Abstract: A perceptual-learning system and method is used to improve age-related declines in contrast sensitivity. The system and method comprises a processor and monitor, and a first set of instructions executable on the processor configured to familiarize subjects with the system. A second set of instructions are executable on the processor configured for training the subjects.

Abstract: The Toona sinensis extract of the present invention is prepared using supercritical fluid technique, wherein the method includes steps of: (a) drying the leaves of T. sinensis; (b) pulverizing the leaves as particles; and (c) extracting the particles with supercritical carbon dioxide to obtain the T. sinensis extract. This supercritical T. sinensis extract not only can decrease blood sugar level, but also promotes lipid degradation, inhibits the formation of huge lipid droplet and improves the metabolic symptoms. Accordingly, the T. sinensis extract further is able to be prepared as food supplement and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a P-N junction in a semiconductor structure, e.g. silicon (Si) structure, is presented. The method may include several implantation steps performed at a single implantation angle with respect to the Si structure. In a first implantation step, a first dopant species is implanted over a first portion of the Si structure including a first edge of the Si structure. In a second implantation step, a second dopant species is implanted over a second portion of the Si structure including a second edge of the Si structure opposed to the first edge but excluding the first edge. The first portion and the second portion may overlap in a central portion of the Si structure between the first edge and the second edge, such that the second dopant species may be implanted below the first dopant species.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of inducing and/or promoting cardiomyocyte maturation comprising: providing an immature cardiomyocyte; providing a three dimensional (3D) cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold; and inducing and/or promoting cardiomyocyte cell maturation by seeding the immature cardiomyocyte in the 3D cardiac ECM scaffold and harvesting once the cardiomyocyte has reached maturity. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a disease in a mammal comprising transplanting a mature cardiomyocyte into an ischemic heart, wherein the mature cardiomyocyte is generated comprising the steps of: providing an immature cardiomyocyte; providing a 3D cardiac ECM scaffold; and generating mature cardiomyocyte by seeding the immature cardiomyocyte in a 3D cardiac ECM scaffold or co-culturing the immature cardiomyocyte in the presence of endothelial cells or stromal cells; and harvesting once the cardiomyocyte has reached maturity.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for proliferating muscle cells by exposing the muscle cells to a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) compound or compound that activates PGE2 signaling. Also provided are methods for regenerating muscle in a subject suffering from muscular atrophy, dystrophy, and/or injury by administering a PGE2 compound alone or in combination with isolated muscle cells. The PGE2 compound in combination with the isolated muscle cells can be administered prophylactically to prevent a muscle disease or condition.

Abstract: An application code obfuscating apparatus includes a secret code divider, a secret code caller, a code converter and an obfuscating part. The secret code divider is configured to divide an application code having a first type into a secret code and a normal code. The secret code caller generating part is configured to generate a secret code caller to call the secret code. The code converter is configured to convert the secret code having the first type to a second type. The obfuscating part is configured to generate a first table and a second table. The first table includes an obfuscated signature of the secret code and a first random vector. The second table includes an offset of the secret code which corresponds to the obfuscated signature of the secret code and a second random vector which is liked with the first random vector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for 4-dimensional printing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a polymer pen array translatable in three axes, a light source for illuminating the polymer pen array, a reactive surface disposed opposite the polymer pen array, and a flow-through microfluidic cell having a reactive chamber in fluid communication with influx and outflux conduits. Solutions containing reagents are introduced into the reactive chamber, the polymer pen array is inserted into the reactive chamber, and is then illuminated with the light source so as to initiate polymerization between the reagents and the reactive surface.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a masonry structure is described wherein polyester thread reinforcement strips are manufactured and mounted on the masonry structure to protect it from lateral forces caused by earthquake and other natural occurring phenomena that generally produce bending moments in the masonry structure. The disclosed method can easily and economically be applied to reinforce masonry structures in underprivileged regions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to detect a mutation related to BCR-ABL inhibitor resistance with high accuracy for chronic myelogenous leukemia or the like. A method for detecting the mutation comprises the steps of: amplifying a region including a fusion site and a mutation site related to BCR-ABL inhibitor resistance contained in a BCR-ABL fusion gene using a biological sample collected from a subject; and genotyping of the mutation site related to BCR-ABL inhibitor resistance using nucleic acids amplified in the above step.

