Abstract: Solid electrolytes, anodes and cathodes for SOFC. Doped BaCeO3 useful for solid electrolytes and anodes in SOFCs exhibiting chemical stability in the presence of CO2, water vapor or both and exhibiting proton conductivity sufficiently high for practical application. Proton-conducting metal oxides of formula Ba1?xSrxCe1?y1?y2?y3Zry1Gdy2Yy3O3?? where x, y1, y2, and y3 are numbers as follows: x is 0.4 to 0.6; y1 is 0.1-0.5; y2 is 0.05 to 0.15, y3 is 0.05 to 0.15, and cathode materials of formula II GdPrBaCo2?zFezO5+? where z is a number from 0 to 1, and ? is a number that varies such that the metal oxide compositions are charge neutral. Anodes, cathodes and solid electrolyte containing such materials. SOFC containing anodes, cathodes and solid electrolyte containing such materials.

Abstract: The invention provides highly reactive nano-sized alumina particle compositions, including alumina compositions with a BET surface areas on the order of 2000 m2/g. Also disclosed are impregnated alumina supports comprising materials that are metal oxides or carbonates. Methods for the synthesis and fabrication of these compositions are provided, along methods for the use of these compositions as sorbents.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to stimulation and monitoring devices for in utero cognitive stimulation of and interaction with developing fetuses by synthesizing sounds and sound patterns derived from movements of the fetuses' bodies and appendages. The exemplary stimulation and monitoring devices comprise arrays of sensors positionable above and/or the sides of the womb for detecting and recording movements of the fetus's body and appendages, one or more speakers, a microprocessor, controls, and optionally one or more light-emitting components. The collected movement data may be processed by a synthesizer for production of sound patterns and light patterns that are correlated with the movement data. The sound patterns and light patterns produced by the synthesizer may be transmitted through the speakers and the light-emitting components toward and into the womb to provide the development fetus with immediate cognitive stimulation in response to the movements of their body and appendages.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting the formation, expansion and recruitment of TR1 cells and/or B cells in an antigen-specific manner and treating diseases and disorders in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A method of screening a compound or a composition for use in modulating opioid withdrawal symptoms in a mammal. The method comprises the steps of: selecting a group of test animals; separating the group into two subgroups; inducing Panx1 activation or expression in both subgroups; dosing a first subgroup with a candidate compound; dosing a second subgroup with a placebo; measuring ATP released in spinal microglia of test animals in the first subgroup and in the spinal microglia of test animals in the second subgroup; quantifying the difference in ATP released in spinal microglia of test animals in the first subgroup and in the spinal microglia of test animals in the second subgroup; if the difference in the ATP released in the first subgroup and the APT released in the second subgroup is greater than 25%, then formulating the candidate compound into a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: AlphaB-crystallin (?BC) is a small heat shock protein that is constitutively expressed by peripheral nervous system (PNS) axons and Schwann cells. The present invention provides data on the role of alphaB-crystallin plays after peripheral nerve damage. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the present inventors have also found that loss of ?BC impaired remyelination which correlated with a reduced presence of myelinating Schwann cells and increased numbers of non-myelinating Schwann cells. The present inventors have also discovered that heat shock protein appears to regulate the crosstalk between Schwann cells and axons. Such dysregulations can lead to defects in conduction velocity and motor and sensory functions. Further, application of exogenous alphaB-crystallin or increased expression of alphaB-crystallin has a beneficial effect in peripheral nerve injury by augmenting remyelination and functional recovery in vivo.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a positioning device for insertion into a patient. The device includes an outer sheath having an external thread on an outer surface. The device also includes a removable inner cannula for insertion into the outer sheath. The cannula has a penetrating end at its insertion end. It may also include a locking device for locking the inner cannula to the outer sheath. The device may be a pneumothorax drainage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds, compositions containing same and methods for inhibiting STAT3 and/or STAT5 activity or for the treatment of a STAT3 or STAT5-dependent cancer using said compounds; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for training suturing techniques. The apparatus comprises: (i) a suturing cartridge presentation display with a first receptacle for demountably engaging therein a first suturing cartridge and a second receptacle for demountably engaging therein a second suturing cartridge, (ii) a microprocessor, a graphical user interface, and at least one software program for cooperating with the microprocessor for training, monitoring, reporting suturing techniques; and (iii) a housing for mounting therein the suturing cartridge presentation display, the microprocessor, and the graphical user interface. Each receptacle is associated with a pressure sensor and a plurality of LEDs. The suturing cartridges are fillable with semi-solid, resilient material into which suturing instruments may be inserted and withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides phosphonium-crosslinked chitosan (PCC) and methods for using the same for removal of heavy metal-ion(s) from a solution as well as methods for producing said phosphonium-crosslinked chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating pleural effusion in a subject, comprising removing fluid from the pleural space at an increased frequency, as compared to previous methods.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques that relate to horizontal well completions that facilitate multistage fracturing, for example, in shale gas reservoirs. Aspects of these techniques involve the creation of large scale fracture networks, connecting the reservoir and the wellbore, facilitated by activating pre-existing natural fractures (NFs). Taking into account selected shale formation geo-mechanical characteristics facilitates the optimization of maximum stimulated reservoir volumes (SRVs). In particular, completion optimization patterns are provided for horizontal wellbores, designated herein as altered alternate fracturing (AAF) completions. Aspects of this approach involve a multi-step combination of simultaneous and alternate fracturing patterns. To illustrate aspects of optimization, the dynamic evolution and progression of NF growth are modeled using a variety of alternative criteria. In addition, specific analyses are provided of how the well completion pattern influences the fracture network.

