Abstract: A time synchronization slave apparatus and a method of determining a time synchronization period are disclosed. In the apparatus, a time synchronization processing unit performs a time synchronization operation and determines an offset and a rate used to correct local time error based on a calculated time error, a timer corrects the local time based on the determined offset and rate, a time error estimation unit estimates a time error in the local time during a present time synchronization period, and generates excess error information regarding an excess point at which the estimated time error exceeds a threshold allowable time error range, a time synchronization period determination unit determines a subsequent time synchronization period based on the excess error information, and a synchronization period information transmission unit transmits synchronization period information regarding the subsequent time synchronization period to a time synchronization master apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a self-repairing energy generating element using a shape memory polymer, including a first electrode; a shape memory friction layer made of the shape memory polymer on the first electrode and having a microbump pattern formed on a surface thereof; a second electrode disposed apart from the shape memory friction layer; and an opposing layer formed on the second electrode and configured to face the shape memory friction layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating edema using a flavonoid compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and by the method, acquired edema triggered due to cancer treatments can be cured. A composition containing the flavonoid compound is a chemical approach to a conventional physical treatment method, and when the composition is administered to an edema-induced mouse, a considerable reduction in size of edema is observed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression vector containing the major envelope protein P9 of Cystovirus phi12 as a fusion partner, and a process for producing a membrane protein using the same. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an expression vector comprising a major envelope protein P9 gene of Cystovirus phi12, a multicloning site (MCS) for inserting a target membrane protein, and a protease recognition site located between a P9 gene and the MCS.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate ranked network priority. An example method includes calculating a rank of a first wireless device relative to a plurality of wireless devices based on a first bid value associated with the first wireless device, allocating a first bit rate to the first wireless device based on the rank of the first wireless device at a first time, and in response to detecting a change in availability of the first bit rate at a second time, applying a second bid value for a second bit rate when the first wireless device is located in a first geographic area, and applying a third bid value for the second bit rate when the first wireless device is located in a second geographic area different from the first geographic area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new uridine nucleoside-based amphiphilic gadolinium complex and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent including the gadolinium complex. The MRI contrast agent has high relaxivity, high binding affinity for and stability in human serum albumin, pH response, and high liver specificity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for updating a key for encrypting multicast data in a wireless communication system. The method of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an information receiving step of receiving information on a group entry time and a group exit time from users who have newly entered an arbitrary group including at least one subgroup; a grouping step of grouping the users using the information on the group entry time and the group exit time; and a key transmission step of either transmitting, to the newly-entered users, keys related to the group and the subgroups, or updating, for the remaining users of the subgroups, both the key related to the subgroup to which the user exiting the group belongs and the key of the group and then transmitting the updated keys to the users of the subgroups.

Abstract: This invention discloses (20R) and (20S)-24-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-25,26,27-trinorvitamin D3 analogs, and especially (20R)-25,26,27-trinor-24-(p-methylphenylsulfonate)-vitamin D3, its biological activities, and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits relatively little calcemic activity and does not promote cellular differentiation of HL-60 leukemia cells, but rather kills the cells. This cell death activity is found in small cell lung carcinoma also, but not in prostate, bone or ovarian cancer cells. This compound thus causes specific cell death in the absence of changes in calcium levels and without general toxicity in an animal. Therefore it might serve as a useful therapy for treatment of some forms of cancer, such as leukemia and lung cancer.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for promoting hematopoiesis and for treating, preventing or alleviating cytopenia or bone marrow failure comprising quercetin 3-O-?-(2?-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside (QGR) as active ingredient.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid that is at least partially double stranded is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye having a percent saturation of at least 50% to form a mixture. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of the dsDNA binding dye, and in another embodiment a melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for detection of H. Pylori in breath emissions utilizing an unlabelled urea, in which a patient ingests a safe quantity of unlabelled urea. After ingestion, expired breath of the patient is analyzed for ammonia, with a detection based on levels of ammonia lower than 50 parts per billion to 500 ppm to detect helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in depleting immunosuppressive monocytes (e.g., CD14+/DR? or CD14+/DRlow monocytes) within a mammal. For example, methods and materials involved in using a CD2 binding molecule (e.g., alefacept) to deplete immunosuppressive monocytes within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of covalently attaching proteins to a substrate, particularly to methods of immobilizing proteins by posttranslationally modifying a cysteine residue of said protein through the addition of functional groups. The invention also relates to biological molecules used in such techniques, including proteins, and detection methods and kits that utilize such immobilized proteins, such as a microdevice or “protein chip”, a high-throughput screening device, and for the microscopy of proteins on a surface.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes light-activated ruthenium compounds. In some embodiments the compounds release one or more ligands when exposed to light, and in specific embodiments the light includes a wavelength of about 500 nm to about 1000 nm. The present compounds can also comprise an overall charge, wherein the overall charge can be a positive overall charge or a negative overall charge. Further still, embodiments include methods of treating cancer in a subject by administering a compound and then exposing a site of the subject to light.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, an electrowetting device and a method for improving the response speed of an electrowetting device may be provided. The electrowetting device can includes: an electrode; an insulation film including a dielectric material that is coated over the electrode; a droplet positioned over the insulation film; and a power control unit configured to control a voltage applied to the electrode, where the power control unit reaches a particular contact angle by applying a first voltage that is higher than a second voltage corresponding to the particular contact angle, and applies the second voltage once the particular contact angle is reached. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the response speed of an electrowetting device can be improved by applying different voltages according to the contact angle of the droplet in an electrowetting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) and a polymer electrolyte membrane thereof. In particular, the present invention provides sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) having a triple bond at its both ends and a polymer electrolyte membrane with superior mechanical properties prepared by heating sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile) and forming cross-links between ends of sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone nitrile).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a thin or thick film, comprising the steps of: (1) arranging non-spherical seed crystals on a substrate such that all the a-, b- and c-axes of each seed crystal are oriented under a predetermined rule; and (2) forming and growing the film from the seed crystals through secondary growth by exposing the arranged seed crystals of step (1) to a seed crystal growth solution. The invention also provides a film prepared by the method. According to the invention, crystals or films larger than the seed crystals can be prepared.

Abstract: Described herein are biodegradable drug delivery conjugates for effectively delivering bioactive agents to a subject. The drug delivery conjugates comprise a water-soluble high molecular weight linear biodegradable polymer backbone comprising a plurality of linear water-soluble polymeric segments connected to one another by a first (main-chain) cleavable linker, wherein a bioactive agent is covalently bonded to at least one water-soluble polymeric segment, at least one cleavable linker, or a combination thereof. The conjugates possess numerous advantages over prior art delivery conjugates. Also described herein are methods for making and using the conjugates.

Abstract: FL98-325 is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) variety distinguished by a low chilling requirement, upright growth habit, and fruit that are extremely firm, sweet, with a small dry picking scar.