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.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the production of Type III polyketides using genetically modified oleaginous yeast strains, for example, Yarrowia lipolytica.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for segmenting generic foreground objects in images and videos. For segmenting generic foreground objects in videos, an appearance stream of an image in a video frame is processed using a first deep neural network. Furthermore, a motion stream of an optical flow image in the video frame is processed using a second deep neural network. The appearance and motion streams are then joined to combine complementary appearance and motion information to perform segmentation of generic objects in the video frame. Generic foreground objects are segmented in images by training a convolutional deep neural network to estimate a likelihood that a pixel in an image belongs to a foreground object. After receiving the image, the likelihood that the pixel in the image is part of the foreground object as opposed to background is then determined using the trained convolutional deep neural network.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selecting and treating cancers that are homology-directed repair (HDR) proficient. As such, methods for sensitizing cancers to PARP inhibitor therapy and ionizing radiation are also provided. In some aspects, cancers are treated with a combination of a GRB2 inhibitor and a PARP inhibitor or a GRB2 inhibitor and ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dual specific antibodies, which bind to both PD-L1 and PD-L2, and methods of using such antibodies to treat cancers, such as those that express or overexpress PD-L1, PD-L2, or both.

Abstract: Recombinant bacterial cells are provided that comprise a stable non-canonical amino acid translation pathway. In some aspects, the bacteria comprise nucleic acids encoding a non-canonical amino acid translation pathway (e.g., a tRNA for incorporation of a non-canonical amino acid, such selenocysteine); a marker polypeptide that includes the non-canonical amino acid. Recombinant tRNA and selection marker coding sequences are likewise provided.

Abstract: Heat exchange pads for use on a patient are described herein. An example heat exchange pad can include a surface defining an internal volume and having a flexible patient contacting portion, an inlet fluidly connected to the internal volume for delivery of fluid into the internal volume, an outlet fluidly connected to the internal volume for removal of fluid from the internal volume, and at least one extended surface structure positioned within the internal volume to disrupt laminar flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.