Abstract: There is disclosed an imaging system for use in imaging a sample. The imaging system comprising a light source and a light detector. A probe optically coupled to the imaging assembly. The probe being configured to, during use, direct light from the light source to a focal point to illuminate the sample, and from the focal point to the light detector. The probe having a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) assembly comprising at least one pair of TLCLs, the TLCLs of the pair being superposed to one another, a gradient-index (GRIN) lens assembly having a base being optically connected to the TLCL assembly, and a tip opposite to the base. The focal point being at a working distance from the tip. The working distance being adjustable relative to the tip by tuning each TLCL of the TLCL assembly during use.

Abstract: An articulated compliance mechanism for use with a support structure includes a carriage and a pair of parallel four-bar linkage arrangements. The arrangements collectively have a first set of links configured to rigidly connect to the support structure, a second set of links rotatably coupled to the carriage a distance from the first set of links, and a third set of links rotatably coupled to and spanning the distance. The compliance mechanism supports and provides the carriage, e.g., a rectangular shaped frame, with a stable equilibrium point using a gravitational restoring force, and provides the carriage with a passive translational degree of freedom along a horizontal axis in response to an input force from an operator. An additional compliance mechanism may be serially connected to provide a passive translational degree of freedom along a vertical axis. A system includes the compliance mechanism and support structure.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymers by direct heteroarylation or arylation polycondensation is described herein. The method includes preparing a reaction mixture including at least a monomer to be polymerized, a catalyst and a ligand; heating the reaction mixture; and, optionally, end-capping the reaction mixture.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacturing a carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium. The process comprises contacting coke particles with a boron-containing solution to obtain boron-impregnated coke particles, mixing the boron-impregnated coke particles with coal tar pitch to form an anode paste, and forming a green anode with the anode paste. A carbonaceous anode for an electrolysis cell for the production of aluminium is also provided, which comprises at least a first fraction of coke particle, a second fraction of coke particles and coal tar pitch, wherein at least the first faction of coke particles comprises boron-impregnated coke particles, the boron-impregnated coke particles being distributed throughout the carbonaceous anode. The carbonaceous anode presents good resistivity towards air and CO2 oxidation, which translates into less dusting of the anode, thus improving its integrity throughout its lifetime.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma apparatus for synthesizing metal particles is provided. The DBD plasma apparatus includes an electrolyte vessel for receiving an electrolyte solution comprising metal ions; an electrode spaced-apart from the electrolyte vessel; a dielectric barrier interposed between the electrolyte vessel and the electrode such that, when the electrolyte solution is present in the electrolyte vessel, the dielectric barrier and an upper surface of the electrolyte solution are spaced-apart from each other and define a discharge area therebetween; and gas inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the discharge area such that supplying gas in the discharge area while applying an electrical potential difference between the electrode and the electrolyte solution cause a plasma to be produced onto the electrolyte solution, the plasma interacting with the metal ions and synthesizing metal particles.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer including administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having the formula: wherein R1, R2, Ya, Xa, and J? are as defined herein, and may be where R1 and R2 are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or i-propyl; Xa is N or CH; Ya is hydrogen or independently selected from halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, heteroaryl of 6 members and aryl; n is 1 or 2; wherein J? is fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, acetate, sulfate or sulfonate such as tosylate, mesylate, besylate.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of leukemias, and more specifically AML, such as MLL-AF9 AML, in a subject, based on the assessment of the expression or activity of one or more of the genes listed in Tables 1 and 2 are disclosed. The use of antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to one or more of proteins showing preferential expression at the cell surface of AML leukemic cells for treating AML is also disclosed.

Abstract: The optical device coupleable to a waveguide to receive an optical signal from the waveguide generally has at least two optical grating devices optically coupled to one another and having corresponding spectral responses, the spectral response of at least one of said optical grating devices being tunable to adjust an amount of overlapping between the spectral responses of the at least two optical grating devices.

