Abstract: The present invention is a method for preparing triterpenoids such as 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-methyl ester and derivatives thereof from oleanic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, sumaresinolic acid or hederagenin.

Abstract: The present invention provides triterpenoids produced from natural compounds such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and hederagenin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining response to neoadjuvant therapy and metastasis-free survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based upon the level of microRNA expression and optionally the presence of a protein cancer cell marker in biological samples such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens using in situ hybridization and optionally an immunohistochemical assay.

Abstract: The present invention embraces nutraceutical compositions containing isolated Bacteroides fragilis capsular polysaccharide A for use in methods of preventing or treating multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion and allows for the determination of optimized pretreatment conditions. Additionally, ethanol yields from a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation process are improved 5-25% by treatment with a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing adaptive regulatory T cells from effector T cells by contacting the effector T cells with retinoic acid. Adaptive regulatory T cells produced by this method are Foxp3+, home to the gut, and are refractory to reversion in vivo. As such, such cells find application in the treatment of autoimmune disease and facilitating transplantation tolerance.

Abstract: A method for imaging objects through turbid media includes generating a repetitive pulsed light beam under control of a pulse shaper, propagating the light beam through turbid media, and receiving and imaging the light beam at a sensor. Propagation through turbid media causes scattering of the light, and the sensor captures scattered pulses to produce an image. The pulse shaper controls pulse width, frequency, repetition rate and chirp of the generated light pulses according to a feedback signal received from the sensor, to improve image quality. A system for imaging objects through turbid media includes a laser for generating a light beam; a pulse shaper for controlling said light beam, and a sensor, in communication with the pulse shaper, for capturing the image of said light beam through a turbid medium. Pulse width is less than 250 femtoseconds to reduce attenuation of the light beam through the turbid medium.

Abstract: The present invention is bis-acridine or bis-quinoline intercalators having a modified bis(4-aminophenyl)ether tether to improve activity, selectivity, solubility and bioavailability of the antitumor compound.

Abstract: An optode for a functional infrared diffuse optical neuroimaging system uses a GRIN lens and prism for coupling to an optical fiber at a right-angle to the lens. The lens is inserted into a grommet for attachment to an elastomeric cap worn by a subject. In an embodiment, the cap also has an array of electroencephalographic electrodes, with optodes arranged such that an optical path exists between a transmitter and a receiver optode beneath each electroencephalographic electrode. In an embodiment, quadfurcated optical cabling is used to permit illumination of each of multiple optodes with wavelengths provided from each of multiple lasers, and permitting each laser to illuminated multiple optodes.

Abstract: The present invention embraces bis-acridine and bis-quinoline intercalators having a bis(4-aminophenyl)ether tether, and diglycolate salts thereof, for selectively decreasing colon cancer and glial cell proliferation and preventing or treating colon cancers and gliomas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates ?CD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon ?CD3/?GITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed. In particular methods of using these proteins and compounds, preferably antibodies, which bind or modulate (agonize or antagonize) the activity of these proteins, as immune modulators and for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, allergy, infection and inflammatory conditions, e.g. multiple sclerosis is disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification provides RXR agonist compounds, compositions comprising such RXR agonists, and methods using such compounds and compositions to treat an autoimmune disorder, inflammation associated with an autoimmune disorder and/or a transplant rejection as well as use of such RXR agonists to manufacture a medicament and use of such compounds and compositions to treat an autoimmune disorder, inflammation associated with an autoimmune disorder and/or a transplant rejection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasively monitoring baroreflex response and nominal blood volume are disclosed herein. Software and methods for evaluating morphological features of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) obtained using a pulse oximeter allow for the affirmative detection and quantification of the baroreflex response from data obtained during orthostatic stress tests, lower body negative pressure chamber tests and treadmill stress tests.

Abstract: Systems and methods augment a target media with a plurality of source media. The target media and source media are processed to form time frequency distributions (TFDs). Target features are extracted from the associated TFD and source features are extracted from each of the associated source TFDs. The target features are segmented into temporal portions that are compared with each of the plurality of source features to determine one or more matched source features having nearest matches to the target feature segments. Portions of the source media associated with the matched source features are mixed with the target media to form an augmented target media, wherein the mixing is based upon a probabilistic mixing algorithm that uses a distance between the matched target feature and source features to define an amplitude of each portion of the source media.

Abstract: A treatment for Parkinson's Disease uses a stimulus electrode implanted in a subthalamic nucleus with a chemosensor implanted in a globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) of the subject. A level of a neurochemical is sensed with the chemosensor, and compared to a desired level. When the level of the neurochemical is less than desired, an electrical stimulation is provided to the stimulus electrode. In alternative embodiments, the neurochemical sensed is glutamate or dopamine. An alternative system uses a chemosensor implanted in the striatum instead of the GPi. An alternative system for treating benign essential tremor uses a stimulus electrode implanted in the thalamus with feedback taken from a chemosensor in the striatum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates ?CD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon ?CD3/?GITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for decreasing the size and density of amyloid plaques, decreasing cognitive decline associated with amyloid pathology, and treating Alzheimer's disease by selectively inhibiting the activity of Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1, but not Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 2.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for treating and preventing renal/kidney disease, insulin resistance/diabetes, fatty liver disease, and/or endothelial dysfunction/cardiovascular disease using synthetic triterpenoids, optionally in combination with a second treatment or prophylaxis.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two parts includes steps of dispersing a joining material comprising a multi-phase magnetic metal-aluminum powder at an interface between the at least two parts to be joined and applying an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The AMF has a magnetic field strength and frequency suitable for inducing magnetic hysteresis losses in the metal-aluminum powder and is applied for a period that raises temperature of the metal-aluminum powder to an exothermic transformation temperature. At the exothermic transformation temperature, the metal-aluminum powder melts and resolidifies as a metal aluminide solid having a non-magnetic configuration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for stimulating the growth and repair of bone and cartilage using synthetic triterpenoids and tricyclic-bis-enones. Examples of suitable triterpenoids include CDDO, CDDO-Me, CDDO-Im, and CDDO-Ethylamide. Examples of tricyclic-bis-enones include TBE-31 and TBE-34.