Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a nonionic liquid mixture to an ionic liquid upon contact with a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. In preferred embodiments, the ionic solvent is readily converted back to the nonionic liquid mixture. The nonionic liquid mixture includes an amidine or guanidine or both, and water, alcohol, or a combination thereof. Single component amine solvents that reversibly convert between ionic and non-ionic states are also described. Some embodiments require increased pressure to convert; others convert at 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto.

Abstract: The use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I, its derivatives and/or analogue thereof in medicine is described. In particular, a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of viral infections, for inducing hypoglycaemia and/or for reducing hyperglycaemia, and/or for treatment of hypoglycaemia-related conditions is described.

Abstract: A material which comprises a polyrotaxane and a polymer and is crosslinked by irradiation with light. In the material, which comprises a first polyrotaxane and a polymer, the first polyrotaxane comprises a first cyclic molecules, a first linear molecule with which the first cyclic molecules are clathrated in a splitted state, and first blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the first linear molecule so as to prevent the first cyclic molecules from being released from the first linear molecule. The first polyrotaxane combines with at least part of the polymer through the first cyclic molecules by photocrosslinking reaction.

Abstract: A method for improving quality of an image is described. The method includes reconstructing a first image of a sample volume, segmenting the first image to generate a first region and a second region, reconstructing a second image of the sample volume, and generating a final image from a combination of the segmentation, the first image, and the second image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining in-situ hydrate saturation of hydrate-bearing formations using dielectric properties of gas hydrate amounts are described. In accordance with one aspect, a method for determining gas-hydrate saturation concentration of hydrate-bearing formations includes collecting data using a dielectric propagation tool indicative of propagation time (tpl) and attenuation time (?), collecting data indicative of density using a density device, and processing the combination of data indicative of tpl, ? and density to determine the concentration of gas-hydrate saturation and porosity of the formations.

Abstract: A self-assembly nanodevice formed through nucleic acid engineering is disclosed. The nanodevice may include an array of nanoparticles. The nanodevice may further include a substrate that supports the array of nanoparticles. Each of the nanoparticles may be coordinated with a plurality of nucleic acids that are substantially free of Watson-Crick base-paring with nucleic acids coordinated with other nanoparticles. Methods of forming the nanodevice, as well as the microscopic organization of the nanoparticles are also disclosed. By manipulating the nucleic acids as capping ligands, the inter-particle distance may be extended to a greater range than nanotechnology based on alkyl ligands or nucleic acids base-pairing.

Abstract: The present invention in one aspect relates to a low-cost, nano-graphene based broadband optical limiter with limiting properties superior to current standards, carbon fullerenes (C60) solutions and carbon black suspensions. The broadband optical limiter includes a plurality of graphene nano-sheets, and a base material in which the plurality of graphene nano-sheets is distributed. The base material can be liquid or gel matrix.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating and preventing malaria. Specifically, the invention provides methods for inhibiting a Plasmodium parasite, especially Plasmodium falciparum, from invading or replicating in a cell as well as vaccines for preventing malaria.

Abstract: An electronic element includes a substrate, and a transparent conductive layer. The substrate includes a surface. The transparent conductive layer is formed on a surface of the substrate. The transparent conductive layer includes at least one carbon nanotube layer. Carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer are adhered together by the van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of fixing an antibacterial agent, by which method it is possible to impart articles of a wide range of materials with excellent antibacterial property and good persistence of antibacterial activity. Specifically, the method of fixing an antibacterial agent, comprises the steps of: subjecting a surface of an article to a surface treatment of providing the surface with oxygen-containing functional groups; and then subjecting the article to a treatment using an antibacterial agent composition including a silicon-containing compound (a) represented by general formula (1) below.

