Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring three-dimensional radiation dose distributions with high spatial and temporal resolution using a large-volume scintillator. The scintillator converts the radiation dose distribution into a visible light distribution. The visible light is transported to one or more photo-detectors, which measure the light intensity. The light signals are processed to correct for optical artifacts, and the three-dimensional light distribution is reconstructed. The reconstructed light distribution is post-processed to convert light amplitudes to measured radiation doses. The high temporal resolution of the detector makes it possible to observe the evolution of a dynamic dose distribution as it changes over time. Integral dose distributions can be measured by summing the dose over time.

Abstract: A method for preparing an alloy, including mixing elemental powders of Nb and Zr to obtain a powder mixture, and mechanical alloying to obtain an alloyed powder mixture, where the alloyed powder is more than 50% amorphous. The spark plasma sintering machine was used for the consolidation of the Nb60Zr40 sample prepared by mechanical alloying. An Nb—Zr alloy composition obtained by the method, having an average crystallite size of 18 to 26 nm, hardness of 580.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for normalizing an image of an eye among multiple optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices. The system can receive an OCT image and generate a normalized OCT image. The system is configured to normalize a sample density of the received image, normalize an amount of noise using a suitable noise reduction technique, normalize a distribution of signal amplitudes of the image, and then normalize a signal quality of the image. The resulting normalized image of the eye can then be used in the comparison among OCT images taken from multiple OCT devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for filtering sequence clusters during a process of merging a newly generated nucleotide or amino acid sequence with a set of previously clustered sequences. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for assigning newly generated nucleotide or amino acid sequences to presumptive species called operational taxonomic units. In yet another embodiment, the sequences are derived from the cytochrome c oxidase I gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a core-shell structured particle, the method using a continuous Couette-Taylor crystallizer in which a core reactant inlet, a shell reactant inlet, and a product outlet are sequentially formed on an outer cylinder along a flow direction of a fluid flowing in a Couette-Taylor fluid passage between the outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, wherein a core particle is primarily formed in the fluid passage by a core reactant supplied through the core reactant inlet; a shell layer is formed on a surface of the core particle to cover the core particle by a shell reactant supplied through the shell reactant inlet; and a core-shell structured particle in which the shell layer is formed on the circumference of the core particle, is discharged to the outside through the product outlet.

Abstract: The present description relates to methods of administering effective amounts of an anti-arrhythmic agent, e.g., dantrolene, azumolene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the acute treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contraction, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and prevention of subsequent cardiac arrhythmias, wherein the methods effectuate a reduction in morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: Discussed are several practical cost-effective refinements, extensions, additions, and improvements to the manufactured three-dimensional convex-concave fairing with attached vortex generators that was disclosed by Simpson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,553). Extensions are disclosed for bridge piers and abutments at larger angles of attack of up to 45°, for piers and abutments downstream of a bend in a river where there is large-scale swirling approach flow, and for piers in close proximity to an adjacent pier of abutment.

Abstract: A bimodal metal nanocomposite of ceramic nanoparticles in a metal or metal alloy matrix has a microstructure showing a first “hard” phase containing the ceramic nanoparticles in the metal or metal alloy matrix, and a second “soft” phase comprising only the metal or metal alloy with few or no ceramic nanoparticles. The stiffness and yield strength of the bimodal metal nanocomposite is significantly increased compared to the metal or metal alloy alone, while the ductility of the metal or metal alloy is retained. A process for making the bimodal metal matrix nanocomposite includes milling a powder mixture of micrometer-size metal flakes and ceramic nanoparticles for a time sufficient to embed the ceramic nanoparticles into the metal flakes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral dosage forms of vitamin(s) and/or dietary mineral(s) or nicotine produced by printing techniques. The present invention also relates to a method of producing an oral dosage form of vitamin(s) and/or dietary mineral(s) or nicotine by printing technique(s).

Abstract: Novel ligands for metal complex compounds that are useful as a phosphorescent emitter in organic light emitting devices that incorporate fluorinated side chains in the ligands are disclosed. Such metal complex has at least one substituent R selected from the group consisting of partially fluorinated alkyl, partially fluorinated cycloalkyl, and combinations thereof, wherein R is directly bonded to an aromatic ring, In the compound, C having an F attached thereto is separated by at least one carbon atom from the aromatic ring.

