Abstract: A plastid transformation vector for a stably transforming a plastid genome is provided. The vector includes, as operably-linked components, a first flanking sequence, a DNA sequence coding for a therapeutic human IFN, which is capable of expression in the plastid and a second flanking sequence. The invention also provides isolated and purified IFN, wherein the IFN is configured in a monomeric or multimeric form and is a structural equivalent to orally administered human IFN. Also provided are methods for variable-expressing biopharmaceutical proteins in plants suitable for mammal consumption. The method includes integrating a plastid transformation vector into a plastid genome of a plant cell; growing the plant cell to express a biopharmaceutical protein, such as therapeutic human interferon IFN. Also disclosed are plants transformed with the aforementioned vectors, and the progeny thereof. Also, disclosed is the IFN, which is IFN?2b.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to conjugates comprising GM-CSF and IL-4 and uses related thereto, e.g., enhancing the immune system. Typically the GM-CSF and IL-4 are connected by a linker. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding these polypeptide conjugates, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding polypeptide conjugates, and protein expression systems comprising these vectors such as infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a compound represented by the following structural formula: (Formula (I)); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF23 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from a disorder, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the ?Klotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing.

Abstract: Methods for making a magnesium biodegradable stent for medical implant applications, using magnesium foil or pure magnesium or magnesium alloys that are biodegradable and performing a lithographic technique to configure the features and dimensions of the magnesium foil, and rolling the magnesium foil to form a cylinder.

Abstract: Processes and intermediates for preparing linezolid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and composition for tumor therapy, especially esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), are described. For example, in certain aspects methods for determining Hedgehog and mTOR signaling pathway status to select patients for administering a combination therapy of Hedgehog and mTOR signaling inhibitors are described. Furthermore, the invention provides compositions that involve testing kits for determining signaling status.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a peptide having a stabilized secondary structure. The present invention provides a peptide having a secondary structure stabilized by a crosslinked structure and containing at least one combination of a special amino acid of the formula (I): (wherein, (A) represents a single bond or a linking group having, in the main chain thereof, from 1 to 10 atoms; (B) represents a group containing at least one ? bond; (C) represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may be substituted with a substituent; and X represents a group substitutable by a substitution reaction with a sulfanyl group) and an amino acid having, in the side chain thereof, a sulfanyl group; and having the crosslinked structure formed through a thioether bond between the side chain of the special amino acid residue and the sulfanyl group.

Abstract: A stent delivery system may be used to position a stent in a body lumen. An endoscope may be positionable in the stent delivery system facilitating direct visual observation during placement of the stent. The stent delivery system may include a first conduit, wherein the endoscope is positionable. A second conduit, wherein the first conduit is positionable, may function to releasably position the stent in the body lumen during use. The stent delivery system may include a lock that functions to inhibit movement of the first conduit relative to the second conduit during use. Retraction of the distal end of the second conduit, relative to the first conduit and the stent, may deploy the stent in a body lumen. Indicia, visibly positioned on the proximal end of the stent delivery system, may function to facilitate determination of an extent of deployment of the stent during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing differentiated cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cell, wherein undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are removed, the method comprising steps of: (a) preparing a cell sample including undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells; and (b) causing selective apoptosis of the undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells by treating the resultant in step (a) with quercetin of Formula 1 below or with YM-155 of Formula 2 below.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polyarylene sulfide resin comprising: reacting a sulfoxide represented by the following formula (1) with a particular aromatic compound to obtain a poly(arylenesulfonium salt) having a particular constitutional unit; and dealkylating or dearylating the poly(arylenesulfonium salt) to obtain a polyarylene sulfide resin having a particular constitutional unit, wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, etc.; Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent an arylene group optionally having a substituent; and Z represents a direct bond, etc.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: Methods and kits are described for testing for the presence or absence of any fungus in a sample. Examples of fungi that can be detected include, but are not limited to, those belonging to the genera Candida, Aspergillus and Pneumocystis. The methods include obtaining a sample suspected of containing fungal nucleic acid, including at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid, and testing for the presence or absence in the sample of the at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid. Samples may be biological or non-biological.

Abstract: Provided are methods of diagnosing IgA nephropathy in a subject. Optionally, the methods comprise isolating an IgG from the subject and determining whether the IgG binds to a galactose-deficient IgA1. Optionally, the methods comprise providing a biological sample from the subject and detecting in the sample a mutation in a IGH gene, wherein the mutation is in a nucleotide sequence encoding a complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of a IGH variable region. Optionally, the methods comprise determining a level of IgG specific for a galactose-deficient IgA1 in the subject. Also provided are methods of treating or reducing the risk of developing IgA nephropathy in a subject.

Abstract: A dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer with an alkylenediamine core, a dithiocarbamate pendant functional group and a dithiocarbamate end functional group, as a soil heavy metal immobilization amendment, and a preparation method thereof are provided. The dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer has a chemical formula of (CH2)a{N[CH2CH2COOCH2C(C2H5)(CH2OCOCH2CH2N(CSSM)CH2(CH2)bCH2N(CSS M)2)2]2}2, wherein a is a positive integer larger than 2; b is a positive integer at a range of 0-4; and M is Na+, NH4+ or K+. The dithiocarbamate functionalized dendrimer with the alkylenediamine core is used for an in-suit immobilization remediation for soil contaminated by heavy metals, and has advantages of a small dosage, high efficiency, safety and rapidness. The dendrimer is able to effectively immobilize exchangeable and carbonated bound forms of the heavy metals, in such a manner that the immobilized heavy metals are able to resist an influence from natural environment for a long term, such as an acid rain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device (10) for converting a light (12) received thereby. The device (10) comprises a resonating structure (14) comprising a Raman medium. The resonating structure is arranged to resonate Raman light (18) generated by a Raman interaction between the Raman medium and the light (12) when so received.

Abstract: Video streaming applications are a major contributor to the recent dramatic rise of data traffic in cellular networks. Mobile users in a cellular network often experience fluctuating data rates, which might affect the quality of video they view in a streaming service. Although replacing such video streaming services with video downloading/renting services could potentially allow such mobile users to enjoy consistently higher quality videos, such services typically cost a lot more than video streaming services because of legal copyright pricing and management issues. By downloading enhancement layers but streaming base layers of the content, mobile users can enjoy download-quality videos with a service (legally) classified as a streaming service.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new variety of Prunus persica named ‘Royal Zest One’. This new variety, which requires approximately 600 chilling units of dormancy, is considered to be a peach tree of early season maturity, which produces yellow fleshed fruit that are firm, attractively colored, and suitable for the regional fresh fruit market.