic set of images is converted into a collection of regions that represent individual 3-D objects in the pair of images. In one embodiment, the system recovers the 3-D point P for each point p that appears in both images. It estimates the 3-D orientation of the floor plane, and the image capture planes and their height from the floor. The system then identifies the collection B of points P that do not represent points on the floor and generates a projection C of B onto a plane parallel to the floor. It blurs the projection C and identifies peaks in the blurred image, then fits symmetric figures to the points in C around the identified peaks. The system projects the 3-D figures associated with the symmetric figures back onto the 2-D images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epidithiodioxopiperazine derivative represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 or its reduced derivative; a method for preparing a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 having improved intracellular permeability and mimicking the activity of 2-Cys-Prx in its reduced form in the cells; a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating vascular diseases comprising an epidithiodioxopiperazine compound or its derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as an active ingredient; a drug delivery device for local administration including the pharmaceutical composition; and a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting melanoma metastasis comprising the epidithiodioxopiperazine compound or its derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Well-defined, xeno-free culture media which comprise a TGF-beta isoform or the chimera formed between IL6 and the soluble IL6 receptor (IL6RIL6), which are capable of mainataining stem cells, and particularly, human embryonic stem cells, in an undifferentiated state are provided. Also provided are cell cultures comprising the culture media and the stem cells and methods of expanding and deriving embryonic stem cells in such well-defined, xeno-free culture media. In addition, the present invention provides methods of differentiating ESCs or EBs formed therefrom for the generation of lineage specific cells.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element, including the steps of providing a body of material, and producing multiple microchannels within the body, wherein the microchannels extend through the body to produce a multi-microchannel, flow-through element. Such an element can be used as a micromixer, a sensor element, a filter, a fuel element or a chromatographic element.

Abstract: The inventors have successfully developed a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus which expresses the major capsid protein of human norovirus. Infection of mammalian cells with the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus resulted in production of high level of human norovirus virus-like particles. Importantly, the inventors further demonstrated that recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the major capsid protein of human norovirus displayed attenuated virulence in mice and elicited a high level of human norovirus-specific humoral, cellular, and mucosal immune responses in mice model. Therefore, norovirus-immunogenic compositions are herein provided, as are materials and methods useful to make and use the compositions.

Abstract: A doping method using a three-step synthesis to make high-quality doped nanocrystals is provided. The first step includes synthesizing starting host particles. The second step includes dopant growth on the starting host particles. The third step includes final shell growth. In one embodiment, this method can be used to form Mn-doped CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals. The Mn dopant can be formed inside the CdS core, at the core/shell interface, and/or in the ZnS shell. The subject method allows precisely controlling the impurity radial position and doping level in the nanocrystals.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for purifying a Bax protein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus based on vibromyography technology are provided that overcome the substantial limitations of current VMG muscle assessment approaches. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide a means by which clinicians and trainers can perform real-time muscle assessment during typical functional activities (activities involving substantial human movements). In some embodiments, the invention allows the artisan to simultaneously measure muscle forces being generated by complementary, supplementary, and/or antagonistic muscle pairs such that real-time muscle effort ratios can be calculated. In some embodiments, the measurements provide a means by which clinicians and trainers can diagnose musculo-skeletal injuries and pains associated with muscle imbalances.