Abstract: Provided are T cell receptors (TCR) and TCR variable regions that can selectively bind the T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 (TCL1) oncoprotein. The TCR may be utilized in various therapies, such as autologous TCL1-TCR adoptive T cell therapy, to treat a cancer, such as a B-cell malignancy or a solid tumor expressing TCL1. Methods for expanding a population of T cells that target TCL1 are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are dry immunogenic compositions and methods of freezing aluminum-containing vaccines such that when converted into a dried powder, the dry composition can be readily administered without loss of activity. Also described are methods of intranasal administering dry immunogenic compositions comprising antigens and aluminum adjuvants.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying expression of SDHA, MIF, and or monosomy 3 or disomy 3 status in sample to identify the sample as high-risk melanoma and/or the sensitivity to oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors. Also provided herein are methods for treating monosomy 3 uveal melanoma by administering a SDHA inhibitor in combination with an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods for treating, reducing, ameliorating or inhibiting symptoms idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or interstitial pneumonia, comprising administering to a subject in need of an effective amount of a) multiple EGF-like-domains-9 (MEGF9) or a biologically active fragment thereof; b) uncoordinated receptor 5A (UNC5A) or a biologically active fragment thereof; c) dolichyl-phosphate beta-glucosyltransferase (ALG5) or a biologically active fragment thereof; d) a combination of two or three of a)-c); e) an antibody specifically binding to a); f) an antibody specifically binding to b); g) an antibody specifically binding to c); h) a combination of two or three of e)-g); or i) a combination of at least one of a)-c) and at least one of e)-g). Pharmaceutical compositions and processes for making and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic exoskeleton including a back portion providing at least two degrees of freedom, two shoulder portions, each shoulder portion providing at least five degrees of freedom, two elbow portions, each elbow portion providing at least one degree of freedom, and two forearm portions, each forearm portion providing at least one degree of freedom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods and compositions related to generation and/or use of proofreading reverse transcriptases, including those that are thermophilic or hyperthermophilic. The disclosure encompasses specific recombinant polymerases and their use. In some embodiments, the polymerases are utilized for RNA sequencing in the absence of generation of a cDNA intermediate.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that positively regulate connexin 43 hemichannels.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to connexin 43 hemichannels and inhibit, or activate, channel opening are provided. In certain aspects, methods for detecting or treating cancers with antibodies that activate Cx43 channel opening are also provided. Likewise, methods for treating inflammatory diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis) and neurological injuries (e.g., spinal cord injury) with antibodies that inhibit Cx43 channel opening are provided.

Abstract: A method of imaging comprises disposing a population of first targeting ultrasound-switchable fluorophores and a population of second non-targeting ultrasound-switchable fluorophores in an environment; detecting a first photoluminescence signal emitted by the population of first targeting fluorophores, and a second photoluminescence signal emitted by the population of second non-targeting fluorophores; determining a photoluminescence property of the population of second non-targeting fluorophores from the second photoluminescence signal; and using the determined photoluminescence property of the population of second non-targeting fluorophores to deconvolute the first photoluminescence signal into the population of first targeting fluorophores bound and unbound to a first target binding element in the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mechanically over-damped actuator includes an output link comprising a lever and a torsion spring associated with the lever, wherein the lever has an initial equilibrium position and is pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the spring opposes pivoting of the lever away from its initial equilibrium position such that the spring tends to return the lever to the equilibrium position.

Abstract: Compositions for treating a wellbore include an exothermic additive capable of initiating an exothermic event following contact with a carrier fluid. The exothermic additive can have a coating that delays the exothermic event after contact with the carrier fluid. Methods disclosed herein include emplacing a fluid loss treatment composition in an interval of a wellbore, the fluid loss treatment including: a metallic fluid loss additive; an exothermic additive; and a carrier fluid; and reacting the exothermic additive to initiate an increase in temperature in the interval of the wellbore above a melting point of the metallic fluid loss additive; and converting the metallic fluid loss additive to a molten fluid loss additive; and treating the interval of the wellbore with the molten fluid loss additive.

Abstract: Spermine-decorated microbubbles and methods of making the same as well as methods for using spermine-decorated microbubbles for drug delivery are described.

Abstract: In fibrotic lung fibroblasts, basal levels of p53 protein (and miR-34a) are markedly suppressed, leading to reduced p53-mediated inhibition of uPA and uPAR, or concurrent induction of PAI-1. These changes contribute to excessive FL-fibroblast proliferation and production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and, therefore, pulmonary fibrosis. These processes are reversed by treating the cells, and treating subjects suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with the small organic molecule nutlin-3a (NTL) or with a peptide, CSP-4 (SEQ ID NO:1), or variants or derivatives or multimers of this peptide, which increase p53 levels by inhibiting MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 protein. Use of these compounds serves as a new approach to the treatment of IPF, as they restore p53 expression and p53-mediated changes in the uPA-fibrinolytic system in FL-fibroblasts and restrict production and deposition of ECM.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the identification of modulators of ApoE-induced LILRB activation. Also provided herein are methods of treating cancer comprising the administration of an inhibitor of ApoE-induced LILRB activation. Also provided are methods of treating autoimmune disease or inhibiting the onset of transplant rejection or treating an inflammatory disorder comprising administering an agonist of ApoE-induced LILRB activation to a subject.

Abstract: A hybrid switched reluctance motor is provided that reduces torque ripple. A novel rotor design includes flux barriers. The flux barriers are positioned and shaped to create implicit saliency and reluctance torque for the motor. A gradual change in the motor reluctance results which avoids rapid increases in flux density. The rotor also increases efficiency by reducing acoustical and vibrational responses and associated energy loses.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for agonizing a type-2 orexin receptor (OX2R) in a cell determined to be in need thereof, including the general method of (a) administering to a subject a cyclic guanidinyl OX2R agonist and (b) detecting a resultant enhanced wakefulness or increased resistance to diet-induced accumulation of body fat, or abbreviated recovery from general anesthesia or jet lag.

Abstract: The present invention is related to new pyrrole derivatives in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating malaria. Specifically, the present invention is related to pyrrole derivatives useful for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the inhibition of malaria parasite proliferation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to tumor associated macrophage (TAM) targeting peptide. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of targeting a TAM in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a TAM targeting peptide attached to and/or displayed on the surface of a solid particle. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor infiltrated with a TAM in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a TAM targeting peptide attached to and/or displayed on the surface of a solid particle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include devices, systems, and methods for real time marker less tumor tracking (RMTT). In various embodiments, the RMTT embodiments use positron emission tomography (PET) and time of flight data to determine a 3D position of the tumor. The 3D position of the tumor may be continuously determined multiple times per section during a radiation therapy session to track the position of a moving tumor in real time. The real time tumor tracking data may be used to position a radiation source to deliver radiation directly to the tumor at all times during radiation therapy to improve the effectiveness of radiation treatments.