Abstract: Here, we identify Plenty of SH3 (POSH) and JNK-interacting protein 1 (JIP-1) as a multi-protein scaffold network for TCR-mediated JNK1 activation in CD8+ T-cells. Disruption of the POSH/JIP-1 complex led to profound defects in the activation of JNK1, as well as deficient activation or induction of the transcription factors c-Jun, T-bet and Eomesodermin. Furthermore, disruption of the POSH/JIP complex in CD8+ T-cells resulted in impaired proliferation, decreased cytokine expression and the inability to control tumors. Collectively, these data identify a mechanism for the specific regulation of TCR-dependent JNK1 activation and function that is key for CD8+ T-cell responses. A group of compounds are described that individually or in concert target a common set of biological pathways important in T cell function, activation of innate inflammation, ischemic reperfusion injury, HIV release and oncogenesis.

Abstract: Methods and products are provided for facilitating application of variable-product agrochemicals, such as fertilizer, to an application area, such as a field. The fertilizer or agrochemical may include a single fertilizer or agrochemical type or a mixture. In one embodiment, a fertilizer-application area is divided into application cells, and a fertilizer product is determined for each cell, based on zones of the application area with a similar characteristic, such as topographic wetness index levels. Based on a determined product for each cell, instructions for controlling an agrochemical applicator are automatically generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to manufacture nanowires. In various embodiments, a method is provided for producing an oxidized metal layer as a heterogeneous seed layer on arbitrary substrate for controlled nanowire growth is disclosed which comprises depositing a metal layer on a substrate, oxidizing the metal layer in air ambient or in oxidizing agent, and growing nanowires at low temperatures on oxidized metal layers on virtually any substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In one aspect of the invention, a series of compositions comprising an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the Element 1 site on the SMN2 pre-mRNA and a Morpholino backbone is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating SMA patients by modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to increase the amount of full-length SMN is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the inventive method comprise administering an E1-targeting antisense oligonucleotide, such as Morpholino based antisense oligonucleotide, to a SMA subject.

Abstract: A low-power, compact piezoelectric particle emitter for emitting particles such as X-rays and neutrons. A piezoelectric transformer crystal receives an input voltage at an input end and generates a higher output voltage at an output electrode disposed at an output end. The emitter is in a vacuum and the output voltage creates an electric field. A charged particle source is positioned relative a target such that charged particles from the charged particle source are accelerated by the electric field toward the target. Interaction between the accelerated charged particles and the target causes one of X-rays and neutrons to be emitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining that a patient has indications mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microperimetry is used to assess the functional integrity of the patient's retina. Optical Coherence Tomography is used to assess the structural integrity of the patient's retina. Reductions in the size and function of the patient's retina indicate that the patient may have MCI or early stage AD.

Abstract: Methods and products are provided for facilitating application of variable-product agrochemicals, such as fertilizer, to an application area, such as a field. The fertilizer or agrochemical may include a single fertilizer or agrochemical type or a mixture. In one embodiment, a fertilizer-application area is divided into application cells, and a fertilizer product is determined for each cell, based on zones of the application area with a similar characteristic, such as topographic wetness index levels. Based on a determined product for each cell, instructions for controlling an agrochemical applicator are automatically generated.

Abstract: An energy storage system reaction cell configured for distribution throughout a transport system. The length of the reaction cell is substantially greater than its width and is looped throughout the transport system in a serpentine configuration. A membrane within the reaction cell has a length substantially equal to the length of the reaction cell such that surface area of the membrane is maximized relative to volume of the reaction cell to increase electrical power provided to an electrical load of the transport system.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a cerium-containing nano-coating composition, the composition including an amorphous matrix including one or more of cerium oxide, cerium hydroxide, and cerium phosphate; and crystalline regions including one or more of crystalline cerium oxide, crystalline cerium hydroxide, and crystalline cerium phosphate. The diameter of each crystalline region is less than about 50 nanometers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to dual-analyte fluorescent chemosensors for the direct detection and visualization (imaging) of neurotransmitters released upon exocytosis. The inventive sensor exploits the high concentration of neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate, norepinephrine, and dopamine) and capitalizes upon the pH gradient between the vesicle and synaptic cleft.

