Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions comprising ?-lactam antibiotics and branched polyethylenimines (BPEI), having efficacy against various Gram-positive bacteria, for example Gram-positive bacteria having resistance against ?-lactam antibiotics, one non-limiting example of which is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The compositions result in the resensitization of such resistant bacterial strains to traditional antibiotic therapies such as ?-lactam antibiotics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating spent equilibrium catalyst (ECAT) for reuse, in which a quantity of spent ECAT comprising hydrophilic particles with differing levels of metal contamination is disposed into a reactor and treated to form carbon nanotubes on the particles having metal contamination, thereby rendering at least a portion of the spent ECAT particles hydrophobic; the hydrophobic particles can then be separated from the hydrophilic particles. Also disclosed is a method of remediating an oil spill using a carbon nanotube sponge material.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling HVAC equipment in a residential setting. The system may include an outdoor temperature sensor positioned to measure outdoor temperatures, an indoor air temperature sensor to measure indoor space air temperatures, a supply duct air temperature sensor positioned to measure supply duct air temperatures, a return duct air temperature sensor positioned to measure return duct air temperatures, an air blower current sensor positioned to measure air blower currents, and/or an air compressor current sensor positioned to measure air compressor currents, and a controller operable to receive the measures of outdoor temperature, indoor space air temperature, supply duct air temperature, return duct air temperature, air blower current, air compressor current, and measures of solar irradiation intensity and wind speed. The controller may be programmed with instructions to input the measures into a thermal model for outputting signals for implementing changes in the system.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition containing a Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) surface polysaccharide II (PSII) or an immunogenic portion thereof; and an ?-galactosylceramide (?-GC) or analog or derivative thereof, which is able to bind to a CD1d glycoprotein, optionally containing a C. difficile TcdB C-terminal domain (CTD), or an immunogenic portion thereof, and/or an adjuvant. A method of treating, ameliorating, or inhibiting a C. difficile infection or a C. difficile-associated diarrhea in a subject by administering the immunogenic composition, particularly in subjects at risk for a C. difficile infection. A method of protecting a subject's gut microflora by administering the immunogenic composition or a composition containing ?-GC and an alum adjuvant.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed that include D-amino acid peptides and that are capable of specifically binding to at least one autoantibody against a G-protein coupled receptor. The autoantibody is produced in a patient having or being predisposed to a disease, condition, or disorder, and the autoantibody is capable of binding to a specific epitope of the G-protein coupled receptor. Methods of production and use of said compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Three-way junction (3WJ) RNA scaffolds derived from phi29, M2, SF5, and GA1 pRNAs and which have high stability are described. The pRNA 3WJ scaffolds can be used to form compounds, conjugates, compositions, and nanoparticles for delivery of active agents for therapeutic and/or diagnostic functions.

Abstract: A liquid composite molding method includes the steps of providing a part mold that has an inlet gate and an exit gate, placing a fabric preform over the part mold, placing a membrane over the fabric preform and securing a pressure cap to the part mold. The pressure cap and part mold together form a pressure chamber with a headspace between the membrane and the pressure cap. The method further includes the step of filling the fabric preform with liquid resin under the membrane while applying pressure within the headspace over the membrane. The method may be practiced with an apparatus that has a pressure chamber, a fabric preform inside the pressure chamber, a membrane over the fabric preform, a resin injection assembly, and a resin extraction assembly. The pressure chamber includes a part mold and a pressure cap. A headspace is formed above the membrane within the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A toe dynamometer is configured to accurately and precisely measure toe extensor strength. The toe dynamometer includes a platform configured to accommodate a patient's foot, and a sensor assembly comprising a force sensor and a toe cap connected to the force sensor. The force sensor is configured to measure forces applied to the force sensor by toe flexion on the force sensor and from toe extension away on the force sensor through the toe cap.

