Abstract: Assays for selecting a candidate modulator of a TMEM120A ion channel and/or a candidate modulator of chronic pain, the steps comprising contacting a lipid membrane comprising contacting a lipid membrane comprising TMEM120A polypeptide with a test compound; quantitating the TMEM120A ion channel activity; comparing the ion channel activity of the TMEM120A polypeptide with a control; and selecting the test compound that modulates the ion channel activity compared to the control; and methods and compositions for treating chronic pain including osteoarthritic pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting mitochondria alterations, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a separation element and a sample; (B) mixing the separation element and the sample, wherein a detecting sample is obtained through the binding of a DNA fragment on the separation element to mitochondrial DNA in the sample; (C) dividing the detecting sample into a comparison group and a detection group; (D) adding an amplification solution into the comparison group and the detection group respectively to begin a DNA amplified reaction, and further adding a restriction enzyme into the detection group, wherein the amplification solution comprises a labeling reagent and a primer pair; and (E) detecting amounts of the labeling reagent in the comparison group and the detection group respectively after the DNA amplified reaction.

Abstract: A method and a system for rectifying a distorted fingerprint are provided. The method includes following steps. A feature of a distorted fingerprint is extracted, a reference distorted fingerprint whose feature is matched with the feature of the distorted fingerprint is searched for in a reference distorted fingerprint database, a dense distortion field of the reference distorted fingerprint is obtained in the reference distorted fingerprint database and the distorted fingerprint is rectified to a normal one according to the dense distortion field of the reference distorted fingerprint.

Abstract: The invention provides novel and versatile classes of riboregulators, including inter alia activating and repressing riboregulators, switches, and trigger and sink RNA, and methods of their use for detecting RNAs in a sample such as a well and in modulating protein synthesis and expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method of a tube and a transplantable polymer tube prepared by such method, which includes modifying the inner surface of a tube using plasma. A preparation method of a tube may include preparing a tube, modifying the inner surface of the tube using microplasma so as to have reactivity, forming a thin film layer on the modified surface of the tube to prevent aging or impart adhesiveness, and modifying the surface of the thin film layer using microplasma so as to enhance cell adhesion thereon.

Abstract: A method of tuning a hearing device includes sending a test signal to a model of a hearing device that may be remote from the actual hearing device being tuned. The test signal is encoded by the model and sent to the hearing device being tuned. The user of that hearing device sends a response signal based at least in part on the encoded test signal. This response is received and compared to the original test signal. Thereafter, an operational parameter is sent to the hearing device based on the comparison.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diode comprises: a semiconductor layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the semiconductor layer having a thickness between the first side and the second side, the thickness of the semiconductor layer being based on a mean free path of a charge carrier emitted into the semiconductor layer; a first metal layer deposited on the first side of the semiconductor layer; and a second metal layer deposited on the second side of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method of reversible spatial mode selection and conversion between waveguides and free space is presented using a multiplexed volume Bragg grating (MVBG). The MVBG has an inherent angular selectivity, providing different losses for different transverse modes and converting a higher order mode in waveguide to a single fundamental mode in free space. Using the device in a resonator allows for a pure higher order mode to be guided and amplified in the gain medium, to increase the mode area, to extract accumulated excitation more efficiently, and, therefore, to increase gain of the amplifier. In the same resonator, the device is able to convert the higher order mode to a high brightness Gaussian beam in free space or to a fundamental mode in a waveguide.

Abstract: An inputting fingertip includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The inputting end is located on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a supporter and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is located on a surface of the supporter. The conductive layer includes a graphene composite layer including a plurality of graphenes and a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An optofluidic platform is constructed so as to comprise a planar, liquid-core integrated optical waveguides for specific detection of nucleic acids. Most preferably, the optical waveguides comprises antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROWs). A liquid solution can be prepared and introduced into the optofluidic platform for optical excitation. The resulting optical signal can be collected at the edges of the optofluidic platform and can be analyzed to determine the existence of a single and/or a specific nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a memory device. The memory device includes a bit-cell comprising a cross-coupled inverter and pass gate transistor connected to data storage node of the cross-coupled inverter, a read buffer transistor having a drain terminal connected to a bit line for read operation and a gate terminal connected to the pass gate transistor, a write operation transistor connected between the pass gate transistor and a bit line for write operation, and a drive transistor unit which is connected to a local line between the pass gate transistors and the write operation transistor and which provide a voltage to a gate terminal of the read buffer transistor based on a data value stored at the bit-cell.

