Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the identification of a subject at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Also disclosed is a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the surface modification of a polymeric scaffold for stem cell transplantation using a decellularized extracellular matrix. The method for the surface modification of the polymeric scaffold according to the present invention can embody a biomimetic surface environment that is effective for initial cell attachment, cell growth and differentiation of stem cells by modifying the surface of the polymeric scaffold using the decellularized extracellular matrix directly derived from specific tissue cells.

Abstract: An expression cassette of selection marker for plant transformation includes the following sequences that are operably linked in a 5? to 3? direction: (i) a promoter sequence; (ii) a coding sequence for an enzyme which degrades toxoflavin; and (iii) a 3?-untranslated terminator sequence. A method of producing a transgenic plant using the above-describe expression cassette includes (i) transforming plant cells with a recombinant vector that includes the above-described expression cassette to produce transgenic plant cells; (ii) proliferating said transgenic plant cells in a media comprising toxoflavin to produce selected transgenic plant cells; and (iii) growing a transgenic plant from said selected transgenic plant cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to type 3 phosphodiesterases (PDE3). Certain embodiments concern isolated peptides corresponding to various PDE3A isoforms and/or site-specific mutants of PDE3A isoforms, along with expression vectors encoding such isoforms or mutants. In specific embodiments, methods for identifying isoform-selective inhibitors or activators of PDE3 are provided, along with methods of use of such inhibitors or activators in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and/or other medical conditions related to PDE3 effects on cAMP levels in different intracellular compartments.

Abstract: A photonic quantum ring (PQR) laser includes an active layer having a multi-quantum-well (MQW) structure and etched lateral face. The active layer is formed to be sandwitched between p-GaN and n-GaN layers epitaxially grown on a reflector disposed over a support substrate. A coating layer is formed over an outside of the lateral faces of the active layer, an upper electrode is electrically connected to an upper portion of the n-GaN layer, and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) is formed over the n-GaN layer and the upper electrode. Accordingly, the PQR laser is capable of oscillating a power-saving vertically dominant 3D multi-mode laser suitable for a low power display device, prevent the light speckle phenomenon, and generate focus-adjusted 3D soft light.

Abstract: The use of collectins and/or surfactant proteins for the treatment and prevention of ocular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to evaluating the effect of physiological conditions on the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation, identifying strategies for treatment or prevention of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, and evaluating a subject for induction of ventricular fibrillation from a condition of ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for endovascular removal of a cardiac valve having at least two valve cusps is disclosed. The apparatus is insertable through a blood vessel to access the cardiac valve. The apparatus includes a first catheter assembly for insertion into a blood vessel, deployable cutting means for cutting at least one valve cusp of the cardiac valve, and a deployable filter assembly disposed adjacent the distal end of the first catheter assembly. The first catheter assembly has a longitudinal axis and a distal end. The cutting means is attached to the distal end of the first catheter assembly. The filter assembly is operable to collect the severed valve cusps and is collapsible for removal from the blood vessel with the severed valve cusps retained therein.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing reconfiguring a binary tree topology network. The network includes a plurality of nodes, a root node and a first set of nodes, operatively networked together to provide a downtree communication path for data. A first node is docked downtree of, and with a parent node, and uptree of, and with a first and second child node. The first node, and the first and second child node, are each one of the first set of nodes, and the plurality of nodes includes each of the first set of nodes and the parent node. A please stand by message is sent from the first node to the first and second child nodes. The first and second child nodes are inhibited from reporting an issue with the performance of the first node for at least a predetermined period after the please stand by message is received.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon fibers which are original (or primary) carbon fibers (OCF) with secondary carbon filaments (SCF) grown thereon, and, if desired, tertiary carbon filaments (TCF) are grown from the surface of SCF forming a filamentous carbon network with high surface area. The methods and apparatus are provided for growing SCF on the OCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases (CG) over the hot surface of the OCF without use of metal-based catalysts. The thickness and length of SCF can be controlled by varying operational conditions of the process, e.g., the nature of CG, temperature, residence time, etc. The optional activation step enables one to produce 3D activated carbon fibers with high surface area. The method and apparatus are provided for growing TCF on the SCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases over the hot surface of the SCF using metal catalyst particles.

