Abstract: The invention includes method, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof for treating patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) using a Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha (PDGFRA) inhibitor. The PDGFRA inhibitor is preferably an antibody specific to PDGFRA and causes an increase in the sensitivity level of PTC cells to radioiodine treatment. Moreover, the antibody can be used in combination with other PDGFRA inhibitors such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and RNA interference molecules.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of CRC, colorectal polyps in general and adenomatous polyps in particular by measurement of metabolites in urine are described. In some embodiments, certain metabolites are identified as being elevated or reduced in concentration or quantity in subjects with CRC and/or colorectal polyps as compared with subjects without CRC or colorectal polyps. The measurement of these metabolites in urine can indicate the presence of CRC or colorectal polyps in general or adanomatous polyps in particular in a subject.

Abstract: The present application provides a vaccine composition comprising: bacteria engineered to express at least one N-glycan of Campylobacter, such as C. jejuni for example, or an N-glycan derivative thereof on its cell surface; and one or more of a physiologically acceptable diluent, excipient, adjuvant or carrier. The bacteria is Escherichia coli, Salmonella or any suitable bacteria that offers sufficient expression and improved immunogenic response. The vaccine composition can be formulated for administration to animals, such as poultry, including chickens.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing branched alkanes and branched alkenes from the pyrolysis of radical precursors.

Abstract: A device for measuring spinal stiffness comprises a frame-work supporting a roller that is rolled over the surface of the back. The device creates and records a trajectory across a subject, using a control board and the roller, and moves the roller along the trajectory while applying a force to the subject using the roller and records displacement of the object in the direction of the force. A stiffness map is created using displacement as a function of force. Motors may be used to move the roller through three axes.

Abstract: A method of determining risk of stress in a subject involves determining in a biological sample, the level of one or more forms of calcium binding protein spermatid specific 1 protein, wherein the one or more forms comprise one or more of 12 kDa, 15 kDa, 18 kDa, 20 kDa, 27 kDa, 33 kDa, 55 kDa, or 90 kDa forms; comparing the level of the one or more forms in the sample with the level of the one or more forms in a normal control; determining whether the subject has risk of stress in accordance with the result; wherein a difference in the level of the one or more forms relative to the level of the normal control, is indicative of stress or responsiveness to stressful stimuli; and treating the subject with a stress management program that involves using one or more forms of 12 kDa, 15 kDa, 18 kDa, 20 kDa, 27 kDa, 33 kDa, 55 kDa, or 90 kDa forms as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting in a sample the presence of an anti-M and/or anti-A and/or anti-C/Y antibody, the method comprising contacting the sample with a diagnostic conjugate provided according to the invention, comprising an oligosaccharide which comprises at least two units of 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-?-pyranose and comprising at least one -(1-3)- link between adjacent 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-?-pyranose units, in which the carbon at position 5 in the pyranose is linked to an R group, where R is independently selected from —CH2OH, —H or an alkyl group having at least one C atom, the oligosaccharide being covalently linked to a non-saccharide molecule or to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implants and the modification of the surface of implants using amino acid or polypeptide functionalized rosette nanotubes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for non-contact sensing of physical or chemical properties of a target sample using a planar microwave resonator are provided. In one aspect, a planar microwave resonator is used in combination with an active feedback loop for increasing the quality factor of the resonator to compensate for an existing signal loss in the sample or environment. In another aspect, an active feedback loop is used in combination with a microwave resonator to compensate for signal loss in a lossy medium. In another aspect, a planar microwave resonator comprising a secondary layer defining a sensing interface may be used to facilitate the sensing by exposing the secondary layer to a substance to be investigated. In another aspect, a planar microwave resonator sensor is provided comprising separate resonator and active feedback loop components that are indirectly connected through an electromagnetically coupling and may be constructed on two separate support structure.

Abstract: A method of conversion of a lipid to an olefin product includes heating a mixture of unsaturated triacylglycerols or alkyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and a reactant olefin with microwave irradiation, in the presence of a ruthenium complex catalyst.

Abstract: A combined hydrothermal and activation process that uses hemp bast fiber as the precursor to achieve graphene-like carbon nanosheets, a carbon nanosheet including carbonized crystalline cellulose, a carbon nanosheet formed by carbonizing crystalline cellulose, a capacitative structure includes interconnected carbon nanosheets of carbonized crystalline cellulose, a method of forming a nanosheet including carbonizing crystalline cellulose to create carbonized crystalline cellulose. The interconnected two-dimensional carbon nanosheets also contain very high levels of mesoporosity.

