Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for influencing proliferation of stem cells. Specifically exemplified herein are compositions comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles which can be used to stimulate proliferation of stem cells under common culture conditions, or which can be utilized to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract: Cannabionid receptor-2 inverse antagonists include compounds represented by Formula IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein: R1 and R2 are independently H, alkyl, or alkenyl; R3 is alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl; R4 and R5 are independently a bond, alkylenyl, or alkenylenyl; each R6 and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of OH, F, Cl, Br, I, (C1-C6)alkyl, alkoxy, amino, COOH, CONH2, SO3H, PO3H2, CN, SH, NO2 and CF3; and p and q are independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Such compounds may be used to treat osteoporosis or multiple myeloma.

Abstract: Techniques are described for carrier frequency offset (CFO) and channel estimation of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmissions over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-selective fading channels. A wireless transmitter forms blocks of symbols by inserting training symbols within two or more blocks of information-bearing symbols. The transmitter applies a hopping code to each of the blocks of symbols to insert a null subcarrier at a different position within each of the blocks of symbols, and a modulator outputs a wireless signal in accordance with the blocks of symbols. A receiver receives the wireless signal and estimates the CFO, and outputs a stream of estimated symbols based on the estimated CFO.

Abstract: A method for image/video segmentation, capable of segmenting an image signal for obtaining plural texture color feature regions, by utilizing both of the advantages carried by the texture feature and the color feature is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (A) receiving an image signal including plural image pixels; (B) executing a Gabor filtering process and a value operation process on each of the plural image pixels; (C) designating each of the plural image pixels a corresponding texture feature vector basing on the result of the value operation process; (D) executing a segmentation process on the image signal basing on the texture feature vector of each of the plural image pixels, for obtaining plural texture feature regions; and (E) executing a re-segmentation process on plural color feature regions basing on the distribution of the plural texture feature regions, for obtaining plural texture color feature regions.

Abstract: Methods and systems to control a gain applied to a free-space optical (FSO) signal to reduce time-varying intensity fluctuations. An optical pre-amplifier may provide a first, relatively moderate gain with low noise factor (NF). A second optical amplifier may provide a second gain. Amplification may include doped fiber amplification (DFA), such as erbium-doped fiber amplification (EDFA) and/or Raman amplification. A variable optical attenuator (VOA) may be controllable with a relatively fast response time to reduce the time-varying intensity fluctuations. The VOA may effectively control an overall system gain. The gain of the first and/or second optical amplifier may also be controllable to reduce the time-varying intensity fluctuations. Optical intensities may be detected at one or more locations to support one or more feed-forward and/or feedback control loops. A clamp may be applied when an optical power reaches a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic agent for malignant mesothelioma comprising a substance which inhibits binding of CD26 to extracellular matrix such as an siRNA targeting CD26 cDNA or an anti-CD26 antibody. The present invention also relates to a method of treating malignant mesothelioma, which comprises administering the substance to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Cystine analogs that improve the solubility of L-cystine in urine for treatment of cystinuria and which have the structure: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof, wherein each R and R? pair are independently selected from (i) or (ii); (i) R and R? are independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alcohol, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, or (ii) R and R? together form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring structure, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ring structure; X is hydrogen, or an alkyl; and Y is O or S.

Abstract: A method for measuring electric potential difference comprises following steps. A carbon nanotube composite layer is located on an object and electrically connected to a first region and a second region spaced from each other in the object, wherein an unknown electric potential difference U exists between the first region and the second region. Characteristic band frequency value Y* of Raman-spectra of the carbon nanotube composite layer under the unknown electric potential difference U is measured. A relationship between the characteristic band frequency value Y of Raman-spectra and the electric potential difference ?U of the carbon nanotube composite layer is obtained. Value of unknown electric potential difference U is obtained through the relationship between the characteristic band frequency value Y of Raman-spectra and the electric potential difference ?U.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a composition that generally includes an xNA molecule comprising at least six nucleotides, in an amount effective to improve at least one indicator of myocyte function and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method of treating cardiac disease. Generally, the method includes administering to a subject a composition that includes an xNA molecule having at least six nucleotides, in an amount effective to improve at least one indicator of myocyte function, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method for evaluating the efficacy of treatment of cardiac disease. Generally, the method includes administering to a subject a composition that includes a first xNA molecule comprising a predetermined length in an amount effective to increase myocyte relaxation, then selecting a predetermined length of a second xNA molecule for at least one subsequent treatment.

