Abstract: A method and system for optimizing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols to improve MRI value are described herein. An example method includes selecting an imaging sequence, selecting at least one objective function from a plurality of objective functions, simulating a relationship between controllable acquisition variables and the objective functions, trade-offing the influence of the controllable acquisition variables for MRI value in whole k-space acquisition to determine optimal acquisition condition, acquiring at least one MR image using the optimal acquisition condition, receiving or estimating outcomes related to the at least one MR image, and evaluating an MR image value for the MR image based on the outcomes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining spatial distribution of a complex radio frequency (RF) of both transmit field and receive sensitivity a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The method includes estimation of the absolute phase of transmit field using a reference transmit coil or array coils with minimal absolute phase. The method and apparatus include estimation of complex receive sensitivity of a transceiver coil using the complex transmit field of the transceiver coil or array coils.

Abstract: Devices and methods for capturing biological materials using a potential well. An electrical signal is applied across a nanopipette having one end in a back-fill chamber and another end in a collection chamber containing a suspending medium including one or more types of particles. The collection end of the nanopipette includes a tip having an opening. The electrical signal applied across the nanopipette is configured to generate the potential well proximate to the tip in which the electrokinetic forces acting on the particles are balanced. The potential well may be configured to selectively trap one or the other types of particles suspended in the suspending medium. The particles may be transferred to a sample collection medium by immersing the tip in the sample collection medium and reversing the polarity of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention involves the formation of host-guest complexes between C-methylresorcin[4]arene and Oxybenzone (OXB). NMR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a weak host-guest complex and molecular dynamics docking simulations indicated that this complex likely had a 1:1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, skin permeation testing revealed that complexation by C-methylresorcin[4]arene significantly reduced the amount of OXB that permeated skin. These results show the potential of supramolecular complexation for improving the stability and decreasing the skin permeability of OXB, thus limiting harmful side effects.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed comprising the complex avobenzone-calix[8]-PO3H2. In another embodiment, the present invention is a sunscreen composition comprising the complex avobenzone-calix[8]-PO3H2 and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a sample loading chamber configured to receive a sample, a detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber configured to receive a first portion of the sample, one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers configured to receive a second portion of the sample, and one or more reaction chambers connected to the detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and the one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers. The detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers are placed in parallel between the sample loading chamber and the one or more reaction chambers.

Abstract: A composition having one or more nanoneedles is provided, where each nanoneedle has a silver tip and one or more of the silver tips comprise an AgCl layer. In one approach, one or more of the silver tips further include a layer of thiol-polyethylene glycol. A method of resistive pulse detection involving a protein pore is also provided. The method involves reconstituting one or more protein pores in a lipid membrane formed on the tip of a nanoneedle, then applying a potential across the membrane and detecting resistive pulses.

Abstract: A recombinant ribonuclease is disclosed. The recombinant ribonuclease is produced by introducing a recombinant DNA sequence into a host; activating expression of the recombinant DNA sequence within the host to produce the recombinant ribonuclease; and isolating the recombinant ribonuclease from the host. Additionally, a method of analyzing an RNA sequence includes digesting the RNA with a first recombinant ribonuclease to give digestion products comprising nucleotides of the RNA sequence; and analyzing the digestion products using an analytical method to provide the identity of at least some of the nucleotides. The recombinant ribonuclease includes at least one of a uridine-specific recombinant RNase MC1 and a cytidine-specific recombinant RNase Cusativin.

Abstract: A device for determining the amount or concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample and a flow rate of the fluid sample in a channel is provided. The device includes a chamber including a channel and an opening the channel in fluid communication with the opening. The device further includes a wicking component positioned adjacent to the opening configured to receive an amount of fluid from the channel. The device may further include an analyte sensor positioned on the wicking component, the analyte sensor configured to detect an analyte in fluid in contact with the analyte sensor, wherein the wicking component is configured to contact the amount of fluid with the analyte sensor. Alternatively the device may include at least one pair of electrodes configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid in the channel.

