Abstract: The present invention provides surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensing systems and methods for rapid, sensitive, and real-time analysis of analyte secretion from living cells. In one embodiment, the SPR based sensing device of the present invention comprises at least one cell culture module for culturing living cells, wherein the cell culture module is configured so that analytes secreted from the living cells can be released onto a SPR sensing surface.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 28, simian adenovirus 27, simian adenovirus 32, simian adenovirus 33, and/or simian adenovirus 35 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses one or more simian adenovirus-28, -27, -32, -33, or -35 genes is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: A composition in the target language is parsed into plural different linguistic components, including sound level, grammar level and at least one functional grammar level component. The linguistic components are then expressed on different facets of an n-sided block device representation system according to predefined sets of rules. The facets of the block device may then be selectively examined by the learner to visualize how the target language functions to express the composition with respect to the way sounds, grammar and functional grammar are used. The block device representation system may be computer-implemented, rendering the facets on display panels associated with physical blocks, or as computer-generated images upon a display device.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture, and methods of designing and making the article. The article permits or prohibits waves of energy, especially photonic/electromagnetic energy, to propagate through it, depending on the energy band gaps built into it. The structure of the article may be reduced to a pattern of points having a hyperuniform distribution. The point-pattern may exhibit a crystalline symmetry, a quasicrystalline symmetry or may be aperiodic. In some embodiments, the point pattern exhibits no long-range order. Preferably, the point-pattern is isotropic. In all embodiments, the article has a complete, TE- and TM-optimized band-gap. The extraordinary transmission phenomena found in the disordered hyperuniform photonic structures of the invention find use in optical micro-circuitry (all-optical, electronic or thermal switching of the transmission), near-field optical probing, thermophotovoltaics, and energy-efficient incandescent sources.

Abstract: Bringing membrane proteins into aqueous solution generally requires the use of detergents or other amphiphilic agents. The invention provides a new class of amphiphiles, each of which includes a multi-fused ring system as a lipophilic group. These new amphiphiles confer enhanced stability to a range of membrane proteins in solution relative to conventional detergents, leading to improved structural and functional stability of membrane proteins, including integral membrane proteins. Accordingly, the invention provides new amphiphiles for biochemical manipulations and characterization of membrane proteins. These amphiphiles display favorable behavior with membrane proteins and can be used to aid the solubilization, isolation, purification, stabilization, crystallization, and/or structural determination of membrane proteins.

Abstract: Synthetic triterpenoids and methods of using the same to induce gene expression and differentiation of stem or progenitor cells are provided. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for producing a cell, such as a stem or progenitor cell, with induced gene expression by contacting a stem or progenitor cell with an effective amount of a synthetic triterpenoid to induce the expression of one or more of SOX9 (Sex determining region Y-box 9), COL2A1 (Type II Collagen (alpha1)), TGF-?I, TGF-p2, TGF-33, BMP2, BMP4, BMPRII (Bone Morphogenic Protein Receptor II), SMAD (Small Mothers Against Decapentaplegic) 3, SMAD4, SMAD6, SMAD7, TIMP (Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase)-1 or TIMP-2 in the stem or progenitor cell, wherein the stem or progenitor cell is not a mesenchymal stem cell, periosteium cell or osteoprogenitor cell. In one embodiment, the stem or progenitor cell is multipotent.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides comprising a molecular scaffold portion and a loop portion that binds to integrin ?v?6. This integrin is expressed on pancreatic tumors, making the peptides useful as imaging agents, among other uses. The peptides showed single-digit nanomolar dissociation constants similar to antibodies used clinically for imaging and therapy. The peptides rapidly accumulated in ?v?6-positive tumors, which led to excellent tumor-to-normal contrast. The peptides are specific for the targeted integrin ?v?6 receptors expressed on orthotopic pancreatic tumors and various xenografts used. Additionally, pharmacokinetic-stabilization strategies endowed knots with rapid renal clearance, which significantly reduced off-target dosing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed in embodiments relating to induction of cell death such as in cancer cells. Compounds and related methods for synthesis and use thereof, including the use of compounds in therapy for the treatment of cancer and selective induction of apoptosis in cells are disclosed. Compounds are disclosed that have lower neurotoxicity effects than other compounds.

