Abstract: Methods for immobilizing a protein or functional protein fragment on a surface in a controlled orientation, for immobilizing a protein or functional protein fragment on a surface with efficient immobilization loading of the protein or protein fragment, and for immobilizing a protein or functional protein fragment on a surface with retention of the activity of the protein or protein fragment. In the methods, a tetrazine-modified protein or a tetrazine-modified functional protein fragment is contacted with a trans-cyclooctene-modified surface to provide a surface having the protein or functional protein fragment immobilized thereon. Surfaces having a protein or functional protein fragment immobilized thereon obtainable by the method and methods for using the surfaces for measuring the binding of a ligand to a protein or functional protein fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is early genetic screening to aid in the selection of dogs for assistance training programs. Disclosed methods include a method for predicting the probability of canine success in a training program, involving genotyping a biological sample from a canine; determining at least one mobile element insertion copy number within the Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) locus on canine chromosome 6; and predicting the probability of the canine's success in a training program based on the at least one mobile element insertion copy number. Another disclosed method is a method of producing dogs that are more likely to exhibit a sociable behavior, involving providing a male and female dog for breeding; determining at least one mobile element insertion copy number within the Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) locus on canine chromosome 6 for each of the provided dogs; and mating the dogs of step (a) to produce offspring.

Abstract: A computer implemented scheme for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system where point cloud feature extraction and segmentation by efficiently is achieved by: (1) data structuring; (2) edge detection; and (3) region growing.

Abstract: An efficient approach to reconstruct the scanner trajectory of the mobile LIDAR system from the point cloud with minimal user parameters. The process of reconstructing trajectory comprises four steps: (1) spin rate estimation, (2) scan plane estimation, (3) scan origin estimation, and (4) global smoothing.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated single heavy chain variable (VHH) monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments thereof, and bispecific antibodies include these VHH monoclonal antibodies, wherein the VHH monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment specifically binds a canine programmed death (PD)-1. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these VHH monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments are also disclosed, as are expression vectors including these nucleic acid molecules and host cells including these expression vectors. Methods of detecting canine PD-1, and methods of increasing cytotoxic T cell activity and treating tumors are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a system for purifying contaminated water and a method for using the system. More specifically, the invention concerns removing contaminants, such as those introduced by fracking, from a contaminated water.

Abstract: A method is provided to reduce the counting times in radiation detection systems using machine learning, wherein the method comprises: receiving an output data from a detector which is to detect a target material from a target body; analyzing the output data; identifying a material of interest from the analyzed output data; and controlling a source of the target material to prevent the source from harming the target body. An apparatus is also provided which comprises: a detector to detect radiation and to provide an output data in real-time; and a processor coupled to the detector, wherein the processor is to: receive the output data; analyze the output data; identify a material of interest from the analyzed output data; and control a source of the target material.

Abstract: Antigenic surface proteins expressed by Mycobacterium bovis under conditions that mimic the natural environment in a host are described. Use of the identified surface proteins in immunogenic compositions for immunization against M. bovis are also described. Nucleic acid molecules and plasmids encoding the M. bovis surface proteins are further described.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a system and a method for removing dissolved solids from liquids. Specific implementations concern desalinating water. The system may comprise a blower, such as a thermal fan/compressor, configured to atomize a solid-bearing liquid to produce a hot, humid gas containing dissolved solids; a gas-solid separator configured to receive hot, humid gas containing entrained dissolved solids from the blower to separate the solids from the humid gas and to transmit the humid gas with solids removed through an exit port; a heater configured to heat the hot, humid gas received from the exit port of the gas-solid separator; and a condenser configured to receive heated humid gas from the heater and to condense solids-free liquid therefrom. The thermal fan/compressor may comprise a plurality of nozzles with outlets positioned adjacent atomization apertures across which a solid-bearing liquid flows and through which gas exiting the nozzles passes.

Abstract: mRNA polymer complexes and drug delivery systems are disclosed herein that include a cationic polymer electrostatically complexed to an mRNA molecule that encodes a desired protein. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating as well as methods of slowing the loss of, increasing, and/or maintaining lean muscle mass in a subject, such as using mRNA polymer complexes and drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Provided are antisense morpholino oligomers targeted against bacterial virulence factors such as genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance or biofilm formation, or essential genes, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions, for instance, in the treatment of an infected mammalian subject.

Abstract: Methods of treatment to prevent NTM microaggregate formation using formulations of liposomal ciprofloxacin. Specific liposome formulations and delivery of such for treatment of respiratory tract infections and other medical conditions, and devices and formulations used in connection with such are described.

