Abstract: Lithiated metal organic frameworks, methods of manufacturing lithiated metal organic frameworks, for example, by binding a solvent molecule to the MOF structure to achieve a highly lithiated bound solvent metal organic framework having improved Li+-ion conductivity, and applications for use of the lithiated metal organic frameworks, for example, in various capacities in rechargeable lithium batteries.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to PD-L1 and methods of using such antibodies to treat cancers, such as those that express or overexpress PD-L1.

Abstract: Modular dendrimers with cationic groups and lipophilic groups are provided herein. In some aspects, the dendrimers provided herein may be formulated in compositions which contain a nucleic acid and one or more helper excipients. In some aspects, these compositions may also be used to treat diseases or disorders with a therapeutic nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases and genetic disorders linked to MeCP2 loss and/or misfunction, including RETT syndrome. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure comprise rAAV vectors and rAAV viral vectors comprising transgene nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding for a MeCP2 polypeptide.

Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: A pyrogenicity test method and assay of endotoxins allows for rapid and ultrahigh sensitivity testing of parenteral pharmaceuticals or medical devices that contact blood or cerebrospinal fluid by employing a Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay monitored with a photonic-crystal biosensor. The photonic-crystal biosensor is capable of determining the presence of endotoxins in a test sample by detecting shifts in the resonant condition of an open microcavity affected by the changes in the refractive index of the analyte solutions used.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the C-type lectin CLEC11a as a bone growth factor. Clec11a-deficient mice showed reduced bone volume and mineralization, while bone resorption remained unchanged. Administration of recombinant Clec11a systemically promoted bone formation in mice at risk for osteoporosis.

Abstract: Provided herein is a 7-genes signature, an algorithm to evaluate a patient's risk score, and methods of use thereof. The methods provided herein include methods of use of a risk score to predict lung cancer patient survival and lung cancer patient likelihood to respond to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Abstract: Obesity and/or diabetes are treated by partially inhibiting circulating leptin in a person in need thereof.

Abstract: 3D MRI images of the brain may be created and acquired. After administration of contrast, brain lesions and other abnormalities may be identified and isolated from the 3D MRI images, with each lesion serving as a region of interest (ROI). 3D region of contrast enhancement images may be created from segmented 3D MRI images and different regions of contrast enhancement of the brain lesion may be depicted. Saved regions of contrast enhancement may be converted into stereolithography format, maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, and/or orthographic projection images. Data corresponding to these resulting 3D region of contrast enhancement images may be used to create 3D printed models of the isolated region of contrast enhancement. Analysis of the 3D brain region of contrast enhancement images and the 3D printed region of contrast enhancement models may enable a more efficient and accurate way of determining brain lesion risk factors and effective treatment regimens.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device includes a probe that uses both an ultrasound transducer and frequency-domain diffuse optical imaging (FD-DOI) to assist with locating and diagnosing sub-tissue anomalies. According to one aspect, the diagnostic imaging device relates to a clip-on cap that can be utilized with existing ultrasound transducers. The diagnostic imaging device described herein can be utilized for image-guided needle biopsy to regions where prostate tissues are highly suspicious for high-grade cancer, as well as for image guided interventions, such as cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and brachytherapy for early-stage or localized prostate cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrogel compositions comprising a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein A is a polycaprolactone (PCL) block or a polyvalerolactone (PVL) block and B is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) block. Also disclosed are methods of making a hydrogel comprising providing a photoinitiator and a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein the triblock copolymer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated moieties; and photocrosslinking the triblock copolymer, thereby forming a hydrogel.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of cementing at least a portion of a well comprising feeding a magnetorheological cementitious slurry to a well and applying a magnetic field to the magnetorheological cementitious slurry concurrent with at least a portion of said feeding step to cause a mechanical response in said magnetorheological cementitious slurry in the well. Also disclosed herein are methods of temporarily blocking at least a portion of a well comprising providing a magnetorheological fluid in a well, applying a magnetic field to cause a mechanical response in said magnetorheological fluid thereby blocking at least a portion of the well, and removing the magnetic field to unblock the portion of the well. Also disclosed herein is a magnetorheological cement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are derivatives of nucleobase analogues. The disclosed compounds have a nucleobase moiety and an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid moiety, including pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof. Methods of using these compounds for the treatment of cancers such as pancreatic cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular dendrimers with cationic groups and lipophilic groups are provided herein. In some aspects, the dendrimers provided herein may be formulated in compositions which contain a nucleic acid and one or more helper excipients. In some aspects, these compositions may also be used to treat diseases or disorders with a therapeutic nucleic acid.

Abstract: The current disclosure fulfills a need in the art by providing methods and compositions for treating and vaccinating individuals against cancer. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to an isolated peptide comprising at least 70% sequence identity to a peptide of Table 1. In some embodiments, the peptide comprises at least 6 contiguous amino acids of a peptide of Table 1. Further aspects relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the isolated peptide, nucleic acids encoding the peptide, and expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids of the disclosure. Also provided is an in vitro isolated dendritic cell comprising a peptide, nucleic acid, or expression vector of the disclosure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for treating or preventing seizures in a subject using a therapeutic agent comprising one or more Transient Receptor Potential-Canonical 4/5 channel antagonists sufficient to regulate excitability of neurons in the brain of a subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).

Abstract: Procedures for inhibiting hormone receptor activation include administering to a subject in need of hormone receptor inhibition a compound having a chemical structure of a molecule that, when docked in the PPIase pocket, could disrupt proline-rich loop conformation and interactions. Procedures for treating prostate cancer or breast cancer include administering to a subject having prostate cancer or breast cancer a compound having a chemical structure of a molecule that, when docked in the PPIase pocket, could disrupt proline-rich loop conformation and interactions.

Abstract: A railway track defect detection system may include a mobile defect detection platform and a modal parameter analyzer. The platform may include an excitation mechanism (e.g., an excitation hammer or wheels that are in contact with a railway track) to apply multiple impact forces to the railway track while the platform travels along the railway track, and a laser Doppler vibrometer to capture, while the platform travels along the railway track, vibration data representing vibrations of the railway track caused by application of the multiple impact forces by the excitation mechanism. The modal parameter analyzer may be configured to detect, based on the vibration data captured by the laser Doppler vibrometer, a defect in the railway track. For example, changes in vibration amplitudes, mode shapes, damping ratios, or a natural frequency derived from the received vibration data may indicate the presence of a defect in the railway track.