Abstract: Provided are methods and kits for determining predisposition of a subject to develop a kidney disease, by identifying in a sample of the subject at least one APOL1 polypeptide variant which is characterized by a higher trypanolytic activity on Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense as compared to the trypanolytic activity of wild type APOL1 polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 on the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense under identical assay conditions; or at least one APOL1 nucleotide mutation in the APLO1 genomic sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the at least one nucleotide mutation or polypeptide variant being in linkage disequlibrium (LD) with the S342G mutation in the APOL1 polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein presence of the APOL1 polypeptide variant indicates increased predisposition of the subject to develop the kidney disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-flammable sodium-ion battery having a cathode and an anode and which uses an electrolyte that includes NaBF4 and a glyme solvent, where the battery has an average voltage of from 1.5 V to 6.0 V and has a coulombic efficiency after 5 charge/discharge cycles of at least 90%.

Abstract: There is provided a method of decoding/encoding an image. The method of the present invention includes: receiving a transform picture reference skip flag; determining whether the transform picture reference skip flag is on or off; and performing inter prediction on a current block on the basis of the transform picture reference skip flag.

Abstract: Slotted Aloha-NOMA (SAN) protocol is an uncoordinated, non-orthogonal, random access protocol that exploits the simplicity of SA (Slotted Aloha) and the superior throughput of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and its ability to resolve collisions via use of successive interference cancellation (SIC) receiver. In SAN protocol, the SIC receiver at the IoT gateway adaptively learns the number of active devices (which is not known a priori) using multiple hypothesis testing in order to successfully distinguish between signals transmitted from different IoT devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ?-1,6-endoglucanase producing gentiobiose or glucose from ?-glucan, and more specifically, the present invention provides an effect of producing gentiobiose or glucose at high yield through ?-1,6-endoglucanase showing ?-1,6-endoglucanase activity on ?-glucan.

Abstract: Transfection reagent composition, lipid nanoparticles prepared from the transfection reagent composition, kits that include the transfection reagent composition, and methods for making and using lipid nanoparticles prepared from the transfection reagent composition. Lipids when dispersed in aqueous media readily form liposomes, such as unilamellar vesicles and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes have been used successfully to encapsulate and deliver a wide range of chemicals including nucleic acids, proteins and, small molecule drugs, to cells.

Abstract: Variants of phosphotriesterase have been created that exhibit enhanced hydrolysis of V-type and G-type nerve agents over wild-type phosphotriesterase. V- and G-type nerve agents have an SP and RP enantiomer. The SP enantiomers are more toxic. V-type nerve agents are among the most toxic substances known. Variants of phosphotriesterase can prefer to hydrolyze one enantiomer of VX over the other enantiomer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wireless charging station, configured to charge remote controlled and autonomous vehicles and robots, including one or more charging pods, wherein each pod has at least two panels and at least two wireless power transmitters (WPTs) affixed to at least two of the panels, wherein the WPTs are configured to deliver power wirelessly to at least two wireless power receivers (WPRs), associated with a remote controlled vehicle, an autonomous unmanned vehicle or a robot. The present invention further comprises a method to charge a robot or vehicle at a distance from a wireless power transmitter (WPT), the method comprising: detecting a first WPR located a first distance from a first WPT and a second WPR located a second distance from a second WPT, and transmitting power from the WPTs to the WPRs to charge the robot or vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-emitting device for light amplification using graphene quantum dots and a method of manufacturing the same, which includes a first conductive semiconductor base layer; a plurality of nanowires disposed on the first conductive semiconductor base layer and including a first conductive semiconductor core, an active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer sequentially formed from inside to outside; and a graphene quantum dot coating layer disposed on one or both of a surface and an interior of the nanowire, thereby providing a light-emitting device which maximizes light extraction and light amplification.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional map generating method of an indoor space, includes: obtaining at least one indoor space image which is an image for an indoor space; distinguishing a background area corresponding to a structure of the indoor space from a non-background area corresponding to objects located in the indoor space in the at least one indoor space image; generating at least one expanded indoor space image by expanding the background area to the non-background area in the at least one indoor space image; generating depth-image associated information based on at least one expanded indoor space image and geographic information including information of a depth value for the indoor space; and generating a three-dimensional map for the indoor space using the at least one expanded indoor space image, the geographic information, and the depth-image associated information.