Abstract: Methods for reducing toxicity or side effects caused by administration of a rycal compound for repairing ryanodine receptor channel leaks when treating a disorder in a subject caused by such leaks. These methods are based upon the selection for administration of those rycal compounds having properties including an EC50 value of 102 nM when assayed for its ability to facilitate the rebinding of FKBP12.6 to PKA-phosphorylated RyR2 or less and less than 50% inhibition of the hERG K+ channel (IKr) when administered at 10 ?M to reduce compound toxicity or side effects after administration compared to other rycal compounds not having those properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable therapeutic cartridge, a therapeutic agent robotic mixer and a method for providing therapeutic infusion services. The transportable therapeutic cartridge is configured to be used to manually mix therapeutic agents or to be coupled to a therapeutic agent robotic mixer, such that the robotic mixer can access therapeutic agents disposed in the cartridge and automatically mix therapeutic agents. The cartridge, mixer, and method provide therapeutic infusions in a just-in-time fashion, so as to minimize risk to patients and facility staff while maximizing the use and safety of the therapeutics.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods to disperse mucin and/or actin using nanoparticles wherein the average diameter of the nanoparticles is less than about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A tissue construct comprising includes a self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregate. The cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and degradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregate. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles act as a bulking agent and/or provide bioactive agents or signals within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate and/or regulate cell function within the aggregate allowing the cell aggregate to be readily manipulated and formed into tissue constructs with defined architectures and potential tissue specific functionality.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.

Abstract: An isolated, pure homogeneous population of mammalian astrocyte restricted precursor cells which is CD44 immunoreactive and which generate astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes is provided. Methods for isolating and using these mammalian astrocyte restricted precursor cells are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanoplasmonic molecular ruler, which can perform label-free and real-time monitoring of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) length changes and perform nucleic acid footprinting. In various embodiments the ruler comprises a nucleic acid attached to a nanoparticle, such that changes in the nucleic acid length are detectable using surface plasmon resonance. The nanoplamonic ruler provides a fast and convenient platform for mapping nucleic acid-protein interactions, for nuclease activity monitoring, and for other footprinting related methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of determining the prognosis of a breast cancer patient by evaluating the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor in tumor cells. Other embodiment include methods of treating breast cancer cells, particularly, chemo-resistant cells, with a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist and an anticancer agent or compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that CCL3, through at least one of its receptors CCR1 and CCR5, plays a role in the pathologies associated with myeloid neoplasms. In various embodiments, the pathologies associated with myeloid neoplasms treatable by the compositions and methods of the invention described herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of osteoclast/osteoblast imbalance, inhibition of osteoblast function, bone loss, disregulation of the hematopoietic stem cell microenvironment, abnormal hematopoietic recovery, pancytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, bicytopenia, and erythrocytopenia. Interfering with the interaction between CCL3 and its receptors, by targeting at least one of CCL3, CCR1, CCR5, diminishes the effects of pathologies associated with myeloid neoplasms.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst includes a support including particles of an alkaline earth salt, and first particles including a palladium compound on the support. The oxidation catalyst can also include precious metal group (PMG) metal particles in addition to the first particles intermixed together on the support. A gas permeable polymer that provides a continuous phase can completely encapsulate the particles and the support. The oxidation catalyst may be used as a gas sensor, where the first particles are chemochromic particles.

Abstract: Large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors with sub-nanosecond time resolution based on microchannel plates are provided. The large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors enable the economic construction of sampling calorimeters with, for example, enhanced capability to measure local energy deposition, depth-of-interaction, time-of-flight, and/or directionality of showers. In certain embodiments, sub-nanosecond timing resolution supplies correlated position and time measurements over large areas. The use of thin flat-panel viewing radiators on both sides of a radiation-creating medium allows simultaneous measurement of Cherenkov and scintillation radiation in each layer of the calorimeter. The detectors may be used in a variety of applications including, for example, medical imaging, security, and particle and nuclear physics.