Abstract: Provided herein are tumor-antigen VCX/Y specific peptides. Also provided herein are methods of generating VCX/Y-specific immune cells and their use for the treatment of cancer. Immunogenic compositions comprising VCX/Y-specific peptides are also provided. In a further embodiment, there is provided a protein complex comprising a peptide according to any of the embodiments and aspects described above in complex with HLA. In some aspects, the HLA is a HLA-A11, HLA-DR, or HLA-DQ.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting tremors includes generating electromagnetic fields proximate to an individual's body part with a circuit to generate an eddy current density on a surface of the body part, receiving magnetic fields generated by the eddy current with the circuit that change a resonant frequency of the circuit, sensing the resonant frequency as it changes over time, and determining a movement frequency of the body part from the resonant frequency to quantify tremors in the body part.

Abstract: A kit or composition for in situ simultaneously derivatization of 14 phenol and carboxylic acid metabolites of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in a urine sample is disclosed. The derivatization imparts a positive charge to phenol and carboxylic acid for subsequent LC-MS analysis. Limit of detection reached part-per-trillion levels for o-Cresol and part-per-billion levels for the remaining BTEX metabolites. BTEX metabolites can be detected in less than 35 mins according to one embodiment of the invention. Methods, kits and compositions disclosed herein can be used for in situ simultaneous derivatization of phenol and carboxylic acid in aqueous solution in general.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating subterranean regions having multi-scale fracture geometries. Non-intrusive embedded discrete fracture modeling formulations are applied in conjunction with commercial simulators to efficiently and accurately model subsurface transient flow characteristics in regions having complex hydraulic fractures, complex natural fractures, or a combination of both, and geometries including corner point grids.

Abstract: A method and agent to induce accelerated creep deformation of shale rock formations in the annular gap between a shale formation and non-cemented sections of a casing string have been developed. A fluid containing alkali silicate or a modified alkali silicate is added to the annular space between the shale rock formation and the casing string. The alkali silicate promotes creep deformation of the shale rock, effectively closing the annulus surrounding the casing. It has been found lithium silicate provides the strongest shale-casing bond and is the presently preferred material for closing abandoned wells.

Abstract: The present disclosure is relates to an orthosis device. The orthosis device, in one embodiment, includes an actuator housing, and an electric motor coupled to the actuator housing, the electric motor including a motor stator and a motor rotor, and the electric motor further having high output torque. The orthosis device, in this embodiment, further includes a low-ratio transmission coupled to the actuator housing, the transmission including a gear system coupled to the actuator housing, and a drive system coupling the electric motor and the gear system, wherein a combination of the electric motor and transmission provide a user backdrivable orthosis device.

Abstract: Provided is an effective stereognosis training system that integrates hardware and software to provide a simple, reliable, quantitative system to provide tactile rehabilitation and progress monitoring. The system can include an interactive device including a novel set of objects, that are combined with neuromodulatory systems such as wireless closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation to improve neural plasticity and expedite functional recovery. The system can send updates to therapists or clinicians to monitor progress and encourage compliance with prescribed therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for sequencing such that variant allele frequencies are maintained. Also provided are sequencing libraries prepared according to such methods. In addition, methods are provided for analyzing sequencing reads to determine variant allele frequencies. These methods may be used for diagnosing and/or evaluating cancer patients.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of adaptive treatment of a subject with a tumor. The method may include administering a first pulse dose of radiation to a tumor within a subject; administering a second pulse dose of radiation to the tumor, wherein the second pulse dose is administered after an observation period, the observation period having a duration of at least 7 days; and concurrently treating the subject with an immunotherapy.

