Abstract: Methods and kits are described for testing for the presence or absence of any fungus in a sample. Examples of fungi that can be detected include, but are not limited to, those belonging to the genera Candida, Aspergillus and Pneumocystis. The methods include obtaining a sample suspected of containing fungal nucleic acid, including at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid, and testing for the presence or absence in the sample of the at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid. Samples may be biological or non-biological.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating pathogenic bacterial infection (e.g., tuberculosis infection) in an animal comprising administering a peptide-based inhibitor of the STAT3-IL10 pathway or a nucleic acid encoding the peptide-based inhibitor to the animal. The invention also provides methods of treating chronic granulomatous disease and Wegener's granulomatosis in an animal comprising administering a peptide-based inhibitor of the STAT3-IL10 pathway or a nucleic acid encoding the peptide-based inhibitor to the animal.

Abstract: Modified ribosomes that were selected using a dipeptidyl-puromycin aminonucleoside are used to mediate site-specific incorporation of one or more peptides and peptidomimetics into protein in a cell free translation system. In addition, new fluorescent dipeptidomimetics have been synthesized and incorporated into proteins, as well as modified proteins containing one or more non-naturally occurring dipeptides.

Abstract: Carbon dots synthesized from p-phenylenediamine in diphenyl ether exhibit excitation wavelength independent long wavelength multicolor emissions (green to red) when they are dispersed in different solvents and polymers. The emissions are excitation wavelength independent and one excitation light can excite all the colors.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrophoresis systems, devices, and associated methods of analysis are described herein. In one embodiment, an electrophoresis device includes a first electrode having a first polarity, a second electrode having a second polarity, and a substrate. The substrate includes a first channel having a first section with a first cross-sectional area and a second section with a second cross-sectional area. The first end is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the second end is electrically coupled to the second electrode. The first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area in a first dimension and in a second dimension generally orthogonal to the first dimension.

Abstract: A chip-scale, reusable sensor can detect aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), rapidly in water without sample preparation. The device is capable of real-time, continuous monitoring for BTEX solutes, which diffuse into a film, such as a polymer, on the sensors surface. In operation, BTEX analytes concentrate in the film, causing an increase in refractive index, which modulates evanescent coupling into the chips integrated photodetector array. Integration of the photodetector array simplifies system instrumentation and permits incorporation of an on-chip photocurrent reference region in the immediate vicinity of the sensing region, reducing drift due to temperature fluctuations. In some examples, the chip responds linearly for BTEX concentrations between 1 ppm and 30 ppm, with a limit of detection of 359 ppb, 249 ppb, and 103 ppb for benzene, toluene, and xylene in water, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for blocking the effect of the intronic inhibitory splicing region of intron 7 of the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include short oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target sites in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The target regions include a unique RNA structure and a 6-nucleotide long sequence that is essential for initiating a long distance steric inhibitory interaction. The identified region provides a novel target deep within SMN2 intron 7. Intronic targets are highly desirable as annealing of an ASO to an intron does not interfere with translation and transport of mRNA. The invention also provides opportunity to employ a short antisense oligonucleotide or a small compound against the unique RNA structure responsible of SMN2 exon 7 skipping in SMA.

Abstract: Biomedical devices and methods are disclosed for the development of 3D polymeric scaffolds for cell culture, high throughput screens for biomolecule purification, and generation of bone mimetic materials. The devices may feature multiple geometries, and scaffold generation capabilities include multiple gel types utilizing organic and aqueous phase pregel. Additionally, macroporous and non-macroporous morphologies are possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for breast cancer detection.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, a system management component and failure detection component for use in a power grid data network to identify anomalies within the network and systematically adjust the quality of service of data published by publishers and subscribed to by subscribers within the network. In one implementation, subscribers may identify a desired data rate, a minimum acceptable data rate, desired latency, minimum acceptable latency and a priority for each subscription. The failure detection component may identify an anomaly within the network and a source of the anomaly. Based on the identified anomaly, data rates and or data paths may be adjusted in real-time to ensure that the power grid data network does not become overloaded and/or fail.

Abstract: A wave disc engine apparatus is provided. A further aspect employs a constricted nozzle in a wave rotor channel. A further aspect provides a sharp bend between an inlet and an outlet in a fluid pathway of a wave rotor, with the bend being spaced away from a peripheral edge of the wave rotor. A radial wave rotor for generating electricity in an automotive vehicle is disclosed in yet another aspect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for polymerizing unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers. The present invention also relates to a precatalyst having the structure of Formula (I): M{C(SiHAlk2)3}3??(I), and to a catalyst comprising the structure of Formula (II): MC(SiHAlk2)3X2??(II), and methods for preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a free-energy based model of translation elongation to predict and optimize heterologous gene expression. The model and software allow for the prediction and optimization of genes for increased or decreased protein yield and for increased or decreased protein aggregation.

Abstract: For remote heart rate estimation, a method detects an object of interest (OOI) in each image of a video data and tracks the OOI in each image of the video data. The method identifies a region of interest (ROI) within the OOI and generates a plurality of super pixels from a plurality of pixels in each ROI. The method further generates a super-pixel time series from the plurality of super pixels in each image and removes interfering signals from the super-pixel time series. The method further models the super-pixel time series as a super-pixel model and calculates a heart beat signal from the super-pixel model. The method calculates heart characteristics from the heart beat signal. The heart characteristics include one or more of a heart rate, an inter-beat interval, and a heart rate variability.

Abstract: A method of analyzing data related to a driving range estimation of a vehicle includes collecting attribute data related to the driving range estimation of the vehicle, analyzing a correlation between the attribute data and a driving range of the vehicle, generating a vehicle driving range estimation model based on the analyzed correlation, and analyzing a sensitivity between the vehicle driving range estimation model and the attribute data.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte for a lithium-ion battery including a film having a multiplicity of nanowires, each nanowire including a lithium-ion conductive material, and a lithium-ion battery including the solid electrolyte. The multiplicity of nanowires may be formed in an electrospinning process. The lithium-ion battery may be formed by compressing the solid electrolyte between an anode layer and a cathode layer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating shoot apical meristem size are provided. Methods are provided for modulating the expression of Fea4 sequence in a host plant or plant cell to modulate agronomic characteristics such as altered size and number of organs, including plant seeds.

Abstract: A hybrid core comprising a matrix and tubular structural reinforcements, such as a ductile matrix core reinforced with ductile hollow tubes, as well as panels which comprise such hybrid core. Embodiments of the invention manifest resistance to both interfacial debonding and ballistic penetration.

Abstract: ‘Heintooga’ is a new and distinct variety of blueberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features outstanding in a new variety. Heinetooga has slightly less than one fully developed seed per berry so that the fruit should be perceived as seedless by most consumers. Heinetooga has a medium to large fruit size with very good fruit color, picking scar and flavor. The fruit firmness of Heinetooga is moderately good to good and post harvest shelf-life is good so the fruit is suitable for shipping. Further, Heinetooga has broad soil adaptation.