Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining which microRNAs bind to a target mRNA where the methods comprise the steps of (a) creating a bait sequence from the target mRNA, where the bait sequence comprises a label that binds to a binding agent; (b) adding a mixture of microRNAs to the bait sequence; (c) separating the microRNAs that bind to the bait sequence from those microRNAs that do not bind; and (d) identifying the microRNAs that bind to the bait sequence, wherein the microRNAs identified are those that bind to the target mRNA.

Abstract: Selective gas-reducing methods for making shape-defined metal-based nanoparticles. By avoiding the use of solid or liquid reducing reagents, the gas reducing reagent can be used to make shape well-defined metal- and metal alloy-based nanoparticles without producing contaminates in solution. Therefore, the post-synthesis process including surface treatment become simple or unnecessary. Weak capping reagents can be used for preventing nanoparticles from aggregation, which makes the further removing the capping reagents easier. The selective gas-reducing technique represents a new concept for shape control of nanoparticles, which is based on the concepts of tuning the reducing rate of the different facets. This technique can be used to produce morphology-controlled nanoparticles from nanometer- to submicron- to micron-sized scale. The Pt-based nanoparticles show improved catalytic properties (e.g., activity and durability).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining which microRNAs bind to a target mRNA where the methods comprise the steps of (a) creating a bait sequence from the target mRNA, where the bait sequence comprises a label that binds to a binding agent; (b) adding a mixture of microRNAs to the bait sequence; (c) separating the microRNAs that bind to the bait sequence from those microRNAs that do not bind; and (d) identifying the microRNAs that bind to the bait sequence, wherein the microRNAs identified are those that bind to the target mRNA.

Abstract: A permuted sequences combination uses a frame structure in which two sync words, each comprising M complex symbols, are appended at the frame start. One benefit is the reduction of the large variance of the timing estimation error in the conventional correlation method. In at least one embodiment, the first sync word, {right arrow over (s)}1, is a predetermined constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence. The second sync word, {right arrow over (s)}2, is a permutation of the first such that the combination of the two received sync signal vectors perform sliding window processing where the peak occurs at the correct frame start. The permuted sequences combination can be used in both AWGN channel and multi-path environments.

Abstract: A permuted sequences combination uses a frame structure in which two sync words, each comprising M complex symbols, are appended at the frame start. One benefit is the reduction of the large variance of the timing estimation error in the conventional correlation method. In at least one embodiment, the first sync word, s1, is a predetermined constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence. The second sync word, s2, is a permutation of the first such that the combination of the two received sync signal vectors perform sliding window processing where the peak occurs at the correct frame start. The permuted sequences combination can be used in both AWGN channel and multi-path environments.