Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for introducing, into cells, nucleic acids whose expression results in chromosomal silencing. The nucleic acids are targeted to specific chromosomal regions where they subsequently reduce the expression of deleterious genes, or cause the death of deleterious cells. Where the nucleic acid sequence is a silencing sequence, it may encode an Xist RNA or other non-coding, silencing RNA. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that include a transgene (e.g., a silencing sequence encoding an Xist RNA or other non-coding RNA that silences a segment of a chromosome); first and second sequences that direct insertion of the silencing sequence into a targeted chromosome; and, optionally, a selectable marker.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for reduction of (CAG)n-RNA mediated toxicity. Compositions, methods, and kits are also provided for treatment of polyglutamine diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for diagnosing or predicting cancer in a patient. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a patient as having cancer comprises the steps of (a) providing a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded or fresh frozen sample of patient tissue; (b) steaming the sample in antigen retrieval buffer; (c) incubating the sample in hydrochloric acid (HCl); (d) incubating the sample with an affinity reagent specific for 5hmC under conditions to form a complex between the affinity reagent and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) present in the sample; (e) detecting the complexes formed between 5hmC and the affinity reagent with secondary detection reagents; (f) quantifying 5hmC levels; and (g) identifying the patient as having cancer if the 5hmC levels in the sample are reduced as compared to a control.

Abstract: A CMOS logarithmic current generator includes current mode circuitry having a design principle based on a Taylor's series expansion that approximates an exponential function. A MOSFET circuit provides a function generator core cell having a biasing current Ib. The FETs of the circuit are matched and are biased in the weak inversion region. Additional transistors are used to convert a pair of input currents to a pair of voltages to provide an output current based upon a current mode logarithmic function. The biasing current Ib can be varied to provide a variable gain in the circuit.

Abstract: A method for forming a germanium-based layer is provided. The method includes: providing a substrate having a Ge or GeSi surface layer; and implanting atoms, molecules, ions or plasmas containing an element Sn into the Ge surface layer to form a Ge-based GeSn layer, or implanting atoms, molecules, ions or plasmas containing an element Sn into the GeSi surface layer to form a Ge-based GeSnSi layer, or co-implanting atoms, molecules, ions or plasmas containing elements Sn and Si into the Ge surface layer to form a Ge-based GeSnSi layer.

Abstract: The methods may include forming a first material layer on a substrate, increasing electric resistance of the first material layer, and forming a source pattern and a drain pattern, which are spaced apart from each other, on the first material layer, a band gap of the source and drain patterns greater than a band gap of a first material layer.

Abstract: An AC/DC converter is disclosed. The proposed AC/DC converter generates an output voltage and includes a current ripple eliminator having an input terminal, an energy storage capacitor and an output terminal, wherein the input terminal has an input voltage, the output terminal generates a pure AC component of a voltage feedback signal based on the output voltage, when the input voltage is larger than a first reference voltage, the energy storage capacitor stores a difference between the input voltage and the first reference voltage as an electric energy, otherwise, the energy storage capacitor releases the electric energy to the input voltage, and an operational amplifier operating the AC component and a second reference voltage to determine when the storage capacitor should store or release the electric energy to minimize a ripple of an output power thereof.

Abstract: The amplify and forward relay method enhances QOS in wireless networks and is based on the switch-and-examine (SEC) and SEC post-selection (SECps) diversity combining techniques where only a single relay out of multiple relays is used to forward the source signal to the destination. The selection process is performed based on a predetermined switching threshold. Maximal-ratio combining (MRC) is used at the destination to combine the signal on the relay path with that on the direct link.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring complex electrical admittance and/or complex electrical impedance in animal or human patients includes a first electrode and at least a second electrode which are adapted to be disposed in the patient. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to be disposed in the patient. The housing has disposed in it a stimulator in electrical communication with at least the first electrode to stimulate the first electrode with either current or voltage, a sensor in electrical communication with at least the second electrode to sense a response from the second electrode based on the stimulation of the first electrode, and a signal processor in electrical communication with the sensor to determine the complex electrical admittance or impedance of the patient.

Abstract: This invention is in the fields of cancer therapy. More particularly it concerns compounds which are useful agents for treating cell proliferative disorders, especially those disorders characterized by over activity and/or inappropriate activity of a EGFR, including EGFR-related cancers, particularly for expanding the efficacy of drugs previously developed for this purpose, and for methods of treatments using the compounds for this purpose.

Abstract: Provided is an anticancer composition, and particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting cancer, which includes a microRNA-30b, microRNA-133a, or microRNA-202-5p inhibitor as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition may suppress microRNA-30b, microRNA-133a, or microRNA-202-5p, thereby inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, and eventually, is expected to be useful for cancer treatment.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for treating or reducing symptoms associated with abdominal dysfunction or ileus following surgery or other abdominal episode by treating the area with a combination of one or more protease, antibacterial compound, and inflammatory lipid mediator.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles consisting of a polymer which is a metal chelating agent coated with a magnetic metal oxide, wherein at least one active agent is covalently bound to the polymer, said nanoparticles may optionally further comprise at least one active agent physically or covalently bound to the outer surface of the magnetic metal oxide. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nanoparticles may be used, inter alia, for detection and treatment of tumors and inflammations.

Abstract: There is provided an accumulation-mode MOSFET. The accumulation-mode MOSFET has a tunnel electron emission portion and a thermionic emission portion which are provided in a source region portion.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrio-ventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when inserted into a heart valve. In another embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring are configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula I: or a salt thereof, wherein ring A and R1-R4 have any of the values defined in the specification. The compounds have activity as Aurora B kinase inhibitors and are useful for treating conditions associated with Aurora B kinase activity (e.g. cancer).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell adhesion matrix having poly(vinyl alcohol) chains crosslinked via carboxy phenyl boronic acid crosslinkers. The cell adhesion matrix can also include a molecular recognition element bound to the poly(vinyl alcohol) chains via a carboxy phenyl boronic acid group, as well as including cells. The present invention also provides a method for making and de-gelling the cell adhesion matrix.

Abstract: A sol-flame method includes 1) forming a sol-gel precursor solution of a source of a dopant; 2) coating a nanostructure or a thin film with the sol-gel precursor solution; and 3) subjecting the coated nanostructure or the coated thin film to flame annealing to form a doped nanostructure or a doped thin film.

Abstract: A composite navigation system includes a first RFID apparatus, a GPS receiver, and a signal processing system. The first RFID apparatus includes an RFID chip and an antenna, a plurality of inclinometers, a plurality of linear accelerometers, and a plurality of angular accelerometers. The processing system includes a first RFID reader and a Kalman filter. The first RFID apparatus can communicate with the first RFID reader. The Kalman filter connects to the GPS receiver and the first RFID reader.

Abstract: ‘NCCH1’ is a new cultivar of hybrid dogwood with a compact, rounded habit, semi-evergreen foliage with maroon fall and winter foliage color, and 4-11 pink to red/purple floral bracts per inflorescence.