Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of splitting a droplet is provided, the method including providing a droplet microactuator including a droplet including one or more beads and immobilizing at least one of the one or more beads. The method further includes conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the droplet to yield a set of droplets including a droplet including the one or more immobilized beads and a droplet substantially lacking the one or more immobilized beads.

Abstract: An optical sensing device including a source unit configured to generate a polychromatic light beam containing p-polarized beam and s-polarized beam; an interferometric unit configured to introduce birefringent retardation for generating optical path difference between the p-polarized beam and the s-polarized beam; a SPR sensing unit configured to receive both p-polarized beam and s-polarized beam and induce a SPR effect to the p-polarized beam associated with a target sample; and a detection unit for detecting target sample characteristics by obtaining an interference spectrum of the p-polarized beam and the s-polarized beam from the SPR sensing unit.

Abstract: Provided are polymer vesicles comprising polymersomes, a radiofrequency absorbing moiety, a protein or a polysaccharide associated with the inner leaflet of the membrane and a therapeutic or diagnostic cargo. The invention also concerns the use of these polymer vesicles for selective electromagnetic energy-induced delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening whether a candidate compound inhibits delta-6 desaturase activity are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transgenic mammal which overexpresses a gene encoding delta-6 desaturase and an animal model of a cardiometabolic disorder or disease that includes the transgenic mammal. A method of treating a cardiometabolic disorder or disease is also disclosed.

Abstract: A display device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display images for a game; a shutter assembly configured to cover and uncover the display panel at least in part, the shutter assembly including a first sliding door configured to move along a first guide and a second sliding door configured to move along a second guide; and a driving unit configured to drive the first sliding door, wherein at least one of the first sliding door and the second sliding door includes a catching member configured to catch another of the first sliding door and the second sliding door such that the second sliding door follows movement of the first sliding door.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent facilitates the conversion of a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein from its non-prion form to its prion form. This invention also provides methods for determining the presence and amount of the prion form of CPEB protein in a cell. This invention also provides methods for facilitating the conversion of a non-prion CPEB protein to its prion form. This invention also provides an isolated prion form cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) protein and compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that facilitates the conversion of CPEB protein from its non-prion form to its prion form, and methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Designs and operations of momentum antennas are presented. In some antenna designs, the terminating discontinuities are complementary with the opposite transmission line's discontinuity. In other antenna designs, the terminating discontinuities are intrinsically self-complementary.

Abstract: Reprogramming substances capable of substituting for Klf4, selected from the group consisting of members of the IRX family (e.g., IRX6), members of the GLIS family (e.g., GLIS1), members of the PTX family (e.g., PITX2), DMRTB1, and nucleic acids that encode the same, are provided. Also provided are a method of producing iPS cells, comprising the step of introducing into a somatic cell both one or more kinds of the above-described nuclear reprogramming substances and a substance capable of inducing iPS cells from a somatic cell when combined with Klf4. Still also provided are iPS cells comprising an extraneous nucleic acid that encodes any one of the above-described nuclear reprogramming substances, that can be obtained by the method, and a method of producing somatic cells by inducing the iPS cells to differentiate.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) provides new estrogenic compounds of the general formula and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) are useful, for example, in hormone replacement therapies (HRT/ERT), and as contraceptives, and estrogenic hormone therapies. Also provided is a process for synthesizing the compounds of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, compositions and kits for mineralizing tissue, particularly dental tissue. The methods, compositions and kits may be used to strengthen and prevent weakening of the tissue. For example, the methods, compositions and kits may be used for treating and filling cavities in teeth caused by tooth decay.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter provide an isolated polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, fragments thereof, and/or epitopes thereof. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter also provide methods for diagnosing a Strongylus vulgaris infection in a subject that comprises providing a biological sample from the subject and contacting the sample with the present isolated polypeptide, fragment thereof, and/or epitope thereof. In some embodiments the Strongylus vulgaris infection can be detected during a prepatent period. In further embodiments the subject is a horse.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The biosensor device can comprise at least a reaction chamber and a detection chamber. The device can comprise a amplifying mechanism such that one target analyte molecule present in the fluid sample can lead to generation/activation of multiple detection agent molecules, and therefore, an amplified signal. Also disclosed are the methods of manufacturing and using such a biosensor device.

