Abstract: Uses of pyrimidines with anti-Mer tyrosine kinase activity as anti-infective agents, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory agents, anti-cancer agents (including against MerTK?/? tumors and ITD and TKD mutant forms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)), and as adjunctive agents in combination with chemotherapeutic, radiation or other standard of care for neoplasms.

Abstract: Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider.

Abstract: The invention provides molecule comprising: (i) a targeting moiety capable of directly or indirectly targeting to unwanted cells, and (ii) a further moiety that has a masked immune cell binding region so as to prevent binding of the further moiety to an immune cell, wherein the masked immune cell binding region is capable of being selectively unmasked when the molecule is in the vicinity of the unwanted cells so as to allow binding of the further moiety to an immune cell.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to inhibitors of DUOX1. In some aspects, an inhibitor may be applied to a subject having or being at risk for asthma or other conditions. The inhibitor may be applied by various techniques, such as pulmonary or topical delivery. In some embodiments, the inhibitor may include a peptide or other moiety having a reactive electrophile. The reactive electrophile can target cysteine or other residues within DUOX1 to inhibit its activity, e.g., by covalently binding to the residue. Other non-limiting examples of suitable inhibitors include hydroxynonenal, curcumin, sulforaphane, cinnamaldehyde, dimethyl fumarate, or phenyl vinyl sulfonate. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such inhibitors, kits involving such inhibitors, devices or formulations containing such inhibitors, or the like.

Abstract: A host material may be used for the separation of elements or compounds, wherein the host material is an organic molecular solid with suitable cavities for accommodating a guest material to be separated, and with interconnections between the cavities to allow the guest material to diffuse through the host material, and wherein said interconnections are closed for a proportion of the time or have a static pore limiting diameter which is smaller than the static dimension of the guest material. Applications include separations of rare gases, chiral molecules, and alkanes. One class of suitable host materials may be made by imine condensation.

Abstract: A surface-emitting semiconductor laser system contains at least one MQW unit of at least three constituent QWs, axially separated from one another substantially non-equidistantly. The MQW unit is located within the axial extent covered, in operation of the laser, by a half-cycle of the standing wave of the field at a wavelength within the gain spectrum of the gain medium; immediately neighboring nodes of the standing wave are on opposite sides of the MQW unit. So-configured MQW unit can be repeated multiple times and/or complemented with individual QWs disposed outside of the half-cycle of the standing wave with which such MQW unit is associated. The semiconductor laser further includes a pump source configured to input energy in the semiconductor gain medium and a mode-locking element to initiate mode-locking.

Abstract: An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

Abstract: Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present technology provides intravaginal devices designed to deliver lubricants to the vagina for a sustained period of time. The intravaginal devices include a first segment comprising an outer surface and a lumen containing a lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the contents of the lumen to the outer surface, and the first segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer and a hydrophobic elastomer. The lubricant may be an aqueous lubricant. The present technology further provides an intravaginal device including a solid first segment that includes a hydrophilic semi-permeable elastomer, an outer surface and an aqueous lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the aqueous lubricant to the outer surface.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate analyzing, identifying and sorting particles in fluids, including cytometry devices and techniques. The described techniques can be used in a variety of applications such as in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements. One exemplary flow cytometry device includes a channel that is capable of conducting a fluid containing at least one particle and also capable of allowing light be transmitted to and from the channel. The flow cytometry device also includes a lens that is positioned between the channel and a color filter. The lens directs at least a portion of light transmitted from the channel to the color filter. The color filter includes a plurality of zones, where each zone is adapted to allow transmission of only a particular spectral range of light. The flow cytometry device further includes a detector configured to receive the light that is transmitted through the color filter.

