Abstract: Processes and methods for modifying the surface of graphitic carbon with covalently bonded chemcial groups and the treated graphitic carbon products of such processes are provided. Additionally, exemplary articles comprising such treated graphitic carbons are provided.

Abstract: Targeting uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to DNA damaging chemotherapeutics with at least one reagent has significant potential in cancer treatment. Replication Protein A, the eukaryotic single-strand (ss) DNA binding protein, is essential for genomic maintenance and stability via roles in both DNA replication and repair. Reported herein are small molecules that inhibit the in vitro, in vivo, and cellular ssDNA binding activity of RPA, thereby disrupting the eukaryotic cell cycle, inducing cytotoxicity and increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents damage DNA, and/or disrupt its replication and/or function. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of RPA-ssDNA interactions in chromosome maintenance and stability. This represents a molecularly targeted eukaryotic DNA binding inhibitor and demonstrates the utility of targeting a protein-DNA interaction as a means of studying the cell cycle and providing a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide polypeptides, related materials and compositions, and methods for their use. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a monomeric Tamm-Horsfall Protein polypeptide, or a biologically active truncation thereof. Other embodiments provide polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide described herein, nucleic acid expression vectors including the polynucleotides, and recombinant host cells including the expression vector. Yet other embodiments provide pharmaceutical compositions including a polypeptide described herein. Also provided are methods for treating a renal disease, disorder, or condition in a subject and/or modulating an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor and sensor system for analysis of breath are disclosed. The biomedical sensor can include two layers arranged to swell or contract in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction while being restricted from swelling in the axial direction. The biomedical sensor includes resistance connections to allow measurement of the resistance of each layer and a combined resistance of both layers. The sensor system can include one, two, or three or more sensors, each having a pair of electrodes separated by a gap and one or more layers of composite material located within the gap. the sensor system includes resistance circuits configured to measure changes in resistance between the electrodes. A polypyrrole/polymethyl methacrylate/polyethylene glycol composite material and method of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthesis, radiation bolus, pre-surgical model, or burn mask formed using a rapid prototyping device, such as a three-dimensional printer. In some exemplary aspects, the prosthesis includes a scaffolding and a coating at least partially covering the scaffolding. Methods and systems for forming the prosthesis, radiation bolus, pre-surgical model, or burn mask are also provided.

Abstract: A learning certificate authentication system comprising a certificate downloader configured to obtain a certificate, a feature extractor in communication with the certificate downloader that is configured to (i) parse information associated with the certificate and a pattern of use into actionable features and (ii) calculate a value associated with at least one of the actionable features, a classification extractor configured to process the vector with a learning model based on the pattern of use information, a processor, and a non-transitory memory having instructions that, in response to an execution by the processor, cause the processor to calculate a probability of authenticity based on the processed vector are disclosed. Methods of authenticating certificates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for producing a syngas from a biomass material. The system compacts a loose biomass material to form a compacted biomass material at an entrance of a reactor tube, and then heats the compacted biomass material within the tube to form ash and a fuel gas mixture. The fuel gas mixture is withdrawn from the tube and the ash is removed from the tube through an exit thereof. Ingress of air into the tube is inhibited by forming a plug of the biomass material at the entrance of the tube and a plug of ash at the exit of the tube. A neutral atmospheric pressure is maintained in the reactor tube relative to pressure outside the reactor tube by monitoring and adjusting a volumetric rate of the fuel gas mixture withdrawn from the reactor tube based on pressures at the entrance and the exit of the reactor tube.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for administering a oncogenic Src homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitor for treating autoimmune and/or glomerulonephritis-associated diseases, and in particular, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: Described herein are compositions relating to engineered hnRNP-E1 variant polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, engineered hnRNP-E1 compositions, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered hnRNP-E1 polypeptide contains a C293S substitution and retains the ability to bind to a poly(rC)- and poly(U)-rich 5?-UTR element in its cognate mRNA targets in the absence of homocysteine. In some cases, the engineered hnRNP-E1 compositions provided herein are useful to increase the translation of a subset of mRNAs or to treat certain health conditions as described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, compounds having allosteric effector properties against Hepatitis B virus Cp. Also provided herein are methods of treating viral infections, such as hepatitis B, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a disclosed compound.

