Abstract: A modulator device for converting digital data into modulation of an optical signal includes an electronic input for receiving an input data word of N bits and an electrically controllable modulator for modulating the intensity of an optical signal, the modulator including M actuating electrodes where M?N. An electrode actuating device, most preferably a digital-to-digital converter, operates actuating electrodes so that at least one electrode is actuated as a function of values of more than one bit of the input data word. According to an alternative, or supplementary, aspect of the invention, the set of electrodes includes at least one electrode having an effective area which is not interrelated to others of the set by factors of two. In one preferred implementation, a Mach-Zehnder modulator also provides phase modulation to give QAM functionality. Another implementation employs a semiconductor laser.

Abstract: A treatment process of persistent organic pollutants contained in particles is provided. Said process includes reacting persistent organic pollutant in particles under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+. Several beneficial effects can be achieved, including 1) no other additive is needed during the reaction process; 2) Fe2+ and Fe3+ are safe, cheap and extensive sources; 3) because Fe2+ and Fe3+ are dissolved, they can fully disperse into particles, and fully contact can be achieved, thus obtaining a decomposition rate no less than 70% of the persistent organic pollutants is under subcritical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polymer structure comprising: mixing and unifying a matrix polymer made of a linear polymer and a highly-branched polymer having hydrophilic functional groups at molecular ends and to form a structure containing the matrix polymer and the highly-branched polymer; and subjecting the obtained structure to either immersion in water and/or a hydrophilic solvent or exposure to an atmosphere of vapor of water and/or a hydrophilic solvent at a temperature ranging from a temperature lower than Tg of the matrix polymer by 30° C. to decomposition temperature of the matrix polymer; wherein the hydrophilic functional groups at the molecular ends of the highly-branched polymer are distributed in outermost surface of the polymer structure at an enhanced density. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a polymer structure in which vinyl polymer chains are grafted to at least a part of the hydrophilic functional groups.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosis of vCJD in a diagnostic sample of a valid body tissue taken from a human subject, which comprises detecting an increased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control human subject, the protein being: beta-actin (SwissProt Acc. No. P60709), apolipoprotein A-IV precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06727); haptoglobin beta-chain consisting of residues 162-406 (SwissProt Acc. No. P00738); haemoglobin beta chain (SwissProt Acc. No. P02023); or alpha-1-antitrypsin (SwissProt Acc. No. P01009); or a decreased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control, normal human subject, the protein being plasma protease (C1) inhibitor precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P05155); complement component 1, s sub-component (SwissProt Acc. No. P09871); butyrylcholinesterase precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06276); complement component C4B (SwissProt Acc. No. P01028); lumican (SwissProt Acc. No.

Abstract: A functional microbially fermented tea extract containing a novel polyphenol derivative and a method for producing the same are provided. A functional microbially fermented tea extract containing various extracts and a novel polyphenol derivative is produced by subjecting, to an extraction treatment, a microbially fermented tea leaf obtained by culturing one species selected from Aspergillus sp. (PK-1), Aspergillus oryzae (NBRS 4214) sp. (AO-1), Aspergillus awamori (NBRS 4122) sp. (SK-1), and Eurotium sp. (KA-1) with a tea leaf. Furthermore, for example, a functional fermented tea extract enriched with a novel polyphenol derivative is produced.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated population of chondrocyte precursor cells wherein 1% or less of the cells express Oct4, Nanog and/or TRA-1-60, 7% or less of the cells express no collagen II, collagen X, CD105 or Stro-1 and 85% or more of the cells express CBFA1, methods for preparing such cells and uses of chondrocyte cells derived from said precursor cells.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having a protein renaturation component and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium with a first flow path and a protein renaturation component in fluid communication with the separation medium and having a second flow path. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.

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: An image transmission method (and related system) for obtaining data of a local subject and processing the data of the local subject to fit a local model of at least a region of the local subject and extract parameters of the local model to capture features of the region of the local subject. The method (and related system) may also include obtaining data of at least one remote subject and processing the data of the remote subject to fit at least one of at least one region of the remote subject and extract parameters the remote model to capture features of the region of the remote subject. The method (and related system) may also include transmitting the extracted parameters of the local region to a remote processor and reconstructing the local image based on the extracted parameters of the local region and the extracted parameters of the remote region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula XXII and a compound of formula 17ya, which are defined as anywhere in the specification, to a composition comprising the same, and to a method of using thereof in the treatment of various forms of cancer.

Abstract: Novel semiconducting photovoltaic polymers with conjugated units that provide improved solar conversion efficiency that can be used in electro-optical and electric devices. The polymers exhibit increased solar conversion efficiency in solar devices.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are employed to bind in vitro and in vivo to an ?4?2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a highly selective manner. Where such compounds are labeled, compositions and methods employing such compounds can be used for PET and SPECT analysis. Alternatively, and/or additionally contemplated compounds can be used as antagonists, partial agonists or agonists in the treatment of diseases or conditions associated with ?4?2 dysfunction.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyvalent macromolecules, compositions comprising the macromolecules, and methods of use. The polyvalent macromolecules have a polymer backbone and pendent groups attached to the polymer backbone. Some or all of the pendent groups have optionally a linker, a surface-seeking group capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, and a spectroscopically detectable chromophore detectable.

Abstract: A transistor (24) which acts as a load-current source for a source follower amplifying transistor (22) for outputting a pixel signal to a pixel output line (40) is provided in each picture element (10), whereby a high bias current is prevented from passing through the high-resistance pixel output line (40), so that a variation in an offset voltage among picture elements is suppressed. Inclusion of the high-resistance pixel output line (40) into the source follower amplification circuit is also avoided, whereby the gain characteristics are prevented from deterioration. Thus, the S/N ratio of the picture element is improved so as to enhance the quality of the images.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or preventing skin ulcers are provided featuring administration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising inhibitors of activity or expression Of Lp-PLA2 protein to patients subject to or at risk of developing skin ulcers.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of fixing nitrogen. An amount of titania catalyst is provided and contacted with a feed stream that includes nitrogen. The titania catalyst is heated. The heated titania catalyst fixes nitrogen in the feed stream to form nitrogen products, such as nitrates. The nitrogen products are then removed from the titania catalyst. In some examples, the titania catalyst is treated with a base. In further examples, the catalytic process is carried out in the absence of light for photochemically activating the titania catalyst.