Abstract: A ceramic cathode material of a solid oxide fuel cell and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method includes mixing a lanthanum-containing compound, a cobalt-containing compound, a nickel-containing compound, and a copper-containing compound, for preparing the ceramic cathode material of the solid oxide fuel cell of intermediate/low type. The ceramic cathode material of the solid oxide fuel cell is LaCozNiyCuxO3??, in which x ranges from 0.01 to 0.3, y ranges from 0 to 0.89, and z ranges from 0.1 to 0.99. The ceramic cathode material manufactured by mixing the lanthanum-containing compound, the cobalt-containing compound, the nickel-containing compound, and the copper-containing compound when operating within the temperature range from 500 to 800 degrees Celsius is of high electrical conductivity and reduced thermal expansion coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the identification of individuals having neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Peptoids recognized by Parkinson's Disease- and Alzheimer's Disease-specific antibodies are identified, allowing one to diagnose or predict ND in subjects.

Abstract: A method for removing elements, including heavy metals, from fly ash and from fly ash resulting from removal of SOx/NOx from flue gas using Na2CO3/NaHCO3/trona, is described. An aqueous suspension of the fly ash and/or a solution of the leachate from the fly ash is treated with dissolved ferrous compounds, such as FeSO4.7H2O and/or FeCl2.4H2O, at a chosen initial acidic pH, and the precipitation of the ferrous ions as the solution basifies sequesters the trace elements.

Abstract: An ion-immobilized metal oxide particle includes a metal oxide particle and an anion that itself includes a) a reactive group that consists of an alkoxysilyl group and b) an anionic group consisting of a carboxylate (—COO?) group or a sulfonate (—SO3?) group, the anion being immobilized to the metal oxide particle via a silanol group derived from the reactive group. An elastomer includes the ion-immobilized metal oxide particle, and a transducer includes the elastomer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A source/drain electrode stack is formed over a substrate, wherein the source/drain electrode stack comprises a first source/drain electrode and a second source/drain electrode. A source/channel/drain layer is formed on a sidewall of the source/drain electrode stack, wherein the source/channel/drain layer comprises a 2D material. A gate stack is formed on the source/channel/drain layer.

Abstract: The sequential compression device for treatment and prophylaxis of deep vein thromboses includes a compression sock having a plurality of electromechanical units positioned along the calf muscle of a user's leg. Each of the electromechanical units includes a front housing component and a back housing component. The front housing component of the unit includes a compressor piston positioned in communicating relation with the user's calf muscle and the back housing component of the unit includes a magnet and a copper coil. The magnet is positioned in communicating relation with the compressor piston of the front housing component. Upon activation, the compressor piston selectively compresses the small saphenous vein to simulate the effect of the calf muscle during walking and promote the flow of blood back to the user's heart.

Abstract: Electronic communications can be normalized using neural networks. For example, an electronic representation of a noncanonical communication can be received. A normalized version of the noncanonical communication can be determined using a normalizer including a neural network. The neural network can receive a single vector at an input layer of the neural network and transform an output of a hidden layer of the neural network into multiple values that sum to a total value of one. Each value of the multiple values can be a number between zero and one and represent a probability of a particular character being in a particular position in the normalized version of the noncanonical communication. The neural network can determine the normalized version of the noncanonical communication based on the multiple values. Whether the normalized version should be output can be determined based on a result from a flagger including another neural network.

Abstract: The present invention provides KLK3 peptides, FOLH1 peptides, recombinant polypeptides comprising same, recombinant nucleotide molecules encoding same, recombinant Listeria strains comprising same, and immunogenic and therapeutic methods utilizing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste fluorescent light end-cutting device. The waste fluorescent light end-cutting device includes a conveyor transferring a waste fluorescent light, a heating wire disposed on each of both sides of the conveyor, a cooling wire subsequently disposed on a rear side of the heating wire, and a suction duct disposed between the cooling wire and the heating wire. A base cap is separated from the waste fluorescent light by using a temperature difference between the heating wire and the cooling wire.