Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for producing formative pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) by culturing cells in a medium that comprises a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activator, a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) activator, and a WNT activator. Also provided are in vitro culture systems for producing the formative pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to MUC18-binding proteins. Embodiments include methods for treating one or more conditions, for example cancer, using a MUC18-binding protein. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods and compositions involve one or more antibodies that are capable of binding MUC18.

Abstract: The present techniques may provide improved processing and functionality of performance of the 128-bit AES Algorithm, which may provide improved power consumption. For example, in an embodiment, an encryption and decryption apparatus may comprise memory storing a current state matrix of an encryption or decryption process and a plurality of multiplexers configured to receive from the memory current elements of the state matrix stored in the memory, perform a cyclic shift on the received elements of the state matrix, and transmit the shifted elements to the memory for storage as a new state matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for improving viability of isolated islets or ?-cells and stimulating insulin production from isolated islets or ?-cells and uses thereof for treating type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: Recombinant Norovirus Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) formed from recombinant Norovirus VP1 proteins, and methods of their use and production are disclosed. In several embodiments, the Recombinant Norovirus VLPs can be used to generate an immune response to Norovirus VP1 protein in a subject. In additional embodiments, an effective amount of the recombinant Norovirus VLPs can be administered to a subject in a method of inhibiting a Norovirus infection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for nasal administration of a pharmaceutical composition. In certain embodiments, the devices comprises a reservoir, a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an anatomic positioning device configured to position the conduit in a nasal cavity of a user. Particular embodiments include an actuator configured to transfer the pharmaceutical composition from the reservoir to the conduit and emit the pharmaceutical composition from the conduit.

Abstract: Antibodies exhibiting a specific genetically modified signature associated with certain diseases of the central nervous system, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome have been identified. These antibodies recognize and bind with certain tissues in the brain and central nervous system and thus are useful as therapeutics, in the production of animal disease models, targets for therapies and as part of assays of the central nervous system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the identification of peptides that cross the blood brain barrier and their use to transport diagnostic and therapeutic payloads into the brain.

Abstract: In some aspects, provided herein are antimicrobial compositions comprising partially esterified polygalacturonic acid and certain fatty acids (e.g., caprylic acid). In some embodiments, the antimicrobial composition may be administered (e.g., topically or orally) to a subject, such as a human patient to treat an infection (e.g., an infection comprising a biofilm). In some aspects, improved catheters are provided.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system can include a first hyperspectral imaging camera that is configured to provide first hyperspectral image data of an object in a first field of view. A second hyperspectral imaging camera can be separated from the first hyperspectral imaging camera, where the second hyperspectral imaging camera is configured to provide second hyperspectral image data of the object in a second field of view. A processor circuit can be operatively coupled to the first and second hyperspectral imaging cameras, where the processor circuit configured to combine the first and second hyperspectral image data to generate a hypercube of data for the object comprising spectral data included in the first and second hyperspectral image data.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating an immune response. In certain aspects the immune response is a type I hypersensitivity response. In particular aspects the subject has allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis. Using a conventional experimental asthma mouse model (BALB/c), the inventors demonstrate that aerosol administration of TLR agonists, in particular a combination of TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist (e.g., TLR9 oligonucleotide agonist/PAM2CSK4) along with an antigen (e.g., ovalbumin (OVA)) suppresses the immune response as exemplified by the production of antigen-specific IgE and decreases the number of airway eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in response to intraperitoneal (IP) immunization with an antigen mixed with alum.

Abstract: Tracer eluting proppants, such as proppants that have polymeric coatings on them that include tracers, such as a fluorescent dye. The tracer eluting proppants can comprise proppant particles coated with a polymeric coating that can elute tracer under some, but not all conditions. For example, the tracer can be eluted at elevated temperature, pH, and/or salinity conditions, but not elute at lower temperature, pH, and/or salinity conditions. Methods of making and using tracer eluting proppants are also disclosed, including methods for characterizing subterranean reservoirs.

Abstract: A dry-state non-contact method for patterning of nanostructured conducting materials is disclosed. Short self-generated electron-emission pulses in air at atmospheric pressure can enable an electron-emission-based (field enhancement) interaction between a sharp tungsten tip and elements of the nanostructured materials to cause largely non-oxidative sequential decomposition of the nanostructured elements. Embodiments can employ a substrate/tip gap of 10 to 20 nm, discharge voltages of 25-30 V, and patterning speeds as fast as 10 cm/s to provide precisely patterned nanostructures (<200 nm) that are largely free of foreign contaminants, thermal impact and sub-surface structural changes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making pure chalcogenide (e.g., selenium, tellurium, or selenium/tellurium) nanoparticles by irradiating chalcogenide pellets by nano-second laser ablation using chitosan as a capping agent to form chitosan chalcogenide nanoparticles (CS-CgNPs). CS-CgNPs and methods of using such particles are also disclosed herein, such as antimicrobials and antimicrobial coatings effective against biofilms.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of making bimetallic metal alloys of composition for example, Rh/Pd; Rh/Pt; Rh/Ag; Rh/Au; Rh/Ru; Rh/Co; Rh/Ir; Rh/Ni; Ir/Pd; Ir/Pt; Ir/Ag; Ir/Au; Pd/Ni; Pd/Pt; Pd/Ag; Pd/Au; Pt/Ni; Pt/Ag; Pt/Au; Ni/Ag; Ni/Au; or Ag/Au prepared using microwave irradiation.

Abstract: Ultra near-field index modulated plasmonic nano-aperture label-free imaging methods and techniques are useful for imaging and detection of biological microparticles and nanoparticles such as circulating tumor exosomes (CTEs), bacteria and vimses. The methods and techniques utilize a high-density array of gold, silver, or gold/silver alloy nanodisks, in some cases on an undercut or invisible substrate. Given the relatively large nanodisk dimensions, the nanodisk array may feature a significantly blue-shifted LSPR extinction peak due to both far-field plasmonic coupling and substrate undercut. The ultra near-field imaging methods have the ability to image nanoparticles as small as 25 nm.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of a coronavirus infection. Certain aspects are directed to lipid vesicles comprising SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or a portion or variant thereof. Further aspects include methods for treatment or prevention of a coronavirus infection comprising providing a lipid vesicle comprising a therapeutic protein, such as SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or ACE2. In some embodiments, the disclosed lipid vesicles are useful for targeted delivery of anti-viral therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Antibody antigen binding domains which specifically binds human leptin comprises VH or VL CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences of an hLept antibody. The antibody antigen binding domains and antibodies thereof are useful to treat obesity and diabetes.

Abstract: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a primary dose-limiting side effect caused by antineoplastic agents, such as paclitaxel. This causes damage to peripheral nerves and the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Currently, there are no effective treatments for CIPN, which can lead to long-term morbidity in patients and survivors. Neuronal-immune interactions occur in CIPN and have been implicated both in the development and progression of the disease and disease resolution. The inventors investigated the potential role of Inducible co-stimulatory molecule (ICOS) in the resolution of CIPN. ICOS is an immune checkpoint molecule that is expressed on the surface of activated T cells and promotes proliferation and differentiation of T cells. They found that intrathecal administration of ICOS agonist antibody (ICOSaa) alleviates mechanical hypersensitivity caused by paclitaxel and facilitates the resolution of pain in female mice without a clear benefit in male mice.

Abstract: A dimeric ionic liquid that enhances and improves the performance and durability of a fuel cell catalyst. The dimeric ionic liquid comprises 1,1-(butane-1, 4-diyl)bis(9-methyl-3,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-1-ium 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) employing the dimeric ionic liquid are also disclosed.