Abstract: A system and method for determining a magnetic field map when using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to acquire images from a region of interest (ROI) of a subject. The method includes selecting a pulse sequence to elicit a plurality of echoes from the subject as medical imaging data from the subject. The method also includes optimizing an echo time for a dynamic range of interest during the pulse sequence (SBmax), a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR0) in the medical imaging data, and minimum T2* value in the ROI. The method further includes generating a magnetic field map estimation using the optimized echo times.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammation are disclosed, such as for treating ocular inflammation. In some embodiments, the ocular inflammation is inflammation of an ocular surface, such as keratitis. The methods include administering to a subject with inflammation a therapeutically effective amount of SLURP1, or a nucleic acid encoding SLURP1, thereby treating the inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention includes the Paramyxovirus Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5) as an oncolytic agent for treating various cancers, including, but not limited to breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma. PIV5 oncolytic agents include both wild type PIV5 and various recombinant PIV5 constructs. Recombinant PIV5 constructs may include PIV5 lacking the conserved C-terminus of the V protein (PIV5VAC), PIV5 with mutations in the N-terminus of the V/P protein (PIV5CPI?), and PIV5 expressing MDA-7/IL-24 (rPIV5-MDA7), rPIV5-V/P-CPI?, rPIV5-CPI+, rPIV-Rev, rPIV5-RL, rPIV5-P-S157A, rPIV5-P-S308A, rPIV5-L-A1981D, rPIV5-F-S443P, rPIV5-MDA7, rPIV5ASH-CPI?, or rPIV5ASH-Rev. Also included are methods of making and using such oncolytic agents and compositions including such oncolytic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to helminthic parasite preparations and their use for treatment or prevention of GVHD in a subject that has undergone a transplant. The invention also related to helminthic parasite preparations and their use for prevention of GVHD in a subject prior to a transplant.

Abstract: Methods for treating type one diabetes mellitus in a subject in need thereof and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of type one diabetes mellitus are disclosed, including combination therapies with insulin. The methods include administering an effective amount of apolipoprotein A-IV to the subject having type I diabetes. The pharmaceutical composition includes apolipoprotein A-IV formulated for administration to a subject for the treatment of type one diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing aziridines including isotopically labelled aziridines, said methods comprising contacting an imine or one or more precursors thereof with a diazo compound in the presence of a phosphoramide or a phosphoramide-derived catalyst. The present invention also relates to aziridines, modified aziridines and aziridine-derived compounds preparable by the aforementioned methods, and to phosphoramide or phosphoramide-derived catalysts suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for manufacturing micro-beads (polymer micro-particles) comprising thermoplastic polymer and having the average particle size of 10 ?m or less, and extending into the nano-range. An original filament comprising a thermoplastic polymer is passed through an orifice under an air pressure (P1) and guided to a spray chamber under a pressure (P2; where P1>P2). The original filament having passed through the orifice is heated and melted under irradiation by an infrared beam, and is sprayed in microparticulate form from the orifice by the flow of air generated by the pressure differential between P1 to P2, whereby micro-beads comprising thermoplastic polymer micro-particles having an average particle size of 10 ?m or less, and even less than 1 ?m are manufactured.

