Abstract: A microRNA sensing platform is disclosed that is sensitive, accurate, easy to use, affordable, and that does not require expensive equipment on the part of the end-user. The sensing system can be used as a sensitive and accurate miRNA profiling platform to monitor the progression of diseases, or treatment regimen, or personalized diagnosis, or personalized prognosis. The entire RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which holds the mature miRNA, is preserved in the system. The RISC is allowed to perform its native functions. These native functions not only protect the miRNA from degradation during the isolation process, but can also help eliminate false targets. The system sensitively and selectively responds to the presence or absence of RISCs bearing the target miRNA.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating soybean quality are disclosed. Automated or semi-automated image processing can be implemented with commercially available machine vision hardware. Post-harvest soybeans are separated, imaged, and analyzed to assess grain quality factors used in official grading. The system may be used prior to sale, purchase, further harvesting, or planting subsequent crops. The system reduces inspection errors, reduces variance in results, increases efficiency, enhances repeatability, and improves the standardization of soybean quality evaluation. Shape analysis, color analysis, and Haralick texture analysis are employed to determine when certain types of damage are present, to distinguish between types of damage, and to classify grains as smooth, cracked, or wrinkled. The system is sufficiently robust to allow successful deployment in rural, remote, and non-standard environments.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to oligonucleotide compositions for the treatment of DNA repeat expansion diseases. The invention also relates to oligonucleotides directed to subunits of the DNA mismatch repair system.

Abstract: Aspects of the application relate to methods and compositions for delivering therapeutic nucleic acids to neural cells or tissue in a subject. Additional aspects of the application relate to therapeutic nucleic acids, for example therapeutic ribozymes, that are useful for inhibiting viral reactivation in a subject.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reconstructing 3-D point cloud. A light source generates light that is received by a polarization field generator, which generates a polarization field that illuminates the target object being imaged such that each outgoing ray has a unique polarization state. A camera captures images of the illuminated target object and the captured images are received by a processor that: (1) performs a polarization field decoding algorithm that decodes the polarization field to obtain a set of incident rays; (2) performs a camera ray decoding algorithm to obtain a set of camera rays; (3) performs a ray-ray intersection algorithm that determines intersection points where the incident rays and the camera rays intersect; and (4) performs a 3-D reconstruction algorithm that uses the set of incident rays, the set of camera rays and the intersection points to reconstruct a 3-D point cloud of the target object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DC mechanical circuit breaker that can utilize two switches, one of which can generate zero-crossing with an alternate oscillatory circuit for the other one, which can be a conventional zero-crossing-based AC breaker and can be used in the main circuit. This is different from the conventional single-switch commute-and-absorb method currently used. The present disclosure shows that disclosed circuit breaker improves the fault current extinction and significantly reduces the voltage rate-of-change while creating the current zero-crossing faster compared to the available technology. Thus, disclosed circuit breaker is capable of interrupting high DC currents with minimal arc through a less expensive AC circuit breaker. Simulation and hardware results are provided to show the efficiency of the disclosed circuit breaker.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-healing asphalt binder composition comprising i) an asphalt binder, ii) an oxetane substituted polysaccharide, and iii) a polyurethane, as well as asphalts comprising said self-healing asphalt binder and an asphalt mixture. Also disclosed are methods of making the self-healing asphalt binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a tendon neotissue from a population of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) subjected to mechanical and biological stimulations in a bioreactor system. The tendon neotissues are effective as implants to treat tendon or ligament injury in a subject. The invention also relates to a customized bioreactor useful for producing a tri-dimensional engineered tissue.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for detecting proteinopathies.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include a platelet-activating factor antagonist, pharmaceutical compositions including the platelet-activating factor antagonist, methods of treating a modulating the proliferation of a glioma or a pathological condition resulting from patient having a glioma.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a lyn kinase activator and TRPM8 agonist, and to methods of: reducing blood glucose levels, weight gain, or fat depot levels; treating metabolic syndrome, Syndrome X, obesity, prediabetes, type II diabetes, type I diabetes; treating hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, lipodystrophy, diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, septicemia, a thrombotic disorder, or pancreatitis; inducing the beiging of adipocytes; and preventing pancreatic beta cell degeneration.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for overheight vehicle impact avoidance and incident detection. A detection subsystem of the system determines whether an incoming vehicle is clear to pass, depending at least on its height. The detection subsystem relies on distance sensors located along the freeway to detect the highest point of the vehicle and outputs an indication of whether the vehicle can pass. A warning subsystem receives the indication that a vehicle is overheight and provides a warning indication to the driver about the vehicle's inability to pass an upcoming structure. The warning subsystem may also perform a variety of other tasks, such as, for example, logging a variety of information about the vehicle and the incident, sending data about the incident locally to a central command, and generating reports.

