Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a modified surface (5) comprising: patterning a surface (7) by forming thereon a porous molecular network (9) defined by non-covalent interactions between constituent molecules; and depositing in said porous network (9) and on said patterned surface (11) molecules (13) so as to form a self-assembled monolayer (15), wherein both said patterning and said depositing are effected by contact with liquids.

Abstract: A reflection surface 12 constituted by a transition metal having a core level absorption edge in the vicinity of a wavelength of a soft X-ray is formed on an inside of a vacuum vessel 14, and furthermore, there is provided a permanent magnet 13 for generating a magnetic field in a perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of the vacuum vessel 14 in a position of the reflection surface 12 by which the soft X-ray is to be reflected, and the soft X-ray to be linearly polarized light incident on the vacuum vessel 14 is reflected at plural times over the reflection surface 12 in a position where the magnetic field is applied in such a manner that magnetic scattering is increased by a resonant effect of a magnetic circular dichroism when the soft X-ray is reflected by the reflection surface 12.

Abstract: Methods for the determination of the molecular structures of compounds are disclosed, the methods comprising obtaining NMR spectroscopic measurements of compounds, determining internuclear distances from the NMR measurements, and inputting the distances to an algorithm to determine probable structures. Optionally, constraints may be added and the algorithm repeated. Usually, the methods do not require comparisons to databases of spectra during the generation of possible structures.

Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A first semiconductor layer is grown on a surface of the substrate. A patterned mask layer is located on a surface of the first semiconductor layer, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures, a slot is defined between each two adjacent protruding structures to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. The exposed first semiconductor layer is etched to form a protruding pair. A number of three-dimensional nano-structures are formed by removing the patterned mask layer. An active layer and a second semiconductor layers are grown on the number of three-dimensional nano-structures in that order. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is located to cover the entire surface of the second semiconductor layer which is away from the active layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving small molecule inhibitors for the treatment or prophylaxis of flavivirus infection, such as dengue virus and West Nile virus.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as adjuvants in the preparation of vaccines, particularly those vaccines useful in the treatment of cancer, are provided. Methods for inhibiting tumor growth in an animal are also disclosed. Methods for immunizing an animal against cancer, such as prostate cancer, are also described. The adjuvants described are comprised of an extracellular matrix material, such as small intestinal submucosal (SIS) tissue. The preparations may take the form of sheets, gels, liquids (injectable), trocar, or other solid or semi-solid preparation. The invention provides for enhanced tumor inhibition of 2-fold or greater, compared to vaccine preparations without the extracellular matrix material, or from 4- to 5-fold, compared to preparations without the adjuvant promoting extracellular materials.

Abstract: A metallic ring is made of two metals, wherein one metal forms a major arcuate portion and the other a minor arcuate portion of the ring, thereby forming a thermocouple-type structure as a result of the two inter-metallic junctions. The metallic ring supports a surface plasmon whose energy is matched to the energy, i.e. wavelength, of an incident light beam so that the oscillating electromagnetic field of the light resonates with the plasmon. The resonating plasmon causes a temperature difference to arise between the two inter-metallic junctions in the ring. The different Seebeck coefficients of the two metals results in the temperature difference causing a net current to flow around the ring, which in turn generates a magnetic field. Such a thermoelectric metamaterial ring transforms high frequency optical energy into long duration magnetic radiation pulses in the terahertz range.

Abstract: A method for generating a hybrid codebook for a Multi-User Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) system includes the steps of: generating a parent matrix set including a plurality of M×M unitary matrices when the number of transmitter antennas is M; and generating a child matrix set dependent on the parent matrix set by using training vectors included in a random training set and each column for each unitary matrix of the parent matrix set as an initial vector codebook.

Abstract: A method for extracting feature vectors from a palm image includes the steps of: determining a palm contour in the palm image, and labeling pixels on the palm contour as contour pixels in order along the palm contour; determining a rotation angle of the palm contour relative to a coordinate system; obtaining corrected contour pixels to offset the rotation angle; determining a plurality of feature points from the corrected contour pixels; obtaining a plurality of sub-images from the palm image with reference to the feature points, one of the sub-images corresponding to a palm center and another one of the sub-images corresponding to a corresponding palm finger; and determining the feature vectors with reference to the sub-images, each of the feature vectors corresponding to a corresponding one of the sub-images.

