Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of Growth Differentiation Factor 1 (Gdf1) and variants thereof to modulate and regulate ceramide neutralization in cells.

Abstract: A system for high resolution multiphoton excitation microscopy is described herein. In one embodiment, the system may include an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) prism optically coupled to an excitation source, the EWOD prism adapted or configured to: receive a light beam from the excitation source, and project the received light beam onto a sample plane based on a tunable transmission angle of the EWOD prism, and a fluorescence imaging microscope adapted or configured to: receive a fluorescence signal from the sample plane based on the projected light beam, and relay the fluorescence signal from the sample plane to a set of detectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy conversion system and method for generating electricity directly from heat by phase transformation of ferroelectric materials without any external power sources. The energy conversion system includes an electric circuit comprising a phase-changing capacitor and a charge reservoir. The phase-changing capacitor has a dielectric layer comprising a phase-transforming ferroelectric material. When the phase-changing capacitor is initialized and subjected to thermal cycles through a transformation temperature of the phase-transforming ferroelectric material, the polarization of the dielectric layer undergoes an abrupt change between a ferroelectric phase and a paraelectric phase such that a current flow between the phase-changing capacitor and the charge reservoir via a load thereby converting heat into electrical energy. The present energy conversion method does not require any external bias fields during the energy conversion.

Abstract: The orthogonal space random walk (OSRW) algorithm is generalized to be the orthogonal space tempering (OST) method via the introduction of the orthogonal space sampling temperature. Moreover, a double-integration recursion method is developed to enable practically efficient and robust OST free energy calculations, and the algorithm is augmented by a novel ?-dynamics approach to realize both the uniform sampling of order parameter spaces and rigorous end point constraints. In the present work, the double-integration OST method is employed to perform alchemical free energy simulations, specifically to calculate the free energy difference between benzyl phosphonate and difluorobenzyl phosphonate in aqueous solution, to estimate the solvation free energy of the octanol molecule, and to predict the nontrivial Barnase-Barstar binding affinity change induced by the Barnase N58A mutation.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an earthen dam structure including a core wall that includes a homogeneous mixture of clay, sand, powdered tire rubber and Portland cement. Additionally, the core wall contains the powdered tire rubber in an amount sufficient to increase a modulus of elasticity of the core wall to over 10 MPa while keeping a hydraulic conductivity of the core wall under 100 feet/year. The earthen dam structure further includes an upstream embankment portion and a downstream embankment portion, each positioned adjacent to the core wall, and a spillway configured to prevent water from overtopping a crest of the core wall.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a compact, high-output actuator device allowing force control. [Solution] An actuator device 1000 includes an electromagnetic coil member 110 provided over a prescribed width on an outer circumference of a cylinder 100, and a movable element 200 slidable as a piston in the cylinder 100. The movable element 200 has a magnetic member 202, and is moved relatively by excitation of the electromagnetic coil member 110. Fluid is supplied to first and second chambers 106a and 106b such that when the movable element 200 is to be moved relatively, the movable element 200 is driven in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention provides ultraviolet light absorber suitable for use as an additive in polymers, comprising particles of inorganic oxide having UV light-absorbing compound on their surface, wherein said UV light-absorbing compound is chemically bonded, either to a spacer provided on the surface of said particle, or directly to the surface of the particle. Process for preparing the additive absorber and a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., a film) comprising the absorber additive are also provided.