Abstract: Provided is an integrating receiver having an adaptive decision feedback equalizer function and a system having the same. The integrating receiver can simultaneously remove an inter-symbol interference (ISI) and high frequency noises in a high speed DRAM data transmission system. The integrating receiver reduces a probability of wrong decision of data in a state in which the ISI that exists in a channel is removed so as to increase a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a receiver, so that a maximum operation speed increases even in an environment with heavy noises. There is also provided a method of obtaining an equalizer coefficient suitable for the integrating receiver and a method of obtaining a reference voltage by using an integrator in a single ended transmission method. In addition, in order to increase a decision feedback equalizer speed, a look-ahead method is used. In this method, flip flops with a high speed including multiplexers are used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Fe-based bulk amorphous alloy composition which forms a bulk amorphous substance due to its excellent amorphous formability when it is cooled to a temperature lower than its glass transition temperature from the liquid state at a relatively low cooling rate of 1000 K/s or less, has high warm processability in a low temperature range owing to its supercooled liquid region of 20K or higher and has excellent fluidity in the liquid state and thereby good castability.

Abstract: The invention provides bifunctional plant biosynthetic enzymes that increase the efficiency by which modification can be made to plant biosynthetic pathways. In certain aspects of the invention, bifunctional isoflavone biosynthetic enzymes are provided. The invention therefore allows the modification of plants for isoflavone content. The inventors have demonstrated increased isoflavone biosynthesis can be obtained even in non-legume plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) infection are provided. Compositions and methods of for inducing an immune response in a subject are provided. Composition can include a YadC polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are 4-substituted and 7-substituted indoles, benzofurans, benzothiophenes, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles. Also disclosed are methods for making 4-substituted and 7-substituted indoles, benzofurans, benzothiophenes, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles, including those having the formulae. The methods include contacting a 4-substituted-6,7-dihydro indole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, or benzothiazole compound or a 7-substituted-4,5-dihydro indole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, or benzothiazole compound with a vinyldiazo compound in the presence of a dirhodium catalyst.

Abstract: Continuous Glucose Error-Grid Analysis (CG-EGA) method, system or computer program product designed for evaluation of continuous glucose sensors providing frequent BG readings. The CG-EGA estimates the precision of such sensors/devices in terms of both BG values and temporal characteristics of BG fluctuation. The CG-EPA may account for, among other things, specifics of process characterization (location, speed and direction), and for biological limitations of the observed processes (time lags associated with interstitial sensors).

Abstract: A method, medium, and apparatus for 3-dimensional encoding and/or decoding of videos, including adapting to temporal and spatial characteristics of the videos. Methods include performing temporal estimation on videos taken by a camera located in a centerly position with reference to videos taken by the same camera at immediately previous times, when a plurality of other cameras are arranged in a row, and performing temporal-spatial estimation on videos taken by the other cameras with reference to previous videos taken by cameras adjacent to the camera located in the centerly position.

Abstract: There is provided a method for inhibiting ATF/CREB and cancer cell growth using disulfiram, administered in combination with heavy metals. It was found that disulfiram disrupts transcription factor DNA binding by forming mixed disulfides with thiols within the DNA-binding region, and that this process is facilitated by metal ions. Disulfiram administered to melanoma cells in combination with copper (II) or zinc(II) decreased expression of cyclin A, reduced proliferation in vitro, and inhibited growth of melanoma cells. The combination of oral zinc gluconate and disulfiram at currently approved doses for alcoholism stabilized tumor growth in two of three patients with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, with 12 and 17 month survivals, respectively, to date, and produced a >50% reduction in hepatic metastases in one individual.