Abstract: An imaging platform system that provides integrated navigation capabilities for surgical guidance. The system can include two robotic arm systems, one robotic arm system holding an imaging source, and the other holding an imaging sensor. These robotic arm systems are able to move and provide three-dimensional tomographic scans, static radiographic images, and dynamic fluoroscopic image sequences. A third robotic arm system can be included in the imaging platform system as a surgeon guided tool-holder to accurately implement an image-guided surgical plan. The robotic systems can manipulate imaging and surgical components into and out of the operative field as needed, enhancing the choreography between a surgical team and assistive technology. A handle can be included as part of a manual positioning control subsystem. The handle can be mounted to an imaging robotic system above and/or below an operating table, and also can be mounted to a tool-holding robotic system.

Abstract: The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an ear productivity trait in maize, which involves analyzing genomic DNA from a maize plant, germplasm, pollen, or seed for the presence of a molecular marker linked to a QTL associated with an ear productivity trait in maize. Also disclosed are methods of selecting a maize plant with a desired ear productivity trait; reliably and predictably introgressing an improved ear productivity trait into a maize line; and producing a maize line having a desired ear productivity trait. A kit for selecting a maize plant by marker assisted selection of a QTL associated with a desired ear productivity trait; an isolated nucleic acid comprising a QTL associated with an ear productivity trait in maize; and a transgenic plant comprising a recombinant nucleic acid genetically linked to a locus in maize, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-channel detector having a reduced number of output channels and including: a linear amplifier linearly amplifying an input signal; an offset correcting unit configured by a circuit that is independent from the linear amplifier, including an operational amplifier inside, and correcting an offset level that changes in accordance with an amplification rate of the operational amplifier; a uniformity correcting unit reducing a non-uniform characteristic of the input signal by finely adjusting a gain of an output signal of the linear amplifier; a signal delay unit delaying an output signal of the uniformity correcting unit until a time point when output signals are generated from a comparison unit and a signal determining unit, and a switch circuit receives a trigger from the signal determining unit; a comparison unit comparing the output signal of the uniformity correcting unit with a signal of a predetermined level with each other; a signal determining unit receiving a tr

Abstract: The system for controlling vehicle ignition provides three separate levels of access to prevent unauthorized users from actuating ignition of a vehicle. The system includes a radio frequency identification tag having permanent computer readable memory and volatile computer readable memory associated therewith. The radio frequency identification tag is preferably embedded within a vehicle key. A predetermined permanently assigned authentication code is stored in the permanent computer readable memory and a variable time stamp is stored in the volatile computer readable memory. The permanently assigned authentication code and the variable time stamp are transmitted upon activation of the radio frequency identification tag. Vehicle ignition occurs only upon the mechanical operation of the key in a conventional ignition switch and matching of both the permanently assigned authentication code and the variable time stamp with codes and stamps stored in vehicle memory.

Abstract: Translocator protein (TSPO) targeting compounds are described. Methods of making the compounds, and uses of the compounds for imaging are also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for providing a prognosis or diagnosis for a human patient having renal cell cancer are provided. The method relates to the discovery of SNPs which are associated with a favorable prognosis and response to therapy in RCC.

Abstract: A kit for producing a foamed biocompatible material includes a container configured to sustain a high pressure, and a tissue-repair composition placed in the container. The composition contains a biocompatible material, a liquid carrier, and a gas. The container has an internal pressure of greater than 1 atm and less than 250 atm, and includes a valve and a nozzle for releasing from the nozzle a foam formed of the composition upon opening the valve. Methods of producing and applying the biocompatible material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for inducing neuronal differentiation in normal neural stem cells and brain cancer stem cells. The methods may take place in vitro, such as in isolates from the adult mammalian brain, or in vivo. Compounds and methods described herein may find use in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, the repair and regeneration of the nervous system, and in treatment of neurologic malignancy.

Abstract: A method for the production neutral triblock all-conjugated copolymers by palladium-catalyzed chain-growth polymerization, and methods to convert these copolymers into all-conjugated triblock polyelectrolytes with well-controlled molecular weight and polydispersity. A device is provided which incorporates such all-conjugated triblock polyelectrolytes as an electron injection layer.

Abstract: A redox ammoximation process in which a ketone or aldehyde is reacted with ammonia and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, wherein: the catalyst is an aluminophosphate based redox catalyst having the qualitative general formula (I) M1M2AlPO-5 (I) in which M1 is at least one transition metal atom having redox catalytic capability; M2 is at least one metal atom in the (IV) oxidation state; M1 and M2 are different from each other; and a proportion of the phosphorous atoms in the M1M2AlPO-5 type structure are replaced by M2 atoms.