Abstract: An actuated telescoping system for navigation within a vascular lumen and thrombectomy of a thrombus. The system includes a tubular catheter member having an open distal end defining a catheter lumen, a vacuum source, a rotational drive system, a flexible shaft having a channel coupled to the rotational drive system for rotational movement in response thereto, and an optional guidewire selectively inserted at least partially within the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft is at least partially disposed within the tubular catheter member configured for uncoupled rotational and translational motion therein and to optionally define a corkscrew motion in response to rotational driving force by the drive system that results in formation of hydrodynamic vortices within the catheter lumen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical device which is externally used as aiming device that permits accurate placement of surgical wire to mend a supracondylar fracture. The device of the invention decreases operative time, risks of the re-dislocation through continuous manipulation, radiology exposure for both the patient and operation room staff, and to decreases anesthesia duration. It is also directed to surgical use of the device for repair of a supracondylar fracture and to methods for making it.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods and compositions for targeting drug delivery systems to specific cells. One aspect relates to a drug delivery system comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand selected from the group consisting of an polymeric immunoglobulin receptor binding site in the C?3 domain of dimeric human IgA (mIgA) and knob capable of either drug encapsulation or drug attachment. Further aspects relate to drug delivery systems comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP) component and a ligand; wherein the ligand specifically binds to a receptor selected from the group consisting of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Further aspects include the novel transcytosing properties of the elastin-like peptide and the ligand, knob. Also provided are methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed therapeutics.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to treating sleep apnea and particularly, but not exclusively, to treating sleep apnea with immunotherapeutics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs such as beta-interferons and glatiramer acetate.

Abstract: Provided is an energy harvesting system, including: a first electrode; a second electrode; a non-metalized mono-charged electret diaphragm disposed between the first and second electrodes; a base; a spring extending between the base and the electret diaphragm; and a rod in communication with the electret diaphragm and for manipulating a position of the electret diaphragm relative to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue. The disclosed methods for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue typically include placing the avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue in a preservation solution comprising at least about 2.75 g/L sugar. Suitable explanted tissues for the disclosed methods may include explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts, such as dental tissue and/or oral tissue. The preservation solution of the disclosed preservation methods may include additional components which may include but are not limited to inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents. The preservation solution may be prepared from a powder formulation having a long shelf-life.

Abstract: Pennycress seed, seed lots, and seed meal having reduced fiber content and improved suitability for use in producing animal feed are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous copper composite is provided. At least two carbon nanostructure reinforced copper composite substrates are provided. The at least two carbon nanostructure reinforced copper composite substrates are stacked to form a composite substrate. An active metal layer is disposed on a surface of the composite substrate to form a first a composite structure. The first composite structure is pressed to form a second composite structure. The second composite structure is annealed to form a third composite structure. The third composite structure is de-alloyed to form a porous copper composite.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods described herein may classify agonal breathing in audio signals produced by a user using a trained neural network. Examples may include a smart device that may request medical assistance if an agonal breathing event is classified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heart stimulation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a passive wireless device for microfluidic detection of multi-level droplets. A primary inductor channel and a secondary inductor channel each comprise two layers of inductance coils, and the inductance coils of the primary inductor channel and the secondary inductor channel are alternately arranged in each layer. A double-resonance circuit is formed after a liquid conductive material is injected. A first part of a detection channel is disposed between a primary capacitor channel, and a second part of a detection channel is disposed between a secondary capacitor channel. A reading device is used to read a resonant frequency of the double-resonance circuit, and perform detection according to the resonant frequency to obtain information of a corresponding first droplet group and/or second droplet group.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a molecular targeted drug effective for diffuse gastric cancer. According to the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for treating diffuse gastric cancer in a patient, which comprises an EGF receptor inhibitor having an ErbB1 inhibitory activity and an ErbB4 inhibitory activity. According to the present invention, there is provided the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition for use in a combination therapy with an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody and/or a cMET inhibitor. According to the present invention, there is provided a method for treating diffuse gastric cancer in a patient, which comprises the step of administering an EGF receptor inhibitor having an ErbB1 inhibitory activity and an ErbB4 inhibitory activity to the patient.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Vaccinium plant named ‘TH-920’, characterized by a combination of early-to-mid season ripening; large berries with good scar and flavor and high fruit quality; moderately vigorous growth suited to home gardens, soft pink flowers at opening, bronze coloring to newly emerging foliage, berries transitioning from pink hued to sky-blue during ripening; and a chilling requirement of about 500-550 hours below about 45° F.