Abstract: Fluid level measurements for the shared tank and outflow information provided by calibrated flow meters corresponding to dispensing stations connected to the shared tank may be used to derive a filled volume model for the tank as a function of fluid level. Subsequently, a filled volume change for a shared tank over a selected time interval may be determined from pre-change and post-change fluid level measurements. The change in filled volume may be compared with the total fluid flow over the selected time interval as indicated by the flow meters of active dispensing stations. If the filled volume change for the tank is substantially different than the total fluid flow indicated by the flow meters, the flow meters may be collectively adjusted to provide a more accurate indication of the filled volume change in the shared tank.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for moving the position of a base view from an arbitrary GOP (Group Of Pictures) start position to implement an efficient encoding structure in multi-view video encoding. The existing multi-view video encoding method exhibits low encoding efficiency when correlation between the base view and a dependent view is low, since the base view is assumed to be fixed. Moreover, in case the view in a live broadcasting program desired by a producer changes from the base view to another, the user has to consume more bit streams and decoder complexity than those consumed when decoding is performed with respect to the base view. Therefore, to alleviate the drawbacks of the existing multi-view video encoding method, the present invention provides a method for designing syntax elements by which the base view can be moved, thereby supporting an efficient encoding structure.

Abstract: Methods of delivering therapeutic agents by administering compositions including a bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to the therapeutic agent to subjects in need of treatment with the therapeutic agent are provided. Methods of treating hyperparathyroidism, and hair loss using compositions comprising a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are provided. In addition, methods of reducing hair regrowth by administering a composition including a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist are provided.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosed technology include a forcipate surgical instrument including a channel at the working end for guiding a scalpel blade during tissue resection. In some implementations, the forceps may also include a scalpel-driven stapling mechanism for sealing the tissue simultaneously with resection via a single scalpel motion.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a device includes a main microchannel and at least two other microchannels. The main microchannel defines a main fluid flow path and has an opening, and first and second microchannels defining a first and second fluid flow paths, respectively. The first fluid flow path is in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and forms a first angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The second microchannel defines a second fluid flow path in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and in fluidic communication with the first fluid flow path. The second microchannel forms a second angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The first and second microchannels form a third angle relative to one another, with the third angle being between 60 and 135 degrees.

Abstract: An improved method of measuring a subject's strength of associations involving each of a first pair of first and second categories with each of a second pair of third and fourth categories includes having the subject respond to a first set of trials in a first manner when there is presented an exemplar of either the first category or the third category and in a second manner when there is presented an exemplar of either the second category or the fourth category and presenting the subject with a first series of exemplars in the first set of trials, the first series including exemplars in all four categories.

Abstract: The invention discloses a percutaneous puncture and dilation visible irrigation-suction system and a method of using the same. The system comprises a main tube, which is contiguous with the sheath tube and has an end for an endoscope insertion. The sheath tube comprises an inner sheath and an outer sheath joined together in a sleeve type. There is a space between inner and outer sheath. The inner sheath is connected to main tube, together building a channel via which the endoscope is inserted and withdrawn. The sheath tube is connected to main tube after completing puncture and dilation, then endoscope system is introduced for observation and operation. The present invention provides a percutaneous puncture and dilation visible irrigation-suction system and a method of using the same, with a continuous controllable visible negative pressure aspirator, achieving high irrigation and powerful suction efficiency, as well as clear endoscopic view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RNAi-inducing nucleic acid molecule having a new structure and the use thereof, and more particularly to a novel nucleic acid molecule having a structure comprising a first strand, which is 24-121 nt in length and comprises a region complementary to a target nucleic acid, and a second strand which is 13-21 nt in length and has a region that binds complementarily to the region of the first strand, which is complementary to the target nucleic acid, so that the nucleic acid molecule inhibits the expression of a target gene with increased efficiency, and to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene using the nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid molecule structure of the present invention increases the efficiency with which the nucleic acid molecule inhibits the target gene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nano-scale transistor. The nano-scale transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a gate electrode and a nano-heterostructure. The nano-heterostructure is electrically coupled with the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the nano-heterostructure, the source electrode and the drain electrode via an insulating layer. The nano-heterostructure includes a first carbon nanotube, a second carbon nanotube and a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first carbon nanotube is located on the first surface, the second carbon nanotube is located on the second surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells, when administered via intravitreal injection, compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of plant-microorganism interactions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for increasing plant growth characteristics by growing the plant in the presence of plant growth-promoting microbial strains.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for linear optical phase modulators. In some aspects, a linear optical phase modulator device is provided to include a substrate; a PN junction formed on the substrate to include a P region, a N region and a depletion region formed by the P and N regions; and an optical waveguide formed on the substrate and structured to guide light in one or more optical modes to have a spatial optical intensity distribution based on a free carrier density spatial distribution in the PN junction in such that the depletion region exhibits a substantially linear response with regard to a voltage applied to the PN junction to modulate a phase of the light guided by the optical waveguide.

