Abstract: An impact protecting device includes flocked energy absorbing material (FEAM) impact force absorbing (IFA) segments. Each segment includes a double-sided flock section; a segment cover disposed covering the double-sided flock section and an outer elastic cover enclosing the plurality of FEAM IFA segments including stitching to keep the segments adjacent to adjoining segments but separated. The device further includes overlapped segments to provide extra head protection for the forehead and frontal head areas.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates-allele-specific gene editing based on targeting a heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a protein coding sequence associated with a genetic disease. The data shown herein demonstrates that the outcome of such gene editing creates a nonesense mutation that results in a marked and selective reduction of mutant protein without affecting wild type protein expression. Expression of a single CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease in neurons generated a high frequency of mutations in the targeted HD allele that included both small insertion/deletion mutations and viral vector insertions. Thus, as disclosed herein, allele-specific targeting of InDel and insertion mutations to heterozygous coding SNPs provides a feasible approach to inactivate autosomal dominant mutations that cause genetic disease.

Abstract: Methods for treating or reducing the risk of a cytomegalovirus infection in a subject that include administering one or more of an inhibitor of Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1), an inhibitor of OR14I1, or an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclases.

Abstract: A chromogenic assay includes a substrate comprising an array of 5 or more dyes which react with volatile organic compounds, wherein the dyes are chromogenic when reacted with volatile organic chemical biomarkers, wherein the volatile organic chemical biomarkers comprise acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkenes, amines, antioxidants, aromatic compounds, esters, ethylene, lactones, ketones, organosulfur compounds, sulfides, reactive oxygen species, terpenes, or a combination thereof. A method of detecting volatile organic chemical biomarkers includes contacting the chromogenic assay with a sample or sample headspace, wherein the sample or sample headspace is suspected of containing volatile organic chemical biomarkers, and identifying, based on a colorimetric pattern on the chromogenic assay after contacting, the source of the volatile organic chemical biomarkers. Also included are articles and systems including the chromogenic assay.

Abstract: Absolute blood volume in dialysis patients is a useful patient attribute to know for dialysis treatment, diagnosis, adjustments, etc. In some cases, it is difficult or impossible to directly determine absolute blood volume. Estimating absolute blood volume may be used to overcome the inability to directly determine the absolute blood volume. Estimating absolute blood volume may include obtaining a series of measurements of hemoconcentration of a patient over a time period, and estimating parameters for a physiological model based on the series of measurements. The absolute blood volume of the patient may be determined using the physiological model.

Abstract: Droplet-interface bilayer and lipid bilayer membrane compositions stabilized with an amphiphilic polymer are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel PRNP targeting sequences. Novel PRNP targeting oligonucleotides for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a nucleic acid comprising a heterologous nucleic acid insert flanked by interrupted self-complementary sequences, wherein one self-complementary sequence is interrupted by a cross-arm sequence forming two opposing, lengthwise-symmetric stem-loops, and wherein the other of the self-complementary sequences is interrupted by a truncated cross-arm sequence. Methods of delivering the nucleic acid to a cell are also provided.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to high-speed autofocus control. In one example, a method includes obtaining a first image of a target with a camera; adjusting focus of the camera by a specified AF bin step size; obtaining a second image of the target; adjusting focus of the camera by the specified AF bin step size; obtaining a third image of the target; determining an optimal focus using data of the second and third images; and adjusting focus of the camera to the optimal focus. In another example, a method includes generating an input vector comprising a sequence of input-output pairs associated with a piezoelectric controlled motion stage that can position a camera relative to a target; determine a control input for the motion stage using a LSTM backpropagation network trained to minimize a cost function over a defined prediction horizon; and applying the control input to the motion stage.

Abstract: Examples of a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are presented. Certain embodiments facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Certain embodiments can utilize tissue securing portions that aid in securing the system within a wound.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one payload, wherein the nanoparticles further comprise at least one surface bound functional group and method of their use.

Abstract: A polymer nanoparticle includes a polymer having repeating units of formula (I) wherein X, L1, and R1 are as defined herein. Methods of preparing the polymer nanoparticles and compositions comprising the nanoparticles are also disclosed. The polymers nanoparticles described herein are particularly useful for the treatment of bacterial biofilms.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemically reactive and/or biologically active compounds, reagents and compositions thereof. More particularly, the invention provides novel reagents that are useful in chemical synthesis, functionalization, delivery, probing and/or analytical measurements of small molecule drugs, proteins, antibodies and other biomolecules. The invention provides novel biologically active agents useful as diagnostics or therapeutics, and related composition and methods of uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polymer-based nano-structures. More particularly, the invention relates to novel, surface-functionalized, guest-host polymer nano-assemblies and nano-delivery vehicles useful in diverse fields including drug delivery, diagnostics and specialty materials. The nano-assemblies and nano-delivery vehicles of the invention are afforded via simplify and reliable approaches.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of Formulae (I) and (II), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, polymorphs, co-crystals, tautomers, stereoisomers, isotopically labeled derivatives, and prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods, uses, and kits involving the disclosed compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating and/or preventing a disease (e.g., a metabolic disorder (e.g., obesity, diabetes), a hypoxia related disease (e.g., a proliferative disease, inflammatory disease, neuromuscular disorder, neurodegenerative disorder, hypoxia, ischemia, oxidative stress, or a mitochondrial DNA related disorder), or a disease resulting from rhodoquinone depletion (e.g., a proliferative disease, inflammatory disease, neuromuscular disorder, metabolic disorder, or neurodegenerative disorder)) in a subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to barcoded chimeric adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid libraries, chimeric capsids and related recombinant AAVs (rAAVs) identified using the libraries. Specifically, the chimeric AAV capsid libraries comprise a plurality of nucleic adds encoding AAV capsid proteins, wherein each nucleic acid (i) encodes a unique AAV capsid protein having distinct polypeptide regions of greater than six amino acids in length that are derived from at least two different AAV serotypes, and (ii) comprises a unique barcode sequence. Further disclosed are methods of preparing an AAV library and identifying AAV capsids tropic for a target tissue.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates methods for identifying ventricular tachycardia in subjects, e.g., subjects who have previously experienced a myocardial infarction. In some embodiments, methods of the disclosure comprise measuring action potential durations and/or expression levels of KCNE3 and/or KCNE4 in a subject. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting the activity of KCNE3 and/or KCNE4, for example, in subjects having ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds of the formula (I), as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for using such compounds/pharmaceutical compositions for treating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Abstract: An engineered polypeptide includes at least two units, wherein each unit includes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4, a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5, a polypeptide with 90% or greater homology to SEQ ID NO: 4, or a polypeptide with 90% or greater homology to SEQ ID NO: 5, wherein the engineered polypeptide does not comprise SEQ ID NO: 12 or SEQ ID NO: 13. Further described is a synthetic materials including the peptides. Also included are synthetic materials including polypeptide of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-32, a polypeptide with 90% or greater homology any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-32, a polypeptide encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs. 57-79, or a polypeptide with 90% or greater homology to a polypeptide encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs. 57-79.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method comprising: disposing upon a first substrate, a first coating; texturing the first coating with a stamp; treating the textured first coating to form a master mold; where the master mold contains a mirror image of the texture contained in the first coating; and transferring the texture from the master mold to a second substrate.