Abstract: A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.

Abstract: Provided are inhibitors of sphingosine kinase Type I that are useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Abstract: Compounds, comprising a selective ?-blocker coupled to a PAMAM dendrimer via a flexible spacer, and compositions containing the compounds, are provided. Methods of making and using the compounds and compositions for the treatment of glaucoma and other maladies are also provided.

Abstract: An example device for repairing a nerve is described herein. The device can include a flexible carrier layer made of a biologic material, and a metallic support member including a plurality of micro-protrusions extending therefrom. The metallic support member can be at least partially integrated with the flexible carrier layer. Additionally, the flexible carrier layer can be configured to cover at least a portion of the nerve, and the micro-protrusions can be configured to attach to a superficial tissue of the nerve.

Abstract: Analogues of 6 ?/?-naltrexamine (NAQ) are provided. The analogues are selective, reversible antagonists of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) that exhibit good blood brain barrier penetration. The compounds are used in the treatment of opioid addiction and other diseases and conditions, including for the treatment of pain.

Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor utilizing a nanoporous gold electrode. The bioelectrochemical sensor is suitable for measuring redox in biologic media while having increased resistance to biofouling as compared to conventional electrodes such as planar gold electrodes, due to greater exposed surface area of the three-dimensional ligature structure defining the nanopores. The nanopores have a pore size of 5-100 nm, preferably with an average pore size of less than 50 nm, and more preferably with an average pore size of less than 20 nm.

Abstract: Provided are inhibitors of sphingosine kinase Type I that are useful in a number of applications, indications and diseases, as well as for monitoring pharmacokinetics and patient management. These compounds are applicable to treating ischemic diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Abstract: Prodrugs and derivatives of 5-hydoxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) with protected or modified aldehyde and/or alcohol moieties are provided. The prodrugs or derivatives exhibit increased bioavailability, e.g. due to having extended half-lives in circulation. The drugs are therefore administered i) at lower doses and/or ii) less frequently than 5-HMF, while still maintaining the beneficial therapeutic effects of 5-HMF.

Abstract: Genetic constructs comprising reporter genes operably linked to cancer specific or cancer selective promoters (such as the progression elevated gene-3 (PEG-3) promoter and astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1) promoter) are provided, as are methods for their use in cancer imaging, cancer treatment, and combined imaging and treatment protocols, e.g. for imaging and/or treating spontaneous metastasis. Transgenic animals in which a reporter gene is linked to a cancer specific or cancer selective promoter, and which may be further genetically engineered, bred or selected to have a predisposition to develop cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides new aromatic aldehyde compounds that have greater potency in increasing the affinity of Hb for oxygen, greater potency for preventing sickling, and additional pharmacologic properties that ameliorate other symptoms of SCD. The invention further provides methods for treating SCD by providing a subject having SCD with a compound according to the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for measuring puff topography generated by a human user of a smoking device and methods for using the same. The device may be used for research on puffing behavior of tobacco product users in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum surface protein AipA and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain are used in compositions suitable to elicit an immune response to treat or prevent infections caused by tick-born bacteria of the Anaplasmatacaea family. AipA proteins and protein fragments or antibodies directed to AipA proteins and protein fragments are also used in diagnostic assays to detect exposure to and/or infection with Anaplasmatacaea. AipA and/or fragments thereof are also used for these purposes in combination with one or both of Asp14 and OmpA proteins and/or fragments thereof which comprise an invasin domain. Homologs of these proteins are also used in the compositions and assays.

Abstract: The sulfated oxysterol 5-cholesten-3?, 25-diol 3-sulphate, a nuclear cholesterol metabolite that decreases lipid biosynthesis and increases cholesterol secretion and degradation, is provided as an agent to lower intracellular and serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and to prevent or treat lipid accumulation-associated inflammation and conditions associated with such inflammation. Methods which involve the use of this sulfated oxysterol to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides and/or inflammation (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, atherosclerosis, etc.) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides new aromatic aldehyde compounds that have greater potency in increasing the affinity of Hb for oxygen, greater potency for preventing sickling, and additional pharmacologic properties that ameliorate other symptoms of SCD. The invention further provides methods for treating SCD by providing a subject having SCD with a compound according to the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing intrafractional motion of a subject The system includes a subject user device, whereby the user device includes an image acquisition device configured to receive location marker information of the subject to provide location marking data of the subject. The system may also include a digital processor configured to: receive the location marking data and determine movement of the subject relative to the location marker information; and communicate feedback of the movement to the subject to help the subject reduce intrafractional motion.

Abstract: Methods of preventing and/or treating ischemia, organ dysfunction and/or organ failure, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and necrosis and apoptosis associated with organ dysfunction/failure, are provided. For instance, the methods involve contacting organ(s) with an oxygenated cholesterol sulfate (OCS), e.g. 5-cholesten-3,25-diol, 3-sulfate (25H-C3S). The organ(s) may be in vivo (e.g. in a patient that is treated with the OCS) or ex vivo (e.g. an organ that has been harvested from a donor and is to be transplanted).

Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material such as an anti-VAP mouthpiece that absorbs secretions. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of, and elsewhere in, the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube. Anti-VAP mouthpieces also are useable in non-intubated patients to maintain oral hygiene.

Abstract: A tropism modified cancer terminator virus (Ad.5/3-CTV; Ad.5/3-CTV-M7) has been found to have infectivity that is Coxsackie Adenoviral Receptor (CAR) independent. The Ad.5/3-CTV (Ad.5/3-CTV-M7) may be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents such as agents that augment reactive oxygen (ROS) production, HDAC inhibitors, MCL-1 inhibitors and Bcl-2 inhibitors to treat a variety of cancers particularly including malignant glioma (GBM), renal cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Anaplasma phagocytophilum surface proteins Asp14 and OmpA and homologous genes from Anaplasmatacaea family members are used in compositions suitable for vaccines to treat or prevent infections caused by tick-born bacteria of the Anaplasmatacaea family. Asp14 and/or OmpA proteins or peptide fragments may be used in combination with other Anaplasmatacaea surface proteins to elicit an immune response. Furthermore, antibodies to Asp14 and/or OmpA proteins can be used in diagnostic methods to determine whether an individual has contracted an Anaplasmatacaea infection. Because of the conserved invasin domains in the surface proteins, a wide range of Anaplasmatacaea infections may be diagnosed, treated or prevented using compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for a facile, template free and one-step synthesis of nanoporous carbons by using a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound as a single source precursor of both carbon and nitrogen are described. The heterocyclic aromatic organic compound contains nitrogen in pyrrolic and/or pyridinic positions and is chemically activated with NaOH, KOH or ZnCl2 at high temperatures in a solid state mixture as a synthesis protocol to promote fine micropores during carbonization. Nanoporous carbons synthesized by these methods that have superior gas sorption/storage and energy storage properties are also described. The nanoporous carbons are useful as carbon sequestration agents and supercapacitors.