Abstract: Novel compositions, methods, systems and devices are disclosed which contain markers for definitive medication adherence monitoring for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) delivered topically, vaginally or rectally. This invention is useful in a wide range of contexts, including, but not limited to, clinical trial settings, home use settings, or other settings, where it is necessary to definitively confirm that a given patient has taken or been administered a given medication at the correct time and in the correct dosage via a topical, vaginal or rectal route of delivery. Specific formulations of markers are disclosed for inclusion in compositions for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) delivery, including but not limited to delivery of microbicidally active compounds such that on topical, vaginal or rectal delivery, said AEM is detected in the breath or an Exhaled Drug Emplacement Marker, EDEM, which is a metabolite of the AEM, is detected in the breath.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds that act as activators of the NRF2/KEAP1/ARE pathway. Specifically, the compounds provided herein can act as high affinity reversible bindings for the NRF2 inhibitor, KEAP1. In some cases, NRF2/KEAP1/ARE pathway activation compounds are capable of repressing expression of inflammatory markers and/or reducing levels of TNFa to provide neuroprotective anti-inflammatory effects in the CNS. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases including Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, and cancer.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method and apparatus for detecting subject matter of interest in view data obtained by scanning an object including generating a filter adapted to respond to the subject matter of interest, splatting the filter onto a portion of the view data to provide a filter splat, and performing at least one operation on the portion of the view data using the filter splat to facilitate determining whether the subject matter of interest is present in the portion of the view data.

Abstract: A varifocal lens capable of exhibiting high lens performance even with low lens power, and also capable of realizing a comparatively large aperture includes a first elastic membrane arranged between a first medium and a second medium. The first elastic membrane is capable of elastic deformation by pressure from the first medium or the second medium. A drive section causes change in curvature of the first elastic membrane by causing variation in pressure or volume of the first medium or the second medium. The first tensile force applying section applies isotropic tensile force to the first elastic membrane.

Abstract: Provided are a novel compound having skin-whitening, anti-oxidizing and PPAR activities and a medical use thereof, and the compound has skin-whitening activities for the suppression of tyrosinase, and accordingly, is useful for use in skin-whitening pharmaceutical composition or cosmetic products; has anti-oxidant activities, and accordingly, is useful for the prevention and treatment of skin-aging; and has PPAR activities, and in particular, PPAR? and PPAR? activities, and accordingly, is useful for use in pharmaceutical compositions or health foods which are effective for the prevention and treatment of obesity, metabolic disease, or cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Whole exome sequencing of 12 tumor-normal DNA pairs, RNAseq analysis and targeted deep sequencing identified new genetic alterations in PTCL transformation. These analyses identified highly recurrent epigenetic factor mutations in TET2, DN-MT3A and IDH2 as well as a new highly prevalent RHOA p.Gly17Val (NM_001664) mutation present in 22/35 (67%) of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITL) and in 8/44 (18%) not otherwise specified PTCL (PTCL NOS) samples. Mechanistically, the RHOA Gly17Val protein interferes with RHOA signaling in biochemical and cellular assays, an effect potentially mediated by the sequestration of activated Guanine Exchange Factor (GEF) proteins. In addition, new and recurrent, genetic defects are described including mutations in FYN, ATM, B2M and CD58 implicating SRC signaling, impaired DNA damage response and escape from immune surveillance mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PTCL.

Abstract: The expression of a mRNA encoding a putative 76 amino acid, secreted protein (“Enho1”) was found to negatively correlate with fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels. A recombinant adenovirus was used to increase the expression of Enho1 mRNA in two mouse models of obesity, KK-Ay and Lepob/Lepob mice. Over-expression of Enho1 by adenovirus injection significantly, and reproducibly, reduced fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels in both models. In addition, transgenic mice strains were made that over express Enho1 protein. Additionally, the expression of a key gene involved in lipogenesis (fatty acid synthase) and FAS protein levels were reduced by ENHO1 adenoviral treatment in Lepob/Lepob mice.

Abstract: A method of treating a BORG expressing cancer includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one BORG inhibiting agent to the BORG overexpressing cancer cells of the subject.

Abstract: Provided is a technology for producing a positive electrode active substance mainly composed of FeOF having a sufficient charge-discharge capacity, in the short-time and easy manner. Also provided is a positive electrode active substance mainly composed of FeOF. The method for producing the positive electrode active substance mainly composed of FeOF comprises the steps of admixing iron oxide Fe2O3 and iron fluoride FeF3 both in solid states, and melt-quenching the mixture in an atmosphere of inert gas. The positive electrode active substance mainly composed of FeOF is composed of not less than 50% by weight of FeOF with a remainder being iron fluoride FeF3 and/or iron oxide Fe2O3.