Abstract: Methods for producing functionalized graphene from graphite oxide or graphite are disclosed in which ionic liquids are used as a reaction medium to promote chemical functionalization of the graphene through electrochemically interacted exfoliation of graphene sheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant proteins comprising transferrin that is linked to tumstatin or other antiangiogenic protein and methods for producing and using the same. The present invention also provides an expression system, a plasmid, and a cell that is capable of expressing such recombinant proteins and methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: To provide a cell culture method capable of sustaining in-vivo functions for a long time by suppressing dedifferentiation. A cell culture method in accordance with the present invention is to culture cells in a multi-layered state in a minute partitioned space and to obtain a tissue structure having a function resembling an in-vivo function. When the cells are mammary gland epithelial cells, a hollow acinus-like structure can be formed. The minute partitioned space is particularly preferably a micro container in a cell culture container having a plurality of such micro containers on the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides optimized miRNA sequences and their therapeutic use. The invention provides optimized miRNA constructs for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a sirtuin complex, a method for detecting a sirtuin in a sample, and a method of screening for compounds which inhibit the deacetylase activity of a sirtuin. The method includes (a) providing a sirtuin substrate having the formula: (b) providing NAD+ or an NAD+ analog having the formula: and (c) providing a sirtuin, wherein R1-R4, A1, A2, and n are as defined herein.

Abstract: A precise measurement of the immunological receptor diversity present in a sample is obtained by sequence analysis. Samples of interest are generally complex, comprising more than 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1010, 1011, 1012 or more different sequences for a receptor of interest. Immunological receptors of interest include immunoglobulins, T cell antigen receptors, and major histocompatibility receptors. The specific composition of immunological receptor sequence variations in the sample can be recorded and output. The composition is useful for predictive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to the immune capabilities and history of an individual. Such predictions and diagnoses are used to guide clinical decisions.

Abstract: The invention provides relatively short immunogenic peptides derived from CD19 and CD20 antigens, and biologically active variants thereof, which elicit an immune response. Nucleic acids encoding the immunogenic peptides and antibodies specific for the peptides are also provided. The immunogenic peptides can be included in pharmaceutical compositions, such as cancer vaccines, and used for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Nanorods assemblies that have lengths in excess of 50 microns to meters are formed from contacting rice-shaped colloidal superparticles that are aligned along the long axis of the colloidal superparticles. The rice-shaped colloidal superparticles are formed from a multiplicity of nanorods with a high degree of association that is end to end to form colloidal superparticles that are in excess of three microns in length and have a length to diameter ratio of about three or more. Methods of preparing the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles employ mixing with an additional ligand to the nanorods to bias the self assembly of the nanorods by solvophobic interactions. Methods of preparing the nanorods assemblies include the infusion of the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles into microchannels patterned on a substrate, wherein the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles' long axes align in the microchannels.

Abstract: A near field optical imaging device includes: a light source for radiating light of a far field optical system; and an optical head including thin film layer for formation of dynamic optical nano apertures, combined with a measured object in one piece to generate a near field by a beam radiated from the light source, in which the measured object can be scanned in a depth direction by adjusting a depth of the near field, and the depth of the near field is adjusted by modifying a shape of an opening of the thin film layer for formation of dynamic optical nano apertures by adjusting an amount of the light radiated from the light source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy that treats atrial arrhythmias within pain tolerance thresholds of a patient. An implantable therapy generator adapted to generate and selectively deliver a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy and at least two leads, each having at least one electrode adapted to be positioned proximate the atrium of the patient. The device is programmed for delivering a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy via both a far-field configuration and a near-field configuration of the electrodes upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia. The three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy includes a first stage for unpinning of one or more singularities associated with an atrial arrhythmia, a second stage for anti-repinning of the one or more singularities, both of which are delivered via the far-field configuration of the electrodes, and a third stage for extinguishing of the one or more singularities delivered via the near-field configuration of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?v?8 antagonists, anti-?v?8 antibodies or immunoconjugates for reducing TGF? activation in an individual. Further provided are compositions comprising one of the ?v?8 antagonists, anti-?v?8 antibodies or immunoconjugates, methods for using the compositions, and related subject matter.