Abstract: Compounds comprising peptides capable of binding C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. The compounds include a modified compstatin peptide or analog thereof, comprising an added N-terminal component that improves (1) the binding affinity of the peptide to C3, C3b or C3c and/or (2) the plasma stability and/or plasma residence time of the peptide, as compared with an unmodified compstatin peptide under equivalent conditions. Methods of improving the C3 binding of compstatin or compstatin analogs are also disclosed, as well as methods of designing compstatin analogs with improved C3 binding.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for performing uncertainty calculations. For example, a numeric value and an error range associated with the numeric value are converted by a processor into a trans-imaginary input dual which is a hybrid of numeric and geometric information having real and complex numbers. A dual calculation is performed using the trans-imaginary input dual to produce a trans-imaginary output dual, and the processor then converts the trans-imaginary output dual to a real number output numeric value that includes both a real number and real number error range or uncertainty associated with that real number.

Abstract: A system and a method determine a quality of a doped semiconductor layer in terms of a charge carrier density gradient by measuring two magnetic-field-dependent resistances using four contacts of a specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies targeted to BDCA2 that deplete plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with pDC.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating cardiomyopathies. The disclosed methods and pharmaceutical compositions may be used for treating lamin A/C (LMNA)-related dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) in a subject in need thereof. The disclosed methods may utilize and the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions may include an effective amount of a modulator of microtubule polymerization such as colchicine.

Abstract: Methods for recovering gold from gold-bearing materials are provided. The methods rely upon on the self-assembly of KAuBr4 and ?-cyclodextrin (?-CD) in aqueous solution to form a co-precipitate, a 1:2 complex, KAuBr4•(?-CD)2 (“?•Br”), either alone or in an extended {[K(OH2)6][AuBr4]?(?-CD)2}n chain superstructure (FIG. 1). The co-precipitation of ?•Br is selective for gold, even in the presence of other metals, including other square-planar noble metals. The method enables one to isolate gold from gold-bearing materials from diverse sources, as further described.

Abstract: This invention offers an effective method of decreasing expression of apolipoprotein E and increasing expression of at least one of either LDL-receptor protein or AbcA1 protein including selecting mammalian cells expressing apoE and at least one of either LDL-receptor protein or AbcA1 protein, contacting the mammalian cell with an effective amount of a compound having general formula (I) or general formula (II) in an amount sufficient to decrease expression of the apoE and increase expression of at least one of the LDL-receptor protein or the AbcA1 protein in the mammalian cell.

Abstract: An electric connection is provided, and has a first copper (Cu) layer, a second Cu layer, and a composite metal layer disposed between the first Cu layer and the second Cu layer. The composite metal layer has 0.01 wt. %?gallium (Ga)?20 wt. %, 0.01 wt. %?copper (Cu)?50 wt. %, and 30 wt. %?nickel (Ni)?99.98 wt. %. Moreover, a method of manufacturing the electric connection is provided, and has the steps of: (1) providing a first Cu layer and a second Cu layer; (2) forming a first Ni layer on the first Cu layer; (3) forming a second Ni layer on the second Cu layer; (4) forming a Ga layer on the first Ni layer; and (5) keeping the second Ni layer in contact with the Ga layer and carrying out a thermo-compress bonding therebetween to form the electric connection.