Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of detecting an analyte in a sample by associating the sample with an electrode that includes a metal-organic framework. After association, the redox properties of the electrode are evaluated. Thereafter, the presence or absence of the analyte in the sample is detected by correlating the redox properties of the electrode to the presence or absence of the analyte. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to electrodes that include a metal-organic framework and an electrode surface. In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal-organic framework is associated with the electrode surface. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the electrodes of the present disclosure by associating a metal-organic framework with an electrode surface. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of mixing the metal-organic framework with a polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Quadruple Gene Deleted Mutant Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BHV-1 QMV) engineered to express protective antigens derived from viruses associated with infection in livestock. The recombinant vector includes a deletion of a cytoplasmic tail of envelope glycoprotein gE (gE-CT), a truncation of glycoprotein gG, a deletion of envelope protein UL49.5 amino acid residues 30-32, and a deletion of UL49.5 cytoplasmic tail amino acid residues 80-96. The truncation of glycoprotein gG comprises a deletion of amino-terminal amino acid residues 1-67. The recombinant vector can include at least two heterologous antigens inserted therein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, compositions and strategies for the delivery of RNA into cells in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro via ARMMs are provided. In some aspects, ARMMs containing fusion proteins of ARRDC1 fused to an RNA binding protein or an RNA binding protein fused to a WW domain are provided. In some aspects, ARMMs containing binding RNAs associated with cargo RNAs are provided. In other aspects, cargo RNAs associated with a binding RNA, such as a TAR element, are loaded into ARMMs via ARRDC1 fusion proteins containing an RNA binding protein, such as trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein.

Abstract: Described herein are single domain VHH polypeptides (antibodies) that bind to and/or neutralize the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6), in particular, human IL-6 (hIL-6). Anti-hIL-6 VHH polypeptide products, methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided for treating a subject having or at risk of having a disease, disorder, pathology, or infection associated with or induced by IL-6 or dysfunctional IL-6 signaling. The methods, compositions and kits include a single domain, anti-hIL-6 VHH polypeptide (antibody), or hIL-6 binding portion thereof, that specifically binds to and/or neutralizes IL-6 and treats or prevents IL-6-induced illnesses and diseases. The anti-hIL-6 VHHs, or hIL-6 binding portion thereof, may be recombinantly produced and expressed.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for targeting nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides non-naturally occurring or engineered DNA-targeting systems comprising a novel DNA-targeting CRISPR effector protein and at least one targeting nucleic acid component like a guide RNA Methods for making and using and uses of such systems, methods, and compositions and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method of enhancing sperm fertility is described herein. The method includes contacting sperm with hydroxyurea. A composition is disclosed that includes sperm, hydroxyurea, and a buffer. Methods, kits, and compositions for enhancing sperm fertility are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and compositions for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in particular dry-AMD, specifically geographic atrophy (GA) or advanced dry-AMD. Specifically, the invention relates to an inner-blood-retinal-barrier (iBRB) or blood-brain-barrier (BBB) tight junction protein and/or a circadian clock protein for use in the prevention and/or treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a near-infrared fluorescence endoscopic dental imaging system includes an endoscope forming a plurality of lumens therein; a spectrometer optically coupled to a first lumen of the endoscope; a near-infrared camera optically coupled to a second lumen of the endoscope; a data processor in communication with the spectrometer and the near-infrared camera; and a display system in communication with the data processor. The near-infrared camera is configured to capture a near-infrared two-dimensional dental image of a specimen and transmit the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image to the data processor. The spectrometer is configured to capture fluorescent light from the specimen and provide a spectroscopic signal to the data processor. The display system is configured to communicate with the data processor to receive the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image and the spectroscopic signal and to display a two-dimensional dental image of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidic devices. In some aspects, various entities, such as droplets or particles, may be contained within a microfluidic device, e.g., within collection chambers or other locations within the device. In some cases, the entities may be released from such locations, e.g., in a sequential pattern, or an arbitrary pattern. In some cases, the entities may be imaged, reacted, analyzed, etc. while contained within the collection chambers. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making or using such devices, kits involving such devices, or the like.

Abstract: The absorbance or emission wavelength of composite materials comprising a transition metal doped shell disposed over a rare earth doped core and a functionalizable group on the surface of the transition metal doped shell can change upon subjection to a carboxylic acid. This method of changing the absorbance or emission wavelength of a composite material can be used to identify counterfeit currency using an ink comprising a composite material.

Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of diagnosing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a patient comprising obtaining a sample from the patient, determining a level of a signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 1 (SLAMF1) in the sample from the patient, and diagnosing the patient with NAFLD when the level of the SLAMF1 is at least an elevated threshold level for the SLAMF1. Therapeutics and methods of treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a patient in need of treatment comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a therapeutic, wherein the therapeutic includes a signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 1 (SLAMF1) antagonist.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for inhibiting respiratory viral infections, inflammatory diseases, and/or respiratory inflammation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides adenosine deaminases that are capable of deaminating adenosine in DNA. The disclosure also provides fusion proteins comprising a Cas9 (e.g., a Cas9 nickase) domain and adenosine deaminases that deaminate adenosine in DNA. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a nuclear localization sequence (NLS), and/or an inhibitor of base repair, such as, a nuclease dead inosine specific nuclease (dISN).

Abstract: Provided are supramolecular polypseudorotaxane hydrogel compositions and 3-D structures capable of reversible 3-D structural deformation which include (a) a solvent; (b) an at least partially linear polymer, where the polymer further comprises groups capable of covalent crosslinking between the polymers; (ii) at least one first macrocyclic ring which forms a pseudorotaxane with a polymer in the polymer network; and (iii) at least one second macrocyclic ring that does not form the pseudorotaxane. The hydrogel composition has a viscosity which allows for 3-D printing of the hydrogel to form a 3-D structure, and a storage (elastic) modulus after crosslinking that allows for the 3-D structure to undergo reversible 3-D structural deformation upon change of solvent conditions. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the compositions and 3-D structures.

Abstract: Evolved sortases exhibiting enhanced reaction kinetics and/or altered substrate preferences are provided herein, for example evolved sortases that bind recognitions motifs comprising a LMVGG [SEQ ID NO: 3] sequence. Also provided are methods (e.g., orthogonal transpeptidation and diagnostics methods) for using such sortases.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating responsive documents are described. Digital content is organized into a structure that defines how content is presented when a document is displayed by a computing device. To generate the responsive document, relationships are defined among different digital content objects, such as groups of content objects to be presented together and content objects that are to be presented as alternatives of one another. Responsive patterns are assigned to grouped content objects, where each responsive pattern defines different layout configurations for displaying grouped content objects based on computing device display characteristics. In some implementations, multiple responsive patterns are assigned to a single content group and individual responsive patterns are associated with activation ranges for display characteristics that activate the responsive pattern.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for controlling the delivery of insulin to a subject. The apparatus comprises a first input (18) for receiving neural information from the subject indicative of prospective or actual food and/or drink intake and a second input (15) for receiving a signal indicative of the subject's blood glucose level (BG). The apparatus further comprises a processor or processors (10) configured to determine food and/or drink characteristics based on the received neural information and to determine an amount of insulin to be delivered based on the measured blood glucose levels (BG) and the determined food and/or drink characteristics, and an output for providing an insulin pump control signal (12) indicative of the determined amount of insulin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern systems, methods, and/or compositions for cultivation of mammalian viruses, including at least human noroviruses and sapoviruses within the Caliciviridae family of viruses. The ex vivo culture systems include intestinal enteroids in combination with bile or a functionally active fraction or component thereof. In specific embodiments, the culture system is utilized to test inactivation compounds for therapeutic or environmental efficacy and to test contaminated comestibles and/or environmental entities for determination of the presence of infectious virus. Furthermore, antiviral compositions may be tested using systems of the disclosure, including drugs, small molecule inhibitors, and biologics such as neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention features redox flow batteries and compound useful therein as negolytes or posolytes. The batteries and compounds are advantageous in terms of being useable in water solutions at neutral pH and have extremely high capacity retention. Suitable negolytes are diquaternized bipyridines, suitable posolytes are water-soluble ferrocene derivatives.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) compatible transducer for magnetic resonance elastography applications has a cantilevered drive element a free end of which is arranged in use to move reciprocally, and a flexible non-conductive connection rod slidably disposed within a flexible non-conductive sleeve. The connection rod is affixed at a proximal end to the cantilevered drive element via a proximal flexible connection piece that in use accommodates the slight rotational movement of the cantilevered drive element as it reciprocates about its secured end, whilst translating the rotational reciprocation of the cantilevered drive element into a pure translational reciprocation of the connection rod within the sleeve. The distal end of the connection rod is affixed against a protrusion connected to another cantilevered driven element, upon which is mounted a piston element that in use contacts the subject.