Abstract: A hand-held device for assisted steering of a percutaneously inserted needle comprises a handle, an actuation unit, and a haptic feedback unit. A computer-implemented system calculates a needle shape and position based on one or a combination of analysis of ultrasound images and determination of needle insertion parameters based on electronic signals generated by a sensor unit. The system calculates a correction to a needle insertion parameter to achieve a target needle trajectory, including a correction to a needle axial rotation. The system activates the actuation unit to rotate the needle in accordance with the correction to the needle axial rotation, and activates to the haptic feedback unit to vibrate the handle in a vibration pattern determined by a rules database depending on one or a combination of the calculated needle shape, the calculated needle position, and the correction to the needle insertion parameter.

Abstract: A clipping circuit for an amplifier, the clipping circuit using a tunneling junction. A molecular or other tunneling electronic-based component within a hybrid analog-tunneling circuit is used to produce soft or hard clipping capability with enhanced control over the output. The circuit may be used as a distortion circuit for an electric guitar signal or other electronic signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a binding-induced DNA nanomachine that can be activated by proteins and nucleic acids. This new type of nanomachine hamesses specific target binding to trigger assembly of separate DNA components that are otherwise unable to spontaneously assemble. Three-dimensional DNA tracks of high density are constructed on gold nanoparticles functionalized with hundreds of single-stranded oligonucleotides and tens of an affinity ligand. A DNA swing arm, free in solution, can be linked to a second affinity ligand. Binding of a target molecule to the two ligands brings the swing arm to AuNP and initiates autonomous, stepwise movement of the swing arm around the AuNP surface. The movement of the swing arm generates hundreds of oligonucleotides in response to a single binding event. The new nanomachines have several unique and advantageous features over DNA nanomachines that rely on DNA self-assembly.

Abstract: There is described herein compounds, compositions and methods for inducing synthetic lethality in a cancer cell(s).

Abstract: A method for the preparation of polyol from an unsaturated TAG oil that can function similarly to castor oil in certain applications. The method comprises controlled epoxidation of the TAG oil with an acid and an oxidizing agent to obtain a partially epoxidized TAG oil with desired iodine and oxirane values; hydroxylating the partially epoxidized TAG oil using a monoalcohol and a solid acid catalyst to obtain the polyol. The resulting polyols are comprised of a triglyceride structure and hydroxyl values, viscosities, and colors that are similar to castor oil.

Abstract: An underwater camera system includes a projector operable to project a pattern of electromagnetic radiation toward a target object. The electromagnetic radiation includes at least three different wavelengths. A sensor directed toward the target object receives reflected electromagnetic radiation from the target object and stores corresponding image data received from the sensor. One or more processors process the image data to compute a refractive normal according to a wavelength dispersion represented by differences in the image data, and to compute an interface distance corresponding to a distance from a center point of the sensor to a first refractive interface nearest the sensor according to the refractive normal. The processors generate a 3D representation of the target object by back projecting each pixel of the image data at the first, second, and third wavelengths in order to determine an object point location according to the refractive normal and interface distance.

Abstract: A novel assay for determining a molecular process using a fluorescent protein exchange assay, and a composition for use thereof, are provided. The assay provides first and second signalling proteins and an exchange protein, wherein the exchange protein interacts with the first signalling protein to form a complex, then introducing the second signalling protein, wherein in response to the molecular process, the exchange protein dissociates from the first protein and associates with the second protein. The change in signal in response to the exchange of the proteins is measured to indicate a molecular process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions relating to in vitro cultures of human hepatocyte cell lines which exhibit a primary human hepatocyte phenotype. Such cell lines are susceptible to infection by a hepatotrophic virus, such as HCV or HBV, and support both viral replication and high levels of viral particle production. Such in vitro cultures find use in production and study of hepatotrophic virus, as well as methods of screening (e.g., for antiviral drugs, assessing drug metabolism), and study of primary human hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method for amplification and detection of nucleic acids within a miniaturized device wherein sample administration occurs via capillary forces through a channel created by drying a hydrogel containing all components needed for a cell-free, enzymatic, nucleic-acid amplification system other than the template nucleic acid or precursor thereto, and wherein an aqueous sample is provided to the desiccated hydrogel, and the hydrogel is rehydrated, through capillary forces.