Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are implantable devices for replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint, comprising (i) a metatarsal component comprising a substantially convex bearing surface; or (ii) a phalanx component comprising a substantially concave bearing surface; or (iii) both. In various embodiments, also provided are methods of treating hallux valgus by replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint with one or more of the provided implantable devices.

Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product, and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: The described invention provides self-forming compositions as positive electrode materials. The described invention further provides electrode compositions related to an electrochemical energy storage cell comprising a metal, a glass former and lithium fluoride.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and polynucleotide sequences of the transcobalamin receptor, as well as modulators of the transcobalamin receptor. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders associated with cobalamin deficiency, including compositions and methods that promote cobalamin uptake. In addition, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection, treatment, and prevention of diseases associated with deregulated cell growth, including, e.g., cancer and autoimmune disorders, including compositions and methods that inhibit cobalamin uptake.

Abstract: A method of (a) treating a lymphoproliferative disease in a subject in need thereof; (b) slowing the progression of lymphoproliferative disease in a subject who has been diagnosed with a lymphoproliferative disease; or (c) preventing or delaying development of a lymphoproliferative disease in a subject who is at risk of developing a lymphoproliferative disease. The method generally comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a combination therapy comprising: i) at least one autophagy modulating agent, or a derivative, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or prodrug thereof; and ii) at least one CDK inhibitor agent, or a derivative, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or prodrug thereof, wherein the i) agent and the ii) agents are administered in amounts sufficient to enhance the cytotoxicity of the combination relative to the CDK inhibitor agent treatment alone.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a distributed, fault-tolerant security system that enables the secure storage and distribution of private keys. In one implementation, the security system includes a plurality of computing resources that independently store private keys provided by publishers and encrypted using a single security system public key. To protect against malicious activity, the security system private key necessary to decrypt the publication private keys is not stored at any of the computing resources. Rather portions, or shares of the security system private key are stored at each of the computing resources within the security system and multiple security systems must communicate and share partial decryptions in order to decrypt the stored private key.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the incidence of C. jejuni bacteria infections in poultry and in humans and other animals are formulated to include C. jejuni antigens, and particularly CadF, FlpA and FlaA. The antigens may be provided in the form of polypeptides or by hosts that produce the antigens. Fibronectin binding proteins of C. jejuni may also be used to deliver substances of interest to humans and other animals.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using D-serine to target brain cells expressing GluN3 subunit-containing triheteromeric NMDARs are disclosed. The methods include inhibiting calcium ion uptake by brain cells, treating epilepsy, and treating seizures by artificially administering D-serine.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted delivery of biotherapeutics are provided. The compositions comprise bile-sensitive St. thermophilus bacteria modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Biotherapeutic agents released by the St. thermophilus bacteria disclosed herein include AQ and AQR rich peptides. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a St. thermophilus bacterium modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Administration of the St. thermophilus bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The bacterium may be modified to express and release AQ or AQR rich peptides which subsequently inhibit cellular apoptosis or reduce mucosal damage. Thus, methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including C. difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to sequential state elements (SSEs), triple-mode redundant state machines (TMRSMs), and methods and systems for testing triple-mode redundant pipeline stages (TMRPSs) within the TMRSMs using triple-mode redundant SSEs (TMRSSEs). The SSEs, TMRSMs, TMRPSs, and TMRSSEs may be formed as integrated circuits on a semiconductor substrate. Of particular focus in this disclosure are SSEs used to sample and hold bit states. Embodiments of the SSEs have a self-correcting mechanism to protect against radiation-induced soft errors. The SSE may be provided in a pipeline circuit of a TMRSM to receive and store a bit state of a bit signal generated by combinational circuits within the pipeline circuit. More specifically, the SSEs may be provided in a TMRSSE configured to perform self-correction. Also disclosed are methods for using the TMRSSE to test redundant pipeline stages of the TMRSM.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses recombinant bacteria and immunogenic compositions comprising the bacteria. The immunogenic composition may be used to induce an immune response against C. perfringens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a novel photovoltaic cell that uses unique micro-architectural and multi-layer functional designs. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a 3-dimensional electrode. Disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a novel electroluminescent cell that uses unique micro-architectural and multi-layer functional designs. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a 3-dimensional diode.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a phototrophic microorganism with altered and controlled adhesive properties. One aspect of the present invention encompasses a genetically modified phototrophic microorganism capable of controlled adhesion. The microorganism comprises a recombinant nucleic acid construct, wherein the nucleic acid construct comprises an inducible promoter operably-linked to a nucleic acid encoding an adhesion protein.

Abstract: A fluid cooled cold plate can comprise a fluid output port connected near a thermally conductive base plate having a coupled heat source device, a fluid input port connected to a top surface of the cold plate, and multiple extended surface areas connected to the base plate and extending normal to the base plate. The cold plate can be configured for generally uniform fluid flow across the multiple extended surface areas. Furthermore, the multiple extended surface areas can create more resistance near a top surface of the multiple extended surface areas and less resistance near the base plate. For example, the plurality of extended surface areas can be wires that are wound near the base plate and fanned out near the top surface. An advantage of the disclosed cold plate design is the increase in heat transfer area and efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating and reducing the recurrence of genital tract infections such as gonococcal infections. The method comprises local application of IL-12 incorporated in polymeric microspheres. The invention relates to compositions comprising IL-12 and methods for using such compositions for treatment of genital tract infections. Infections that can be treated by the present method include those that are caused by N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis or both.

Abstract: An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A precursor for the deposition of a thin film by atomic layer deposition is provided. The compound has the formula MxLy where M is a metal and L is an amidrazone-derived ligand or an amidate-derived ligand. A process of forming a thin film using the precursors is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the oral administration of Bryostatins for the treatment of neuro-degenerative disease.

Abstract: A polymeric composition capable of releasing nitric oxide and modulating biological responses comprises a biocompatible polymer and S-nitrosated thiol bonded to the biocompatible polymer. The polymeric composition can have a thiol conversion of at least 40%. The polymeric composition can also have a nitric oxide recovery of at least 40% when under thermal decomposition conditions.