Abstract: Systems for controlling concentric tube probes are disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a concentric tube position display interface and a control system. The concentric tube display interface includes a display for displaying visual feedback to a user indicating a position (and possibly orientation) of a tip of a concentric tube probe and a user input device for receiving user input from the user designating a goal position (and possibly orientation) for the tip of the concentric tube probe. The control system is configured for interactive-rate motion planning of the concentric tube probe by creating, in real-time or near real-time, a motion plan to move the tip of the concentric tube probe to the goal position (and possibly orientation) while avoiding contact by the concentric tube probe with one or more obstacles and for configuring the concentric tube probe as specified by the motion plan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter include activators of HssRS that induce endogenous heme biosynthesis by perturbing central metabolism. These molecules are toxic to fermenting S. aureus, including clinically relevant small colony variants (SCVs). The utility of targeting fermenting bacteria is exemplified by the fact that this compound prevents the emergence of antibiotic resistance, enhances phagocyte killing, and reduces S. aureus pathogenesis. This small molecule is a powerful tool not only for studying bacterial heme biosynthesis and central metabolism, but also establishes targeting of fermentation as a viable antibacterial strategy.

Abstract: A biodegradable scaffold, a low-molecular weight thioketal, and a method of forming a biodegradable scaffold are provided. The biodegradable scaffold includes a thioketal and an isocyanate, where the thioketal is linked to the isocyanate to form the scaffold. The low-molecular weight thioketal includes 2,2-dimethoxypropane and thioglycolic acid, wherein the thioketal includes at least two hydroxyl terminal groups. The method of forming the biodegradable scaffold includes blending a thioketal with an excess isocyanate, forming a quasi-prepolymer, mixing the thioketal, the quasi-prepolymer, and a ceramic, and then adding a catalyst to form the biodegradable scaffold. The thioketal is a low-molecular weight thioketal having at least two hydroxyl terminal groups.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment associated with a cardiovascular event in a subject as well as methods of providing anti-platelet therapy. The methods can comprise obtaining a sample from the subject, and determining the presence of at least two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the sample selected from Rs7541936 in PTGER3, Rs977214 in PTGER3, and Rs2206343 in PTGER3. The methods can also comprise determining the presence in the sample of Rs4383756 in PTGER4. Some methods comprise administering conventional anti-platelet therapy to the subject if Rs4383756 in PTGER4 is present in the sample. Furthermore, some methods comprise administering an EP3 antagonist and/or conventional anti-platelet therapy to the subject if Rs4383756 in PTGER4 is not present in the sample. The cardiovascular event can involve thrombosis or an embolic event, a myocardial infarction, a stroke, a primary cardiovascular event, or coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for imaging a target as for example a multiwell plate. A plurality of regions of interest are selected on the target at a system control. The selected plurality of regions of interest are simultaneously imaged to provide an image with the plurality of regions of interest selectively magnified by a microlens array (30) and the regions that are not of interest are rejected by means of a mirrored aperture array, a mask, or selective illumination of the regions of interest of the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module includes input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for a powered ankle/foot prosthesis and controller that utilizes piecewise emulated passive impedances to provide for walking at various cadences and on various slopes and for ground slope adaptive standing. A powered prosthesis using these systems and methods is capable of emulating any physical behavior provided by the healthy joint, and additionally describes a control system that utilizes the sensing and actuation system on the prosthesis to provide appropriate ankle joint impedances. Further, the control system incorporates a finite-state-based structure, and within each state, emulates the behavior of the healthy joint with strictly passive impedance functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating fibrosis syndrome, and in particular cardiac fibrosis, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of ifetroban, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present application, among other things, provides compounds that are capable of inhibiting the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, for example, myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions as well as methods for using provided compounds for treatment of diseases and conditions (e.g., cancer) characterized by the over-expression or dysregulation of Mcl-1 protein. In some embodiments, a provided compound has the structure of formula I. In some embodiments, a provided compound has the structure of formula II.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for monitoring and analyzing nucleic acid hybridization state using L-DNA probes are described. The methods include adding L-DNA probes that can be fluorescently detected to a system including D-DNA. The L-DNA probes include primer, target, and antisense nucleotide sequences, and fluorescent dye compounds. The L-DNA probes are particularly useful for monitoring and analyzing various parameters during DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing MRI include using a RF gradient field for spatial encoding. In particular implementations, |B+i|-selective pulses designed using the Shinnar-Le Roux algorithm can be provided as the excitation pulse for the RF gradient field. Further, frequency encoding for the RF gradient field can be based on the Bloch-Siegert (BS) shift. Together, these techniques can be used to support MRI based on RF gradient encoding instead of the conventional Bo encoding.

