Abstract: The invention relates to complex framework materials (CFMs) for lithium-sulfur batteries. The CFMs include a CFM host and a coating applied to the CFM host, which includes one or more of an electronic conductor, a lithium ion conductor and a functional catalyst. Further, sulfur is infiltrated into the CFM host creating a sulfur-carbon linkage serving as effective anchors for trapping polysulfides. The systems have been tested in coin cells and pouch cells under lean electrolyte conditions of 3-4 ?l/mg of electrolyte to sulfur ratios showing promise and feasibility.

Abstract: Compositions for treating an ocular disorder are provided. The composition includes an effective amount of a human trabecular meshwork stem cell (TMSC) secretome, wherein the effective amount is present in an amount to reduce impairment of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Methods for treating ocular disorders using the disclosed compositions are also provided. The compositions reduce and prevent cell apoptosis, axon loss, vision loss, increased intraocular pressure, and dysregulated aqueous humor outflow of a subject when used in accordance with the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for quantifying an amount of fat contained in a liver or other tissue of a subject in vivo includes varying the temperature of a target area in a subject, imaging thermal strain of the target area using an ultrasound scanner, and quantifying the amount of fat in the targeted area based on the thermal strain imaging. In some embodiments, the thermal strain imaging is performed using high-resolution, phase-sensitive speckle tracking to differentiate between fat-based tissue and water-based tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the treatment of conditions of chronic inflammation, such as periodontitis, that includes the use of sustained release microparticles to locally deliver a compound or agent to reduce inflammation of tissue, such as periodontal tissue, and/or inflammatory mediators.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the detection of a Flavivirus infection. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting a recent Flavivirus infection by measuring the amount of anti-NS1 IgG3. In other embodiments, the method comprises detecting a prior Dengue virus infection in a subject previously immunized with a Dengue virus vaccine comprising one or more non-Dengue Flavivirus proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ovarian-derived hydrogel material, which can be useful for three-dimensional in vitro culturing of cells, cell therapy, fertility preservation, drug delivery, site-specific remodeling and repair of damaged tissue, and/or diagnostic kits.

Abstract: A compound of formula I, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein X1 is benzimidazolyl, substituted benzimidazolyl, azabenzimidazolyl, substituted azabenzimidazolyl, pyrazolyl, or substituted pyrazolyl; X2 is aryl, substituted aryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, substituted heteroarylalkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, substituted (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, substituted (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, substituted alkoxycarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, substituted dialkylaminocarbonyl, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonyl, or substituted (heterocycloalkyl)carbonyl; X3 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, substituted (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, heter

Abstract: A gas sensor (100,200) includes at least one sensor device including a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (110) or a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device (210), and a layer of metal organic framework (MOF) material (120,220) disposed on each of the at least one sensor device. The at least one sensor device is structured to sense a change in mass of the MOF material.

Abstract: The inventive concepts include at least an electrode architecture including a composite structure that includes engineered carbon nanofibers, a lithium-impervious elastic polymer, a copper collector and a lithium-containing cathode; dendrite-free, lithium metal-plated anode that includes the electrode architecture; and a lithium metal-based lithium ion battery that includes the lithium metal-plated anode, liquid and solid electrolytes and a lithium-free cathode.

Abstract: A diaphragm-based sensor includes a deflectable diaphragm, a base layer opposite the diaphragm, and a corrugated wall extending between the diaphragm and the base layer. The diaphragm is suspended over a cavity enclosed by the diaphragm, the base layer and the corrugated wall. The diaphragm includes a first electrode and the base layer includes a second electrode such that a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changes when the diaphragm is deflected relative to the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oncolytic viruses expressing a modulator of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), and compositions comprising thereof. The present disclosure further provides methods of using said oncolytic viruses and compositions for treating cancer, and for improving a subject's responsiveness to an immunomodulatory agent (e.g., an immune checkpoint inhibitor).

Abstract: An optically transparent actuator apparatus is provided that includes an optically transparent bi-stable member including an optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layer. The bi-stable member is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus and from the second state to the first state in response to a second stimulus. Also, a display apparatus includes a plate member and an actuator assembly coupled to the plate member. The actuator assembly includes a number of optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers, wherein each of the optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for treating a subject having a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by intranasal administration of neural stem cells (NSCs), while optionally providing environmental enrichment (EE) to the subject in conjunction with or in combination with the NSC administration.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for dissecting a mucosa and a submucosa from a muscularis propria from a region of an organ of a subject, wherein the organ is not the esophagus. In some embodiments, the organ is in the gastrointestinal tract. These methods include injecting submucosally into the organ of the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel to form a cushion between the submucosa and the underlying muscularis propria at the region of the organ, wherein the ECM hydrogel has the following characteristics: a) a time to 50% gelation of less than 30 minutes at a temperature of about 37° C.; b) a flow viscosity suitable for infusion into the organ; and c) a stiffness of about 10 to about 400 Pascal (Pa).

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable retaining arm systems can include a multi-segmented, articulable arm that holds one or more interchangeable tools and can be made relaxed to set a desired position and made rigid to fix the desired position by adjusting tension in a cable running through the arm. The arm can quickly attach and detach from a support structure. The support structure include a cable tensioning system, sensors, control system, power system, etc. A user input device, such as a foot pedal or button on the arm, can be used by a surgeon to change the arm between relaxed and rigid states. The arm and attachable tools can be detachable, disposable and/or sterilizable, while other system components can remain mounted in a fixed location as the arm is removed and replaced. The arm can hold multiple tools in any desired orientation around subject work location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oncolytic vaccinia viruses which have been modified to promote anti-tumor immunity and/or reduce host immunity and/or antibody response against the virus. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that oncolytic vaccinia virus (i) bearing a genome deletion of a gene that reduces T cell immunity (interleukin-18 binding protein); (ii) treated with a sialidase enzyme which is believed to reduce TLR2 activation and therefore the antibody response; (iii) carrying a gene that enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction (e.g., TRIF) and/or (iv) reduces tumor myeloid-derived suppressor cells by reducing prostaglandin E2 reduces tumor growth. Accordingly, the present invention provides for immunooncolytic vaccinia viruses and methods of using them in the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of five or more phages and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods of treating, reducing, or preventing a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a mammal, methods of treating an antibiotic resistant infection in a mammal, and methods of treating, reducing, or preventing activation of a latent disease caused by M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for dissecting a mucosa and a submucosa from a muscularis propria from a region of an esophagus of a subject. These methods include injecting submucosally into the esophagus of the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel to form a cushion between the submucosa and the underlying muscularis propria at the region of the esophagus, wherein the ECM hydrogel has the following characteristics: a) a time to 50% gelation of less than 30 minutes at a temperature of about 37° C.; b) a flow viscosity suitable for infusion into the esophagus; and c) a stiffness of about 10 to about 400 Pascal (Pa). The ECM hydrogel is not a urinary bladder ECM hydrogel.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber-based sensor includes providing an optical fiber, and providing a sensing or protection layer on a surface of the optical fiber by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process.

Abstract: Graph-theoretic segmentation methods for segmenting histological structures in H&E stained images of tissues. The method rely on characterizing local spatial statistics in the images. Also, a method for quantifying intratumor spatial heterogeneity that can work with single biomarker, multiplexed, or hyperplexed immunofluorescence (IF) data. The method is holistic in its approach, using both the expression and spatial information of an entire tumor tissue section and/or spot in a TMA to characterize spatial associations. The method generates a two-dimensional heterogeneity map to explicitly elucidate spatial associations of both major and minor sub-populations.