Abstract: Nanoparticles coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) are provided, in some aspects, for the delivery of a therapeutic protein, nucleic acid, or drug. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are delivered to a subject via inhalation or aerosol delivery. Also provided, in some aspects, are methods for treating acute lung injury comprising administering ?-Klotho (?Klotho) protein or DNA to a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. The apparatus has a first cardiac assist device and a second cardiac assist device tuned to maximize blood flow to the body of the patient, while resting the heart so the heart may recover function. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a patient having a cancer that exhibits (i) a hemizygous loss of the TP53 gene; (ii) a hemizygous loss of the POLR2A gene; and/or (iii) a decreased level of expression of a POLR2A gene product relative to a reference (i.e., control) expression level. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a POLR2A inhibitor (e.g., a nucleic acid that inhibits the expression of a POLR2A protein, an amatoxin, alpha-amanitin, or alpha-amanitin conjugated to a cell targeting moiety, such as an EpCAM antibody) to a patient having or determined to have (i) a hemizygous loss of the TP53 gene; (ii) a hemizygous loss of the POLR2A gene; and/or (iii) a decreased level of expression of a POLR2A gene product relative to a reference (i.e., control) level.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to the development of live attenuated Pneumoviridae strains suitable for use as a vaccine. Particularly, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) ?M2-2 strains (rhMPV-E30M31 and rhMPV-E40L42D44) containing point mutations in a PDZ motif of M2-2, which results in a strain that is both attenuated and immunogenic and, notably, maintains the function of F and G proteins. These live attenuated hMPV strains should be suitable for use in a vaccine capable of providing protection against respiratory infection elicited by hMPV. Additionally, human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) strains containing point mutations in a PDZ motif of M2-2 should also be suitable for use as a vaccine capable of providing protection against respiratory infection elicited by hRSV. These Pneumoviridae strains should be useful in vaccines for use in humans and animals, e.g., companion animals and livestock, in treating or providing immunoprotection against respiratory infections.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a patient post operation having electrically conducting leads which are adapted to extend from inside the patient. The leads having electrodes adapted to communicate with a heart of the patient and apply electrical signals to the heart. The electrodes providing cardiac signals to the computer in response to the electrical signals so the computer can determine in real time at least one of heart volume, end diastolic heart volume, end systolic heart volume, stroke volume, change in heart volume, change in stroke volume, contractility, respiration rate or tidal volume regarding the patient.

Abstract: A method, device and computer program product for controlling the device by tracking a movement of a hand or other objects. The device receives acoustic signals. At least a portion of the received signals are transformed into two-dimensional sinusoids whose frequencies are proportional to an angle-of-arrival (AoA) and a propagation distance of the reflected signals. An AoA-distance profile is derived based on signals received from the object by evaluating frequencies of the two-dimensional sinusoids. Then, an AoA-distance pair is derived from the AoA-distance profile. A current location of the object is determined based on the estimated AoA-distance pair. The device then performs a command in response to detecting that the user moved to perform the command based on prior and current locations of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ion selective separation membrane including: a metal organic framework layer formed on, in, and/or around a substrate, the metal organic framework having a crystal structure that includes a first surface and a second surface and includes ion transport channels formed between respective pore windows in the first surface and the second surface; first and second electrodes to apply a potential difference across the membrane; wherein the respective pore windows have a pore size that is less than the hydrated diameter of the ion for which the ion selective separation membrane is selective.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to novel heterotrimeric fusions in which the ectodomain of the TGF-? type II receptor (T?P?II) is coupled to the N- and C-terminal ends of the endoglin-domain of the TGF-? type III receptor (TpRIIIE). Certain embodiments are directed to novel heterotrimeric polypeptides in which the ectodomain of the TGF-? type II receptor (TI3RII) is coupled to the N- and C-terminal ends of the endoglin-domain (E domain) of the TGF-? type III receptor (TI3RIII). This trimeric receptor, known as RER, can bind all three TGF-? isoforms with sub-nanomolar affinity and is effective at neutralizing signaling induced by all three TGF-? isoforms, but not other ligands of the TGF-? superfamily, such as activins, growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), and bone morphonogenetic proteins (BMPs).