Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method that is excellent in superovulation induction efficiency. Specifically, it is an object to provide a method giving superior superovulation induction efficiency as compared with conventional methods using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The present invention provides a superovulation inducing method, comprising simultaneously administering anti-inhibin antibody and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), then, administering human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to a female mouse.

Abstract: An optical wireless communications receiver includes a set of photodetectors and signal processing circuitry that receive and process optical communications signals to generate receive data. The receiver includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) and associated SLM controller. The SLM receives an incident optical communications signals from remote optical transmitters and selectively directs the received optical communications signals to the photodetectors to realize an SLM pattern according to SLM control signals from the SLM controller. A system controller establishes the SLM pattern and communicates a description of it to the SLM controller for use in generating the SLM control signals. The receiver may be used in a variety of applications, including so-called visible-light communications or VLC, in which data is transmitted over an optical link using light in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods to enhance an immune response in order to prevent or treat infections or hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. More particularly, the composition is an immunostimulatory intracellular signaling peptide fused directly or indirectly to a peptide that leads to multimerization into complexes of three or more units, where the intracellular signaling peptide must be present in a complex of three or more units in order to stimulate an immune response. Inserting this fusion construct into viruses like HIV-1 or introducing it into dendritic cells or tumor cells is predicted to lead to a positive therapeutic effect in humans, non-human mammals, birds, and fish.

Abstract: Dispenser devices suitable for use on unmanned aerial vehicles are described having utility for dispensing solid larvicides to difficult to reach insect habitats.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an amphipathic peptide and methods of using the amphipathic peptide for delivering small molecule agents to a cell. Ideally, the amphipathic cell penetrating peptide comprises less than approximately 50 amino acid residues with at least 6 arginine residues, at least 12 Alanine Residues, at least 6 leucine residues, optionally at least one cysteine residue, and at least two but no greater than three glutamic acids wherein the arginine residues are evenly distributed along the length of the peptide; and the peptide has a defined ratio of arginine to negatively charged amino acid residues and a defined ratio of hydrophilic amino acid residues to hydrophobic amino acid residues. The present invention is also directed to a nanoparticle and cell delivery system comprising the amphipathic cell penetrating peptide of the invention. The peptide, nanoparticle or cell delivery system of the invention may be used in therapy.

Abstract: The disclosure describes magnetic materials including iron nitride, bulk permanent magnets including iron nitride, techniques for forming magnetic materials including iron nitride, and techniques for forming bulk permanent magnets including iron nitride.

Abstract: A data driver includes a digital to analog converter configured to receive a reference gray voltage and image data, and configured to generate gray voltages corresponding to the image data, and an output buffer including a plurality of buffer circuits connected to an output terminal of the digital to analog converter, and configured to selectively receive one of the gray voltages.

Abstract: Devices for use in extracting an analyte of interest from a sample are described. In one embodiment, a device is comprised of a first plurality of chambers, where one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers has a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d1. A channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the plurality of chambers has a depth greater than d1. The dimensions of the chamber and channel provide control of fluid movement in the device, particularly when introducing fluid into the device for its use and during use of the device.

Abstract: A fusion chimeric protein is described herein that can assemble a functional carboxysome core, which is able to fix carbon by taking atmospheric carbon dioxide and converting it into useful carbon-containing compounds such as 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).

Abstract: A magnetic antenna structure has a substrate (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) carrier), a magneto-dielectric (MD) layer, and an antenna radiator. The MD layer increases electromagnetic (EM) energy radiation by lowering the EM energy concentrated on the antenna substrate. The resonant frequency and antenna gain of the magnetic antenna structure are generally lower and higher, respectively, relative to dielectric antennas of comparable size. Thus, the magnetic antenna structure provides better miniaturization and high performance with good conformability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for improving reproductive health of mammals and increasing milk production from female mammals. The methods involve administering an effective amount of IL-8 to a female mammal such that the reproductive health of the mammal is improved, or milk production from the mammal is increased, or the fat content of the milk is increased. In another aspect the disclosure includes prophylaxis and/or therapy of uterine conditions by administering IL-8 to a female mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for related to mutant influenza viruses with increased fidelity.

Abstract: Whether a fetus has an aneuploidy associated with a first chromosome is detected using ratios of alleles detected in a maternal sample having a mixture of maternal and fetal DNA. DNA from the sample is enriched for target regions associated with polymorphic loci and then sequenced. Polymorphic loci (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the target regions with fetal-specific alleles are identified on a first chromosome and on one or more reference chromosomes. A first ratio of the fetal-specific alleles and shared alleles is determined for the loci on the first chromosome. A second ratio of the fetal-specific alleles and shared alleles is determined for the loci on the reference chromosome(s). A third ratio of the first and second ratio can be compared to a cutoff to determine whether an aneuploidy is present, and whether the aneuploidy is maternally-derived or paternally-derived.