Abstract: The invention concerns cushioning compositions comprising (a) at least one of urethane polymer and silicone polymeric putty; and (b) hydraulic silicone crumb; said hydraulic silicone crumb being mixed with component (a). The invention also concerns devices and methods using such compositions. Protective devices have been used to protect the hoofs of animals. Shoes have been used to protect the hoofs from damage while the animal is walking or running.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of a mitochondrial disease in an individual with the mitochondrial disease. Aspects of the methods include administering an inhibitor of a Pumilio-like protein and/or an inhibitor of a serine/arginine-rich family of pre-mRNA splicing factor (SR) protein to a subject. Also provided are methods, compositions, systems and kits for transdifferentiating target cells to neurons, which find use in producing neurons for the development of new therapies, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example, for use in treating human disorders of the CNS.

Abstract: A high-power fiber laser exploits efficiency and wavelength-conversion of nonlinear wave mixing in a higher-order mode (HOM) fiber providing large effective area and higher-power operation than single-order mode (SMF) fiber. In a “monomode” approach, mixing waves (pump(s), signal, idler) propagate in the same higher-order mode, and in an “intermodal” approach different waves propagate in different modes. The monomode approach can provide high-power wavelength conversion generating output in a desired band where good dopants may be unavailable. The intermodal approach demonstrates coherent combining of outputs of multiple lasers to generate high-power output in a desired band.

Abstract: One aspect of the system provides the use of a laser with a mass spectrometer. Another aspect of the present application employs a laser emitting a pulse of less than one picosecond duration into an ion-trap mass spectrometer. In yet another aspect of the present application, a femtosecond laser beam pulse is emitted upon an ionized specimen to remove at least one electron therefrom.

Abstract: A method for processing a voice request for data specifying a web page, the request including a rule-based grammar statement, the method comprising identifying a grammar associated with the rule-based grammar statement, determining whether a first connection identified as being associated with the grammar is specified in a data structure identifying one or more connections, and processing the request in at least a portion of a window capable of presenting the web page and associated with the first connection if a first connection identified as being associated with the grammar is specified in the data structure.

Abstract: G. vaginalis infection, a major cause of bacterial vaginosis (BV), is associated with biofilm formation. The present invention relates to treatment of G. vaginalis infections and BV with DNase. DNase reduces biofilm formation and increases biofilm breakdown, both in a dose dependent manner. The present invention further relates to treating BV and G. vaginalis infections with a combination of DNase and an antibiotic known to treat these diseases.

Abstract: A method for producing AAV, without requiring cell lysis, is described. The method involves harvesting AAV from the supernatant. For AAV having capsids with a heparin binding site, the method involves modifying the AAV capsids and/or the culture conditions to ablate the binding between the AAV heparin binding site and the cells, thereby allowing the AAV to pass into the supernatant, i.e., media. Thus, the method of the invention provides supernatant containing high yields of AAV which have a higher degree of purity from cell membranes and intracellular materials, as compared to AAV produced using methods using a cell lysis step.

Abstract: A fiber composite tape has a first two-layer strip having a first top layer with fibers angled at ? and a first bottom layer with fibers angled at 0, a second two-layer strip having a second top (or bottom) layer with fibers angled at ?? and a second bottom (or top) layer with fibers angled at 0, and a paper backing tape affixed to the two two-layer strips and joins them side-by-side at their edges to form a seam.

Abstract: Provided are hybrid soft tissue constructs comprising a core material, a biomaterial matrix and mammalian cells. Also provided are methods of augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal. Additionally, methods of forming a hybrid soft tissue construct are provided. The use of the above constructs for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal are further provided. Additionally provided is the use of the above constructs for the manufacture of a medicament for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a GraphSLAM-like algorithm for signal strength SLAM is presented. This algorithm as an embodiment of the present invention shares many of the benefits of Gaussian processes yet is viable for a broader range of environments since it makes no signature uniqueness assumptions. It is also more tractable to larger map sizes, requiring O(N2) operations per iteration. In the present disclosure, an algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention is compared to a laser-SLAM ground truth, showing that it produces excellent results in practice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.