Abstract: A bilateral alternating tactile stimulation therapeutic system includes an Internet web page; a first mobile device, at a first location, configured to access the Internet web page, wherein the first mobile device has a first application for transmitting audio information and pulse control information including alternating pulsation signals for uploading to the Internet web page; a second mobile device, at a second location remote from the first location, adapted to connect to the Internet web page and having a second application for receiving the audio information and the pulse control information in a streaming or live mode; a pair of pulsating devices wirelessly coupled to the second mobile device; and wherein the second mobile device is programmed to enable a subject to hear the audio information and also transmit the alternating pulsation signals to the pair of pulsating devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptide inhibitors of AniA. Pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed that include one or more peptide inhibitors of AniA and/or nucleic acids encoding the same. The pharmacological inhibition of AniA should disable anaerobic respiration and augment the ability of existing antimicrobials to clear the pathogen. Thus, also disclosed are methods of inhibiting and/or treating infection from N. gonorrhoeae.

Abstract: A resistive heater capable of delivering heat loads on the same order as those produced by in-pile nuclear fuel experiments. The heater rod provides the energy for high-temperature steady-state testing, as well as the power needed to simulate the transient pulse in the Transient Reactor Test Loop (TRTL) system. The resistive heater includes a removable housing, two or more thermal conductors in the housing; and one or more stabilizers coupled to the two or more thermal conductors to keep the two or more thermal conductors separated to avoid shorting, wherein the two or more thermal conductors are coupled to the housing via an inert gas (e.g., Helium). The two or more thermal conductors comprise a material with substantially zero infrared spectrum (e.g., sapphire, silica, or glass).

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern an organic solution suitable for forming metal oxide films, particularly thins films, comprising a metal salt selected from a Sn salt, an Sb salt, a dopant, and combinations thereof. The salt often is a halide salt, such as SnCl2 or SbCl3. Certain disclosed compositions are preferably formed using substantially pure reagents and may include a dopant, such as a fluoride dopant. Described solutions may be used to form thin films, such as a thin film comprising SnO2, Sb:SnO2, F:SnO2, or (Sb,F):SnO2. Such thin films may have any desired thickness, such as a thickness of from 200 or 700 nm, and are extremely smooth, such as having an RMS surface roughness >3 nm, such as 3 nm to 10 nm, with certain embodiments having an RMS surface roughness <2 nm or <1 nm. Devices can be assembled comprising the thin films on a suitable substrate.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of halogenides (oxyhalides) of zirconium and hafnium (M) with values of ?=X/M near one, for X=Cl, Br and I form amorphous solids or glasses, designated as M,X, in contrast to important crystalline oxyhalide end members with ?=2 (designated as MOX). The present disclosure describes methods for producing amorphous thin films comprising halogenides upon evaporation, and provides some measured physical properties, with attention to compositions for ?<2. The value of a below which only glasses are formed is about one for oxychlorides and oxybromides of both Zr and Hf. The chemical formulas for all the halogenide thin films prepared as noted above can be written as a function of the single parameter ?, according to M(OH)4-?X?.(4?-1)H2O. This is valid for e.g., crystalline zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, and for the glassy solids found for ?<2 and down to the onset of hydrolysis, ??0.5.

Abstract: A bilateral alternating tactile stimulation therapeutic system includes an Internet web page; a first mobile device, at a first location, configured to access the Internet web page, wherein the first mobile device has a first application for transmitting audio information and pulse control information including alternating pulsation signals for uploading to the Internet web page; a second mobile device, at a second location remote from the first location, adapted to connect to the Internet web page and having a second application for receiving the audio information and the pulse control information in a streaming or live mode; a pair of pulsating devices wirelessly coupled to the second mobile device; and wherein the second mobile device is programmed to enable a subject to hear the audio information and also transmit the alternating pulsation signals to the pair of pulsating devices.

Abstract: ‘Emerald Beauty’ is a new Cotoneaster cultivar with a compact, cushion-like to semi-rounded habit, dense foliage, and short internodes. It is novel for its combination of improved resistance to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and improved branching that requires little pruning in production or landscapes.

Abstract: A new and distinct Corylus plant named ‘PollyO’ is characterized by high nut yield, early nut maturity, small round nuts and kernels, high kernel percentage, good kernel blanching and excellent flavor. The tree is vigorous and has a desirable growth habit. ‘PollyO’ is resistant to bud mite (primarily Phytoptus avellanae Nal.). DNA markers and field exposure indicate that it is highly resistant to eastern filbert blight (EFB) caused by Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Müller.