Abstract: Compositions for delivery of growth factors needed for stable Tregs and methods of use thereof are provided. In preferred embodiments, the compositions can induce, increase, or enhance a functionally robust induced CD4 Treg population (e.g., Foxp3+ Treg) in vivo or ex vivo. The compositions generally include delivery vehicles including TGF-? and IL-2. Delivery vehicles include, for example, polymeric particles, silica particles, liposomes, or multilamellar vesicles. The TGF-? and IL-2 are typically co-loaded into, attached to the surface of, and/or enclosed within the delivery vehicle into the same particle for simultaneous co-delivery to cells such as T cells. Preferably the delivery vehicles are targeted to CD4. The compositions and cells treated therewith can be used in various methods of treating, for example, inflammation, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and disorders, and inducing or maintaining tolerance including graft and transplant tolerance.

Abstract: In order to substantially reduce friction during drilling operations, specialized lubricants need to be added to drilling fluid recipes. In general, lubricants reduce friction by forming a thin film of liquid that separates the solid surfaces in contact. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of enhanced activated sludge (EAS) as a lubricant in drilling fluids. EAS is activated sludge rich in lipids. The mixed consortium of microorganism in waste water treatment facilities in grown under a high carbon/nitrogen ratio to trigger lipid accumulation. Performance of EAS as drilling fluid additive was compared with commercial lubricants in terms of lubricity and flow properties. Lubricants were evaluated using water-based drilling mud at lubricant concentrations of 1.78, 3.11, 4.43, and 6.17 pounds per barrel (ppb). Experiments were carried out in a standard lubricity meter. The lubricity meter tests the ability of the lubricant in the drilling mud to reduce friction.

Abstract: Small implantable silicon-based devices offer an ability to revolutionize the management of trauma victims. For example, implantable pressure sensors allow the devastating outcomes of compartment syndrome to be minimized through continuous or periodic monitoring whilst being compatible with the ongoing drives to increase out-patient care and reduced hospitalization time. Further, small implantable silicon-based sensor microsystems according to embodiments of the invention whilst being capable of measuring pressures under diverse conditions are easily used by nurses in hospital settings as well as also being easily deployed by paramedical personnel in cases of accidents, natural disasters, war, etc. Beneficially, the implantable sensor microsystem will not interfere with movement of the patient during stabilization, surgery, intensive care stay, outpatient management, etc.

Abstract: A first object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently growing a nitride single crystal even under low pressure conditions. The present invention relates to a method for producing a nitride single crystal, comprising growing a nitride crystal on the surface of a seed crystal having a hexagonal crystal structure by setting a pressure in a reaction vessel having the seed crystal, a nitrogen-containing solvent, a mineralizer containing a fluorine atom, and a raw material placed therein to 5 to 200 MPa and performing control so that the nitrogen-containing solvent is in at least either a supercritical state or a subcritical state.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for providing a portable enzymatic-ink dispensing system. The system includes an enzymatic-ink including one or more biocompatible binders, one or more biocompatible mediators, an enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer, and a conductive material. The system includes a dispenser including a chamber to hold the enzymatic-ink and an applicator to apply the enzymatic ink dispensed from the chamber onto a target substrate.

Abstract: A chimeric, humanized or single-chain antibody contains a light chain variable region containing the complementarity determining regions of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3, and a heavy chain variable region containing the complementarity determining regions SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:6. The antibody or antibody fragment thereof is capable of binding the C-terminal telopeptide of the ?2(I) chain of human collagen I, and is useful in the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with excessive collagen fibril.

Abstract: Methods of extracting biodiesel from a mixture of biodiesel and alcohol are provided. The methods can include contacting the mixture of biodiesel and alcohol with a petrodiesel to form a two-phase system including a polar phase and a nonpolar phase, wherein the alcohol preferentially partitions into the polar phase and the petrodiesel and biodiesel preferentially partition into the nonpolar phase, and separating the nonpolar phase from the polar phase to extract the biodiesel. The methods can include using a multi-stage extraction apparatus, for example in countercurrent or crosscurrent extraction arrangement. Methods of making a biodiesel blend are also provided. The methods can include making a biodiesel blend with a biodiesel content from about B2 to about B25.