Abstract: The subject invention pertains to uses of PKC-iota inhibitors for treatment of breast cancer. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides novel uses of 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3 -dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy) methyl]cyclopentyl]-,[1R-(1?, 2?, 3?, 4?)] (ICA-1) and related compounds for treatment of breast cancer. The compounds of the subject invention have potent anti-proliferative effects against human breast cancer cells. The compounds of the subject invention also inhibit the phosphorylation of IKK-?/IKK-?, induce chromatin condensation, and/or induce DNA fragmentation in cancer cells.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a myricanol compound that is in predominant form of (+)-?R,11S-myricanol as compared to (?)-?S,11R-myricanol. In one embodiment, the (+)-?R,11S-myricanol is isolated from Myrica cerifera, and is in about 86% enantiomeric excess of (?)-?S,11R-myricanol. The subject invention also pertains to therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal accumulation of protein tau. Specifically exemplified herein is the therapeutic use of myricanol and myricanone isolated from root barks of Myrica species. Also provided are methods for preparing extracts of the subject invention from Myrica species.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a heterocyclic macrocycle-templated supramolecular metal organic material, the process comprising preparing a reaction mixture containing a metal, a heterocyclic macrocycle, and organic ligands and forming, in the reaction mixture, a heterocyclic macrocycle-templated metal organic material comprising the metal, the heterocyclic macrocycle and the ligands by template-directed synthesis with the heterocyclic macrocycle serving as the template and being encapsulated within a cage of the template metal organic material.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional crack propagation, morphology, and initiation suited to directed surfaces, or stacks of directed surfaces. An external damage measure and failure criteria can be incorporated, as well as a rule-based crack direction and morphology capability. This method is ideal for laminated composites. Further, the use of external damage and failure, and rule-based crack propagation, this method is ideal for multi-scale modeling and use in applications where knowledge and rules are necessary or desirable for guiding, driving, or influencing failure modes, directions, or other situations that are not directly incorporated into the governing mechanical equations.

Abstract: A tray assembly mounted on a wheelchair. A housing containing the tray is mounted along the side of the chair arm. The tray assembly has a tray surface moveable between a stowed and unstowed position.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions, apparatus, and methods for controlling harmful algae and harmful algal bloom (HAB) based on the induction of the programmed cell death (PCD; apoptosis) pathway in the harmful algae, and to kits for determining algal susceptibility to PCD induction.

Abstract: The inventors have determined, contrary to the prior art and experience, how to successfully use triciribine to treat esophogeal adenocarcinoma by one or a combination of (i) administering triciribine only to patients which according to a diagnostic test described below, exhibit enhanced sensitivity to the drug; (ii) use of a described dosage level that minimizes the toxicity of the drug but yet still exhibits efficacy; or (iii) use of a described dosage regimen that minimizes the toxicity of the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining an appropriate cancer therapy for a subject based on intratumoral expression levels of a gene, such as the RRM1 or ERCC1 gene. Compositions and kits useful for the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the use of amyloid precursor protein-alpha (sAPP-?) as a biomarker for prediction of a subject's risk of developing inflammatory and/or autoimmune-related disorders. In addition, the present invention provides methods for optimizing vaccine schedules and compositions, thereby preventing or reducing the risks of vaccine-induced inflammatory and/or autoimmune-related disorders.

Abstract: Crystalline epigallocatechin-3-gallate compositions and methods of use.

Abstract: This invention is the design and synthesis of a caprolactone monomer which bears a pendant protected carboxyl group. This monomer has been copolymerized with caprolactone in varying ratios. After polymerization, the protecting group can be removed and an antibiotic can be attached as a new pendant group. The bioactivity of the antibiotic-bound poly(caprolactone) polymer is described.

Abstract: A method of transdermal drug delivery using drug formulations and other small molecules is described. The drug or other small molecule formulation is applied to the skin of a patient using a radio frequency device. The radio frequency device facilitates the ablation of the stratum corneum allowing the drug or other small molecule to pass to the underlying skin. The drug or small molecule can be contained in hyaluronic acid nanoparticles or suspended in a gel.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluorescence of potable liquids contained within an optical quartz cell includes a deep UV laser or a compact UV LED that generates a light beam. A UV blocking and visible light transmitting optical filter reduces out-of-band emission from the LED. The optical quartz cell is between a pair of plane mirrors so that light from the light source travels through it several times. A concave mirror collects a fluorescence signal and has a common optical axis with a lens. The common optical axis is normal to an optical axis of the light beam. The concave mirror and lenses are positioned on opposite sides of the optical quartz cell. A fluorescence detector is in optical alignment with the concave mirror and the lens. A boxcar averager is in electrical communication with the fluorescence detector. Optical wavelength selection of the fluorescence emission uses optical filters or a spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of HLM-008182, as well as its analogues formed via in-house synthesis, as a potent proteasome inhibitors. A new method was developed for HLM-008182 through a four-step protocol and the method was further optimized to a two step protocol. The synthesis in both protocols was regioselective with TiCl4. The reaction was highly efficient with microwave assisted heating and THF as solvent. The modification around the molecule HLM-008182 established primary SAR, indicating that the proteasome inhibition activity was a function of the 2-side chain.

Abstract: This invention is the design and synthesis of a caprolactone monomer which bears a pendant protected carboxyl group. This monomer has been copolymerized with caprolactone in varying ratios. After polymerization, the protecting group can be removed and an antibiotic can be attached as a new pendant group. The bioactivity of the antibiotic-bound poly(caprolactone) polymer is described.

Abstract: PKCiota inhibitor 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3-dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]cyclopentyl]-,[1R-(1?,2?,3?,4?)], (ICA-1), targets a unique sequence (amino acid residues 469-475) in the catalytic domain of PKCiota and inhibits PKCiota activity. The data shows suprising and unexpected ability of ICA-1 to selectively inhibit the proliferation of cells that overexpress PKCiota.

Abstract: A drug delivery device has been designed to directly deliver an agent to the ovaries through direct contact with the fallopian tubes. The device consists of three main components: a tubular inserter, a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The device is a single-use applicator designed in a shape similar to a tampon to facilitate its insertion through the vagina and into the uterus. Positioning of the device centrally in the uterus is accomplished through the use of ultrasound. The chamber is inserted into the tubular inserter. Adjusting the length of the chamber inserted into the tubular inserter controls the amount of tubing released from the apertures in the tubular inserter. Ultrasound is used to ensure the proper placement of each tube at the entrance of each fallopian tube. The plunger is inserted into the chamber and adjustment of the plunger controls the amount of the agent released into the tubes.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device includes a handle and a shaft mounted to the handle. A toggle knob is adapted to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis. A pair of opposed jaws, each having a hollow structure, open and close relative to one another. A needle carrier and a needle holder are respectively slideably disposed in a lumen of a first and a second jaw. A needle has first and second pointed ends and is adapted to be press fit into the lumen of the first jaw with the first pointed end exposed and alternatively into the lumen of the second jaw with the second pointed end exposed. A spring-loaded pusher advances and retracts the needle carrier when the toggle knob is in a first position and advances and retracts the needle holder when in a second position. The tool assists a surgeon in suturing tissue captured between the jaws.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns platinum complexes that exhibit antitumor cell and/or antiparasitic activity. The subject invention also concerns the use of platinum complexes of the invention to treat oncological and inflammatory disorders. The platinum complexes of the invention can also be used to treat or prevent infection by a virus or a bacterial or parasitic organism in vivo or in vitro.