Abstract: Described is a transcatheter mitral valve. The mitral valve includes a saddle-shaped annulus frame with two prongs extending therefrom. Two leaflets are attached with the frame and prongs to form a bi-leaflet mitral valve. The frame is collapsible to a collapsed configuration that allows for delivery and implantation at a mitral position. When at the mitral position, the mitral valve expands into an open configuration and is secured in place by a fixture, such as clamps that extend from the frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for improved handling and/or culturing and/or assaying of cells, chemically active beads, or similar materials in microfluidic systems and microfluidic culture arrays.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and materials for producing simvastatin and related compounds such as huvastatin.

Abstract: This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: Flexible, conductive, graphene-polymer nanocomposites incorporating doped graphene and conductive polymer materials in a layered structure and tunable methods of fabrication are provided. The layered graphene-polymer nanocomposites exhibit resistance quenching by suppressing defect induced carrier scattering in graphene while keeping the optical transmittance greater than 90%, which is essential for many optoelectronic applications. Nanocomposites also demonstrate high mobility and carrier density compared to known TCF materials as well as very low sheet resistance with flexibility of more than ±90 degrees of bending angle. The methods employ layer-by-layer mixed chemical doping strategies that incorporate different doping species to enhance electrical and optical properties individually. The synthesis of the graphene-polymer nanocomposite may be conducted by chemical processes to provide mass production capabilities.

Abstract: Methods for achieving sub-lithographic feature sizes in an integrated circuit (IC) layer are provided that use ion implantation to enhance or reduce the etch rate of a thin masking layer. The etch rates also can be enhanced or reduced at specific locations through multiple implantation steps. The implantation can be performed at tilted angles to achieve sub-lithographic implanted regions that are self-aligned to pre-existing photoresist or hard-mask features over the masking layer on the surface of a substrate. A higher density of features can be achieved in an IC layer than are present in an overlying masking layer with the use of ion implantation.

Abstract: A hybrid polymer/inorganic membrane with dual transport pathways overcomes traditional limitations. The inorganic phase consists of a metal-organic framework (MOF), which is an ideal inorganic dispersant to construct dual transport pathways as the crystalline porous structure of MOFs is more amenable to molecular diffusion than polymers. Previous hybrid membrane research has failed to achieve sufficiently high loadings to establish a percolative network necessary for dual transport, often due to mechanical failure of the membrane at high loading. Using polysulfone and UiO-66-NH2 MOF as a model system, we achieve high MOF loadings (50 wt %) and observe the evolution from single mode to dual transport regimes. The newly formed percolative pathway through the MOF acts as a molecular highway for gases. As the MOF loading increases to 30 wt %, CO2 permeability increases linearly from 5.6 barrers in polysulfone homopolymer to 18 barrers.

Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for use in the detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks are provided. More specifically the use of an in-situ sensor mounted to a UAS such that the sensor is positioned in a region unaffected by prop wash that is relatively undisturbed by the effects of the propeller(s) and other environmental conditions when in use is described. Additionally, methods of determining the optimal placement of the in-situ sensor on any given UAS are also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that enables the automated measurement of cellular mechanical parameters at high throughputs. The microfluidic device uses intersecting flows to create an extensional flow region where the cells undergo controlled stretching. Cells are focused into streamlines prior to entering the extensional flow region. In the extensional region, each cell's deformation is measured with an imaging device. Automated image analysis extracts a range of independent biomechanical parameters from the images. These may include cell size, deformability, and circularity. The single cell data that is obtained may then be used to in a variety of ways. Scatter density plots of deformability and circularity may be developed and displayed for the user. Mechanical parameters such as deformability and circularity may be gated or thresholded to identify certain cells of interest or sub-populations of interest. Similarly, the mechanical data obtained using the device may be used as cell signatures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2-(1-{6-[(2-[F-18]fluoroethyl)(methyl)amino]-2-naphthyl}ethylidene)-malononitrile ([F-18]FDDNP) utilizes a semi-automated module that is used to perform fluorination, pre-purification, separation, product extraction, and formulation. The method is able to produce [F-18]FDDNP with high yields and ready for human administration under existing FDA regulations, and without the need for hazardous organic solvents such as dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (MeOH), and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The method also improves the speed with which [F-18]FDDNP can be synthesized with the method being able to generate a final product within about 90 to 100 minutes. This synthesis method is easily adaptable to FDA registered and approved automated synthesis systems.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, mitigating and treating pain, particularly neuropathic pain by the combined administration of an agent that increases EETs and an agent that reduces/inhibits endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method of processing three-dimensional images or volumetric datasets to determine a configuration of a medium or a rate of a change of the medium, wherein the method includes tracking changes of a field related to the medium to obtain a deformation or velocity field in three dimensions. In some cases, the field is a brightness field inherent to the medium or its motion. In other embodiments, the brightness field is from a tracking agent that includes floating particles detectable in the medium during flow of the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising an alkali metal hafnate, optionally cerium-doped, having the formula A2HfO3:Ce; wherein A is an alkali metal having a valence of 1, such as Li or Na; and the molar percent of cerium is 0% to 100%. The alkali metal hafnate are scintillators and produce a bright luminescence upon irradiation by a suitable radiation.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for treating or reducing symptoms associated with abdominal dysfunction or ileus following surgery or other abdominal episode by treating the area with a combination of one or more protease, antibacterial compound, and inflammatory lipid mediator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides atomic structures of Cas9 with and without polynucleotides bound thereto. Also provided is a computer-readable medium comprising atomic coordinates for Cas9 polypeptides in both an unbound configuration and a configuration wherein the Cas9 polypeptide is bound to one or more polynucleotides. The present disclosure provides crystals comprising Cas9 polypeptides; and compositions comprising the crystals. The present disclosure provides methods for the engineering of Cas9 polypeptides wherein Cas9 activity has been altered, ablated, or preserved and amended with additional activities.

Abstract: A motion estimation and correction system and methods are shown comprising: an image acquisition device configured to acquire an image via scanning an image frame over a period of time, an inertial measurement unit configured to measure at least one of a position, an orientation, and a movement of the image acquisition device during the period of time and output an indication of the movement as detected; and a state estimation module, operatively coupled to the inertial measurement unit and the image acquisition device, configured to estimate a state related to at least one of position and orientation of the image acquisition device based on the at least one of the position, the orientation, and the movement. In one example, systems and methods include using an inertial measurement unit along with an image acquisition device. In one example, the image acquisition device includes a rolling-shutter camera.

Abstract: Provided are methods for reducing the progression of cognitive decline in a post-menopausal woman using a continuous regimen of estrogen in combination with periodic administration of a progestogen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for reducing expression of C90RF72 mRNA and protein in an animal with C90RF72 specific inhibitors. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases in an individual in need thereof. Such C90RF72 specific inhibitors include antisense compounds. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases that can be treated, prevented, and ameliorated with the administration C90RF72 specific inhibitors include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), corticalbasal degeneration syndrome (CBD), atypical Parkinsonian syndrome, and olivopontocerellar degeneration (OPCD).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for processing macromolecule sequencing data with substantial noise reduction. In one aspect, a method for reducing noise in a sequential measurement of a macromolecule comprising serial subunits includes cross-correlating multiple measured signals of a physical property of subunits of interest of the macromolecule, the multiple measured signals including the time data associated with the measurement of the signal, to remove or at least reduce signal noise that is not in the same frequency and in phase with the systematic signal contribution of the measured signals.

Abstract: An electrode material includes a catalyst support and Pt—Ni nanostructures affixed to the catalyst support. The Pt—Ni nanostructures are doped with at least one dopant M.