Abstract: A method for determining the flux of methane newly generated through manipulation of a sub-surface environment. The method comprises: (a) measuring a baseline isotope ratio (Rrm) in methane pre-existing in the reservoir; (b) manipulating the reservoir to facilitate biogenic production of new methane in the reservoir; (c) injecting a substance labeled with the isotope into the reservoir; (d) measuring a flux (Fm) and isotope ratio (Rpm) of methane from the reservoir; (e) measuring an isotope ratio (Rpw) of a methane precursor in a liquid or vapor sample at one or more time periods; and (f) calculating a flux (Fnm) of the new methane from the reservoir according to an isotope mass balance, such as wherein ?=isotope fractionation factor between the methane pre-cursor and the new methane.

Abstract: The invention provides a peptide triazole conjugate and derivatives thereof, and methods of its use. The invention also provides an antibody to the peptide triazole conjugate. The invention further provides a method of identifying an HIV-1 entry inhibitor candidate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the signaling pathway involved erythroid repression by iron deficiency. Further disclosed is anon-toxic small-molecule compound which potently reverses the erythroid repression caused by iron deficiency. The present invention further encompasses novel compounds for inhibition of red cell production, useful, for example, in the treatment of polycythemia vera, a malignancy causing uncontrolled red cell production. These inhibitory compounds also promote megakaryocytic lineage commitment and may therefore be useful for augmentation of platelet production. The present invention further discloses isocitrate reversal of iron deprivation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a transformed sugar cane tissue or cell thereof, said methods comprising: a) inoculating a sugar cane tissue or a cell thereof with an Agrobacterium inoculation suspension, said Agrobacterium comprising a nucleic acid of interest, to obtain an Agrobacterium-inoculated sugar cane tissue or cell thereof; b) co-cultivating said Agrobacterium-inoculated sugar cane tissue or cell thereof on a surface in the absence of co-culture media for a time period sufficient to reduce original weight of said Agrobacterium-inoculated sugar cane tissue or cell thereof; and c) selecting a transformed sugar cane tissue or a cell thereof comprising said nucleic acid of interest. The transformation methods of the invention provide for increased transformation frequency and recovery of transgenic sugar cane plants.

Abstract: To provide a photoelectric element A including a first electrode 2, a second electrode 3 arranged opposite to the first electrode 2, an electron transport layer 1 provided on a face of the first electrode 2, the face being opposite to the second electrode 3, a photosensitizer 5 supported on the electron transport layer 1, and a hole transport layer 4 interposed between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3. The electron transport layer 1 includes a filled part 8 containing an organic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for expanding and stabilizing the phenotype of natural regulatory T cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating natural regulatory T cells that renders the cells resistant to factors present in the inflammatory milieu and stabilizes the suppressive properties of the cells.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a package substrate, includes forming a cavity in at least one region of an upper surface of a wafer, the cavity including a chip mounting region, forming a through-hole penetrating through the wafer and a via filling the through-hole, forming a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer spaced apart from the first wiring layer, which are extended into the cavity, and mounting a chip in the cavity to be connected to the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer.

Abstract: Improved particleboard and methods for fabricating improved particleboard (e.g., natural fiber/material-based particleboard) are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure provides systems/methods for fabricating particleboard (e.g., formaldehyde-free particleboard) utilizing natural fibers/materials (e.g., lignocellulosic materials), wherein the particleboard has improved performance characteristics and/or mechanical properties. Methods for fabricating fiber-reinforced biocomposites (e.g., natural fiber-reinforced wheat gluten biocomposites) are disclosed. For example, systems/methods for fabricating particleboard from lignocellulosic materials (e.g., coconut materials), along with a binder material (e.g., wheat gluten), are provided. In general, the fiber or lignocellulosic material is treated with sodium hydroxide and/or a silane coupling agent as an adhesion promoter to enhance interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the binder.