Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of specialized non-naturally occurring peptides to bind to sodium channels and inhibit activation of the sodium channels. The invention further relates to methods for regulating of sodium absorption and fluid volume and treating disorders responsive to modulating sodium absorption by modulating the binding of specialized non-naturally occurring peptides to sodium channels.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: wherein: one of X and X? is N and the other of X and X? is C, are described, along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cyclotides and cyclotide-encoding genes from the Fabaceae plant family, and to the expression of cyclotides in Fabaceae. The present invention further relates to isolated nucleic acids configured to express cyclotides comprising heterologous peptide grafts in plants of the Fabaceae family.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting wear particles in a fluid includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel. An ultrasonic transducer creating an acoustic wave that defines an acoustic focal zone is located between the inlet and outlet channels. A flow path located between the inlet and outlet channel is shaped to restrict the flow of the fluid to be within the acoustic focal zone. An inductive pulse sensor includes a plurality of flow channels receiving the fluid and a plurality of planar coils wound around the flow channels. The inductive pulse sensor includes a detection system for the detection of wear particles passing through the flow channels based on a change in an electrical property of the planar coils. A single combined excitation signal is sent to all the planar coils at once and the detection system measures one single output measurement for the plurality of flow channels.

Abstract: Systems and processes of providing novel thermal energy sources for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactors are described herein. According to various implementations, the systems and processes use concentrated solar thermal energy from a focused high-energy beam to provide sufficient energy for driving the HTL biomass-to-biocrude process. In addition, other implementations convert biowaste, such as municipal biosolids and grease and food waste, to biocrude using anaerobic digesters, and a portion of the biogas generated by the digesters is used to produce the thermal and/or electrical energy used in the HTL reactor for the biomass-to-biocrude process. Furthermore, alternative implementations may include a hybrid system that uses biogas and solar radiation to provide sufficient thermal energy for the HTL reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are the surprising discoveries that aminophospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, are stable and specific markers accessible on the luminal surface of tumor blood vessels, and that the administration of an anti-aminophospholipid antibody alone is sufficient to induce thrombosis, tumor necrosis and tumor regression in vivo. This invention therefore provides anti-aminophospholipid antibody-based methods and compositions for use in the specific destruction of tumor blood vessels and in the treatment of solid tumors. Although various antibody conjugates and combinations are thus provided, the use of naked, or unconjugated, anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies is a particularly important aspect of the invention, due to simplicity and effectiveness of the approach.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing ferromagnetic manganese-bismuth (MnBi) nanoparticles, and the MnBi nanoparticles so synthesized, are provided. The method makes use of a novel reagent termed a manganese-based Anionic Element Reagent Complex (Mn-LAERC). A process for forming a bulk MnBi magnet from the synthesized MnBi nanoparticles is also provided. The process involves simultaneous application of elevated temperature and pressure to the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expression cassette containing a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide; and a host cell, transgenic plant (e.g., a dicot or monocot), transformed seed, and transgenic rootstock containing said expression cassette. Methods for desensitizing a plant to endogenous cytokinin; increasing seed, embryo or cotyledon size or weight; increasing the seed yield of a plant; and/or increasing the size of the root or root meristem or formation of lateral or adventitious roots are provided. In some embodiments, expression of the polypeptide is under control of a seed-preferred, embryo-preferred or root-preferred promoter.

Abstract: An integration-defective retroviral vector transfer cassette lacking a functional polypurine tract (PPT) is provided. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids that include a heterologous nucleotide sequence, one or two retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs), a packaging signal, a rev responsive element, and a eukaryotic promoter, wherein the nucleic acid lacks a functional PPT; vectors that include the disclosed isolated nucleic acids; recombinant retroviral particles and mRNAs thereof; retroviral vector kits; and methods for producing integration-defective vector particles, achieving gene expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest, and inserting a nucleotide sequence of interest into a host cell genome in a site-specific or non-specific manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the treatment of cancers expressing the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) or a constituent of an IGF1R signaling pathway, in particular melanoma, using the microRNA miR-7-5p. Also provided are methods for increasing the sensitivity of such cancers to therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to beam stops. In one aspect, a device comprises a luminescent material, a beam stop plate, and an optical fiber. The luminescent material is a parallelepiped having a first side and a second side that are squares and having a third side that is a rectangle or a square. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to the third side. The beam stop plate is attached to the first side of the luminescent material. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the optical fiber attached to the third side of the luminescent material.

Abstract: Anti-angiogenic treatments, treatments of hyperpermeability disorders, treatments of neuropathic and neurodegenerative disorders, pain treatments, methods of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia and compounds for use in such methods are described.

Abstract: Cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP), including 2?,3?-cGAMP, are used in pharmaceutical formulations (including vaccine adjuvants), drug screens, therapies and diagnostics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manual gesture recognition to control prosthetic devices. Low encumbrance systems utilizing glove-based recognition to control prosthetic devices. Prosthetic control systems and methods are also provided utilizing elements for application on the user's fingernails.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are described wherein the emissive layer comprises a host material containing an emissive molecule, which molecule is adapted to luminesce when a voltage is applied across the heterostructure, and the emissive molecule is selected from the group of phosphorescent organometallic complexes, including cyclometallated platinum, iridium and osmium complexes. The organic light emitting devices optionally contain an exciton blocking layer. Furthermore, improved electroluminescent efficiency in organic light emitting devices is obtained with an emitter layer comprising organometallic complexes of transition metals of formula L2MX, wherein L and X are distinct bidentate ligands. Compounds of this formula can be synthesized more facilely than in previous approaches and synthetic options allow insertion of fluorescent molecules into a phosphorescent complex, ligands to fine tune the color of emission, and ligands to trap carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides, for example, a set of two polypeptides exhibiting the nuclease activity with dependence on light or in the presence of a drug, in which an N-terminal side fragment and a C-terminal side fragment of a Cas9 protein are bound to each of two polypeptides which form a dimer with dependence on light or in the presence of a drug.

Abstract: Provided are antisense morpholino oligomers targeted against bacterial virulence factors such as genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance or biofilm formation, or genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions, for instance, in the treatment of an infected mammalian subject.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a polymer comprising a hyperbranched polyether polyol such as hyperbranched polyglycerol as a serum albumin substitute. Also provided are high molecular weight hyperbranched polyglycerol polymers suitable for a variety of medical and non-medical uses including methods for making such high molecular weight polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized copolymers of isoolefins and olefinic monomers, particularly to azidated copolymers. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing such azidated copolymers. The functionalized copolymers are used in various technology areas such as surface modification, adhesion, drug delivery, compatibilization of polymer blends or motor oil and fuel additives, and in providing clean cured products without contaminant leaching and/or side products.

Abstract: A new walnut variety (Juglans regia) designated as ‘Durham’ is provided. This variety has a harvest date 10 days earlier than walnut variety ‘Chandler’, and produces a walnut that is jumbo in size with light colored kernels.