Abstract: A method of decomposing a cured aromatic epoxy resin uses a molten salt bath at less than about 350° C. The molten salt bath includes a plurality of alkali metal hydroxides. The cured aromatic epoxy resin can be in intimate physical contact with a metal or alloy. The cured aromatic epoxy resin can be patterned by a lithographic method. The lithographic method can be multibeam interference lithography to form a three-dimensional photonic crystal template on a conductive substrate for electrodeposition of metal. Contacting the three-dimensional photonic crystal template with the electrodeposited metal with the molten salt bath can form a metal matrix device displaying a periodic pattern that is the inverse of the periodic pattern of the decomposed three-dimensional photonic crystal template.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein for enhancing expression efficiency of a target protein. More specifically, the present invention relates to a glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase from human (hEPRS) WHEP domain (including WHEP domains TRS-1, TRS-2, and TRS-3 which locate at middle sites of the EPRS protein, and linkers connecting the three domains therethrough). When used as a fusion protein for expressing a target protein in E. coli, the hEPRS WHEP domain according to the present invention enhanced water solubility of the target protein.

Abstract: A vitrimer composition includes a first plurality of polymer backbones cross-linked with cross-linkers that include at least one siloxane moiety having formula 1: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently H or C1-6 alkyl. A catalyst that accelerates siloxane exchange is dispersed within the first plurality of polymer backbones.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-functional nanoparticle targeted to breast cancer, a preparation method and use thereof. The multi-functional nanoparticle includes a targeting carrier and a medicament loaded on the targeting carrier; and the targeting carrier is made from recombinant ferritin. Cell experiments verify that the multi-functional nanoparticle has better efficacy and drug release capacity for cancer cells than those of conventional ferritin as a vector. Moreover, the drug delivery system can further achieve optical imaging of tumor cells by loading quantum dots, thus playing a role in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a patient post operation having electrically conducting leads which are adapted to extend from inside the patient. The leads having electrodes adapted to communicate with a heart of the patient and apply electrical signals to the heart. The electrodes providing cardiac signals to the computer in response to the electrical signals so the computer can determine in real time at least one of heart volume, end diastolic heart volume, end systolic heart volume, stroke volume, change in heart volume, change in stroke volume, contractility, respiration rate or tidal volume regarding the patient.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a T/R switch. The T/R switch includes a double sided microstripline based hybrid couplers with a top side and a bottom side each including two concentric microstripline based hybrid couplers. Each of the two concentric microstripline based hybrid couplers includes an inner microstripline based hybrid coupler and an outer microstripline based hybrid coupler. The inner microstripline based hybrid coupler forms an inner loop of the two concentric microstripline based hybrid couplers and the outer microstripline based hybrid coupler forms an outer loop. In a transmission mode, the inner microstripline based hybrid coupler and the outer microstripline based hybrid coupler at the top side of the dual-tuned T/R switch are activated. In a receiving mode the inner microstripline based hybrid coupler and the outer microstripline based hybrid coupler at the top side and at the bottom side of the dual-tuned T/R switch are activated.

Abstract: Methods of identifying test compounds or mixtures of test compounds from microbiota that bind to a fusion protein, such as a G-protein coupled receptor, are described. Also described are methods for high throughput screening of microbiota metabolites that are capable of activating G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: An image encoding/decoding method and apparatus for performing encoding/decoding using BDPCM and a storage medium storing a bitstream are provided. An image decoding method performed by an image decoding apparatus may comprise obtaining first information indicating whether block-based differential pulse coded modulation (BDPCM) is applicable to a current image, obtaining second information indicating whether to apply the BDPCM to a current block in the current image based on the first information, obtaining third information indicating a prediction direction of the BDPCM based on the second information, and applying the BDPCM to the current block based on the prediction direction of the BDPCM. The first information may indicate whether BDPCM is enabled for both a luma component and a chroma component of the current block.

Abstract: The invention discloses a microlens and an application thereof, wherein the microlens is a lipid particle. The microlens prepared by the invention is simple in preparation and extraction methods, and does not need extra processing. The lipid particle is capable of serving as an optical element inside a cell to exert an optical function and has a complete biocompatibility; and meanwhile, the lipid particle is naturally generated inside the cell, and has a natural position-close relationship with a microstructure inside the cell, and is capable of collecting and re-positioning an optical signal of the microstructure in a near field, so that an imaging quality of the cell microstructure of an optical microscope is effectively improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an isoindolinone derivative represented by Formula 1, novel intermediates used for the process and a process for preparing the intermediates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imitation learning in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for imitation learning. The method includes steps for initializing a Q-function, training the Q-function using a non-adversarial objective based on a set of one or more expert trajectories, and determining a policy based on the trained Q-function.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitter identification. A transmitter identification apparatus may include a communicator configured to receive a signal from a transmitter at least once; and a processor configured to acquire a clock offset using the received signal, to acquire a cumulative clock offset by accumulating the clock offset, and to acquire analysis data based on a variance of the cumulative clock offset over time.

