Abstract: The devices, methods, and compositions disclosed herein accomplish robust cell encapsulation in polymer microparticles using a vertically oriented microfluidic device. A hydrophilic polymer precursor solution is flowed into a first inlet channel, which extends inward from an upper surface of the device housing. A hydrophobic fluid is flowed into a second inlet channel, which extends inward from a lower surface of the device housing. The two inlet channels meet at a junction, and an outlet channel extends away from the two inlet channels. When the two inwardly flowing streams meet at the junction, the polymer precursor solution disperses into the hydrophobic fluid. The dispersed precursor droplets are photopolymerized into microparticles as they travel through the outlet channel. The resulting microparticles are highly uniform, and are larger than conventionally formed microparticles. Cells of varying types can be encapsulated with high viability and spatial uniformity.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a phase delay extraction and compensation method in a PGC phase demodulation technology. The sinusoidal phase modulation interference signal is converted into a digital interference signal by an analog-to-digital converter after amplification and filtering, and the digital interference signal is subjected to orthogonal downmixing of first-order, second-order, and fourth-order harmonics simultaneously to obtain three pairs of orthogonal harmonic amplitude signals.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and system for analyzing a sample. In some embodiments the method makes use of a plurality of capture agents that are each linked to a different oligonucleotide and a corresponding plurality of labeled nucleic acid probes, wherein each of the labeled nucleic acid probes specifically hybridizes with only one of the oligonucleotides. The sample is labeled with the capture agents en masse, and sub-sets of the capture agents are detected using iterative cycles using corresponding subsets of the labeled nucleic acid probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of compounds of Formula I, including thapsigargin, nortrilobolide and 8-O-debutanoyl-thapsigargin from commercially available (R)-(?)-carvone via synthetic intermediate compound of formula 12 by pinacol coupling and in situ lactonization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for determining the copy number of a first target nucleic acid as compared to the copy number of a second target nucleic acid in a single well with a single detection label. For example, disclosed herein are methods and compositions for determining the copy number of a first target nucleic acid as compared to the copy number of a second target nucleic acid by a monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR (MMQPCR) in a single well with a single detection label.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification of Nurr1 as a key regulator of metabolism, and the use of Nurr1 agonist to treat metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: A fistula treatment system comprises a guide such as a guide coil 1101 which is adapted to extend partially around a tissue tract and an implant element 1102. The implant element 1102 is activated to draw tissue surrounding the tract inwardly.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to prostate cancer. In particular, disclosed are bivalent targeting ligands that specifically bind prostate specific membrane antigen and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor. Bivalent binding agents disclosed herein can be used to image a tissue in a subject in need thereof and to diagnose prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof. Bivalent binding agents disclosed herein can be used to treat prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods useful for improving detection of analytes. The compositions and methods provided include polymer-wrapped viral particles useful, inter alia, for the detection of PSMA.

Abstract: A thin-film thermocouple probe includes a columnar substrate, a tungsten-26% rhenium film and an indium oxide (In2O3) film. A side surface of the columnar substrate is provided with a first straight groove and a second straight groove. The tungsten-26% rhenium film is arranged on a front end surface of the columnar substrate and in the first straight groove. The indium oxide film is arranged on the front end surface of the columnar substrate and in the second straight groove. The indium oxide film on the front end surface of the columnar substrate is connected to the tungsten-26% rhenium film on the front end surface of the columnar substrate. A first metal lead wire is connected to the tungsten-26% rhenium film, and a second metal lead wire is connected to the indium oxide film. A method of preparing the thin-film thermocouple probe is provided.

Abstract: A herbal composition with significant potent therapeutic effects for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting both amyloid-? (A?) and tau-associated neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses provide a scalable framework for analyzing queuing and transient congestion in network switches. The system reports which flows contributed to the queue buildup and enables direct per-packet action in the data plane to prevent transient congestion. The system may be configured to analyze queuing in legacy network switches.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a toner composition and a developer. The toner composition includes toner particles including a resin, a colorant, a charge control agent, and a surface additive applied to a surface of the toner particles. The surface additive includes strontium titanate (SrTiO3), silica (SiO2), silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and a charge control agent.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to pharmaceutical chemistry, and more particularly to a metalloporphyrin compound, and a preparation and application thereof. The metalloporphyrin compound is shown in formula (I), or an optical isomer, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, and can specifically recognize the HIV RNA and effectively inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase. This disclosure also provides uses of the compound in the preparation of a reagent for selectively recognizing HIV TAR RNA and a HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Abstract: A new system and method for FWI of common-offset GPR data, particularly targeting the dimensions and infilling material of buried objects. The method is useful in situations where clear isolated diffraction hyperbolas indicate the presence of an underground object, but the object's dimensions and filling may be unknown. The present invention acquires GPR data and applies advanced numerical methods to get the depth and size of the underground object in a very accurate manner. An embodiment of the invention includes five main steps: GPR data processing, ray-based analysis to set a good initial model, 3D to 2D transformation of data, effective SW estimation, and FWI.

Abstract: A nonlinear disturbance rejection control apparatus and method for electronic throttle control systems are invented to control the electronic throttle system and to achieve a continuous finite-time disturbance rejection control goal. A control sub-apparatus and method are proposed with an observing sub-apparatus and method for controlling the opening angle of an electronic throttle valve. A mathematical model of the electronic throttle system is analyzed and a control-oriented model is presented with the formation of a lumped disturbance. With combination of the continuous terminal sliding mode control method and the output feedback control method, based on the finite-time high-order sliding mode observer, the preferred control performance is guaranteed, where both the dynamic and static performance of the system is effectively improved.

Abstract: Provided herein are scaffold biomaterials comprising a decellularised plant or fungal tissue from which cellular materials and nucleic acids of the tissue are removed, the decellularised plant or fungal tissue comprising a cellulose- or chitin-based 3-dimensional porous structure. Methods for preparing such scaffold biomaterials, as well as uses thereof as an implantable scaffold for supporting animal cell growth, for promoting tissue regeneration, for promoting angiogenesis, for a tissue replacement procedure, and/or as a structural implant for cosmetic surgery are also provided. Therapeutic treatment and/or cosmetic methods employing such scaffolds are additionally described.

Abstract: Provided is a zwitterionic polymer that has a zwitterion that includes an effect of improving the stability of proteins. This zwitterionic polymer is a polymeric protein stabilizer that exhibits a protein stabilizing effect even at a small addition amount of addition, and at the same time has an antioxidant capability. Also provided is a method for producing this zwitterionic polymer. This problem is solved by a zwitterionic polymer containing a repeating unit represented by formula (1) and having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 1,000,000. On formula (1), R1 and R2 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom; linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbons; aromatic groups having 6 to 20 carbons; or alkylene groups having 1 to 6 carbons and formed by linking R1 to R2. R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for separating a sample of whole blood or bone marrow aspirate into a fraction rich in at least one of platelets and pluripotent cells are provided. A sample of whole blood can be centrifuged in a collection tube comprising a separator substance formulated to settle between the PRP fraction and the at least one other fraction. Preferably, centrifugation is completed without substantial activation of platelets. Optionally, the separator substance could be hardened to form a solid barrier that allows removal of all or substantially all of the platelets in the PRP fraction without remixing of the PRP fraction with the at least one other fraction. Transfer devices and methods are also provided in which a sterile sample can be transferred from a separation/preparation container (e.g., vacutainer) to a consumer or other container (e.g., dropper) while maintaining sterility of the sample.