Abstract: Disclosed are new members of a class of non-lipid small molecule inhibitors which interfere with the interaction between phosphoinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. These molecules target a broad range of PIP3-dependent signaling events in vitro and exert significant anti-tumor activity in vivo, with improved activity and selectivity toward particular PH domains. The small molecule inhibitors of the invention can be used alone or together with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or other cancer medicament to treat cancer. Small molecule inhibitors of the invention act synergistically in combination with TRAIL and with other Akt inhibitors in treating cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating cancer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing a multi-stage spatial sampling strategy to select optimal sampling locations and determine an optimal sampling density for a quantification of mass discharge uncertainty in a field. The present invention also provides systems and methods for estimating probability of a mass discharge in a control plane.

Abstract: Based on novel findings that mitochondrial dynamics regulate mast cell secretion of pre-stored TNF stimulated by SP, novel methods and compositions related to extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are provided for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases brought on by malfunctioning immune activities, e.g., inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases such as ASD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biophotonic sensors. An example of a biophotonic sensor may be an apparatus for analyzing a sample. The apparatus may include a substrate, aperiodic nanostructured protrusions disposed on the substrate, and a silk material deposited between the protrusions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer sensor including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, adding a biological material in the biopolymer matrix, providing a substrate, casting the matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer sensor on the substrate. A biopolymer sensor is also provided that includes a solidified biopolymer film with an embedded biological material.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to uridine diphosphate (UDP) derivatives, compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of those UDP derivatives and methods of using those derivatives or compositions in treating disorders that are responsive to ligands, such as agonists, of P2Y6 receptor, e.g., neuronal disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and traumatic CNS injury, as well as pain.

Abstract: Bacterial virulence is repressed by compositions and methods for activating permanently a repressor of virulence factors. Compositions provided contain at least one non-metabolizable analog of guanine, guanosine, isoleucine and valine.

Abstract: Provided herein are silk fibroin-based photothermal elements and uses thereof. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements comprise a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle distributed in a silk fibroin matrix, and can generate heat when the plasmonic nanoparticles are exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements can be adapted to be conformable and biodegradable, and can further be integrated with various electronic components, such as a thermo-electric device for conversion of heat into electricity. The invention is useful for various in vivo applications, such as photothermal therapy, controlled drug-delivery devices or wireless powering of implanted micro-devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optical device includes providing a polymer, providing a substrate, casting the polymer on the substrate, and enzymatically polymerizing an organic compound to generate a conducting polymer between the provided polymer and the substrate. The polymer may be a biopolymer such as silk and may be modified using organic compounds such as tyrosines to provide a molecular-level interface between the provided bulk biopolymer of the biopolymer optical device and a substrate or other conducting layer via a tyrosine-enzyme polymerization. The enzymatically polymerizing may include catalyzing the organic compound with peroxidase enzyme reactions. The result is a carbon-carbon conjugated backbone that provides polymeric “wires” for use in polymer and biopolymer optical devices. An all organic biopolymer electroactive material is thereby provided that provides optical functions and features.

Abstract: A method for modifying surface charges created by contact electrification includes providing a polymer formed of a plurality of monomers each containing a functional group capable of reversibly switching between a first structure and a second structure different from the first structure, the functional group having the first structure; contact-charging the polymer with a surface such that the polymer carries a first net surface charge; and converting the first structure of the functional group to the second structure. The sequence of the contact-charging and converting steps can be switched.

Abstract: An adaptor adapts an SLR camera for use as an ophthalmic viewing and imaging device. The adaptor is mounted to the camera between the camera body and the camera lens, and includes optical components arranged to direct illumination of the interior of the eye. The adaptor includes a first light source configured to provide a maximum level of illumination that is sufficient to identify structures of interest within an interior of an eye. The adaptor directs light from a second, external source to provide a level of illumination sufficient to obtain a fundus image. Optical components within the adaptor define a first optical pathway for directing light from the first light source to the lens, a second optical pathway for directing light from the second light source to the camera lens, and a third optical pathway for directing light from the camera lens through the adaptor to the camera.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to uridine diphosphate (UDP) derivatives, compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of those UDP derivatives and methods of using those derivatives or compositions in treating disorders that are responsive to ligands, such as agonists, of P2Y6 receptor, e.g., neuronal disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and traumatic CNS injury, as well as pain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preparing silk particles having at least one optical property, e.g., reflectivity, diffraction, refraction, absorption, optical-gain, fluorescence, and light scattering, and compositions resulted therefrom. The compositions and methods of the invention can be utilized in various applications, e.g., medical applications, cosmetics, sunscreen and food additives.

Abstract: The regenerative sleeve encompasses the wound site of an amputated appendage and provides an environment conducive to tissue regeneration. The sleeve includes a tubular reservoir having an outer body that encloses the end of the appendage including the wound site and provides a sealed wound space between the wound site and the outer body. The sleeve also includes a cuff disposed in an opening formed in the outer body, the cuff being configured to fit on the appendage, and an access port disposed on the outer body and configured to allow administration of fluids to the wound space. The sleeve assembly was effective in supporting early stages of murine digit tip regeneration when combined with a porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) pepsin digest and electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to silk electronic components and methods for fabricating the same. The silk electronic components can be used as novel devices, such as implantable bioelectric and/or biophotonic devices, biosensors, surveillance devices, invisible cloaks, electromagnetic concentrators or antennas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer sensor including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, adding a biological material in the biopolymer matrix, providing a substrate, casting the matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer sensor on the substrate. A biopolymer sensor is also provided that includes a solidified biopolymer film with an embedded biological material.

Abstract: A method for producing a matrix containing nanostructures. The method includes obtaining a layer having a thickness of 10 nm-100 ?m, wherein the layer contains organic macromolecules arranged in a nanopattern, staining the layer with a solution containing a salt so that a portion of the salt is retained in the layer, and removing the organic mcaromolecules from the layer to form a matrix containing nanostructures. Also within the scope of this invention are nanostructures prepared by this method.

Abstract: Systems, compositions, methods, and kits for identifying potential therapeutic agents for treatment of complement based ocular diseases are provided herein. The methods and kits include a complement component 3 (C3) protein or derivative that is contacted to ocular cells or tissue. Another embodiment of the invention herein provides for diagnosis and/or prognosis of a complement-associated ocular disease. Compositions, methods and kits for regulating or treating a complement-related condition using at least one of CD46 protein, CD55 protein, and a recombinant chimeric soluble terminator of activated complement (STAC) protein or source of the STAC protein. The STAC protein includes an amino acid sequence including at least two of an amino acid sequence of a CD59 protein, an amino acid sequence derived from a CD46 protein, and an amino acid sequence derived from a CD55 protein, optionally further comprising a linker to connect amino acid sequences.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for regulating complement activity or treating a complement activity disorder in a subject using soluble, membrane-independent CD59 protein, methods of assaying human macular degeneration (MD), and methods and kits for assaying potential therapeutic agents for treatment of human MD are provided herein.

Abstract: A system that extracts text from an image includes a capture device that captures the image having a low resolution. An image segmentation subsystem partitions the image into image segments. An image restoration subsystem generates a resolution-expanded image from the image segments and negates degradation effects of the low-resolution image by transforming the image segments from a first domain to a second domain and deconvolving the transformed image segments in the second domain to determine parameters of the low-resolution image. A text recognition subsystem transforms the restored image data into computer readable text data based on the determined parameters.