Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluorescent probe compound which solved the problem of fluorescence quenching by Pd2+, and its preparation method and use as well. Excitation and emission wavelengths of the probe compound are in visible light region. The probe compound is highly sensitive and displays good selectivity for Pd2+ in near-neutral pH range. In detection of Pd2+ in 0-10 ppb level, fluorescence is evidently enhanced, and Pd2+ in the level as low as 5 nM can be detected. Fluorescence intensity is well linearly correlated to Pd2+ concentration. The probe compound can be used for detection of contaminating palladium and residual palladium in drug, soil, water sample and reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating inflammatory bowel disease in a subject. Methods of promoting intestinal barrier function as well as related compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying documents that include a searchable form relevant to a topic. A document is received. If the received document comprises a form is determined. A form includes a field presented to a user requesting information from the user. If the received document is determined to comprise a form, a determination is made concerning whether or not the form is a searchable form. A searchable form returns non-trivial information to a requester in response to a submission of the form. If the form is determined to be a searchable form, a determination is made concerning whether or not the form is relevant to an identified topic. If the form is determined to be relevant to the identified topic, the document is identified as a searchable form relevant to the identified topic.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of producing a polypeptide or a variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide or variant thereof is dependent on LIMP-2 for trafficking, localization, stabilization and/or sorting of the polypeptide in the cell. In general, the methods comprise culturing a lysosomal integral membrane protein II (LIMP-2) deficient cell which expresses the polypeptide or the variant thereof under conditions in which the polypeptide or the variant thereof is produced.

Abstract: A triaxial piezoelectric sensor includes a PVDF layer, a first line layer, and a second line layer. The PVDF layer has multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. Each first electrodes corresponds to each second electrodes for forming directions of polarization along the X-Y-Z axes. The first line layer has multiple first electrical connection portions and multiple first signal lines. Each first electrical connection portions corresponds to each first electrodes. The second line layer has multiple second electrical connection portions and multiple second signal lines. Each second electrical connection portions corresponds to each second electrodes. The PVDF layer is sandwiched between the first line layer and the second line layer. When an external force is applied to the PVDF layer, the first signal lines and the second signal lines transmit electrical signals according to the deformation of the PVDF layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the isoelectric pH for materials deposited on or otherwise affixed onto and in contact with an electrode surface, and a method for utilizing the isoelectric pH to form nanometer thickness, self-assembled layers on the material, are described. Forming such layers utilizing information obtained about the isoelectric pH values of the substrate and the coating is advantageous since the growth of the coating is self-limiting because once the surface charge has been neutralized there is no longer a driving force for the solid electrolyte coating thickness to increase, and uniform coatings without pinhole defects will be produced because a local driving force for assembly will exist if any bare electrode material is exposed to the solution. The present self-assembly procedure, when combined with electrodeposition, may be used to increase the coating thickness.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for image matching using local features, in particular a method and apparatus for flexible interest point computation. The method involves producing multiple octaves of a digital image, wherein each octave of said multiple scale octaves comprises multiple layers; initiating a process comprising detection and description of interest points, wherein said process is programmed to progress layer-by-layer over said multiple layers of each of said multiple octaves, and to continue to a next octave of said multiple octaves upon completion of all layers of a current octave of said multiple octaves; upon the detection and the description of each interest point of said interest points during said process, recording an indication associated with said interest point in a memory, such that said memory accumulates indications during said process; and upon interruption to said process, returning a result being based at least on said indications.

Abstract: A vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 for detecting antibody against Toxocara spp. in a biological sample.

Abstract: Sequences of a serotype 8 adeno-associated virus and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a third generation form of creatine, specifically a creatine hydrochloride salt, that drives significant improvements in muscle development and recovery due to its enhanced bio-availability, while causing fewer negative side effects compared to previous forms of creatine.

Abstract: A method for removing cauxin in cat urine and a material for removing cauxin are provided. The material for removing cauxin in cat urine comprises a polymer substrate on which surface a trifluoroketone derivative is immobilized via dithiol.

