Abstract: Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are promising cell source to produce therapeutic endocrine cells for diabetes treatment. A gel solution made by decellularized tissue-specific extracellular matrix (dpECM) significantly promotes three-dimensional (3D) islet-like organogenesis during induced hPSC differentiation into endocrine lineages. Islet organoids are self-organized even in a two-dimensional (2D) culture mode. Cells derived from hPSCs differentiated on such ECM coated substrates exhibit similar cellular composition to native pancreatic islets. These cells express islet signature markers insulin, PDX-1, C-peptide, MafA, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide, and secrete more insulin in response to glucose level compared to a traditional matrix substrate (Matrigel). The dpECM facilitates generating more C-peptide+/glucagon? cells rather than C-peptide+/glucagon+ cells. Remarkably, dpECM also facilitated intra-organoid vascularity by generating endothelial cells and pericytes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pollen control dry pollination machine for Abies ziyuanensis, comprising a lever; a side of a top of the lever is fixedly connected with one end of a square tube; another end of the square tube is rotatably connected with a pollination shell; a top of the square tube and a top of the pollination shell are slidably connected with a fan; the pollination shell is internally provided with a pollen box, a pollen outlet cover and a pollination chamber from a top to a bottom in sequence; the pollen box is communicated with the pollen outlet cover; a bottom of the pollination chamber is provided with an opening; an Abies ziyuanensis ovulate strobilus to be pollinated is placed in the pollination chamber; a bottom of the pollination shell is fixedly connected with a rotating opening; the lever is provided with a switch.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for applying a volume discount scheme and rating transactions accordingly on a continuous basis, in a continuous processing system. At the time of a transaction or potential transaction, a cost including applicable volume discount is provided to a customer with reference to his current accumulated usage. When a customer is shopping on-line or placing a phone order, he can learn what discount he will obtain if he spends an incremental amount. A person using a service can inquire what the discounted cost or applicable rate is for a contemplated transaction.