Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides, compositions, and methods related to RNA interference (RNAi). In particular, disclosed are toxic RNAi sequences in polyplexes or lipopolyplexes and methods of using said the same for killing cancer cells and treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel method for the generation of highly diverse RNA expressing vectors and vector libraries for use in targeted gene knock out, knock down and genome modification approaches. The invention pertains to a method for generating such higher order libraries without the need of classical cloning technologies. This is particularly useful for libraries based on large vectors wherein a sequence cannot be easily mutated with classical mutagenesis methods. The vectors and libraries generated according to the methods of the invention are in particular for RNA assisted silencing technologies such as RNA interference, and for targeted genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system or similar RNA/DNA-encoded gene perturbation systems which use small guide RNAs to target the CRISPR complex to a specific genomic sequence. The invention provides also kits comprising the materials for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PD-L1 polypeptide comprising at least a first amino acid sequence at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO:8, and at least a second sequence at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein the polypeptide carries amino acid substitutions at least at the amino acid positions Y56 and P76, wherein the amino acid positions are based on the murine PD-L1 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:6). The present invention also relates to a polynucleotide encoding the aforesaid PD-L1 polypeptide, and to host cells, methods, and uses related thereto.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a low-pass filter, preferably a capacitor in a low-pass filter, a battery management system and a battery are provided. The apparatus includes a switch connected in series with a resistor, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the resistor. When the switch carries out a switching operation, the voltage changes within a very short time from a first to a second voltage value. A voltage detection device measures the voltage during switching and at at least one further point in time, 0.5 to 5 milliseconds later. Determining the speed at which the voltage changes from the first voltage value to the second voltage value makes it possible to determine whether the capacitor is functional and/or makes it possible to determine the resistance. Determining the internal resistance of a battery cell also makes it possible to determine the state of charge of a battery.

Abstract: An inhibitor of IL-38 is useful for treating and/or preventing cancer in a subject. A pharmaceutical composition can include an inhibitor of IL-38. A method for treating and/or preventing cancer is carried out by administering an inhibitor of IL-38 in a therapeutically effective amount. Another method is useful for identifying an inhibitor of IL-38.

Abstract: A system and mclhod for allocating processing resources in an automated laboratory system configured with processing units at which one or more activities are performed using one or more processing resources arc provided. A scheduler component received receiving at least one order reciuiring Ihe execulion of one or more protocols on (he automated laboratory system. The scheduler generates one or more optimisation problem instances and utilizes the optimisation nrohlcm instances lo generate the schedule of aclivitics for (he automated laboratory system. The scheduler causes the implementation of the generating schedule such that the activities can be performed according to desired protocol steps.

Abstract: A liquid-metering device for discharging metered liquid in the nanometer range, includes a pipetting-tip receiving device defining, at least in a metering-ready operating position of the liquid-metering device, a receiving space that runs along a virtual receiving axis and is designed to receive a portion of a pipetting-tip. The liquid-metering device also includes a triggering plunger moveable relative to the pipetting-tip receiving device, between a standby position and a triggering position. The liquid-metering device also includes movement drive, which is coupled to the triggering plunger so as to transmit motion, and a control device for controlling operation of the movement drive. A first and second deformation formation define therebetween an axial longitudinal region of the receiving space as a deformation region, in which region the first and second formations can be brought closer or farther away to/from one another. The triggering plunger is located in the deformation region.

Abstract: A dosing system for transferring an aseptic fluid in dosages into a container, comprising a peristaltic pump configured such that the filling accuracy for fill volumes of the aseptic fluid <100 ?L is ±3 ?L.

Abstract: A method for detecting a known pattern having homogeneous areas includes the steps of taking an image of the known pattern or, of at least a portion of the known pattern, and performing detection. Detection includes an initial detection of a first region of the image and the detection of a feature of the known pattern within a second region of the image. The second region is arranged adjacent to the first region. The initial detection is aimed at estimating at least one region parameter, such as a position of the region of the pattern, and/or orientation of the region or distortion of same. Starting from this, the second region can be selected in which a feature, such as a corner of the checkerboard is detectable. This second detection step is aimed at obtaining at least one region parameter such as the position of a feature within the second region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an isocyanate, wherein a carbamate or thiolcarbomate is converted, in the presence of a catalyst, with separation of an alcohol or thioalcohol, at a temperature of at least 150° C., to the corresponding isocyanate, wherein a compound of the general formula (X)(Y)(Z—H) is used as a catalyst, in particular characterized in that the compound has both a proton donor function and a proton acceptor function. In the catalysts according to the invention, a separable proton is bound to a heteroatom, which is more electronegative than carbon. Said heteroatom is either identical to Z or a component thereof. In the catalysts according to the invention, there is additionally a proton acceptor function which is either identical to X or a component thereof. According to the invention, the proton donator and proton acceptor function are connected to each other by the bridge Y.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an isocyanate, wherein a carbamate or thiolcarbomate is converted, in the presence of a catalyst, with separation of an alcohol or thioalcohol, at a temperature of at least 150° C., to the corresponding isocyanate, wherein a compound of the general formula (X)(Y)(Z—H) is used as a catalyst, in particular characterized in that the compound has both a proton donor function and a proton acceptor function. In the catalysts according to the invention, a separable proton is bound to a heteroatom, which is more electronegative than carbon. Said heteroatom is either identical to Z or a component thereof. In the catalysts according to the invention, there is additionally a proton acceptor function which is either identical to X or a component thereof. According to the invention, the proton donator and proton acceptor function are connected to each other by the bridge Y.