Abstract: Self-supporting or supported porous carbon films, including nanoporous carbon films, are provided. The porous carbon films comprise an open network of interconnected pores. Methods for making porous carbon films are also provided. One synthesis method includes formation of a synthesis mixture comprising particles of an inorganic material, a carbon precursor material and water, forming a layer of the synthesis mixture on a substrate and heat treating the film to convert the carbon precursor to carbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a nucleotide sequence of at least a portion of an oligonucleotide. In one particular embodiment, the method of the invention uses Dynamic Time Warping and/or additional algorithm to improve both the sensitivity and the speed of nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides T-type calcium channel modulators and methods for producing and using the same. In some embodiments, compounds of the invention are of the formula: where R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, polyether, alkoxy and cycloalkyl; X is selected from the group consisting of methylene, —C(?O)—[NR4]a—, —C(?S)—, and —S(?O)b; R2 is selected from the group consisting of heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, polyether, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, —NR5R6, —C(?O)NR5R6, —C(?O)ORa (where Ra is alkyl, typically C1-C8 alkyl, often C2-C6 alkyl, and in one particular embodiment Ra is tert-butyl), and —SO2NR5R6; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; each of R5 and R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; a is 0 or 1; b is 1 or 2; n=1 to 3; and m=0 to 1.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to methods of diagnosing and classifying pancreatic cancer by examining the expression of particular metabolites that distinguish this disease state from benign disease and periampullary adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: A microelectrode or an array of microelectrodes for communicating with one or more adjacent electrically excitable cells. The microelectrode array comprises two or more microelectrodes. Each microelectrode comprises a body with a perimeter; an electrode wire that is electronically connected to the body and that is electronically connectible to an electronic system; and a ridge that extends away from the perimeter of the body for increasing a sealing-resistance value between the electrode and the one or more adjacent electrically excitable cells.

Abstract: Conventional cancer immunotherapy falls short at efficiently expanding T cells that specifically target cancerous cells in numbers sufficient to significantly reduce the tumor size or cancerous cell number in vivo. To overcome this limitation, provided herein are nanoparticles coated with MHC class I and/or class II molecules presenting tumor-specific antigens and co-stimulatory molecules and their use to expand antigen-specific anti-tumorigenic T cells to levels not achieved in current immunotherapeutic techniques. These antigen-specific anti-tumorigenic T cells include cytotoxic T cells, effector T cells, memory T cells, and helper T cells that are necessary to initiate and maintain a substantial immune response against metastatic or non-metastatic cancerous, pre-cancerous, or neoplastic cells in vivo. The present invention describes a systemic approach to targeting cancerous or pre-cancerous cells that are circulating cells, as in lymphomas, migratory metastatic cells, and solid tumors.

Abstract: Novel mixed-conducting perovskite oxides, including La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3-?, useful as oxygen and fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) applications. Electrode materials produce by microwave-assisted processes show improved properties as electroactive materials. SOFC and RSOFC are successfully prepared using microwave-assisted techniques.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of making functionalized PEG iron oxide nanoparticles.