Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of treating cancer comprising administering an effective amount of an alkaloid, in which the alkaloid is liensinine, isoliensinine, dauricine, cepharanthine, hernandezine or thalidezine and isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The use of the alkaloid in treating neurodegenerative disorder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a composite carbon nanotube structure is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube structure and a polymer are provided. The polymer and the carbon nanotube structure are composited together. The composite carbon nanotube structure composited with polymer and the carbon nanotube is then graphitized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of ruthenium-based carbene catalysts with a chelating alkylidene ligand (“Hoveyda-type catalysts”) by reacting a penta coordinated ruthenium (II)-alkylidene complex of the type (L) (Py)X1X2Ru(alkylidene) with a suitable olefin derivative in a cross metathesis reaction. The method delivers high yields and is conducted preferably in aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. The use of phosphine-containing Ru carbene complexes as starting materials can be avoided. Catalyst products with high purity, particularly with low Cu content, can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems related to fuel cells, and in particular, to direct carbon fuel cells. The methods and systems relate to cleaning and removal of components utilized and produced during operation of the fuel cell, regeneration of components utilized during operation of the fuel cell, and generating power using the fuel cell.

Abstract: The wrist-mounted device to assist pilgrims is an electronic device worn on the wrist that provides functions to assist a pilgrim, particularly a pilgrim on a pilgrimage to a holy site. The device includes a heart rate monitor that alerts the user when his or her heart rate is too high, a GPS unit showing the location of holy sites of interest, a monitor for keeping a count of the number of perambulations around a holy site, e.g., when performing a Tawaf, an audio playback device that will play back a prayer or scripture, such as the Dua'a, and an annunciator for announcing prayer times.

Abstract: Production of products by engineered bacteria is increased by regulating cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is controlled by reducing electron transfer enzyme activity. Some examples of electron transfer enzymes include NADH dehydrogenases, Succinate dehydrogenases, ubiquinone synthesis, cytochrome O, and cytochrome D. In one example, deletion of UbiCA prevents respiration. Respiration can the be controlled by addition of ubiquinone or expression of ubiCA.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for applying a gradient magnetic field to a paramagnetic supporting liquid containing a mixture of first particles and second particles to separate the mixture by particle type. A magnetic susceptibility of the first particles is lower than that of the liquid, and a magnetic susceptibility of the second particles is higher than that of the liquid. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the liquid in a separation tank provided with a magnetic filter and the liquid is stirred. The first particles float in the liquid by a magneto-Archimedes effect. A horizontal magnetic force acts on the first particles by the gradient magnetic field, so that the first particles travel to a region lateral to or outward from the magnetic filter and are gathered in the region. The magnetic filter is excited by the gradient magnetic field to catch the second particles.

Abstract: Microcapsules are described that comprise (a) a liquid aqueous or hydrogel core; (b) a semipermeable membrane surrounding said core; (c) live animal cells (e.g., pancreatic cells) in the core; and (d) oxygen-generating particles in said core, said oxygen-generating particles included in said microcapsules in an amount sufficient to lengthen the duration of viability of said animal cells in said microcapsules. Compositions comprising such microcapsules and uses thereof, such as in treating diabetes, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides hemostatic compositions comprising components of the flowers of pharmaceutical chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), the leaves of dioecious nettle (Urtica dioica), kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin. Further inclusion of a biocompatible polymeric base, particularly an alignate, generates a composition with superior and broad spectrum hemostatic capabilities, including the ability to arrest arterial hemorrhage. The invention further provides methods of using the inventive compositions in to reduce or stop bleeding, as well as a variety of apparatuses useful in hemostatic contexts that incorporate the inventive compositions. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides hemostatic dressings in which a polymeric layer incorporating chamomile, nettle, kaolin, chitosan, fibrinogen and thrombin components is applied to a textile or fabric material, for example a non-woven viscose.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for combined transplantation of a solid organ and hematopoietic cells to a recipient, where tolerance to the graft is established through development of a persistent mixed chimerism. An individual with persistent mixed chimerism, usually for a period of at least six months, is able to withdraw from the use of immunosuppressive drugs after a period of time sufficient to establish tolerance.

Abstract: This invention provides maytansinoids having improved tumor inhibition activity. In particular, the present invention provides a method of treatment of cancer, in particular colon cancer, using maytansinoid compounds having two fused macrocyclic rings.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a light-absorbing layer comprising a 2d-perovskite.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic or external skin preparation that has an improved feel in use, e.g., excellent stretching on the skin surface, excellent permeation into the skin, and no stickiness, or crinkles. A cosmetic or an external skin preparation, and a medical instrument, comprising at least one lipid peptide-based gelator that contains a low-molecular lipid peptide of Formula (1): (where R1 to R3 are independently an organic group) or a pharmaceutically usable salt thereof.

Abstract: A multi-cladding optical fiber includes a core that conveys visible light used by a scanner for imaging a site within a patient's body, and an inner cladding that conveys high-power light, such as infrared light, used for providing therapy to site. The distal end of multi-cladding optical fiber is driven to scan the site when imaging or rendering therapy using an actuator. High-power light is coupled into inner cladding at proximal end of optical fiber using several different techniques. Some techniques use an axicon to direct the high-power light into the inner cladding, while visible light is coupled directly into the core. Another technique uses a multimode optical fiber in a coupling relationship with the multi-cladding optical fiber, to transfer high-power light from a core of the multimode fiber into the inner cladding of the multi-cladding optical fiber.

Abstract: An ultra-high strength stainless steel alloy with enhanced toughness includes in % by weight: 0 to 0.06% carbon (C); 12.0 to 18% chromium (Cr); 16.5 to 31.0% cobalt (Co); 0 to 8% molybdenum (Mo); 0.5 to 5.0% nickel (Ni); 0 to 0.5% titanium (Ti); 0 to 1.0% niobium (Nb); 0 to 0.5% vanadium (V); 0 to 16% tungsten (W); balance iron (Fe) and incidental deoxidizers and impurities. The heat treating method includes the steps of austenitizing at least once followed by quenching, tempering and sub-zero cooling to obtain no more than about 6-8% retained austenite in the finished alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel inflatable and rigidizable support elements, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides inflatable and rigidizable support elements rapidly inflated and rigidized using an acrylic adhesive and UV light generated by combustion, which find use, for example, in rapidly deploying and supporting the wing of an aerial vehicle and wind turbine towers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnesium alloy material, having superior mechanical properties without using special production equipment or processes, and a production process thereof. The magnesium alloy material of the present invention composed of an Mg—Zn—RE alloy comprises essential components in the form of 0.5 to 3 atomic percent of Zn and 1 to 5 atomic percent of RE, with the remainder comprising Mg and unavoidable impurities. The Mg—Zn—RE alloy has a lamellar phase formed from a long period stacking ordered structure and ?-Mg in the alloy structure thereof. The long period stacking ordered structure has at least one of a curved portion and a bent portion and has a divided portion in at least a portion thereof. Finely granulated ?-Mg having a mean particle diameter of 2 ?m or less is formed in the divided portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive substituted cyclopent[a]anthracenes as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a carotenoid having 50 carbon atoms which comprises culturing, in a medium, a cell transformed with a mutant phytoene desaturase gene and obtaining the carotenoid having 50 carbon atoms from the culture. The mutant phytoene desaturase gene has an introduced mutation to encode a mutant phytoene desaturase having an enhanced activity to desaturate a carotenoid backbone compound of 50 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A zinc titanate reactive adsorbent comprising multiphase, polycrystalline nanofibers comprising ZnTiO3, ZnO, TiO2, and Zn2TiO4.