Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for analyzing a metabolite level in a sample. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention may involve obtaining a sample, analyzing the sample using a mass spectrometry technique to determine a level of at least one metabolite in the sample, and correlating the metabolite level with an originating source of the sample, thereby analyzing the sample.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for playing a video based on real-time data. The apparatus includes a ground control unit which receives flight data including position information, speed information, and attitude information of an aircraft from at least one aircraft and a video playing unit which receives the flight data from the ground control unit and displays the flight data on a map screen.

Abstract: A bone stent facilitates bone fixation via interior contact, as may be useful for flexible entry into a sidewall of an elongated bone. As consistent with one or more embodiments, a stent includes proximal and distal end caps connected by a plurality of elongated members extending longitudinally between the end caps, and a flexible cable extending through the proximal end cap and connected to one of the end caps. The flexible cable, end caps and elongated members are responsive to the end caps being moved toward one another by laterally bending the elongated members outwardly away from one another, with the cable fixing the elongated members in the compressed state (e.g., while applying pressure to the interior sidewalls of a bone). When the end caps are released from the compressed state, the longitudinal compressive force is released and the elongated members elastically return to the uncompressed state.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and biomarkers for diagnosing autism by identifying cellular metabolites differentially produced in autistic patient samples versus non-autistic controls. Methods for identifying a unique profile of metabolites present of secreted in brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, or biofluids of autistic samples are described herein. The individual metabolites or a pattern of secreted metabolites provide metabolic signatures of autism, which can be used to provide a diagnosis thereof.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a vacuum chamber of a semiconductor substrate processing apparatus includes forming a layer of an organic polymeric film on plasma or process gas exposed surfaces thereof. The method includes: (a) flowing a first reactant in vapor phase of a diacyl chloride into the vacuum chamber; (b) purging the vacuum chamber after a flow of the first reactant has ceased; (c) flowing a second reactant in vapor phase into the vacuum chamber selected from the group consisting of a diamine, a diol, a thiol, and a trifunctional compound to form a layer of an organic polymeric film on the plasma or process gas exposed surfaces of the vacuum chamber; and (d) purging the vacuum chamber to purge excess second reactant and reaction byproducts from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An image processor generates a Super-Resolution (SR) frame by upscaling. A Human Visual Preference Model (HVPM) helps detect random texture regions, where visual artifacts and errors are tolerated to allow for more image details, and immaculate regions having flat areas, corners, or regular structures, where details may be sacrificed to prevent annoying visual artifacts that seem to stand out more. A regularity or isotropic measurement is generated for each input pixel. More regular and less anisotropic regions are mapped as immaculate regions. Higher weights for blurring, smoothing, or blending from a single frame source are assigned for immaculate regions to reduce the likelihood of generated artifacts. In the random texture regions, multiple frames are used as sources for blending, and sharpening is increased to enhance details, but more artifacts are likely. These artifacts are more easily tolerated by humans in the random texture regions than in the regular-structure immaculate regions.

Abstract: An optical element includes: a first delayed interferometer; and a second delayed interferometer and a third delayed interferometer cascaded to the first delayed interferometer. The first delayed interferometer includes: a first optical coupler and a second optical coupler; a first waveguide between the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler; a second waveguide between the first optical coupler and the second optical coupler, the second waveguide being longer than the first waveguide; and a ring waveguide that is coupled to the first waveguide. A difference between a length of the first waveguide and a length of the second waveguide differs from a difference in lengths corresponding to a channel spacing by a length corresponding to a phase displacement caused by loading of the ring waveguide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a connection with a part of a body to transfer an electromagnetic signal for a predetermined purpose, the apparatus including: a garment including one or more electrode capable of passing the signal to or from the part of the body; and a controller for controlling the nature of or processing the signal dependant on one or more parameters in order to vary the nature of the signal dependant on the purpose; wherein at least one parameter of the one or more parameters is stored on a data storage device included in the garment.