Abstract: A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacyl-ethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are described herein for determining a protein's most-likely structural alignment. A maximum likelihood algorithm is utilized that compares possible input protein structural translocations with a template protein. It then calculates the optimally superimposed position for each input protein utilizing a distance-based probability scoring algorithm that accurately manages extreme distances.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to genetically modified swine wherein at least one allele of a SIGLEC1 gene has been inactivated and/or at least one allele of a CD163 gene has been inactivated. Genetically modified swine having both alleles of the SIGLEC1 gene and/or both alleles CD 163 gene inactivated are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods for producing such transgenic swine are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic and research use. In particular, the present disclosure provides compounds as therapeutic agents against bacterial infections (e.g., biofilms). The present disclosure also provides compounds as therapeutic agents in methods for treating pneumonia, methods for reducing bacterial virulence, methods for treating a bacterial wound infection, and methods for treating a urinary tract infection. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating a bacterial infection, wherein the bacterial infection has or is suspected of having an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The present disclosure also provides surfaces coated with the chemical compounds disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to manufacture nanowires. In various embodiments, a method is provided for producing an oxidized metal layer as a heterogeneous seed layer on arbitrary substrate for controlled nanowire growth is disclosed which comprises depositing a metal layer on a substrate, oxidizing the metal layer in air ambient or in oxidizing agent, and growing nanowires at low temperatures on oxidized metal layers on virtually any substrate.

Abstract: Method, system and media for authenticating a subject as a user. Embodiments generate visual stories specific to the user and for which the subject must select the corresponding images from among a plurality of decoy images. Gaze tracking can be used to determine which images the user has selected without allowing an observer to learn which images have been selected. Images for the visual story can be retrieved from the user's social networking profile, and corresponding text storied generated to indicate which images should be selected. Multiple security levels are possible by varying the number of story images and decoy images.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for improving the efficiency of artificial activation of unfertilized mammalian oocytes by reducing the intracellular concentration of Zn2+ in the oocyte. The methods of the invention may additionally comprise a preceding step of increasing the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in the oocyte prior to reduction of the intracellular Zn2+ concentration. The invention further provides unfertilized oocytes activated by the disclosed methods and viable mammalian animals produced from unfertilized oocytes activated by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a peptide comprising four domains, wherein domain I consists of thioctyl or monocytl, domain II consists of 2 to 3 positively charged amino acids selected from the group consisting of lysine and arginine, domain III consists of a dimeric ethylene unit; and domain IV comprises the peptide with SEQ ID No. 1 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID No. I. The peptide is preferably attached to a gold nanostructure, preferably a gold nanorod to provide an EFGR kit. An EFGR detection kit of the invention employs a gold nanostructure attached to a peptide sequence, the peptide sequence includes a binding sequence with an affinity toward EGFR, a ligand bound to gold atoms of the nanorod, a positively charged amino acid that maintains activity of the binding sequence, and a unit that increases hydrophilicity of the peptide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel oocyte maturation medium or/and embryo culture medium with a chemically defined supplement to produce matured oocytes at high efficiency. The inventive medium or supplement comprises three growth factors, namely, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a synergistic combination. Methods for oocyte and embryo culture are also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising a plurality of cell aggregates for use in the production of engineered organotypic tissue by organ printing. A method of making a plurality of cell aggregates comprises centrifuging a cell suspension to form a pellet, extruding the pellet through an orifice, and cutting the extruded pellet into pieces. Apparatus for making cell aggregates comprises an extrusion system and a cutting system. In a method of organ printing, a plurality of cell aggregates are embedded in a polymeric or gel matrix and allowed to fuse to form a desired three-dimensional tissue structure. An intermediate product comprises at least one layer of matrix and a plurality of cell aggregates embedded therein in a predetermined pattern. Modeling methods predict the structural evolution of fusing cell aggregates for combinations of cell type, matrix, and embedding patterns to enable selection of organ printing processes parameters for use in producing an engineered tissue having a desired three-dimensional structure.