Abstract: Antisense compounds for suppressing expression of ARTD3a are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same and methods of producing and using same. The antisense compounds can be used to treat inflammatory disorders and conditions related to interferon-alpha production.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) scanner system provided with a multi-axis articulated robot and a sensor suite positioned on a first end of the multi-axis articulated robot. The sensor suite is provided with a shield, an antenna array probe, and a surface sensor. The shield has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side is configured for positioning towards an active phased array antenna. The surface sensor is configured to determine X, Y, and Z positions of the active phased array antenna.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods for treating Ewing family tumors (EFT) comprising administering an effective amount of altertoxin II to a subject having EFT.

Abstract: Compositions that include one isolated, class I HLA-E trimolecular complex that includes a peptide ligand unique to M. tuberculosis-infected cells are disclosed. Isolated compositions that include the three components of the trimolecular complex and/or a polynucleotide encoding one or more of the three components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pile for use in a ground pile system has a tubular body and one or more sensor modules attached to the tubular body. Each of the one of more sensor modules includes a sensor guard that has a perimeter and a sensor nested within the sensor guard. The sensor is recessed within the perimeter of the sensor guard to protect the sensor during installation of the pile. A data acquisition unit can be used to receive data from the one or more sensor modules. The data acquisition unit includes a solar panel array, a battery charged by the solar panel array, a modem powered by the battery, and a computer powered by the battery. The computer is configured to receive signals from the sensors and transmit the signals to a remote operation center through the modem.

Abstract: Novel 2,4-diaminoquinazoline derivatives are disclosed. The compounds can be used in treating diseases and conditions which are associated with abnormal cell function related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. For example, the compounds can be used as suppressors of ER stress-induced pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction and death, for example in the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A method for using a surgical enhanced visualization system for enhancing a surgical operation includes the steps of acquiring patient reference data, loading the patient reference data and features into the computer, and acquiring live data from the operating suite during the surgical operation, where the live data includes a live three dimensional model of the patient. The method continues with the steps of registering the patient reference data and live data and displaying in real time an overlay of selected registered patient reference data onto the patient through the headset worn by the surgeon. The surgical enhanced visualization system may include a computer adapted to store reference data, a sensor module inside the surgical suite that is configured to record live data during the surgical procedure, and an augmented reality headset configured to display both live data and reference data to the surgeon during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A non-human animal model, method, spring, and kit for testing agents for treating wound scarring. The non-human test animal has a wound in a skin surface thereof, the wound having a perimeter edge; and a garter spring attached to the skin surface of the test animal in a position outside of the perimeter edge of the wound. The garter spring optionally has one or more bands for constricting the force exerted by the coil of the garter spring.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in repairing and/or regenerating tissues are disclosed. A hydrogel precursor composition comprising functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid that can be deposited into an implant site and converted into a crosslinked hydrogel network which retains the tissue particles at the implant site is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of forming functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid for use herein. Kits containing reagents for producing the hydrogel precursor composition are also disclosed, along with methods of producing the hydrogel precursor composition.

Abstract: A two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) apparatus and method of its use, the apparatus constructed with (1) a first dimension (first-D) having at least one first chromatography column, (2) at least one multi-port stream selector in fluid communication with the at least one first chromatography column for receiving an effluent therefrom, and (3) a second dimension (second-D) having a plurality of second chromatography columns, each second chromatography column in fluid communication with a corresponding port of the at least one multi-port stream selector for receiving an effluent fraction of the effluent from the at least one first chromatography column, thereby enabling simultaneous chromatographic separation by the plurality of second chromatography columns of a set of multiple effluent fractions outputted from the at least one first chromatography column.

Abstract: Variant peptides of calcitonin gene-related peptide alpha (?CGRP), calcitonin gene-related peptide beta (?CGRP), and adrenomedullin (AM) are disclosed, wherein the variant peptides have high binding affinity and agonistic or antagonistic activity for at least one receptor complex of CLR:RAMP1, CLR:RAMP2, and CLR:RAMP3. Also disclosed are methods of use of the variant peptides in therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic peptides and peptide compositions, including peptide conjugates, that can ameliorate and/or block the cytotoxicity of Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB), and methods of their use for inhibiting the activity of Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB) and protecting against damage during Clostridium difficile toxin B(TcdB) disease, and/or for use as cell penetrating peptides for enhancing the delivery of particular heterogenous molecules into cells.