Abstract: Biocomposite materials are derived from animal proteins, and, in particular, animal proteins derived from byproducts such as specified risk material. The composite materials are created by embedding a fibrous material with a polymer matrix comprising a hydrolysate from the animal protein and a crosslinking reagent such as an epoxy.

Abstract: This application relates to a binding-induced hairpin detection system comprising: a. a first probe comprising a targeting molecule and an oligonucleotide that has a free end and an end attached to the targeting molecule; and b. a second probe comprising a targeting molecule and an oligonucleotide that has an end attached to the targeting molecule and a free end comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence at or near the free end of the oligonucleotide of the first probe; wherein upon binding of the targeting molecule to a target molecule, the free end of the oligonucleotide of the second probe hybridizes at or near the free end of the oligonucleotide of the first probe forming a hairpin stem, the non-hybridized portions of the first and second probes together with the target molecule bound thereto forming a hairpin loop, thereby providing a binding-induced hairpin.

Abstract: A method for single-cycle selection of aptamers is provided. More specifically, a method comprising single-cycle selection of aptamers for proteins blotted on a membrane is provided. In some embodiments, the present methods can comprise a deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) mediated aptamers selection strategy that may be capable of isolating strong binding aptamers for target proteins from a crude protein extract. Aptamers selected using the present method are further provided. More specifically, the presently selected aptamers may be thermally stable, modifiable and easily produced through single-cycle synthesis process. The present aptamers may provide unique affinity reagents for use in diagnosing and detecting infectious disease (for example Hepatitis B), for research and biochemical studies (e.g. into molecular mechanisms). Further, the present aptamers may be utilized to develop unique assays or kits for clinical application, such as monitoring disease treatment and outcome.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-naturally occurring polypeptides that specifically bind hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA; and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The present invention further provides methods of detecting HBV DNA; methods of detecting a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) form of HBV; and methods for treating HBV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.

Abstract: Described herein is insulin, an insulin-like growth factor, parathyroid hormone, a fragment of parathyroid hormone, or a parathyroid hormone related protein that includes at least one bone targeting moiety, wherein the bone targeting moiety is covalently bonded to the peptide. Also described herein are the methods of making these compositions that prevent or treat conditions associated with bone loss and preventing bone fractures, and/or the inability to initiate de novo bone turnover and stimulate bone fracture repair.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a polymer derived from an animal protein, such as in a feedstock derived from animal by-products. The method involves hydrolyzing proteins present in a feedstock to obtain hydrolyzed proteins, wherein hydrolysis is conducted under conditions sufficient to digest the proteins and destroy pathogens; extracting a protein fraction from the hydrolyzed proteins; and treating the protein fraction with a crosslinking reagent to form the polymer. The crosslinking reagents may include epoxies. The polymer may be further processed to form a thermoset plastic. The polymer may be used as an adhesive, or in the preparation of a natural fiber composite material.

Abstract: Phosphoranimide-metal catalysts and their role in hydrogenation and hydrosilylation are disclosed. The catalysts comprise first row transition metals such as nickel, cobalt or iron. The catalysts have a metal to anionic phosphoranimide ratio of 1:1. This disclosure presents a process for catalytic hydrogenation and hydrosilylation of a range of unsaturated organic compounds under lower temperature and pressure conditions than conditions associated with industrial hydrogenation and hydrosilylation.

Abstract: Phosphoranimide-metal catalysts and their role in hydrodesulfurization are disclosed. The catalysts comprise of first row transition metals such as nickel, cobalt and iron. The catalysts have a metal to anionic phosphoranimide ratio of 1:1 and catalyze hydrodesulfurization of a range of sulfur-containing organic compounds under lower temperature and pressure conditions than those commonly used in industrial hydrodesulfurization.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method for amplification and detection of nucleic acids within a miniaturized device wherein sample administration occurs via capillary forces through a channel created by drying a hydrogel containing all components needed for a cell-free, enzymatic, nucleic-acid amplification system other than the template nucleic acid or precursor thereto, and wherein an aqueous sample is provided to the desiccated hydrogel, and the hydrogel is rehydrated, through capillary forces.

