Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders in both animals and humans. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of said diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders with a vaccine. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of constipation using the disclosed methods and compositions.

Abstract: Novel, non-toxic cobalt-based contrast and imaging agents for use in enhanced medical imaging modalities and processes are described, as well the manufacture of markers containing such contrast agents is described, and uses for such imaging markers and contrast agents in a variety of therapeutic applications and devices.

Abstract: An optical device, a method of configuring an optical device, and a method of using a fiber Bragg grating is provided. The optical device includes a fiber Bragg grating, a narrowband optical source, and at least one optical detector. The fiber Bragg grating has a power transmission spectrum as a function of wavelength with one or more resonance peaks, each comprising a local maximum and two non-zero-slope regions with the local maximum therebetween. The light generated by the narrowband optical source has a wavelength at a non-zero-slope region of a resonance peak that is selected such that one or more of the following quantities, evaluated at the resonance peak, is at a maximum value: (a) the product of the group delay spectrum and the power transmission spectrum and (b) the product of the group delay spectrum and one minus the power reflection spectrum.

Abstract: A compound includes the structure of general Formula (II), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or solvates thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, are independently selected from the group consisting of null, hydroxy, alkoxy, and halo, or R1 and R2 taken together form a cyclic boronate ester and R3 is null; wherein when four bonds to boron are present, boron bears a formal negative charge and the structure further comprises a countercation that is potassium or sodium, X1, X2, X3, and X4 are independently selected from the group consisting of O, CH, and N, with the proviso that no more than two of combined O and N are selected, and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halogen, any of which may be optionally substituted. Such compounds can increase glucose uptake by cells and preferably do not substantially increase adipogenesis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protein composed of a first polypeptide or polypeptide domain having a first specific binding activity for Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expressed on a T-cell cell surface and a second specific binding activity for Glucose Transporter 2 (GLUT2) or an extracellular ectodomain thereof expressed on a pancreatic ?-cell surface, wherein binding of the first polypeptide or polypeptide domain to CTLA-4 induces a CTLA-4 specific agonist response in the T-cell, and binding of the second polypeptide or polypeptide domain to GLUT2 or an ectodomain thereof does not inhibit GLUT2 glucose transporter function, wherein said agonist response in the T-cell induces a response that reduces immunoreactivity against pancreatic ?-cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for detecting a neuromotor disorder or condition in a subject using an electronic device that comprises an input device. The method generally involves determining input device usage characteristics of the subject and comparing the result to a reference input device usage characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a heterogeneous catalyst system and methods of using the same to convert CO2-derived compounds to formate, formic acid, or a mixture thereof. The disclosed heterogeneous catalyst systems exhibit superior reactivity and stability in comparison to homogeneous catalyst systems and also can convert a variety of CO2-derived compounds to formate, formic acid, or mixtures thereof, in high yields using economical and environmentally friendly reaction conditions.

Abstract: Methods for extraction and recovery of rare earth elements are disclosed. In one aspect, heap leaching with a leach solution comprising sulfuric acid is used to extract rare earth elements including yttrium and light and heavy rare earth elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the fusogenic activity of the Myomaker protein. This polypeptide, when expressed in non-muscle cells, is able to drive fusion of the cell with a muscle cell, but not with other non-muscle cells. The use of this protein and cell expressing it in the delivery of exogenous genetic material to muscle cells also is described.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of Pseudomonas involves establishing a gaseous headspace over a surface suspected of containing at least one Pseudomonas strain and contacting at least a portion of the gaseous headspace with a capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) sampling device to absorb at least one component of the headspace by the CMV sampling device. The component loaded CMV sampling device is coupled to an injection port of an analytical device where the components are desorbed into the analytical device, where components are separated, detected, and identified to determine if one or more of the identified components is a biomarker for at least one Pseudomonas strain.

Abstract: Techniques for predicting cardiac arrhythmia includes obtaining first data that indicates an electrocardiography recording from a patient; and, automatically deriving, on a processor, P-wave characteristics on a plurality of leads of the electrocardiography recording. A value for a first parameter, Pindex3, is determined based on a standard deviation of P-wave duraations automatically derived from only three leads of the plurality of leads. A risk of incidence of cardiac arrhythmia for the patient is determined based, at least in part, on the first parameter, Pindex3.

Abstract: In one aspect, block copolymers are described herein. A block copolymer described herein, in some embodiments, comprises a first block comprising a polymer or oligomer formed from the reaction product of (i) a polycarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid equivalent, (ii) a polyol, and (iii) an amino acid; and a second block comprising a polymer or oligomer that differs from the polymer or oligomer of the first block. In some cases, the polycarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid equivalent comprises citric acid, a citrate, or an ester of citric acid. The polyol can comprise an ?,?-n-alkane diol, poly(ethylene glycol), or poly(propylene glycol). In some embodiments, the amino acid forms a pendant group of the polymer or oligomer of the first block and/or forms a luminescent 6-membered ring with the polycarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid equivalent. The second block of a block copolymer described herein, in some embodiments, comprises a polylactone.

Abstract: Paper microfluidic devices for testing for explosives are provided, along with methods of fabricating and using the same. One or more channels are formed on a paper substrate, and a test spot is formed in at least one of the channels. The channels can be hydrophobic. A test reagent is provided in the test spot and tests for explosives.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining a woman's risk of carrying an aneuploid embryo based on the maternal genotype, maternal age and optionally paternal age.

Abstract: Device for training people to a preferred posture during normal gait comprising of: at least a base for stabilizing at least one rail or post coupled to said base at least one gait regulating component, which will be arranged perpendicularly with respect to said rod or post and parallel to the floor surface, with said gait regulating component provided for defining an obstacle during the normal gait of a user to impose on the latter a predetermined movement of the foot, knee, and hip, facilitating the maintenance of the user's bust erected in a position of equilibrium, with the consequent lengthening of the pushing leg, the gradual transition of the weight of the user's body by the supporting foot posterior to that of the advancing leg, and the oscillation of the arm forward opposite to the lower limb that moves, with a final effect of a steady pace.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and processes that can be used to process industrial FDDG to food grade FDDG (FDDG). The FDDG product is substantially reduced of color, is high in protein and fiber, is odor-neutral, and is safe for human consumption. The present invention further provides processing schemes to minimize FDDG variability, and to insure uniform food functionality traits. The invention also provides novel and effective applications and uses of Supercritical CO2 extraction in the preparation of the FDDG product.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials based on tetrahedrite structures for thermoelectric devices and methods for producing thermoelectric materials and devices are disclosed. The thermoelectric device has a pair of conductors and a p-type thermoelectric material disposed between the conductors. The thermoelectric material is at least partially formed of a hot pressed high energy milled tetrahedrite formed of tetrahedrite ore and pure elements to form a tetrahedrite powder of Cu12-xMxSb4S13 disposed between the conductors, where M is at least one of Zn and Fe.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating cytokine responses in subject infected by a pathogen.

Abstract: In one aspect, catalytic membranes are described herein. In some embodiments, a catalytic membrane comprises a surface functionalized with a polymer, the polymer comprising cellulose solubilization functionalities and acid functionalities for the catalytic hydrolysis of cellulose and/or hemicellulose.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a pharmaceutical dosage form include making a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients by thermokinetic compounding into a composite. Compositions and methods of preprocessing a composite comprising one or more APIs with one or more excipients include thermokinetic compounding, comprising thermokinetic processing the APIs with the excipients into a composite, wherein the composite can be further processed by conventional methods known in the art, such as hot melt extrusion, melt granulation, compression molding, tablet compression, capsule filling, film-coating, or injection molding.