Abstract: Heating apparatus includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to draw air through the air inlet, a user interface for allowing a user to select a rotational speed of the motor from a user selectable range of values, and a plurality of heater assemblies each comprising at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element for heating air passing from the air inlet to a respective air outlet. The magnitude of a current drawn by the heater assemblies is detected, and the rotational speed of the motor is controlled independently from the rotational speed selected by the user depending on a characteristic of the current drawn by the heater assemblies.

Abstract: A nebulization structure with a nozzle plate includes a nozzle plate and a driving element. The nozzle plate is composed of a polymer and a support plate, and the support plate includes a plurality of connecting portions and a through hole, and the polymer covers the support plate and has a plurality of penetrating holes corresponding to the through hole. The driving element is coupled to the nozzle plate through the connecting portions for producing a high-frequency vibration wave through a piezoelectric effect after power is supplied and driving the nozzle plate to vibrate and break up the molecular structure of a solution into a mist, so as to achieve the nebulization effect. The nebulization structure can be installed in a nebulization apparatus to achieve a high-efficiency nebulization effect by the nozzle plate and the driving element, so as to facilitate the manufacturing process and save costs.

Abstract: Methods for detecting at least seven cytokines in a porcine biological sample are provided. Also provided are multiplex assay kits that allow for the detection and quantification of the cytokines in a single reaction mixture. Use of the methods and kits for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of immunity is also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for Columbidae gender identification including: providing a DNA sample of a bird belonging to the Columbidae family; performing a polymerase chain reaction to the DNA sample with a first primer pair of a first primer designed within the region of the SEQ ID. NO.: 9 or a complementary sequence thereof and a P2 primer (SEQ ID. NO: 1) or a complementary sequence thereof, and a second primer pair of a second primer designed within the region of the SEQ ID NO.: 10 or a complementary sequence thereof and a P2 primer (SEQ ID. NO: 1) or a complementary sequence thereof; and determining gender by performing a melting curve analysis to a product from the polymerase chain reaction, wherein the result showing two peaks indicate a female gender and showing one peak indicate a male gender.

Abstract: A direct-write system is provided which includes a stage for holding a substrate, a processing module for processing pattern data and generating instructions associated with the pattern data, and an exposure module that includes beams that are focused onto the substrate and a beam controller that controls the beams in accordance with the instructions. The processing module includes vertex pair processors each having bit inverters. Each vertex pair processor is operable to process a respective vertex pair of an input scan line to generate an output scan line. Each bit inverter is operable to invert a respective input bit of the input scan line to generate a respective output bit of the output scan line if a bit position is located between the respective vertex pair, otherwise the respective input bit is copied to the respective output bit. The instructions correspond to the output bits for each beam.

Abstract: A method for deposition of a selenium thin-film includes the following steps. First, a plasma head is provided. Then, a substrate is supported in an atmospheric pressure. Next, a solid-state selenium source is dissociated by the plasma head to deposit the selenium thin-film on the substrate. The plasma head includes a chamber, a housing and the solid-state selenium source. Plasma is produced in the chamber. The chamber is surrounded by the housing. The solid-state selenium source is supported by the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling toxicity of metallic particles and a low-toxicity composite of metallic nanoparticles and inorganic clay. The metallic nanoparticles are effective in preventing infection and in skinning over, and thus suitable for treating scalds/burns. In the composite, the weight ratio of metallic nanoparticles to inorganic clay preferably ranges 0.1/99.9 to 6.0/94.0 in a size of about 5 to 100 nm. Preferably, the metal is silver and the inorganic clay is nano silicate platelets.

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major problem in the pork industry worldwide. The inclusion of markers in vaccines will allow for diagnostic differentiation of vaccinated animals from those naturally infected with wild-type virus. Using a cDNA infectious clone of North American Type 1 PRRSV, a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged PRRSV has been made, containing deletion of an immunogenic epitope, ES4, in the nsp2 region. GFP and ES4 epitope-based ELISAs compliment the marker identification.

Abstract: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is based on the non-structural protein 7 (nsp7) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and provides for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of serum antibodies directed against Type 1 (European) and Type 2 (North American) PRRSV. The invention provides a serological assay for the detection and/or differentiation of serum antibodies directed against Type 1 and/or Type 2 PRRSV utilizing PRRSV nsp7 as an antigen, and provides a diagnostic method for the detection of PRRSV infection, epidemiological surveys, and outbreak investigations. The invention may be used either alone or as a follow-up assay to determine the true status of unexpected positive results that may occur using other assays, such as the IDEXX HERDCHEK PRRS ELISA.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for Columbidae gender identification including: providing a DNA sample of a bird belonging to the Columbidae family; performing a polymerase chain reaction to the DNA sample with a first primer pair of a first primer designed within the region of the SEQ ID. NO.: 9 or a complementary sequence thereof and a P2 primer (SEQ ID. NO: 1) or a complementary sequence thereof, and a second primer pair of a second primer designed within the region of the SEQ ID NO.: 10 or a complementary sequence thereof and a P2 primer (SEQ ID. NO: 1) or a complementary sequence thereof; and determining gender by performing a melting curve analysis to a product from the polymerase chain reaction, wherein the result showing two peaks indicate a female gender and showing one peak indicate a male gender.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling toxicity of metallic particles and a low-toxicity composite of metallic nanoparticles and inorganic clay. The metallic nanoparticles are effective in preventing infection and in skinning over, and thus suitable for treating scalds/burns. In the composite, the weight ratio of metallic nanoparticles to inorganic clay preferably ranges 0.1/99.9 to 6.0/94.0 in a size of about 5 to 100 nm. Preferably, the metal is silver and the inorganic clay is nano silicate platelets.