Abstract: A motor control system is provided for controlling a speed of a motor system used in a musical instrument. The motor control system includes at least one sensing device attached to the musical instrument, and configured for detecting movement of an object and providing a sensor signal based on the movement of the object. Also included in the motor control system is a control unit having a processor connected to the motor system and the at least one sensing device. The control unit is configured for selectively modulating the speed of the motor system based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns synthesis and anion binding features of poly-cyanostilbene macrocycles of Formula (I):

Abstract: A bearingless and sealless rotary blood pump is disclosed which provides multidirectional flow intended to provide low-pressure, high-volume right-sided partial assist circulatory support in a univentricular Fontan circulation on a permanent basis. The pump includes a housing and an impeller suspended in the center of the housing. The housing incorporates flow optimization features between inlet and outlet ends, as well as with the impeller surface. Large fluid gaps maintained between impeller and housing eliminate any potential for blood flow obstruction. The impeller contains some motor components. It includes a central stator and surrounding rotor. The motor includes a brushless DC outrunner electrical motor design. An electromagnetic stator core is surrounded by a circumferential passive magnetic ring. The rotor is further levitated about the stator spindle by a plurality of axially and radially located passive magnetic and hydrodynamic journal bearings on both ends of the spindle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that selectively inhibit members of the PTP family of enzymes. Synthesized compounds demonstrated selective inhibition of TC-PTP. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and formulations containing the compounds. Also described is a fluorescence-tagged combinatorial library synthesis and screening method. And methods of using these compounds to effect enzyme activity both in cells and in vitro as well as method of using these compounds to treat diseases in human and animals.

Abstract: A manual soft tissue device including a pressure applicator and a sensor member configured to determine at least one of a magnitude, an angle, a stroke frequency, and a rate of force applied to soft tissue by the pressure applicator.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for the therapeutic treatment of cancer and angiogenesis. The enzyme Ape1/Ref-1, via its redox function, enhances the DNA binding activity of transcription factors that are associated with the progression of cancer. The present invention describes the use of agents to selectively inhibit the redox function of Ape1/Ref-1 and thereby reduce tumor cell growth, survival, migration and metastasis. In addition, Ape1/Ref-1 inhibitory activity is shown to augment the therapeutic effects of other therapeutics and protect normal cells against toxicity. Further, Ape1/Ref-1 inhibition is shown to decrease angiogenesis, for use in the treatment of cancer as well other pathologic conditions of which altered angiogenesis is a component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manipulating fluids. The apparatus may include a microfluidic structure including inlet channels (1 and 2) and outlet channels (306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314) oriented among bifurcated (5), trifurcated (6) and merging junctions (7 and 8). The apparatus splits and merges fluids flowing in the channels to produce successive dilutions of the fluids within the outlet channels. Multiple apparatus may be combined in serial, parallel, combined serial and parallel and/or stacked configurations. One or more apparatus may be used alone or to provide various devices or chambers with the diluted fluids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating tissue to preserve and/or rescue tissue from ischemic and/or reperfusion injury and methods for assessing ischemic and/or injuries in cardiac tissue. The disclosed compositions comprise at least a portion of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium.

Abstract: A hierarchy of endothelial colony forming cells (EPCs) was identified from mammalian cord blood, umbilical vein and aorta. A newly isolated cell named high proliferative potential-endothelial colony forming cell (HPP-ECFC) was isolated and characterized. Single cell assays were developed that test the proliferative and clonogenic potential of endothelial cells derived from cord blood, or from HUVECs and HAECs. EPCs were found to reside in vessel walls. Use of a feeder layer of cells derived from high proliferative potential-endothelial colony forming cells (HPP-ECPCS) from human umbilical cord blood, stimulates growth and survival of repopulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Stimulation of growth and survival was determined by increased numbers of progenitor cells in in vitro cultures and increased levels of human cell engraftment in the NOD/SCID immunodeficient mouse transplant system.