Abstract: Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a tag in an environment where the same frequency band is in use and an NFC device for the same are provided. Depending on whether a radio channel is in use, the NFC device changes a first operation mode to a second operation mode, requests slot assignment for tag recognition at the second operation mode, and changes the second operation mode back to the first operation mode to perform a tag recognition process at an assigned slot.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a paper lithium ion cell including depositing a first lithium-metal oxide composition onto a first electrically conducting microfiber paper substrate to define a cathode, depositing a second, different lithium-metal oxide composition onto a second electrically conducting coated microfiber paper substrate to define an anode, separating the cathode and the anode with a barrier material, infusing the cathode and the anode with electrolytes, and encapsulating the anode, the cathode, and the barrier material in a housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Cripto, a developmental oncoprotein, antagonizes activin and TGF-b signaling by forming a complex with activin and TGF-b and their type II receptors. This complex precludes the formation of a functional activin/TGF-b•type II•type I complex, thereby blocking the signaling of activin and TGF-b. Cripto may be generally capable of blocking antiproliferative Smad2/3 signals and provides a novel mechanism of oncogenic action with multiple therapeutic implications. Inhibiting the formation of Cripto and activin/TGF-b complex may enhance antiproliferative effects of activin and TGF-b.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions drawn related to providing controls in diagnostic testing are provided. In one embodiment, a method of verifying proper function of a test for detecting and/or classifying a disease or disorder for which manifestation of a methylated gene is a biomarker is provided. The method includes performing a test for detecting, monitoring, or classifying a disease or disorder, or predisposition thereto, for which manifestation of a methylated gene is a biomarker and verifying proper function of the test by performing (e.g. duplicating or repeating) the test utilizing a control that originates from at least one pregnant female animal. The test includes determining the methylation status of at least one biomarker from a biological sample obtained from an animal subject and verifying proper function of the test by performing the test utilizing a control that originates from at least one pregnant female animal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for detecting vehicle occupancy is provided. Light beam pulses emitted from a lidar system are applied to a passing vehicle. Scans of an object are generated from the light beam pulses. A signal is received from each of the beam pulses reflected at a point of reflection along a segment of the vehicle. A time is measured from when each beam pulse was emitted to receipt of the signal. A distance of the signal from the lidar system is calculated using the measured time. The points of reflection for that vehicle segment are positioned in relation to one another as a scan. The scans are compiled in a consecutive order according to the vehicle and a three-dimensional image of an interior of the vehicle is generated from the consecutive scans. A presence or absence of vehicle occupancy is determined based on the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: Disclosed are a semiconductor memory apparatus, a program method, and a program system. The semiconductor memory apparatus includes a memory cell array including a plurality of resistive memory cells and a control block configured to variably control, based on digital code values reflecting resistance states of the resistive memory cells, at least one of a initial voltage magnitude and an initial voltage applying time in an incremental step pulse programming (ISPP) mode for the plurality of memory cells. Therefore, even in the case of the worst cell, the incremental step of the ISPP may be minimized, and the writing time may be reduced, limiting unnecessary current consumption.

Abstract: Polypeptides having alkanoyl-CoA activity have been identified and characterized, as have nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises nanoparticles comprising a poorly water soluble drug, a non-ionizable cellulosic polymer, and TPGS.

Abstract: A plasma processing system having a plasma processing chamber configured for processing a substrate is provided. The plasma processing system includes at least an upper electrode and a lower electrode for processing the substrate. The substrate is disposed on the lower electrode during plasma processing, where the upper electrode and the substrate forms a first gap. The plasma processing system also includes an upper electrode peripheral extension (UE-PE). The UE-PE is mechanically coupled to a periphery of the upper electrode, where the UE-PE is configured to be non-coplanar with the upper electrode. The plasma processing system further includes a cover ring. The cover ring is configured to concentrically surround the lower electrode, where the UE-PE and the cover ring forms a second gap.

Abstract: Methods of converting silica to silicon and fabricating silicon photonic crystal fiber (PCF) are disclosed. Silicon photonic crystal fibers made by the fabrication methods are also disclosed. One fabrication method includes: sealing silica PCF and a quantity of magnesium within a container, the quantity of magnesium defined by 2Mg(g)+SiO2(s)?2MgO(s)+Si(s); converting silica PCF to a reacted PCF through magnesiothermic reduction; and converting the reacted PCF to the fabricated silicon PCF by selective dissolution of the reacted PCF in an acid. Another fabrication method includes: adding silica PCF and a quantity of solid magnesium to an unsealed container, the quantity of magnesium substantially in excess of that defined by 2Mg(g)+SiO2(s)?2MgO(s)+Si(s); converting silica PCF to a reacted PCF through magnesiothermic reduction; and converting the reacted PCF to the fabricated silicon PCF by selective dissolution of the reacted PCF in an acid.