Abstract: A scene is segmented into objects based on light field data for the scene, including based on image pixel values (e.g., intensity) and disparity map(s). In one aspect, the light field data is used to estimate one or more disparity maps for the scene taken from different viewpoints. The scene is then segmented into a plurality of regions that correspond to objects in the scene. Unlike other approaches, the regions can be variable-depth. In one approach, the regions are defined by boundaries. The boundaries are determined by varying the boundary to optimize an objective function for the region defined by the boundary. The objective function is based in part on a similarity function that measures a similarity of image pixel values for pixels within the boundary and also measures a similarity of disparities for pixels within the boundary.

Abstract: An improved graft polymerization method from general graphitic structures with organic based monomers through the mechanism of Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization was developed. Organic hybrid nanoma erialls comprising graphitic structures are covalently bonded via chemically reactive groups on the outer walls of the structure, Methods for forming the covalently bonded structures to many organic based. monomers and/or polymers may occur through RAFT polymerization utilizing dithioester as a chain transfer agent. The mrmethod may also comprise nanocomposite formation of such organic hybrid nanomaterials with common plastic(s) to form graphitic nanocomposite reinforced plastic articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use thereof for inhibiting mutant HTT mRNA transcription or CAG-expanded HTT protein expression in a cell, comprising contacting the cell with an effective amount of an oligomer targeting a differentiating polymorphism, wherein the differentiating polymorphism is selected from rs72239206, rs363107, rs362313, rs2530595, rs113407847. Specific oligomer sequences are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a globally universal key factor preset array platform for dynamic forecast analysis of biological populations, which can be used to preset massive arrays of standard environmental factors; and through the Internet user's registration system, global users for biological population dynamic forecast can instantly select the contents suitable for their own country or local region to construct an accurate statistically forecast model for specific area and specific biological population dynamics, so as to make an accurate quantitative forecast of biological population dynamics in the future. Each preset data is co-located by a row variable coordinate and a column variable coordinate. Each located individual data can not be interchanged up and down or to and fro, the row variable coordinate is time coordinate and the column variable coordinate is space coordinate.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiparametric method of assessing the reaction of a patient's immune system to a test subject. The invention compares a patient sample reacted with a test sample and a third party sample and combines the assessments of the multiple parameters to correlate the test reaction with a clinical event.

Abstract: A portable device for detecting the nutrition level of a plant includes an outer casing and a detection circuit. The outer casing includes belt pulleys, a cam, upper and lower clamping plates. The detection circuit is arranged in the outer casing and realizes an electric signal processing function and a display function. The portable device for detecting the nutrition level of the plant has the following beneficial effects: the device can be used for analyzing whether nutrient elements in crops are deficient or excessive, which is taken as the basis for accurate fertilization, and the device has low detection cost, high real-time capability, small size and is portable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for diagnosing an active mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by detecting certain RNA biomarkers present in secreted extracellular vesicles isolated from a bodily fluid. The RNA biomarkers in the secreted extracellular vesicles may include a certain mycobacterium RNAs as well as certain host cell RNAs. Also provided is an RNA signature of certain mycobacterium and host cell RNA present in secreted extracellular vesicles indicative of an active tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that include an extract of human feces, and methods for using such compositions, including methods for replacing or supplementing or modifying a subject's colon microbiota, and methods for treating a disease, pathological condition, and/or iatrogenic condition of the colon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an eye-tracked field of view restrictor for a virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or mixed reality system that reduces the effects of virtual reality sickness and/or cybersickness. A field of view restrictor with a soft-edge, hard edge, or arbitrary dynamic aperture is utilized, and the aperture is adjusted to increase and/or decrease the perceived field of view in the augmented reality, virtual reality, and/or mixed reality system. Each field of view restrictor moves in response to the movement of an operator's eyes as tracked by an eye tracking system, such that the eye-tracker can direct the positioning, repositioning, and/or reorientation of the field of view restrictors. The adjustments can be imperceptible to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compound comprising the formula: wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms, or a compound of the formula wherein the S is replaced by CH2, and optionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. A method of treating a patient having cancer or a disease comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a cognitive bias assay on a lab animal. The apparatus may include a first base member and a second base member spaced apart from the first base member to form an interior region between the first and second base members. The second base member may include a plurality of spaced apertures providing access to the interior region. Each of the plurality of apertures may be sized to receive a lab animal. The second base member may be configured to support the lab animal. The apparatus may further include a stimulus device operative to project an aversive stimulus towards the second base member.