Abstract: Suitable adhesive properties and dismantling properties can be obtained, and an interface between an adherent/an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer/a substrate can be suitably dismantlable by the easily dismantlable adhesive composition including an acrylate polymer including a (meth)acrylate monomer having a carboxyl precursor group, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, and a monomer having a polar group as a monomer, and an acid catalyst or an acid generator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection of problematic foaming and bulking bacterial species in the biological wastewater treatment process. The invention provides various compositions of matter and methods for the detection of foaming and bulking bacterial species and genera in wastewater and other samples. PCR primers capable of amplifying 16s rRNA gene sequences from various foaming and bulking bacterial species are provided, as are probes that will specifically hybridize with PCR amplification products produced by the disclosed primers. In certain embodiments, the use of the disclosed PCR primers and probes in detection assays is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium is provided that can utilize an undersampling method and can produce a radar image of a target. The radar image of the target can be based on a collection of waveform measurements, where the collection can be based on a significantly reduced number of transmitted and received electromagnetic pulse waveforms.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively preparing a pyridine-containing compound is provided. In particular embodiments, the method includes reacting halogen-functionalized pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole with organotin-functionalized cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b?]dithiophene or organotin-functionalized indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b?]dithiophene. Also provided is a method of preparing a polymer. The method includes regioselectively preparing a monomer that includes a pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole unit; and reacting the monomer to produce a polymer that includes a regioregular conjugated backbone section, wherein the section includes a repeat unit containing the pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole unit. A polymer that includes a regioregular conjugated backbone section, and electronic devices that include the polymer, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the serum level of immunoglobulin IgE in an animal or human subject. It has been found that reducing or inhibiting the activity of the cannabinoid receptor CB2 leads to an increase in IgE in serum levels. Conversely, activation of the CB2 receptor by an agonist results in a reduction in IgE serum levels. The compositions and methods of the disclosure, therefore, provide a means to reduce or eliminate symptoms of immune system-related conditions resulting from IgE generation, such as an allergy, hay fever, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for regulating the formation of a sulfilimine crosslink in a subject by administering a sulfilimine crosslink modulator are disclosed The sulfilimine modulator may inhibit or create a sulfilimine crosslink and maybe useful for treating a disease, such as cancer The sulfilimine crosslink may be between two or more peptides.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube field-effect transistor encoder, based on a binary circuit which includes: a first inverter, a second inverter, a third inverter, a first three-input NAND gate, a second three-input NAND gate, a third three-input NAND gate, a fourth three-input NAND gate, a fifth three-input NAND gate, a sixth three-input NAND gate, a seventh three-input NAND gate, a first two-input NAND gate, a second two-input NAND gate, a third two-input NAND gate and a two-input AND gate. When the input end of the encoder inputs three-bit binary input signals, the three-bit binary input signals are first processed by the binary circuit; and the processed signals are input into the ternary circuit which includes a first CNFET NAND gate, a second CNFET NAND gate, a first CNFET NOR gate, a second CNFET NOR gate, a fourth inverter and a fifth inverter to be converted into ternary signals for transmission.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to valve replacement devices that are foldable for catheter-based deployment to the site of implantation, as well as systems for the delivery of valve prostheses, including prostheses having the special characteristics of the disclosed valve replacement devices. The devices include highly effective adhering mechanisms for secure and enduring precision implantation. The adhering mechanisms may employ a unique sealing mechanism that includes a cuff that expands slowly whereby the device is not secured in place until the completion of the implantation procedure. The implanted device, optionally together with the cuff, prevents perivalvular leaks and incorporate an appropriate leaflet system for reliable functioning in situ.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous lower limb devices, including at least one adjustable joint and configured for at least supporting a body are provided. A method includes collecting real-time sensor information associated with the autonomous lower limb device. The method also includes receiving, over a communications link, remote data for at least one other lower limb device configured for supporting the body. The method further includes generating control data for transitioning the autonomous lower limb device from a current state in a current finite state model for operating the autonomous lower limb device to a different state in the current finite state model, where the different state is selected based on the real-time sensor information and the remote data.