Abstract: Provided are a cell selection method performed by UE in a wireless communication system and UE using the method. The method includes generating data use pattern information, the data use pattern information including an amount of data used for each moving speed of the UE, receiving data providing pattern information that informs an amount of data provided by the wireless communication system for each specific moving speed of the UE, determining an access type of the UE based on the data use pattern information and the data providing pattern information, selecting a type of a cell to be accessed according to the access type and selecting a cell from cells having the cell type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved multiplexed oligonucleotide detection method based on the nanopore technology with one or more probes containing a sequence with complementarity to the target oligonucleotide, a terminal extension at the probe's 3? terminus, 5? terminus, or both termini and a label attached to the terminus. The improved probes and probe sets enable sensitive, selective, and direct multiplex detection, differentiation and quantification of distinct target oligonucleotides such as miRNAs. The inventive detection method may also be employed as a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic method based on miRNA levels in the patient's tissue sample.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of an artificial object, made up of a plurality of geometric primitives, the artificial object being in a single two-dimensional photograph, the method comprising: using edge detection to define a two-dimensional outline of the artificial object within the photograph; interactively allowing a user to define two-dimensional profiles of successive ones of the geometric primitives; interactively allowing a user to sweep respective profiles over an extent of a corresponding one of the geometric primitives within the image; generating successive three-dimensional model parts from existing detected edges of the corresponding geometric primitives and the sweeping of the respective profile; and aligning the plurality of three-dimensional model parts to form the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A modular two axis solar tracking system contemplates a first fixed base and a slidable/rotatable arm fixed to the first fixed base. The fixed base includes a primary linear actuator and a first movable element movable along a fixed axis. A second linear actuator is fixed at one end of the first movable element and an inverted J-shaped element is movable along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. A second fixed base is disposed in an open area surrounded by an open area defined by a U-shaped lower portion of the inverted J-shaped element. A slidable rotatable arm includes a projection coupled to the inverted J-shaped element that together with the first and second actuator move collection at the ends of the slidable/rotatable arm or arms to track the sun.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for the recovery of an aircraft energy upset in a time-constrained descent. The system includes a computational unit to assess a number of adjustments involving a combination of speed changes, aerodynamic brake deployment and track miles adjustments that alter the energy dissipation profile whilst allowing the aircraft to maintain a pre-determined time-of-arrival over an incoming waypoint along the original descent path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of identifying a human subject at-risk of developing SeSAME syndrome. The invention also includes a method of diagnosing a human subject afflicted with SeSAME syndrome. The invention further includes a method of identifying a therapeutic agent that modulates a given KCNJ10 mediated K+ current in a mammalian cell. The invention also includes a method of diagnosing a subject as a carrier of SeSAME syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of use thereof, for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or an undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, excipient, astringent, vasoconstrictor, emollient, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and surface active phospholipids, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical administration.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: The present invention includes a novel salt-free water softening method that utilizes an exchange medium (such as a gel exchange polymer, a macroporous exchange polymer, or an inorganic cation exchanger) that is pre-loaded with a polyvalent cation that has low solubility in aqueous phase at nearly neutral pH. The method of the invention does not require use of a sodium salt or mineral acid in the regeneration of the exchange medium.

Abstract: A nonlinear metasurface structure including a multi-quantum-well layer designed for a nonlinear response for a desired nonlinear optical process and an array of nanoantennas coupled to the intersubband transitions of the multi-quantum-well layer. Each nanoantenna in the array is designed to have electromagnetic resonances at or close to all input and output frequencies of a given nonlinear optical process. Nanoantennas allow efficient coupling of any incident and outgoing light polarizations to intersubband transitions. Nanoantennas may further provide significant field enhancement in the multi-quantum-well layer. As a result, the nonlinear metasurface structure can be designed to produce a highly nonlinear response for any polarization and angle of incidence of incoming and outgoing waves in a nonlinear optical process. Due to their very larger nonlinear response, efficient frequency conversion can be produced in these metasurfaces without the stringent phase-matching constraints of bulk nonlinear crystals.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses can determine and use methylation profiles of various tissues and samples. Examples are provided. A methylation profile can be deduced for fetal/tumor tissue based on a comparison of plasma methylation (or other sample with cell-free DNA) to a methylation profile of the mother/patient. A methylation profile can be determined for fetal/tumor tissue using tissue-specific alleles to identify DNA from the fetus/tumor when the sample has a mixture of DNA. A methylation profile can be used to determine copy number variations in genome of a fetus/tumor. Methylation markers for a fetus have been identified via various techniques. The methylation profile can be determined by determining a size parameter of a size distribution of DNA fragments, where reference values for the size parameter can be used to determine methylation levels. Additionally, a methylation level can be used to determine a level of cancer.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘NCHA4’ is disclosed, characterized by large, mop-head inflorescences with prevalent sterile flowers. Plants produce distinctive two-toned sepals with pink upper surfaces and deep pink lower surfaces. Plant habit is compact, and plants are triploid. The new variety is a Hydrangea normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.