Abstract: A power surface or chamber having nearly constant electromagnetic field distribution in 3D comprising at least one primary coil and one primary resonance array made of several coils connected in parallel for generating the electromagnetic field distribution; a single power driver circuit for activating the coils; and a secondary coil and an optional secondary resonance coil to recover the generated electromagnetic field and power up an electric device.

Abstract: A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. The fluidic centripetal device is adapted to be received within a rotatable holder. The apparatus comprises a fluidic component layer having fluidic features on at least a front face and a bottom component layer bonded to a rear of the fluidic component layer thereby creating a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force. In one embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a bottom-fillable chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial light system for modulating circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and influencing light-associated psychological conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. The system of the invention comprises a source of a green and/or red light and a source of blue light both light sources being controlled by a computer to provide predetermined light conditions. More specifically, the computer is programmed to provide pulses of blue light and continuous or pulsed red light, to enhance the efficacy of blue light, reduce blue-light hazard and avoid stroboscopic effect.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic analogs of withanolide natural products of formula (I), wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein, and their pharmaceutical uses in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: An extended-reach assist device for an assembly task includes a base mechanism and a compliant end-effector. The articulated base mechanism provides one or more passive degrees of freedom. The end-effector is connected to the base mechanism, and has one or more active or passive degrees of freedom collectively configured to react to contact forces with the assist device when completing the dexterous assembly task. A weight of the end-effector is supported by the base mechanism. The end-effector may be optionally configured as a passive device configured to produce a remote center of compliance or as a robot mechanism. A mechanism may actively or passively augment a force applied by the operator. A sensor may detect a signature indicative of successful task completion, e.g., an acoustic, visual, or audio sensor.

Abstract: Methods and products (e.g., gRNAs, recombinant fusion proteins, frataxin targeting systems, compositions and kits) are described for increasing frataxin expression/levels in a cell, as well as uses of such methods and products, for example for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia in a subject suffering therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and products are described related to use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce a modification into an APP gene, such as guide RNAs and recombinant proteins, for decreasing amyloid beta peptide produced by a cell. Also described are uses of such methods and products for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and/or age-related cognitive decline in a cell from a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Precatalysts of formula I and IV, and processes for the functionalization of SP2-carbons using the same are described herein. The precatalysts comprise a fluoroborate salt protected intramolecular frustrated lewis pair (FLP). The precatalysts are bench stable with improved stability towards moisture and/or air. The precatalysts can be used to generate in situ the corresponding FLP catalyst.

Abstract: A highly pure lignin comprising a lignin content of at least 97% and characterized by a low carbohydrate content and substantially no sulfur content is disclosed herein. An organosolv process for extracting the highly pure lignin is also disclosed herein. The process comprises pretreating a lignocellulosic material in a first polar protic solvent, to remove extractive compounds and to provide a pretreated lignocellulosic material; and treating the pretreated lignocellulosic material with a Lewis acid in a second polar protic solvent.

Abstract: Provided herein are antigen-binding constructs such as antibodies that bind to the RRM-1 domain of TDP-43. The antigen-binding constructs are capable of blocking the interaction of TDP-43 with NF-?B in cells. Also provided herein are method of using the antigen-binding constructs in the treatment of diseases associated with TPD-43 proteinopathy, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemperal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Lewy body disease and motor neuron disease.

Abstract: A method for determining a threshold for spike detection in a noisy signal in real-time is provided. The method includes estimating a current variability of noise in the noisy signal according to a measured instantaneous value and a window of previous instantaneous values using a sigma-delta control loop, determining the threshold based on the estimated variability of the noise; and repeating the steps to update the estimate of the variability of the noise and adjust the threshold in real-time as the noisy signal changes. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for executing the method on a processing unit, and a low-power digital system implementing the method are also provided.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a wood substrate to a concrete layer. The connector comprising a shank adapted to engagement with a bore in the wood substrate with a length of the shank aligned with a central axis of the bore, the shank having at least an external portion made of a cement-based composition. In the built-up system, the connectors can have transversal ductile collapse characteristics providing a structural ductility of at least 50% to the built-up system with the wood substrate and concrete layer maintaining an elastic behavior upon the transversal ductile collapse of the plurality of connectors.