Abstract: Described herein are new methods for making lung bud organoids (LBOs) that have the capacity of developing into branching airways and alveolar structures that a least partially recapitulate human lung development from mammalian, preferably human, pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), either by culturing branched LBO in a 3D matrix or by transplanting the LBO under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice. Branched LBOs contain pulmonary endoderm and mesoderm compatible with pulmonary mesenchyme, and undergo branching morphogenesis. Also described are LBOs harboring certain mutations that induce a fibrotic phenotype, and methods of making same. The mutated (B)LBOs can be used for screening agents that may treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating lung progenitor cells, and populations of cells made using the methods. The lung progenitors and related compositions can be used as therapeutic treatments for various pulmonary disorders or related injuries.

Abstract: A device has a camera and a screen for displaying an image captured by the camera. A user specifies desired modification to an image displayed on the screen to produce a desired modified image. This may for example make the user look more attractive. Required light output characteristics of a lighting device are then derived so that subsequent captured images using the altered lighting are closer to the desired modified image.

Abstract: A signal probing system includes: a probing module, including a transmitting device, a first probing device and a second probing device, wherein the transmitting device is configured to transmit a first signal, the first probing device is coupled to the second probing device, and the first probing device and the second probing device are respectively configured to receive a high frequency reflective signal and a low frequency reflective signal corresponding to the first signal; and a processing module coupled to the probing module, the processing module being configured to process the high frequency reflective signal and the low frequency reflective signal into image signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating lung progenitor cells, and populations of cells made using the methods. The lung progenitors and related compositions can be used as therapeutic treatments for various pulmonary disorders or related injuries.

Abstract: Described herein are new methods for making lung bud organoids (LBOs) that have the capacity of developing into branching airways and alveolar structures that a least partially recapitulate human lung development from mammalian, preferably human, pluripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), either by culturing branched LBO in a 3D matrix or by transplanting the LBO under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice. Branched LBOs contain pulmonary endoderm and mesoderm compatible with pulmonary mesenchyme, and undergo branching morphogenesis. Also described are LBOs harboring certain mutations that induce a fibrotic phenotype, and methods of making same. The mutated (B)LBOs can be used for screening agents that may treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: Described herein are genetically-modified microorganisms for producing medium chain lauric acid and/or dodecanedioic acid and methods of using the microorganisms. The microorganisms contain a nucleic acid encoding an Umbellularia californica lauroyl ACP-thioesterase (BTE) operably linked to a promoter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various methods for generating airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells and three-dimensional anterior foregut spheres, and to populations of cells made using the methods. The airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells can be used as a model to study diseases that primarily affect airway epithelial cells, and to study human lung development. Methods are also provided for drug screening. Anterior foregut spheres can be used as a model for lung fibrosis.

Abstract: Described herein are genetically-modified microorganisms for producing medium chain lauric acid and/or dodecanedioic acid and methods of using the microorganisms. The microorganisms contain a nucleic acid encoding an Umbellularia californica lauroyl ACP-thioesterase (BTE) operably linked to a promoter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various methods for generating airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells and three-dimensional anterior foregut spheres, and to populations of cells made using the methods. The airway and lung progenitors and epithelial cells can be used as a model to study diseases that primarily affect airway epithelial cells, and to study human lung development. Methods are also provided for drug screening. Anterior foregut spheres can be used as a model for lung fibrosis.

Abstract: An illumination structure including an illumination module, a light base and a cover is provided. The light base includes a cylindrical shell and an electrical connector, wherein the cylindrical shell is used for receiving and supporting the illumination module. A first end of the cylindrical shell has a first edge including a plurality of protrusions. A second end of the cylindrical shell is connected to the electrical connector. The cover has a second edge including a plurality of recessions. Each recession is complementary in shape to a corresponding protrusion, so that the protrusions are received in corresponding recessions respectively.

Abstract: A light guide device includes N+1 light guide plates and N linear plane splitters. The light guide plates include a light outlet face, a light guiding face and a reflection face. The volume of the light guide device is defined by the light outlet face opposite to the light guiding face. The light guiding face has a plurality of first microstructures for diverting the light. The reflection face extends from the light outlet face toward a splitting portion. The linear plane splitters have a first and a second splitting portion. The first and second splitting portions of the ith linear plane splitter connects the light guiding face and the reflection face of the (j?1)th and jth light guide plates. The i and j satisfy 1?i?N and 2?j?N+1. Moreover, a light module utilizing the light guide device is disclosed.