Abstract: A general methodology for the development of sensitive and selective sensors that can achieve a low cost detection of glucose without using enzymes is disclosed. The method uses carbon nanofiber (CNF) array electrodes for the electrochemical detection of glucose. CNFs grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with diameters ranging from 13-160 nm and a height of approximately one micrometer are preferred. The CNFs have a sensitivity of 2.7 ?A/mM cm2 and detection limit of 2 mM. Also provided are methods of preparing the CNF sensors and kit components. Methods of using such CNF sensors for detecting target agents, particularly glucose, are also provided.

Abstract: A multifunctional camera system having a bendable arm configured to be inserted into the thoracic cavity of a patient and camera head at a distal end of the bendable arm. The camera head has a high definition video camera and a light source. The camera head has a view adjustment mechanism for changing a view angle of the camera without changing the position of the camera head. A controller controls the view adjustment mechanism under command of a surgeon.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. In particular, the invention relates to a new class of small-molecules having a quinazolinedione structure which function as reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducers and inhibitors of mitochondrial activity within cancer cells (e.g., pancreatic cancer cells), and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer (e.g., pancreatic cancer) and other diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of malignancy are disclosed.

Abstract: Non-viral delivery platforms are provided for facilitating transport of molecules across cell membranes. In some forms, DNA nanoshells capable of transporting cargo molecules are formed, and may be formed in order to surround a variety of materials for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurodegenerative disorder, the method comprising administering a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for joint mobilization comprising a mobilization tool, a head unit, and a mobilization glove. The system is directed to relief for patients suffering from joint pain and stiffness. The system provides for a controlled approach to evaluation and treatment of joint pain and stiffness, allowing for universal implementation while minimizing inter-therapist error. Moreover, the system provides for adapting longitudinal patient care.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for suppressing cancer cell growth by a synthetic chromatin effector. For example, a synthetic histone-binding regulator protein, polycomb-based transcription factor (PcTF), is utilized to activate suppression of cancer cell growth. Accordingly, an exemplary method disclosed herein may directly target a generally conserved feature, such as elevated trimethyl-lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3), with PcTF. In addition, a set of 19 PcTF-upregulated genes, or PUGs, that were consistent across three distinct breast cancer cell lines, were identified. These genes are associated with the interferon response pathway. The results demonstrate for the first time a chromatin-mediated interferon-related transcriptional response driven by an engineered fusion protein that physically links repressive histone marks with active transcription.

Abstract: Light Sheet Theta (LS-0) Microscopy achieves large sample imaging capabilities without affecting the imaging depth or the image quality. An optical layout places a detection objective normal to the sample surface, while placing the illumination objectives that generate light sheets at an angle (theta) significantly smaller than 90 degrees. In this configuration, the light sheets enter from same side of the sample as the detection objective. The intersection of the light-sheet and the detection focal plane results in a line illumination-detection profile that is discriminated by a camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to: an adipocyte-targeting non-viral gene delivery complex comprising a sh(FABP4+FABP5) dual plasmid vector; and treatment for obesity and obesity-induced metabolic syndromes by using the same and, more particularly, to a gene delivery complex comprising: an adipocyte-targeting sequence; a nine-arginine (R9) peptide; and a dual plasmid vector comprising a gene for treatment of obesity and obesity-induced metabolic syndromes, wherein the gene for treatment of obesity and obesity-induced metabolic syndromes is a base sequence inhibiting the expression of a FABP4 gene and a FABP5 gene. According to the present disclosure, in order to treat obesity-related diseases, a dual plasmid vector capable of simultaneously inhibiting the FABP4 and FABP5 genes is produced, and this vector is bound to a predetermined delivery system that specifically delivers the vector into adipocytes so as to provide a gene delivery complex.