Abstract: The present invention is in the field of bioluminescence in biology and/or medicine. In particular, the invention provides imidazopyrazine derivatives, processes for preparation thereof, and their uses as luciferins.

Abstract: A method of obtaining 3D cell structures including differentiated human hepatic cells. The method includes: a first step of culturing stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors in a non-adherent culture vessel, preferably a low or ultra-low attachment culture vessel; a second step of transferring the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors to a culture medium including methacrylated gelatin (GelMa), thereby embedding the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors in a GelMa matrix; and a third step of covering the GelMa matrix with culture medium and culturing the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors embedded in the GelMa matrix, thereby obtaining 3D cell structures including differentiated human hepatic cells. Also, methods for engineering an artificial liver model or an artificial liver organ, and for assessing in vitro the metabolism, toxicity and/or therapeutic effects of a compound.

Abstract: A method of culturing animal cells, preferably primary hepatocytes, including a first step of culturing the animal cells in non-adherent culture vessel, preferably a low or ultra-low attachment culture vessel, a second step of embedding the animal cells in a collagen matrix or in a gelatin matrix, and a third step of culturing the animal cells embedded in the collagen matrix or in the gelatin matrix, thereby obtaining 3D animal cell structures including proliferative animal cells, preferably spheroids including proliferative primary hepatocytes. Also, a spheroid including proliferative primary hepatocytes and the uses thereof for engineering an artificial liver model or an artificial liver organ, and for assessing in vitro the liver toxicity, genotoxicity and/or the effects of a drug or a compound.

Abstract: A configurable backpack is described. The configurable backpack may include a rigid support element and a plurality of holes arranged on a front side of the rigid support element. The configurable backpack may also include a plurality of rods releasably coupled to the rigid support element such that the rods extend sway from the front side of the rigid support element at an acute angle with respect to the tops side when coupled to the rigid support element. The configurable backpack may also include a plurality of hook elements arranged on the front side of the rigid support element and one or more tie elements releasably coupled to one or more of the plurality of hook elements. The configurable backpack may also include a plurality of shoulder straps coupled with the back side of the rigid support element.

Abstract: An emergency breathing apparatus for use in case of burial by an avalanche is described. The breathing apparatus may include a telescoping body configured to transition between a collapsed and extended configuration. The body may include a plurality of tubular members. The breathing apparatus may include a breathing port on one end of the device, a plurality of apertures on the opposite end of the device, and an internal lumen that fluidly connects the breathing port with the plurality of apertures. The breathing apparatus may include a spring assembly, a motorized extension mechanism, a pneumatic extension mechanism, or a combination of these devices, that are configured to extend the body from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for utilizing the gravitational potential energy of a lifted weight to wash clothes. Systems may include a weight coupled with a cable such that the weight may be raised and lowered. Additionally, systems may include a rotation conversion system configured to convert the lowering of the weight into a rotational movement, and a torque transmission system configured to transmit the rotational movement from the rotation conversions system into a rotational movement of a washing drum. Moreover, methods for washing clothes may include capturing the kinetic energy of a weight being transformed from gravitational potential energy, converting the captured kinetic energy of the weight into a rotational movement of a crank shaft, and transmitting the rotational movement of the crank shaft into a rotational movement of a drive shaft coaxially supporting a washing drum.