Abstract: A peptide comprising the sequence VKVKVRVKVDPPTKVKVRVKV-NH2 forms a hydrogel which has the ability to shear-thin and recover. The hydrogel, both before and after shear-thinning, is capable of killing bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometriosis. Generally, the methods of this invention find use in diagnosing or for providing a prognosis for endometriosis by detecting the expression levels of biomarkers, which are differentially expressed (up- or down-regulated) in endometrial cells from a patient with endometriosis. Similarly, these markers can be used to diagnose reduced fertility in a patient with endometriosis or to provide a prognosis for a fertility trial in a patient suffering from endometriosis. The present invention also provides methods of identifying a compound for treating or preventing endometriosis. Finally, the present invention provides kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of endometriosis.

Abstract: Methods for treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject are provided. The method provides administering an inhibitor of O-GlcNAc transferase in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease in the mammalian subject. Method for diagnosing a risk factor for a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject and methods for identifying a test compound which inhibits a hexosamine signaling pathway in a cell or tissue are provided.

Abstract: A method for determination of interface particles used in a particle method is proposed. According to the present invention, the method for determination includes a density acquiring step of acquiring density in a predetermined range based on a determining-target particle, a first discriminating step of comparing the density with a predetermined threshold, a second discriminating step of determining a symmetry of an arrangement of the other particles within a predetermined range based on the determining-target particle, and a determining step of determining the determining-target particle as an interface particle in the case that the density determined by the first discriminating step is found to be smaller than the predetermined threshold and the arrangement of the other particles determined by the second discriminating step is found to be asymmetrical.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for determining the size distribution of DNA molecules in a sample comprising cell-free nucleic acid, comprising labeling the DNA with a fluorescent dye in a stoichiometric manner, subjecting the DNA to molecular spectroscopy (e.g., cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy), analyzing suitable fluorescent burst parameters of the labeled DNA, and conducting single molecule DNA integrity analysis of the labeled DNA molecules in the sample. In one embodiment of the invention, the method is used as a diagnostic method for detecting cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating and cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension comprising the use of CaMKII-HDAC binding domains. The present invention discloses not only the fact that CaMKII binds to HDAC4 at a specific site, but that HDAC4 may dimerize with other HDACs. Both events can lead to export of HDACs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, an event associated with the development of heart disease. Thus the methods of treatment and the screening methods of the present invention are novel attempts to prevent, treat or identify therapies for cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating a urinary tract infection (UTI). The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof a cAMP elevator or agent that mimics cAMP, particularly a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a UTI. The methods may further include administration of at least one cAMP elevator in combination with one or more additional active compounds from other classes of therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial agents or cholesterol lowering drugs. Compositions of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions and kits for treating a UTI in a subject in need thereof that include therapeutically effective amounts of at least two cAMP elevators, particularly where one of the cAMP elevators is a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of a novel function of an FKBP proline isomerases in chemotropic nerve guidance and axon regeneration through gating of TRPC1 channel activity. Accordingly, there are provided methods for identifying an agent that inhibits FKBP52 binding to TRPC1. Also provided are methods for identifying an inhibitor of an FKBP52-TRPC1 signaling pathway by contacting a cell expressing TRPC1 and FKBP52 with a test agent and detecting a change in agonist-induced calcium flux of TRPC1. Further provided are methods of enhancing axonal outgrowth by inhibiting the activity of FKBP52 in a neuronal growth cone, and methods of enhancing axonal regeneration in a subject in need thereof by administering an agent that inhibits the activity of FKBP52.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for label-free detection of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a system includes a light source configured to emit broadband Gaussian light. The system may also include an optical fiber coupled to the light source. Additionally, the system may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include a fiber-interface surface configured to be coupled to the optical fiber and to receive broadband Gaussian light from the optical fiber. The optical sensor may also include a sensor body coupled to the fiber-interface surface, the sensor body having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the optical fiber, such that at least a portion of light received by the fiber-interface surface is reflected back to the optical fiber during use; and a binder-interface surface coupled to the sensor body, the binder-interface surface configurable to receive a chemical binder layer.