Abstract: An independent component analysis processor conducts real-time operations of multiple-channel parallel signals. The processor includes an input buffering unit for receiving and storing multiple-channel parallel signals, a mean/covariance unit, a centering unit for removing direct current components in the multiple channels parallel signals, a whitening unit for performing a whitening process, and an ICA training unit and an ICA calculating unit that perform an independent component analysis process, to calculate independent components in the multiple-channel parallel signals and separate artifacts from the signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for preventing and/or treating Plasmodium falciparum infections, which comprises a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or represented by formula (1), and an adjuvant. X1-A-B-X2-Y-X3-(Y)n-X4-(Y)n-X5??(1) (In the formula, X1 represents the 1st to 7th amino acid residues in a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; X2 represents the 73th to 177th amino acid residues; X3 represents the 178th to 258th amino acid residues; X4 represents the 259th to 289th amino acid residues; X5 represents the 290th to 334th amino acid residues; A represents an 8-mer repeat sequence contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; B represents a sequence of a serine-rich region contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; Y represents any one selected from A-A, A-B, and B; and n is an integer of 0 or 1).

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted 1-benzylindolin-2-one analog compounds, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (mAChR M1); synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: An agent for inhibiting P-glycoproteins comprises a non-natural adenine ribose analog.

Abstract: A voltage boost converter includes: a main voltage boost portion that has a first switch and a first coil, and that raises output voltage of a direct-current power source by using counter electromotive force of the coil caused by the switch performing a switching action on the coil; and a subsidiary voltage boost portion which has a capacitor that adjusts potential difference between two poles of the switch by amount of electricity stored, and which reduces switching loss of the switch by adjusting the amount of electricity in the capacitor during the switching action, and which has a second switch and a second coil. The second coil is formed by winding a wire around at least a portion of a core formed of a magnetic body. The core is provided with a gap formed of a non-magnetic body. A core region formed of a magnetic body is adjacent to the gap.

Abstract: A biosensor and method of making are disclosed. The biosensor is configured to detect a target and may include a peptide immobilized on a sensing component, the sensing component having an anode and a cathode. The immobilized peptide may comprise an antimicrobial peptide binding motif for the target. The sensing component has an electrical conductivity that changes in response to binding of the immobilized peptide to the target. The immobilized peptide may bind one or more targets selected from the list consisting of: bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, pathogens, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and cancerous cells. The biosensor may have a display with a readout that is responsive to changes in electrical conductivity of the sensing component. The display unit may be wirelessly coupled to the sensing component. A resonant circuit with an inductive coil may be electrically coupled to the sensing component.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be configured to perform operations related to digital image processing. In a general aspect, this disclosure describes systems and methods relating to processing digital images for imaging system characterization and image quality enhancement. In some implementations, a method for digital image processing includes measuring a first phase transfer function (PTF) of a first digital image and a second PTF of a second digital image. The second digital image captures a spatially shifted version of the first digital image. The first PTF and the second PTF are compared and a spatial shift of the second image to the first image is determined.

Abstract: A motorized multi-cuvette rotatable carousel positions cuvettes around a stationary axis. A rotatable cuvette holder plate positions cuvettes in the carousel. The cuvette holder plate has spring tensioning elements that hold cuvettes in a precise position within the cuvette holder plate. A cuvette positioning arm is attached to the rotatable carousel assembly. The positioning arm geometrically positions the cuvette for depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence testing.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating a target tissue with a radioisotope. Some methods include determining a distance between a target tissue and a surface of a matrix material to be positioned adjacent the target tissue and, based on the determined distance, determining an activity to be mixed with the matrix material to obtain a desired activity concentration. Some methods further include mixing the radioisotope with the matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material is a bone cement, and the target tissue is a tumor in a bone. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitting radioisotope mixed in the cement at a concentration to form a radioactive cement.

Abstract: Methods for generating and using omentum cells, and particularly stromal cells and/or omentum stem cells, in medical treatments such as tissue repair and regeneration to facilitate healing from traumatic injury to an abdominal organ, and immune modulation treatments such as suppression of immune responses and inflammation and prevention of tissue fibrosis. According to one aspect, a medical procedure is performed on a patient that involves harvesting omental tissue from the patient, and then transferring the omental tissue to an organ of the patient. At least a portion of the harvested omental tissue may be activated prior to transferring the omental tissue to the organ. Alternatively, the transferred omental tissue may comprise non-lymphoid cells isolated from the omentum tissue and obtained by homogenizing at least a portion of the harvested omental tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds for the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase and associated disease conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that inhibit a binding interaction between an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the same, and related kits. In some embodiments, the compound is an antibody or antibody analog, and, in other embodiments, the compound is a peptide or peptide analog. Also provided are methods of using the compounds, including methods of increasing degradation of an EGFR, methods of treating cancer, and methods of sensitizing tumors to radiation therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating an immune response in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an A35R protein or active fragment thereof of vaccinia virus or other poxvirus.

Abstract: A polypeptide, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide are provided. The polypeptide is as defined in the description, can bind to insulin receptors, and is effective in reducing blood sugar, reducing glycated hemoglobin, and ameliorating hepato-renal disorders caused by diabetes.

Abstract: The invention provide a silica nanoparticle comprising a non-porous matrix of silicon-oxygen bonds, wherein the matrix comprises organic agents conjugated to silicon or oxygen atoms in the matrix, the organic agents are conjugated to the matrix through linker L groups, wherein the linker L comprises, for example, an ester, urea, thiourea, or thio ether group, and wherein the diameter of the nanoparticle is about 15 nm to about 200 nm. The invention also provides novel methods of making and using the silica nanoparticles described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the preparation of colloidal dispersions or suspensions of inorganic materials with nano-sized and nano-structured morphologies, preferably the nanosheet form, compositions produced by this method, and the like.

Abstract: A method for detecting presence of nucleic acid amplification in a test droplet. A set of detection electrodes are provided in contact with a fluidic channel. The test droplet is provided in vicinity of the detection electrodes through the fluidic channel. An alternate current (AC) power at a first frequency is applied across the set of detection electrodes. A first measurement value that reflects electrical impedance of the test droplet at the first frequency is obtained. This value is compared with a corresponding reference value, wherein the corresponding reference value is obtained by measuring a reference droplet containing known amplified nucleic acid or known unamplified nucleic acid at the first frequency. The presence of amplified nucleic acid in the test droplet is thus determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for sensitizing neoplastic cells to radiotherapy. The invention provides aptamer-inhibitory nucleic acid chimeras that selectively inliibit the expression of radiosensitizing genes in neoplastic cells expressing a cell surface molecule that binds the aptamer.

Abstract: A method for making a lithium battery cathode material is disclosed. A mixed solution including a solvent, an iron salt material, a vanadium source material and a phosphate material is provided. An alkaline solution is added in the mixed solution to make the mixed solution have a pH value ranging from about 1.5 to 5. The iron salt, the vanadium source material and the phosphate material react with each other to form a plurality particles of iron phosphate precursor doped with vanadium which are added in a mixture of a lithium source solution and a reducing agent to form a slurry of lithium iron phosphate precursor doped with vanadium. The slurry of lithium iron phosphate precursor doped with vanadium is heat-treated.

Abstract: Methods for treating Down syndrome and improving cognitive function of a patient with an intellectual disability are disclosed. 5-hydroxytryptamine sub-receptor six (5-HT6) receptor antagonists are provided for improving the cognition of a Down syndrome patient.