Abstract: A present disclosure relates to a system for automatic design and manufacturing of 3D printing units and 3D products. The system is configured to obtain specification of a target structure corresponding to a 3D product; automatically determine a design and a printing path of a 3D printing unit based on the specification of the target structure, wherein the 3D printing unit is a micronozzle unit configured to print the target structure of the 3D product; automatically determine a manufacturing procedure to print the 3D printing unit based on the specification of the target structure; and instruct a 3D printer to print the 3D printing unit according to the manufacturing procedure and the printing path of the 3D printing unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for encapsulating inorganic micro- or nanostructures within polymeric microgels are described. In various embodiments, viruses are encapsulated with microgels during microgel formation. The viruses can provide a template for in situ synthesis of the inorganic structures within the microgel. The inorganic structures can be distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the microgel, or can be distributed non-uniformly within the microgel. The inventive microgel compositions can be used for a variety of applications including electronic devices, biotechnological devices, fuel cells, display devices and optical devices.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to the treatment, detection, and diagnosis of various cancers, including esophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma and related metaplasias. The invention also includes a clonal population of Barrett's esophagus progenitor cells and methods of using them for the treatment, detection, and diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating radiation via difference frequency generation (DFG). In one exemplary implementation, a quantum cascade laser (QCL) has a significant second-order nonlinear susceptibility (?(2)) integrated in an active region of the QCL. The QCL is configured to generate first radiation at a first frequency ?1, second radiation at a second frequency ?2, and third radiation at a third frequency ?3=?1??2 based on difference frequency generation (DFG) arising from the nonlinear susceptibility. In one aspect, the QCL may be configured to generate appreciable THz radiation at room temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating radiation via difference frequency generation (DFG). In one exemplary implementation, a quantum cascade laser (QCL) has a significant second-order nonlinear susceptibility (?(2)) integrated in an active region of the QCL. The QCL is configured to generate first radiation at a first frequency ?1, second radiation at a second frequency ?2, and third radiation at a third frequency ?3=?1??2 based on difference frequency generation (DFG) arising from the non-linear susceptibility. In one aspect, the QCL may be configured to generate appreciable THz radiation at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The subject invention features methods for predicting whether a subject at risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) will develop ARDS by determining the amount of elafin present in a subject sample, or by determining the ration of elafin:neutrophil elastase in a subject sample. The invention also features methods for monitoring the efficacy of a treatment regimen for ARDS as well as methods of treatment for ARDS. The invention also features methods to determine a subject's predisposition for developing ARDS by determining whether certain genomic polymorphisms are present in the subject's DNA.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to the devices and methods for the collection of bioaerosols (such as viruses, bacteria, and proteins) from the exhaled breath of humans and/or animals, for the purpose of determining, for example, particle size, generation rate, diseases and interventions for particle release.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating and processing nanowires in solution with arrays of holographic optical traps. The system and method of the present invention is capable of creating hundreds of individually controlled optical traps with the ability to manipulate objects in three dimensions. Individual nanowires with cross-sections as small as 20 nm and lengths exceeding 20 ?m are capable of being isolated, translated, rotated and deposited onto a substrate with holographic optical trap arrays under conditions where single traps have no discernible influence. Spatially localized photothermal and photochemical processes induced by the well-focused traps can also be used to melt localized domains on individual nanowires and to fuse nanowire junctions.

Abstract: Metal films are deposited with uniform thickness and excellent step coverage. Copper metal films were deposited on heated substrates by the reaction of alternating doses of copper(I) NN?-diispropylacetamidinate vapor and hydrogen gas. Cobalt metal films were deposited on heated substrates be the reaction of alternating doses of cobalt(II) bis(N,N?-diispropylacetamidinate) vapor and hydrogen gas. Nitrides and oxides of these metals can be formed by replacing the hydrogen with ammonia or water vapor, respectively. The films have very uniform thickness and excellent step coverage in narrow holes. Suitable applications include electrical interconnects in microelectronics and magnetoresistant layers in magnetic information storage devices.

Abstract: Endoplasmic reticulum stress has been found to be associated with obesity. Therefore, agents that reduce or prevent ER stress may be used to treat diseases associated with obesity including peripheral insulin resistance, hypergylcemia, and type 2 diabetes. Two compounds which have been shown to reduce ER stress and to reduce blood glucose levels include 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA), tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Other compounds useful in reducing ER stress are chemical chaperones such as trimethylamine N-oxide and glycerol. The present invention provides methods of treating a subject suffering from obesity, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance using ER stress reducers such as PBA, TUDCA, and TMAO. Methods of screening for ER stress reducers by identifying agents that reduce levels of ER stress markers in ER stressed cells are also provided. These agents may find use in methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating obesity-associated diseases.

Abstract: Metal(IV) tetrakis(N,N?-dialkylamidinates) were synthesized and characterized. Exemplary metals include hafnium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum, tin and uranium. These compounds are volatile, highly stable thermally, and suitable for vapor deposition of metals and their oxides, nitrides and other compounds.

Abstract: The instant invention is based, at least in part, on the dentification of a mechanism by which T-bet modulates IL2 production. The present invention pertains to methods of identifying agents that modulate the kinase-mediated interaction of T-bet with RelA, as well as methods of use therefore.

Abstract: Colloidosomes having tunable properties, methods for making the same, and applications thereof are described. Colloidosomes described herein are responsive to certain external stimulus to alter one or more properties of the colloidosome. Methods for making colloidosomes include forming a shell of colloidal particles on a core material where the colloidal particles and the core material have attractive interactions.

Abstract: Therapeutic conjugates containing a statin or a modified statin (collectively “statin”) linked to a therapeutic agent (also referred to as a drug herein) are targeted to the liver by the statin or modified statin and thereby deliver the therapeutic agent to liver cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polypeptides containing at least three amino acids randomly joined in a linear array; wherein at least one of the three amino acids is an aromatic amino acid, at least one of the three amino acids is a charged amino acid and at least one amino acid is an aliphatic amino acid. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide contains three or four of the following amino acids: tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid or lysine. According to the present invention, the present polypeptides bind to antigen presenting cells, purified human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) and/or Copolymer 1-specific T cells. Moreover, according to the present invention, these polypeptides can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for treating autoimmune disease. The present invention further contemplates methods of treating an autoimmune disease in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of any one of the present polypeptides to the mammal.

Abstract: A system for predicting future disease for a subject comprising: a population information set comprising population disease diagnoses for members of a population; a subject-specific information set comprising at least one subject-specific disease diagnosis; and a diagnoses-based prediction module configured to predict one or more future diseases for the subject based on said subject-specific disease diagnosis and said population disease diagnoses for population members having at least one disease in common with the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying pregnant subjects having, or predisposed to having, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. The methods are applicable to urine and/or blood samples and can be conducted prior to the third trimester of pregnancy, and as early as the first trimester.

Abstract: A method of treating a metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance by administering to a mammal an inhibitor of a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase (JNK), e.g., a compound or peptide which inhibits JNK1 expression or enzymatic activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods used to modulate a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity. These compositions and methods can be employed to regulate metabolic disorders associated with, for example, insulin such as diabetes. The reduction in NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity can lead to the reduction in weight and improve insulin sensitivity.