Abstract: Image processing device for producing in real-time a digital composite image from a sequence of digital images recorded by a camera device, in particular an endoscopic camera device, the image processing device including a selecting unit, a key point detection unit, a transforming unit and a joining unit, wherein the key point detection unit includes a maximum detection unit configured for executing following steps separately for the filter response for the reference image and for the filter response for the further image, wherein a variable threshold is used: i) creating blocks by dividing the respective filter response, ii) calculating the variable threshold for each of the blocks, iii) discarding those blocks of the blocks from further consideration, in which the respective filter response at a reference point of the respective block is less than the respective variable threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a body portion of a user treated by the user using a personal hygienic device. The apparatus includes a camera configured to capture the user to obtain a pictorial representation of the user while treating the body portion using the personal hygienic device; an interface configured to receive sensor data from at least one inertial sensor residing in the personal hygienic device; and an analyzer configured to analyze the pictorial representation and the sensor data to determine the body portion.

Abstract: An inhibitor of IL-38 is useful for treating and/or preventing cancer in a subject. A pharmaceutical composition can include an inhibitor of IL-38. A method for treating and/or preventing cancer is carried out by administering an inhibitor of IL-38 in a therapeutically effective amount. Another method is useful for identifying an inhibitor of IL-38.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing enzyme-specific inhibitors or substrate binding partners comprising: identifying active site residues of the substrate in the enzyme substrate complex or in substrate binding partner-substrate complex; randomizing the active site residues to produce a combinatorial library of substrate variants; and selecting substrate variants that inhibit enzyme activity or bind substrate as substrate-specific binding partners. The present disclosure also provides ubiquitin enzyme specific inhibitors and ubiquitin variants that bind ubiquitin interaction motifs.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly comprising a cartridge holder is presented. The cartridge holder can receive a cartridge for dispensing a fluid. The cartridge can comprise a reservoir for receiving the fluid. The reservoir can comprise an outlet. The reservoir can have an adjustable volume for forcing the fluid through the outlet. The cartridge can further comprise a nozzle for dispensing the fluid. The nozzle can be connected to the outlet. The dispensing assembly can further comprise an actuator for actuating the adjustable volume. The dispensing assembly can further comprise an impulse generator for imparting an impulse to the nozzle. The impulse generator can comprise an actor for contacting the nozzle. The dispenser assembly can further comprise a controller for controlling the actor and the impulse generator.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel method for the generation of highly diverse RNA expressing vectors and vector libraries for use in targeted gene knock out, knock down and genome modification approaches. The invention pertains to a method for generating such higher order libraries without the need of classical cloning technologies. This is particularly useful for libraries based on large vectors wherein a sequence cannot be easily mutated with classical mutagenesis methods. The vectors and libraries generated according to the methods of the invention are in particular for RNA assisted silencing technologies such as RNA interference, and for targeted genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system or similar RNA/DNA-encoded gene perturbation systems which use small guide RNAs to target the CRISPR complex to a specific genomic sequence. The invention provides also kits comprising the materials for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Image processing device for producing in real-time a digital composite image from a sequence of digital images recorded by a camera device, in particular an endoscopic camera device, the image processing device including a selecting unit, a key point detection unit, a transforming unit and a joining unit, wherein the key point detection unit includes a maximum detection unit configured for executing following steps separately for the filter response for the reference image and for the filter response for the further image, wherein a variable threshold is used: i) creating blocks by dividing the respective filter response, ii) calculating the variable threshold for each of the blocks, iii) discarding those blocks of the blocks from further consideration, in which the respective filter response at a reference point of the respective block is less than the respective variable threshold.

Abstract: A method for detecting a known pattern having homogeneous areas includes the steps of taking an image of the known pattern or, of at least a portion of the known pattern, and performing detection. Detection includes an initial detection of a first region of the image and the detection of a feature of the known pattern within a second region of the image. The second region is arranged adjacent to the first region. The initial detection is aimed at estimating at least one region parameter, such as a position of the region of the pattern, and/or orientation of the region or distortion of same. Starting from this, the second region can be selected in which a feature, such as a corner of the checkerboard is detectable. This second detection step is aimed at obtaining at least one region parameter such as the position of a feature within the second region.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing enzyme-specific inhibitors or substrate binding partners comprising: identifying active site residues of the substrate in the enzyme substrate complex or in substrate binding partner-substrate complex; randomizing the active site residues to produce a combinatorial library of substrate variants; and selecting substrate variants that inhibit enzyme activity or bind substrate as substrate-specific binding partners. The present disclosure also provides ubiquitin enzyme specific inhibitors and ubiquitin variants that bind ubiquitin interaction motifs.