Abstract: Methods for applying a coating to a surface of a substrate for inhibition and prevention of implant-associated complications (including implant-associated infections), methods for inhibiting and preventing implant-associated complications (including implant-associated infections), implant-associated infection inhibiting coatings, and coated devices are provided. Coating processes include a) providing a saturated or supersaturated solution of an antibiotic in a fast-evaporating or medium-evaporating organic solvent; b) coating the surface of the substrate with at least one application of solution, each application followed directly by a solvent evaporation period.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for diagnosing and treating a subject at risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) or related health conditions, the method including: collecting one or more physiological signals from the subject in a sleep state or an awake state; extracting time series data from the one or more physiological signals; performing dynamic analyses of the time series data using artificial intelligence, wherein the artificial intelligence calculates a series of dynamic measurements, said dynamic measurements being indicative of a probability of an onset of an abnormal atrial rhythm; providing an integrated personalized risk score including the dynamic measurements, wherein the integrated personalized risk score is indicative of a probability of an onset of AF in the subject; diagnosing the subject as being at risk for AF when the integrated personalized risk score exceeds a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is calculated by the artificial intelligence based on a library of stored data; and treatin

Abstract: An electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensor is disclosed. The sensor is a closed bipolar electrode having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises an electrochromic material. The second end comprises an electrocatalyst and an oligonucleotide aptamer tethered to the second end. Further, the oligonucleotide aptamer is labelled with a redox indicator.

Abstract: Methods for preserving catalytic activity of a PSA polymer membrane in a humid environment by immobilizing in the membrane an organic acid having a pKa greater than the pKa of the PSA polymer membrane; optical sensors based on the PSA membranes further including an immobilized organic reagent capable of reacting with a target compound in a humid environment to produce a detectable color shifted product; and non-invasive methods for estimating blood glucose concentration by utilizing an optical sensor to detect concentration of acetone in exhaled human breath and correlating it to blood glucose concentration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a skin blistering disease are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of treating a subject suffering from a skin blistering disease is disclosed. The method involves identifying an epithelial cell adhesion molecule associated with the skin blistering disease (EpCAM); then identifying a non-pathogenic monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets the EpCAM; and then administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the mAb.

Abstract: Compositions including modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors comprising a recombinant AAV (rAAV)-based genome are provided herein, wherein the rAAV-based genome includes one or more of: a brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-encoding cDNA insert; or a neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)-encoding cDNA insert. Also provided are methods of treating motor neuron degenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), by administering the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: Biological chemicals, potentially found in blood are measured by collecting sweat and determining the concentration or meaning of the selected chemical in sweat. The sweat can be collected using a time based, interval collector and analyzed using an external device. It can also be collected on a one time basis, using a flexible, chemical capacitor, or on a continuous basis using a chemical, field effect transducer.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein for directly and accurately measuring sweat flow rates using miniaturized thermal flow rate sensors. The devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) include the flow rate sensors (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420) in or adjacent to a microfluidic component (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530) of a wearable sweat sensing device. The devices and methods optimize the sensitivity of the flow rate sensors, while minimizing the presence of noise, in order to accurately and directly measure sweat flow rates.

Abstract: A kit for preparing a nucleic acid sample for analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is provided, the kit comprising: a lyophilized enzyme composition comprising: micrococcal nuclease; nuclease P1; and bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAP); and a digestion buffer. Also provided are enzyme compositions and methods of use for rapid, efficient preparation of a nucleic acid sample for analysis by LC-MS/MS, without the need for denaturation of the sample.

Abstract: A genetically modified strain of commensal bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis is provided which produces a material with UV absorbing properties. The material with UV absorbing properties may be a mycosporine-like amino acid such as shinorine.

Abstract: An electrode includes an insulating surface layer and at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber embedded in the insulating surface layer. Each of the at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the first end and the second end are separated by a body. Each of the at least one aligned carbon nanotube fiber is composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The first end and the second end are free of the insulating surface layer. The second end is in contact with an electrical conductive material. A method of analyzing an analyte in a sample and a device for energy storage using the electrode are also described.