Abstract: Photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy for C—O cross-coupling reactions. We herein report a new class of tridentate pyridinophane ligands RN3 that allow for detailed mechanistic studies of the photocatalytic C—O coupling reaction. The derived (RN3)Ni complexes are active C—O cross-coupling photocatalysts under mild conditions and without an additional photocatalyst. We also utilized the RN3 ligands to study the essential but so far putative steps involving paramagnetic Ni species in a proposed catalytic cycle: the oxidative addition of an aryl bromide to a Ni(I) species, the ligand exchange at a Ni(III) center, and the C—O reductive elimination from a Ni(III) species.

Abstract: Methods of forming a gel and related methods of treating subjects with such gels are described. The method may include preparing a composition by combining a macromer comprising a first polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based polymer, a poly(ethylenimine)-based polymer, or a poly(1,2-glycerol) carbonate-based polymer, the macromer including at least one first functional moiety, a crosslinking agent comprising a second PEG-based polymer that includes at least one second functional moiety, and a photoinitiator, and activating the photoinitiator via a light source to form the gel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to transcription cassettes comprising nucleic acids encoding RuvBL1 and/or RuvBL2 and the use of said vectors in gene therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that result from expression of polymorphic repeat expansions of the GGGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 5) hexanucleotide-repeat sequence in the first intron of the C9ORF72 gene; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said vectors and including uses and methods to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified sawdust sorbent. The method involves sulfonating sawdust with sulfuric acid and oxidizing the sulfonated sawdust with hydrogen peroxide. The method yields a modified sawdust sorbent containing sulfonated and oxidized cellulose. The modified sawdust sorbent has a higher surface area, higher organic dye adsorption capacity, and more rapid organic dye adsorption rate than unmodified sawdust. Also disclosed is a method of using the modified sawdust sorbent for organic dye removal from water.

Abstract: A composite nanomaterial of ZnO impregnated by, e.g., a green copper phthalocyanine compound (CuPc) can be an efficient solar light photocatalyst for water remediation. The composite may include hollow shell microspheres and hollow nanospheres of CuPc-ZnO. CuPc may function as a templating and/or structure modifying agent, e.g., for forming hollow microspheres and/or nanospheres of ZnO particles. The composite can photocatalyze the degradation of organic pollutants such as crystal violet (CV) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as well as microbes in water under solar light irradiation. The ZnO—CuPc composite can be stable and recyclable under solar irradiation.

Abstract: Bacterial infections evading the current antibiotic arsenal warrant new treatment options. The mainstay treatment for Clostridium difficile infections involves administration of the broad-spectrum antibiotic vancomycin, which also depletes the gut microbiome and its natural defenses. This leads to recurrent C. difficile infections in 20-30% of patients. Alternative treatment options are limited, triggering a perpetual cycle of relapse and recovery that may eventually lead to death. Keratinicyclin B represents a glycopeptide antibiotic chemotype with a mechanism of action that is selective for Clostridia. When combined, vancomycin (or other glycopeptide antibiotic) and keratinicyclin B interact synergistically to inhibit the growth of C. difficile at concentrations far lower than their respective minimal inhibitory concentrations. Such a combination therapy could allow for targeted colonization clearance at low antibiotic doses, thereby minimizing toxicity and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for decalcifying aortic valves and/or other valves, blood vessels, and/or cardiac tissues in a mammalian (e.g., a human) patient (e.g., a patient having or suspected of having calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)). A transcatheter (aortic) valve decalcification system/method can include applying one or more pulsed magnetic fields to the calcium deposit(s) within a valve or other vessel or tissue within the patient. The system can include a catheter having pulsed magnetic field ribbons disposed therein, and the catheter can be provided to the patient.

Abstract: A mobile-platform imaging device uses compression of the target region to generate an image of an object. A tactile sensor has an optical waveguide with a flexible, transparent first layer. Light is directed into the waveguide. Light is scattered out of the first layer when the first layer is deformed. The first layer is deformed by the tactile sensor being pressed against the object. A force sensor detects a force pressing the tactile sensor against the object and outputs corresponding force information. A first communication unit receives the force information from the force sensor. A receptacle holds a mobile device with a second communication unit and an imager that can generate image information using light scattered out of the first layer. The first communication unit communicates with the second communication unit and the mobile device communicates with an external network.