Abstract: It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, assemblies, and kits for performing a vascular anastomosis are disclosed. A device for a vascular anastomosis includes tissue engaging portions that can move between at least two configurations. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portions move without the aid of moving parts, while in other embodiments the tissue engaging portions extend from one or more movable wings. The tissue engaging portions may be separated by a first distance when in a pre-deployment configuration and by a second distance when in a deployed configuration. A method includes engaging a plurality of tissue engaging members of a coupling device against first end tissue. After selectively engaging the tissue engaging members and first end tissue, the first end tissue is stretched by at least moving the tissue engaging members. The stretched first end tissue is coupled to the second end tissue by mating the coupling device to a mating anastomosis device.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing and using reaction vessels obtained or obtainable by 3D-printing methods, including a method for preparing a product compound, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a reaction vessel that is obtained by a 3-D printing method, wherein the reaction vessel has a reaction space; (ii) providing one or more reagents, optionally together with a catalyst or a solvent, for use in the synthesis of the product compound; and (iii) permitting the one or more reagents to react in the reaction space, optionally in the presence of the catalyst and the solvent, in the reaction vessel, thereby to form the product compound.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for determining the level of deep gas in a near surface formation that includes: measuring CO2, O2, CH4, and N2 levels in percent by volume from one or more surface or near surface geological samples; adding the water vapor content to the measured CO2, O2, CH4, and N2 levels in percent by volume; normalizing the gas mixture to 100% by volume or 1 atmospheric total pressure; and determining the ratios of: O2 versus CO2 to distinguish in-situ vadose zone CO2 from exogenous deep leakage CO2; CO2 versus N2 to distinguish whether CO2 is being removed from the near surface formation or CO2 is added from an exogenous deep leakage input; or CO2 versus N2/O2 to determine the degree of oxygen influx, consumption, or both; wherein the ratios are indicative of natural in situ CO2 or CO2 from the exogenous deep leakage input.

Abstract: The present invention achieves a pressure-sensitive sensor which can detect information on a pressure, a sound pressure, acceleration, gas and the like, with high sensitivity. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes: a cantilever (22); a frame (23) which is provided around the cantilever (22) and holds a base end of the cantilever (22); a gap (24) formed between the cantilever (22) and the frame (23); and a liquid (28) which seals the gap (24).

Abstract: A flow analyzer includes a flow container, a fluid-introducing section that introduces an introduction target fluid into the flow container, a fluid control section that performs a control process that cyclically changes the flow rate or the fluid pressure of the introduction target fluid that is introduced into the flow container from the fluid-introducing section, a discharged fluid analysis section that performs a component analysis process on a discharged fluid that has been discharged from the flow container, and a frequency analysis section that performs a frequency analysis process on a discharge profile, the discharge profile being obtained from control information about the introduction target fluid and analysis results for the discharged fluid, and representing the relationship between the component ratio in the discharged fluid and time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of formula I: wherein A is n is 0, 1, or 2; m is 0 or 1; R1 is H or C1-6alkyl and R2 is H, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkaryl, aryl, or heteroaryl; and X is O or NH. Tautomers, enantiomers, and diastereomers, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms, of compounds of formula I are also within the scope of the invention. Methods of preparing and using the compounds of formula I are also described.

Abstract: The self-installing anchor is configured for falling vertically through the water, embedding vertically into the soil, rotating and translating diagonally deeper through the soil in response to the anchor line load being transmitted to it, and achieving its maximum holding capacity with the anchor line acting normal to the fluke. In various implementations, a coupling mechanism at one end of the shank is engaged with a bearing surface at an entry end of the fluke to hold the shank close to the fluke while falling through the water and embedding vertically into the soil. The coupling mechanism provides eccentricity to the load applied and allows for the rotation of the anchor. The coupling mechanism is disengaged at a predetermined angle, liberating one end of the shank, and the point of application of the force on the anchor is modified to make it dive deeper into the soil.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for removing oil from a oil-containing liquid comprising oil and gas comprising: a source of oil-containing liquid; and a membrane contactor system in fluid communication with the source of oil-containing liquid, the membrane contactor system comprising one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface coalesces oil and removes gas from the oil-containing liquid, and the oil and gas are collected on the second surface from the oil-containing liquid.