Abstract: An optrode may provide a cylindrical substrate two or more electrodes deposited said cylindrical substrate. The cylindrical substrate and electrodes may be coated by an insulating layer with openings or vias over certain portions of the electrodes that may provide a contact for the neural probe or may be utilized to connect lead lines. Manufacturing of an optrode may utilize a jig that secures a cylindrical substrate coated by a conductive material and a resist. A first mask may be positioned in an opening provided by the jig, and the cylindrical substrate may be exposed ions or neutral particles to define one or more electrode patterns. After regions of the resist and conductive material are removed to form the electrodes, a second mask may be utilized to define vias regions in which portions of the electrodes are exposed and uncoated by an insulating layer.

Abstract: Compounds which are useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders or other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a target are provided. A system includes a detector and a substantially bitelecentric lens assembly positioned between the detector and the target. A first optical assembly is configured to focus light received from the substantially bitelecentric lens assembly onto the detector. The substantially bitelecentric lens assembly and the first optical assembly are configured to produce a collimated light space between the substantially bitelecentric lens assembly and the first optical assembly. A second optical assembly is positioned within the collimated light space.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of influencing, and enhancing, cognitive function by increasing, and/or preventing interference with, Reelin levels as well as Reelin signaling. Cognitive function is improved, in a subject in need thereof, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Reelin, a Reelin-specific modulator or an agonist of a lipoprotein receptor to the subject. The lipoprotein receptor can be selected from candidates such as ApoER2 and VLDLR. As disclosed herein, agonists of the lipoprotein receptor for use with the inventive method include APC, Sep and Fc-RAP. In addition to administering exogenous Reelin, a Reelin-specific modulator, such as a recombinant Reelin fragment, can be used to increase Reelin levels and/or signaling.

Abstract: A double-solenoid directional control valve comprising a valve body and a valve spool within the valve body, where the valve spool is configured to move within the valve body between a first position, a second position and a third position, where the third spool position lies between the first and second spool positions. In certain embodiments, the spool is maintained in the first and third positions by energizing at least a first or a second solenoid actuator, and where the spool is maintained in the second position by de-energizing both solenoid actuators.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include compounds and compositions thereof to inhibit protease activated receptor-4. Also described are methods of preparation of compositions and methods for treating diseases related to thrombotic disorders by administration of the composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using a robotic system to perform procedures within a cavity using a virtual fixture. The robotic system includes a rigid central stem including an access channel positioned longitudinally along the rigid central stem and a dexterous arm at least partially positioned within the access channel of the central stem. The dexterous arm includes a plurality of individually adjustable segments. A control system receives a positioning command from a manipulator control indicative of a desired movement of a distal end of the dexterous arm. A virtual fixture is defined that is representative of the access channel of the rigid central stem. The position of the dexterous arm is adjusted such that the distal end of the dexterous arm performs the desired movement while the portion of the dexterous arm that is positioned within the first access channel is not moved beyond the defined virtual fixture.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses the finding that certain treatments (e.g., surface modifications) to particulate materials can provide surprising and unexpected benefits and/or features to composites and/or compositions as described herein. In some embodiments, such benefits and/or features may render particular composites and/or compositions particularly useful in a certain therapeutic context (e.g, for repair of tibial plateau, femoral head, craniofacial, or lateral mandibular body defects). The present invention demonstrates that certain composites and/or compositions wherein the particular material is or comprises defatted bone have surprising and beneficial attributes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compounds that inhibit the activity of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions as well as methods for using compounds for treatment of diseases and conditions (e.g., cancer) characterized by the over-expression or dysregulation of Mcl-1 protein.