Abstract: The invention, in some aspects relates to light-activated ion channel polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids and also relates in part to compositions comprising light-activated ion channel polypeptides and methods using light-activated ion channel polypeptides to alter cell activity and function.

Abstract: A nanotip, is fabricated by modifying a precursor nanotip having an apex and a shank by applying an electric field in the presence of a reactive gas to perform field-assisted etching wherein atoms are preferentially removed from the shank by chemical interaction with the reactive gas, and controlling the reactive gas pressure and/or tip voltage to vary the electric field so as to promote field evaporation of apex atoms during fabrication of the nanotip and thereby control the overall profile of the resulting nano-tip. The method permits shaping of the overall tip profile.

Abstract: A method of detecting a non-DNA target includes the use of a first nucleic acid motif linked to a first affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a first toehold domain and a first binding domain, and a second nucleic acid motif linked to a second affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a second binding domain, wherein the first and second binding domains are complementary to each other. Upon contact with the target, the first and second nucleic acid motifs bind to form a target-ligand complex. The formation of the complex causes displacement of an output nucleic acid motif. This method may be used with detectable beacons in an imaging or diagnostic method, and particularly in a point of care diagnostic method.

Abstract: A non-linear cooling cryopreservation method for improving cryopreservation protocols for cells that involves producing a simulation of cellular responses to a range of cooling parameters; determining optimal cooling parameters required to minimize cryoinjury to the cells using simulation of cellular responses and experimental results; and incorporating optimal parameters into the protocol. The simulation is based on mathematical models of cellular parameters. A non-linear cooling cryopreservation protocol for cryopreserving stem cells is also disclosed that does not require cryoprotectants.

Abstract: A detector and a method for the detection of nitro-containing compounds, such as explosives, is described. Detection is by observing the quenching of the photoluminescence of functionalized silicon nanocrystals, such as amine-functionalized silicon nanocrystals, oligonucleotide-functionalized silicon nanocrystals, oligomer or monolayer alkyl-functionalized silicon nanocrystals, aromatic polymer-functionalized silicon nanocrystals and alkanoic acid-functionalized silicon nanocrystals by the nitro-containing compounds. The detector and method are non-toxic, portable, rapid and straightforward and therefore are amenable for convenient on-site detection of nitro-containing compounds.

Abstract: Phosphoranimide-metal catalysts and their role in C—O bond hydrogenolysis and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) are disclosed. The catalysts comprise of first row transition metals such as nickel, cobalt and iron. The catalysts have a metal to anionic phosphoranimide ratio of 1:1 and catalyze C—O bond hydrogenolyses of a range of oxygen-containing organic compounds under lower temperature and pressure conditions than those commonly used in industrial hydrodeoxygenation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification of tissue including articular cartilage and the preparation of said tissue for clinical or research use, including but not limited to joint replacement and the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material formed by co-deposition of magnesium with a catalyst for the kinetic absorption and desorption of hydrogen. A hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material formed of an alloy of magnesium with a catalyst for the kinetic absorption and desorption of hydrogen in which the catalyst for the kinetic absorption and desorption of hydrogen forms a dispersed amorphous or nanocrystalline phase in the magnesium. A hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material having a catalytic surface formed by a process comprising the steps of depositing a layer of tantalum on the hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material and depositing a layer of palladium on the layer of tantalum. A hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material comprises a multilayer film having at least two layers of magnesium and at least two layers of catalyst for the kinetic absorption and desorption of hydrogen, in which the multilayer film comprises alternating layers of magnesium and catalyst.

Abstract: Nanoparticle catalyst compositions and methods for preparation of same are described. The nanoparticle catalysts are platinum-free and are useful in effecting selective ring-opening reactions, for example in upgrading heavy oil. The catalyst may be of monometallic composition, or may comprise an alloyed or core-shell bimetallic composition. The nanoparticles are of controlled size and shape.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to use of compounds and compositions as a chemosensitizers and/or radiosensitizers and/or inhibitors of PNKP phosphatase activity. The present invention provides pharmaceutical combinations and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, kits containing such compounds and/composition and methods of using such compounds and/or compositions.