Abstract: The present inventors have found microRNAs which are strongly associated with stabilization of NRF2 in tumors, and an object of the present invention is to provide means for utilizing such miRNAs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The inventors conducted screening of 470 microRNAs in a microRNA library by use of HeLa cells. As a result, 8 miRNAs each exhibiting a large decrease in miRNA activity as compared with a control miRNA, and 8 miRNAs each exhibiting a large increase in miRNA activity as compared with a control miRNA, were identified. The inventors have found that the NRF2 activation in the living body, in particular tumor cells, can be detected by use of the thus-identified miRNAs, whereby malignancy of a tumor, or the like can be differentiated. The inventors have also found that a nucleic acid including a miRNA sequence associated with reduction in the aforementioned ARE activity can be used as a cancer therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing ?-caprolactone. The method comprises the steps of: adding cyclohexanone, a co-oxidant and a certain amount of catalyst into a certain amount of organic solvent, using molecular oxygen as an oxidant, implementing a reaction with stirring for 0.1 to 24 hours under a pressure of 0.1 to 2 MPa and at a temperature of 60° C. to 100° C., wherein the co-oxidant is acrolein, and the catalyst is a carbon material. The present invention has the advantages of high-efficiency co-oxidant, easily available and recovered catalyst, environmental-friendly oxidant, simple operation and low cost.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a very simple and convenient method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer. The herein disclosed method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer includes a step of preparing an emulsion containing a water-soluble polymer, water, and a dispersoid, wherein the water-soluble polymer is dissolved and the dispersoid is dispersed in the emulsion, and a step of evaporating and thereby removing the water and the dispersoid from the emulsion. The boiling point of the dispersoid is higher than the boiling point of water. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the dispersoid is lower than the solubility of the water-soluble polymer in water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, a motor neuron disease, or a demyelinating disease. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a Ppargc1a activator 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole, 2-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-1H-benzimidazole, in an effective amount. A preferred route of administration is oral administration.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) model of a tumor made of a synthetic material and a plurality of cell types, including malignant cells and non-malignant cells of the tumor, having a full HLA match, such that the synthetic material and the plurality of cell types are arranged in high matchability to a 3D image of the tumor, is provided. Methods of forming the 3D tumor model by bioprinting are also provided, as well as systems in which the 3D tumor model can be perfused and fluidly connected to a medium containing immune cells and/or other cells and factors present in the tumor's microenvironment. Methods utilizing the 3D tumor model or the system in, for example, personalized therapy, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing policy-based storage service federation can include: identifying whether or not a policy is applicable for a request received from a client by a request interceptor; obtaining a policy by evaluating request information relating to the request and a policy status; and obtaining a customized set of storage services based on the policy. The method can provide a framework corresponding to a storage federation layer to allow fast application development.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a haplotype or a diplotype in a genetic sample. The method comprises the steps of contacting a probe-complex with the genetic sample, wherein the probe complex comprises at least two probes, hybridizing at least two probes to a polynucleotide sequence, each of which is specific to one of two or more genetic variants, determining the presence or absence of at least one genetic variant by detecting a signal emitted from at least one probe, wherein detection of said signal is indicative of the the presence of a genetic variant, removing or displacing at least one of said probes from said sample, and detecting a change in the signal to determine the haplotype or a diplotype in the genetic sample. Kits for use in the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that disrupt RNA-RNA interactions of influenza virus genome segments that are required for virus packaging are described. The ASOs can be used to inhibit influenza A virus replication in vitro and in vivo. Use of the ASOs for the treatment of a subject with an influenza virus infection is also described.

Abstract: A method for obtaining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) echo-planar image (EPI) data, including providing a homogeneous, static background field; providing a gradient field to select a slice of an object for imaging; applying Radio-frequency (RF) pulses to excite magnetic resonance in the selected slice; and measuring a radio frequency signal emitted by the selected slice containing image data. The RF pulses are repeatedly applied separated by a time period shorter than a recovery time of static material in the selected slice such that the static material remains in a state of magnetic saturation, while dynamic material arriving within the slice since a previous RF pulse is not magnetically saturated.

Abstract: A device for shaping tissue includes a tip with an internal close-looped circulation system. The tip is configured to connect to tubes. One tube is configured to connect to a submersible cold-water pump. Another tube is an outlet. The tip has a sapphire window on one face and, on opposite face, a shaft with a laser fiber therein, and an opening for laser beam to shine through.

Abstract: Herein described are systems and methods of ultrasound imaging. More particularly, embodiments described herein provide an ultrasound simulator based on the physics of ultrasound, such that it is possible to realistically reproduce most of the common characteristics of ultrasound examinations. Further, methods are described herein which may affect the computational efficiency of ultrasound simulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a head-mounted projection display, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a polarized head-mounted projection display including a light engine and a compact, high-performance projection lens for use with reflective microdisplays.

Abstract: The facebow with double bite forks uses two bite forks. The bite forks are connected to one common handle of the bite fork secured to the facebow frame. The assembly for the two bite forks helps to maintain a predetermined vertical distance of 1.5 centimeters between them. An infraorbital pointer is also attached to the facebow frame. It is secured in place to act as the anterior reference point. The adjustable earpieces inserted into the patient's external auditory meatuses are adjusted to be considered as posterior reference points. This assembly helps to record the facebow and centric relation positions simultaneously.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells, including bone marrow-derived endothelial cells (BMDEC), and increasing their function by administration of relaxin. The methods of the invention can be used in, for example, treating conditions amenable to treatment by recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells, such as BMDEC and bone marrow-derived angio-osteogcnic progenitor cell.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices, compositions and kits for diagnosing or predicting transplant status or outcome in a subject who has received a transplant.

Abstract: An elongated girder for use in a bridge includes a girder body having a modified V-shaped cross section. The body includes longitudinally extending webs defining sides of the girder, a bottom flange extending between the webs, and top flanges extending outwardly from the webs.

Abstract: Peptides of 5 to 14 amino acids in length that stimulate subcutaneous adipogenesis in mammals and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: Provided are a pharmaceutical composition including geraniol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient for use in preventing or treating diabetes mellitus, a method of preventing or treating diabetes mellitus or a complication due to diabetes mellitus of an individual, in which the method includes administering the individual with a pharmaceutical composition comprising geraniol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient and inducing an olfactory stimulation to the individual using the pharmaceutical composition, and a screening method of an antidiabetic agent that may include contacting a cell expressing an olfactory receptor with a test material; measuring a level of expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secreted from the cell; and determining the test material, when the test material promotes expression of GLP-1, as a candidate material of an antidiabetic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of refining aluminum alloy, which is characterized in that aluminum-based nanometer quasicrystal alloy is used as an aluminum alloy refiner to refine the aluminum alloy; the aluminum-based nanometer quasicrystal alloy does not comprise Si, Fe or Cr; the aluminum-based nanometer quasicrystal alloy consists of (1) Al; (2) Mn and (3) La and/or Ce. The refiner selected in the invention is rare earth-containing alloy which has a strong refinement ability on the aluminum alloy, and is nanometer quasicrystal; after adding the rare earth-containing alloy to melt, the element distribution of the rare earth-containing alloy is more uniform than that of traditional alloy; and nanometer quasicrystal particles substantially increase the number of heterogeneous nucleation particles and improve the grain refinement effect of the aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating an oral disease by reducing adhesion of microorganisms, e.g. Candida albicans, to dental appliances fabricated and/or repaired by an autopolymerizing acrylic reinforcement resin comprising zirconium dioxide nanoparticles.