Abstract: A three stage amplifier is provided and the three stage amplifier comprises a first gain stage, a second gain stage and a third gain stage wherein said first stage receives an amplifier input signal and said third gain stage outputs an amplifier output signal. The amplifier includes a feedback loop having a current buffer and a compensation capacitance provided from the output of said third gain stage to the output of the first gain stage. In addition, an active left half plane zero stage is embedded in said feedback loop for cancelling a parasitic pole of said feedback loop.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a timer using a floating-gate transistor. The method includes: injecting a charge into a floating-gate transistor at an initial time, where a gate terminal of the floating-gate transistor is comprised of polysilicon encased by an insulating material; creating lattice imperfections at boundary of the polysilicon to cause leakage from the floating-gate transistor; measuring current read out from the floating-gate transistor at a time subsequent to the initial time; and determining an amount of time between the initial time and the subsequent time using the measured current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spatial predictive encoding and/or decoding of video data. The method for spatial predictive encoding of video data includes determining similarity among a plurality of previous data units that are adjacent to a current data unit, determining a reference data unit for spatial predictive encoding of the current data unit according to the determined similarity, and determining predicted values of pixels of the current data unit using pixel values of the reference data unit.

Abstract: Provided herein are core-shell silica nanoparticles with a dense silica shell. The nanoparticles have improved properties such as, for example, increased photo luminescence and stability. Also provided are methods for making the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections is described that is capable of inducing vaccine antigen-specific immune responses in an organism without the addition of a mucosal adjuvant. The mucosal vaccine comprises a composite of a nanogel comprising a hydrophilic polysaccharide having a cationic functional group and a hydrophobic cholesterol added thereto as a side chain and a vaccine antigen. The vaccine is administered via a mucosal route.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a global calibration method based on a rigid bar for a multi-sensor vision measurement system, comprising: step 1, executing the following procedure for at least nine times: placing, in front of two vision sensors to be calibrated, a rigid bar fasten with two targets respectively corresponding to the vision sensors; capturing images of the respective targets by their corresponding vision sensors; extracting coordinates of feature points of the respective targets in their corresponding images; and computing 3D coordinates of each feature points of the respective targets under their corresponding vision sensor coordinate frames; and Step 2, computing the transformation matrix between the two vision sensors, with the constraint of the fixed position relationship between the two targets. The present disclosure also provides a global calibration apparatus based on a rigid bar for a multi-sensor vision measurement system.

Abstract: A two-layered osmosis membrane contains a support layer and a rejection layer. The support layer, in which a mesh is embedded, is made of a phase separation polymer and has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m. The rejection layer, which adheres to the support layer, is made of a thin film composite polymer and has a thickness of 0.05 to 3 ?m. The mesh, which is embedded in the support layer, has an open area of 30 to 70%, a mesh size of 60-300 mesh, and a thickness of 45-150 ?m. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a light guide film may comprise a feed roller, a receiving roller, a separating device, a hot press printing device and a recombining device. Firstly, the separating device may separate a protective layer from a substrate layer of the light guide film. Secondly, a surface of the substrate layer to be manufactured may be impressed with light guide dots by the hot press printing device, and the recombining device recombine the peeled protective layer to the substrate layer. And lastly, the finished light guide film is recycled by the receiving roller. The apparatus may have advantages such as high output and low cost, and it may manufacture a large dimensioned product.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated ‘Gulfsnow’, has a winter chilling requirement estimated at 400 chill units (cu). The tree is medium size, moderately vigorous, and semi-upright in growth habit. It bears showy, pink flowers, and leaves with globose glands. Trees of ‘Gulfsnow’ are self-fertile and regularly bear annual crops of early season fruit that are large size (185 g) for its ripening season. Fruit are uniformly firm with non-melting white flesh. Fruit are nearly round, and uniform with substantially symmetrical shape, and have an attractive 50 to 60% red skin. The fruit of ‘Gulfsnow’ usually ripen 10 days after ‘Gulfcrimson’ peach in early June at Attapulgus, Ga.