Abstract: Therapeutics and methods treating Alzheimer's disease or a pre-Alzheimer's disease condition in a patient comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a therapeutically effective dose therapeutic, wherein the therapeutic contains a PRMT4 inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, amide, clathrate, stereoisomer, enantiomer, prodrug or analog thereof. According to a further embodiment, the PRMT4 inhibitor is one of TP-064 and SCFFBXO9.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for intravenous cannulation. The device employs a spring to precisely and accurately control the force and velocity imparted to a piercing needle, with mechanical constraints built into the device to precisely and accurately control the distance through which the piercing needle travels. A sheathed-needle configuration is used with an outer, echogenic needle that can be seen via ultrasound; and an inner needle used to pierce the vein. The operator releases the piercing needle with a controlled velocity, controlled force, and controlled travel distance. The device reduces the human error and complications that have previously been associated with manually piercing a vein for cannulation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to compositions, methods, and devices pertaining to polymeric nanoparticle compositions (pNP), pNP compositions comprising a therapeutic agent, devices comprising a drug-coated balloon comprising a disclosed pNP comprising a therapeutic agent, and methods for treating peripheral artery disease using the disclosed compositions and devices. In further aspects, the pNP comprises a poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid possessing a positive charge for firm attachment to the balloon matrix, followed by adhesion to the negatively charged bilayer of the vascular wall. In still further aspects, the therapeutic agent comprises a resveratrol or derivative thereof, a quercetin or derivative thereof, or combinations thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Male-sterile EGMS rice lines, both conventional and herbicide-tolerant, and their Fi hybrids are disclosed. The EGMS lines can produce Fi hybrids with high yield, desirable agronomic traits, and good milling characteristics.

Abstract: A method of treating prostate cancer in a patient comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition including a first therapeutic including a TLK1B inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, amide, clathrate, stereoisomer, enantiomer, prodrug or analog thereof, and a second therapeutic including an antiandrogen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, amide, clathrate, stereoisomer, enantiomer, prodrug or analog thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method for killing feral hogs: a bait that is attractive to hogs is mixed with a lethal amount of sodium nitrite, along with sufficient base to inhibit decomposition of the sodium nitrite. At sufficiently high pH, encapsulation of the sodium nitrite is not required to inhibit decomposition. In the absence of substantial decomposition, the sodium nitrite itself is not aversive to the pigs, and may even enhance acceptance of the baits by the pigs. Optionally, an anti-emetic compound is added to the mixture to reduce the likelihood the bait will be vomited. Optionally, an additional toxicant such as luteolin is added to the mixture.

Abstract: This invention is directed to neuroprotective compositions and methods of using the same to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: A concentric tube steerable device includes a plurality of tubes having a nested, concentric configuration. The tubes include an outer tube and an inner tube that extends coaxially within the outer tube. The inner tube terminates at a tip, and a pose of the tip is effectuated through individual or collective rotation or translation of the tubes about a tube axis. The concentric tube steerable device includes an actuator for rotating at least one tube about a respective tube axis, and a translator for translating at least one tube along a respective tube axis. Each tube includes a precurved portion and a corresponding axis of precurvature. For at least one tube, a flexural rigidity of the tube along its axis of precurvature is less than a flexural rigidity of the tube along a second axis that is perpendicular to the axis of precurvature, thereby improving stability of the tube.