Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target analyte in a sample includes a pair of conducting electrodes that are separated by a gap. An insulator is disposed in the gap between the electrodes. Plural wells are defined by one of the electrodes and the insulator, to expose the other of the electrodes. The wells are configured to receive a sample including a target analyte. The target analyte, when present in the sample received in the wells, modulates an impedance between the electrodes. The modulated impedance, which is measurable with an applied electrical voltage, is indicative of the concentration of the target analyte in the sample. The wells can include antibodies immobilized inside the wells, to bind the target analyte, which can be a cytokine. Also provided are a method for label-free sensing of a target analyte in a sample, and a transcutaneous impedance sensor for label-free, in-situ biomarker detection.

Abstract: Codon optimized nucleic acid sequences for the long form and short form of RdCVF are provided, as well as recombinant viral vectors, such as AAV, expression cassettes, proviral plasmids or other plasmids containing the codon optimized sequences. Recombinant vectors are provided that express the codon optimized RdCVFL and RdCVF individually, or express two copies of a codon optimized RdCVF or RdCVFL nucleic acid sequence, or both RdCVFL and RdCVF in a single vector or virus. Compositions containing these codon optimized sequences are useful in methods for treating, retarding or halting certain blinding diseases resulting from the absence or inappropriate expression of RdCVF and RdCVFL.

Abstract: Methods to determine an individual's propensity or risk for a trait and applications thereof are described. Generally, systems and methods utilize genetic data acquired from an individual to determine their propensity or risk for a set of components that contribute to a trait. Propensity or risk of a trait is determined by assessing propensity or risk for each component of a set of components and the weighted contribution of each component to the trait.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions that can serve as a spray adjuvant for improved agrochemical application efficiency. More particularly, the cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions are nanocellulose-stabilized Pickering emulsions having a semi-liquid formulation of colloidal cellulose nanocrystals and biopolymers that can substitute currently used surfactants and drift reducing agents in agrochemicals. The cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions are suitable with both water soluble and oil soluble active ingredient chemistries, and the shear characteristics of the emulsions make them suitable for oil in water-based spray applications. Droplet size distribution can be tuned by changing the ingredient concentrations, thus helping control particle drift. Moreover, a stable cross-linked network formation facilitates the entrapment and encapsulation of volatile agrochemical chemistries, thus preventing their volatilization and reducing vapor drift.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are nucleotide analogues, and methods of use thereof, having cleavable orthogonal linkers.

Abstract: A conducting composition includes a topological polymer (e.g., a polyrotaxane polymer) and poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxy thiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Devices may include a conducting layer including the conducting compositions, e.g., a device comprising a conducting layer, wherein the conducting layer includes a polyrotaxane polymer and a PEDOT:PSS array. The devices are useful in bioelectronics, including high-resolution electrophysiological monitoring of deformable tissues and localized neuromodulation for high-precision control of individual muscle activities.

Abstract: A method of charging and/or discharging energy in reusable fuel workpieces or particles includes a solar furnace with counter-flowing workpieces and gas, to exchange heat therebetween, with the exiting gas and workpieces being at about ambient temperature. A further aspect employs a production plant including a reduction reactor configured to use excess electrical energy generated by renewable power generators to charge and/or discharge solid-state thermochemical fuel. Another aspect includes a fuel flow control valve using air pulses. An oxygen-deprived and reusable fuel, such as magnesium manganese oxide, or magnesium iron oxide, is also provided. In another aspect, an apparatus for producing a solid-state fuel includes a reduction reactor including a reactor chamber configured to receive concentrated solar energy, and a reactor tube having a recuperation zone, a reduction zone, and a quenching zone, wherein the reduction zone passes through the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A co-therapeutic regimen comprising AAV9-mediated intrathecal/intracisternal and/or systemic delivery of an expression cassette containing a hIDUA gene and two or more immunosuppressants is provided herein. Also provided are methods useful for treating hIDUA deficiency (MPSI) and the symptoms associated with Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndromes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of matter comprising a polymer or peptide bound to an oxidized amino acid or an analog thereof. The present disclosure also provides packaging materials, consumer products, and cosmetic products comprising the compositions of matter disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a recombinant engineered deubiquitinase (DUB) and methods for treating or ameliorating an inherited ion channelopathy, such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, or cystic fibrosis, in a subject. Further provided are methods for screening mutations causing such inherited ion channelopathies for a trafficking-deficient mutation that is treatable by the recombinant engineered DUB disclosed herein.