Abstract: A direct-write system is provided which includes a stage for holding a substrate, a processing module for processing pattern data and generating instructions associated with the pattern data, and an exposure module that includes beams that are focused onto the substrate and a beam controller that controls the beams in accordance with the instructions. The processing module includes vertex pair processors each having bit inverters. Each vertex pair processor is operable to process a respective vertex pair of an input scan line to generate an output scan line. Each bit inverter is operable to invert a respective input bit of the input scan line to generate a respective output bit of the output scan line if a bit position is located between the respective vertex pair, otherwise the respective input bit is copied to the respective output bit. The instructions correspond to the output bits for each beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organocatalyst of formula (I), wherein R1 is —H, —OH, —O—Si(R4)(R5)(R6) or C1-6alkoxy, in which R4, R5 and R6 are identical or different and independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, phenyl and phenyl substituted with C1-6alkyl; R2 is —OH or ?O; X1 is one selected from the group consisting of —NH—, —S— and X2 is one selected from the group consisting of —C(?O)—, —CH2— and and X1 is different from X2. The high yield and enantioselectivity of an addition reaction are obtained by using the organocatalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: A lamp structure comprises an aluminum extrusion pipe, a light transmission cover, and a light emitting member. The aluminum extrusion pipe is axially provided with at least one first sidewall, one second sidewall and one opening, the first sidewall is formed with at least an engaging groove in communication with a through hole in the first sidewall, the second sidewall is provided with at a light reflection surface. The light transmission cover is mounted on the aluminum extrusion pipe to cover the opening. The light emitting member includes a flexible circuit board and plural light sources, the light sources are arranged spaced apart on the flexible circuit board, the light of the light sources of the light emitting member are focused on the light transmission cover through reflection by the light reflection surface, and finally projected out of the aluminum extrusion pipe after passing through the light transmission cover.

Abstract: A headphone having reduced tendency to tangle comprises an input portion for receiving electrical signals from an output device, an output portion for providing audio signals to a user in response to the electrical signals, a plurality of wires coupled to the input portion and the output portion for providing the electrical signals to the output portion, and a restraint mechanism coupled to the plurality of wires and cable of being repositioned along the plurality of wire, wherein the restraint mechanism is for physically receiving insertion of at least a portion of the input portion and for physically restraining movement of the portion of input portion with respect to output portion when the portion of the input portion is physically inserted into the restraint mechanism, wherein a temporary and removable closed loop of wire is formed from the plurality of wires, until a sufficient separation force is applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organocatalyst of formula (I), wherein R1 is —H, —OH, —O—Si(R4)(R5)(R6) or C1-6alkoxy, in which R4, R5 and R6 are identical or different and independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, phenyl and phenyl substituted with C1-6alkyl; R2 is —OH or ?O; X1 is one selected from the group consisting of —NH—, —S— and X2 is one selected from the group consisting of —C(?O)—, —CH2— and and X1 is different from X2. The high yield and enantioselectivity of an addition reaction are obtained by using the organocatalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: A solid state molecular sensor having an aperture extending through a thickness of a sensing region is configured with a sensing region thickness that corresponds to the characteristic extent of at least a component of a molecular species to be translocated through the aperture. A change in an electrical characteristic of the sensing region is measured during the molecular species translocation. The sensor can be configured as a field effect transistor molecular sensor. The sensing region can be a region of graphene including an aperture extending through a thickness of the graphene.

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major problem in the pork industry worldwide. The inclusion of markers in vaccines will allow for diagnostic differentiation of vaccinated animals from those naturally infected with wild-type virus. Using a cDNA infectious clone of North American Type 1 PRRSV, a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged PRRSV has been made, containing deletion of an immunogenic epitope, ES4, in the nsp2 region. GFP and ES4 epitope-based ELISAs compliment the marker identification.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an optical projecting system is disclosed. A light source is disposed on a first optical axis. A second optical axis is perpendicular to the first optical axis. A plurality of light-guiding devices are respectively disposed on the first optical axis, the second optical axis, the first light source or the second light source, for guiding the light emitted by the light sources to the identical direction parallel to the second optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry, as well as associated methods and devices, for example, nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining nucleic acids or other analytes suspected to be present in a sample (for example, their presence and/or dynamical information), e.g., at the single molecule level. For example, a nanoscale wire device can be used in some cases to detect single base mismatches within a nucleic acid (e.g., by determining association and/or dissociation rates). In one aspect, dynamical information such as a binding constant, an association rate, and/or a dissociation rate, can be determined between a nucleic acid or other analyte, and a binding partner immobilized relative to a nanoscale wire. In some cases, the nanoscale wire includes a first portion comprising a metal-semiconductor compound, and a second portion that does not include a metal-semiconductor compound.