Abstract: Provided herein are cinchonium betaine catalysts and methods of promoting asymmetric imine isomerization reactions using the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surveying the sclera are provided. In some aspects, a method for generating a design for a prosthetic lens for an eye of a subject includes arranging an eye of a subject at a distance from a plurality of illumination sources and a plurality of imaging devices, projecting light onto the eye of the subject using the illumination sources, acquiring image data of the eye of the subject and the light using the plurality of imaging devices, generating a three dimensional map of the eye, including the sclera, using the image data; and designing, using the three dimensional map of the eye for the lens that fits over a cornea of the eye to engage the sclera and form a fluid pocket between the prosthetic lens that surrounds the cornea.

Abstract: Individuals with special needs often struggle to put on swim caps as they may lack dexterity, strength, or coordination to pull the cap over their ears. An improved swim cap to aid such wearers includes a swim cap body to encapsulate an upper head area and ears of a wearer, a first ring near a right ear area of the cap, and a second ring near a left ear area the body. A reinforcing band is attached on an interior of the swim cap body, wherein ends of the band connect to the first ring and the second ring. The rings allow for easy gripping of the swim cap to easily pull the cap over the wearer's head and ears.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatically responsive product that includes an amino acid residue conjugated to a magnetic particle, wherein the amino acid residue is phosphorylated or sulfated or comprises an ester-moiety linked via peptide bond. Compositions containing the enzymatically responsive product, and the use thereof for separating distinct types of mammalian cells (e.g., cancer cells from normal cells), for treating a cancerous condition, and imaging cancer cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes certain conchinine-derived phase-transfer catalysts of formula (I), compositions comprising the same, and methods of promoting asymmetric addition reactions using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of DBH inhibitors (e.g., disulfiram and Nepicastat), and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, for treating subjects with certain types of memory loss, for instance memory loss associated with a neurodegenerative disease, disorder, or condition, such as Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA damage and genomic DNA damage are provided. The methods use the administration of palm fruit juice and/or compositions containing phenolic compounds present in palm fruit juice. The methods, compositions, and kits can be used to reduce DNA damage in subjects being treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as patients having HIV or AIDS.

Abstract: Disclosed are oligonucleotides that binds specifically to HIV neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2G12 with a K4 value lower than 20 nM, the oligonucleotide comprising a predicted structure, at 37° C., having exactly one stem-loop whereby the loop comprises the nucleotide sequence of AACCNACGGANAAA (SEQ ID NO: 1), where N is a modified nucleoside base, and the stem includes at least 3 nucleotide base-pairs and one of the nucleotides in the stem includes a modified nucleoside base, wherein the modified nucleoside base has the structure -B-L-A where A is a branched-chain Man9 oligosaccharide, L is a linker molecule, and B is independently a pyrimidine or pyridine base linked to the sugar-phosphate backbone of the oligonucleotide. Immunogenic conjugates that include the oligonucleotide, and pharmaceutical compositions that include the oligonucleotide or the immunogenic conjugate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses the recognition that identification of alternative means to block RAS oncogenic signaling may be required for developing novel cancer therapies. Among other things, the present invention encompasses the recognition that targeting RAS palmitoylation can achieve effective therapy for RAS-related cancers. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses the recognition that reduction of ZDHHC9 level and/or activity can significantly reduce palmitoylation level of Ras protein. Among other things, the present invention encompasses the recognition that identification of agents that modulate expression and/or activity of ZDHHC9 can reduce palmitoylation level of Ras protein. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a subject suffering from cancer by administering ZDHHC9 inhibition therapy.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and methods for tethering proteins. For example, dimers of Protein X listed in Table 1 are described, where the dimers are formed by the covalent bonding of a cysteine on the first monomer to a cysteine on the second monomer via a cyclic disulfide linker. The covalently attached dimers exhibit increased stabilization and can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases (such as, for example, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Epilepsy, Frontotemporal Dementia, and/or DMD), cancer, autoimmune disease, and/or Celiac disease.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and methods for tethering proteins. For example, dimers of proteins, including SOD1 and DJ-1, are described, where the dimers are formed by the covalent bonding of a cysteine on the first monomer to a cysteine on the second monomer via a cyclic disulfide linker. The covalently attached dimers exhibit increased stabilization.

Abstract: Provided herein are reagents and kits for detection of multiple target sequences in a single-tube, single-color assay, and methods of use thereof. In particular, multiplex assays are provided for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex target sequences (e.g., katG, rpoB, inhA promotor, pncA, etc.).

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and methods for tethering proteins. For example, dimers of Protein X listed in Table 1 are described, where the dimers are formed by the covalent bonding of a cysteine on the first monomer to a cysteine on the second monomer via a cyclic disulfide linker. The covalently attached dimers exhibit increased stabilization and can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases (such as, for example, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Epilepsy, Frontotemporal Dementia, and/or DMD), cancer, autoimmune disease, and/or Celiac disease.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and methods for tethering proteins. For example, dimers of proteins, including SOD1 and DJ-1, are described, where the dimers are formed by the covalent bonding of a cysteine on the first monomer to a cysteine on the second monomer via a cyclic disulfide linker. The covalently attached dimers exhibit increased stabilization.

Abstract: New systems and methods are described for maintaining a desired steady state temperature differential between two objects that may otherwise undergo heat transfer to restore thermal steady state. In one application, a cooling microscope assembly and its use with conventional optical microscopes are described for achieving super-resolution imaging. The assembly allows for the high resolution imaging of samples at cryogenic temperatures while maintaining the temperature of the objective lens above freezing by employing circulation systems and a coupling fluid between the sample and objective lens.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods of modulating the number of GABAergic synapses between at least two neurons. These methods include contacting at least one of the neurons with a PlexinB agonist or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a PlexinB agonist, such as a composition including a Sema4D polypeptide or an extracellular fragment thereof, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the Sema4D polypeptide or extracellular fragment thereof. The present technology also relates to methods of modulating neuronal activity in the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system of a subject in need thereof by modulating the number of GABAergic synapses between at least two neurons. The present technology further relates to methods of treating a neurological disorder that would benefit from modulating neuronal activity in the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method for chlorine dioxide production through reaction-diffusion chemistry that facilitates the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide, wherein a dry solid composition of hydroxymethanesulfinic acid monosodium salt dihydrate (abbreviated HMS) and a chlorine dioxide precursor are activated via the addition or absorption of water to produce chlorine dioxide. The dry solid chemical composition comprises dry, safe, transportable reagents that integrate with polymeric materials such as packaging and superabsorbent and stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymers to combine with water to produce chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: Provided herein are cinchonium betaine catalysts and methods of promoting asymmetric imine isomerization reactions using the same.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids and reactions are provided. Such structures and methods may involve positioning fluid samples, e.g., in the form of droplets, in a carrier fluid (e.g., an oil, which may be immiscible with the fluid sample) in predetermined regions in a microfluidic network. In some embodiments, positioning of the droplets can take place in the order in which they are introduced into the microfluidic network (e.g., sequentially) without significant physical contact between the droplets. Because of the little or no contact between the droplets, there may be little or no coalescence between the droplets. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, surfactants are not required in either the fluid sample or the carrier fluid to prevent coalescence of the droplets. Structures and methods described herein also enable droplets to be removed sequentially from the predetermined regions.