Abstract: In the methods of the invention, an agent that increases phagocytosis and/or efferocytosis of cellular components of coronary plaque is administered to the subject in a dose and for a period of time effective to stabilize, prevent or reduce aneurysm disease in the individual.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating cystic fibrosis using AmB and a sterol or compositions comprising AmB and a sterol. Also disclosed are methods of increasing the pH of airway surface liquid in a patient having cystic fibrosis using AmB and a sterol; and methods of decreasing the viscosity of airway surface liquid in a patient having cystic fibrosis using AmB and a sterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for detection of dynamic loci in a genome, where such loci may comprise structural variations as a result of DNA recombination; DNA duplication, insertions, deletions, transpositions, and epigenetic changes. The methods may utilize microfluidic platforms and functionalized polymer matrices to allow determination of mechanisms of cell-type-specific, programmed genomic heterogeneity. The method and compositions allow determination of mechanisms of cell-type-specific, programmed genomic heterogeneity.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a system and methods for automated imaging and manipulation of small animals. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a motorized picking assembly, that is coupled to a processor and adapted to remove selected small animals from a source plate and transfer them to a destination plate. The disclosed subject matter provides methods, which include identifying at least one parameter for the small organisms, selecting organisms based on the parameter and transferring selected organisms from the source plate to the destination plate. In certain embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a handheld self-sterilizing loop tool for the manual manipulation of small organisms.

Abstract: The subject invention is concerned with systems and methods advantageously applying finite element analysis to establish design rules for a highly sensitive piezo-resistive pressure sensor with an output that is high enough to be detectable by simple and inexpensive circuits and therefore ensure wearability. Four frequently reported micro-feature shapes in micro-patterned piezo-resistive sensors are provided, where the micro-dome and micro-pyramid yield the highest sensitivity. Investigations of different conductivity values of micro-patterned elastomers show that coating the elastomer with a conductive material (e.g., a metallic coating) leads to higher current response when compared to composited conductive elastomers. Advantageous geometric parameters and spatial configurations of micro-pyramid design of piezo-resistive sensors are provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating a valvular heart disease are provided. Methods for treating valvular heard disease include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one hedgehog pathway inhibitor. Also provided are methods for reducing fibrosis in a subject, which comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one hedgehog pathway inhibitor.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing a biological sample having a plurality of fluorophores, including a red fluorophore and a blue fluorophore, comprises exciting the red fluorophore via absorption of a photon order of n by a single wavelength band of light that has longer wavelengths than a typical wavelength band of light known to excite the red fluorophore would have. The method further comprises exciting the blue fluorophore substantially via absorption of a photon order of n+1 by the single wavelength band of light. The method also comprises simultaneously detecting light emitted by the red fluorophore and the blue fluorophore. The method further comprises creating an image or a temporal series for sensing from the light detected in the plurality of orthogonal colors.

Abstract: Synergistic drug combinations with the small molecule PAC-1 against uveal or cutaneous melanoma. There are no current targeted drug treatments for the mutations associated with uveal melanoma. Despite primary radiation or surgical therapy, up to 50% of patients eventually develop metastatic disease, for which there is no standard therapy nor treatment shown to improve overall survival. Drug combinations with PAC-1 allow the use of lower dosages of this compound that result in cancer cell death in uveal melanoma. Drug combinations of PAC-1 with the kinase inhibitor entrectinib have shown a synergistic effect against uveal melanoma cell lines. Specifically, PAC-1 and entrectinib are synergistic against wild-type and mutant uveal melanoma cell lines (e.g., GNAQ and GNA11).