Abstract: A monolithic, self-stratifying polymer coating, comprising: inner and outer-most surfaces on opposite sides of the coating, the inner surface being in contact with and adhered to an article; a surface region, extending from the outermost surface to a depth of about 2 nm from the outermost surface; a middle region, extending from a depth of about 2 nm from the outermost surface to a depth of less than about 2000 nm from the outermost surface; and a bulk region, extending from a depth of less than about 2000 nm from the outermost surface to the inner surface; wherein the surface region comprises a fluorous polyoxetane having the formula: (I) wherein n is an integer of 0-1 1, and m is an integer>0, in a greater concentration relative to the middle and bulk regions; wherein the middle region comprises 3F-SiO1.5 groups in a greater concentration relative to the surface and bulk regions; and wherein the bulk region comprises a polyurethane in a greater concentration relative to the surface and middle regions.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (DPI) device has a flow passage with a three-dimensional (3D) rod array. The rod array includes multiple rows each having multiple unidirectional rods. The rows are spaced apart along a primary direction of air flow and are staggered. A viewing window to the capsule chamber allows viewing of the capsule's position within the chamber which provides visual feedback of inhalation flow rate to the user during inhalation. The capsule chamber may orient the capsule parallel to a primary direction of air flow or perpendicular to a primary direction of air flow and provide capsule motion in a plane which is perpendicular to the primary direction of air flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to compare an intended treatment plan using a radiation source with a delivered plan. This done by arranging markers at known three-dimensional (3D) positions in a detection reference system between a two dimensional radiation detector configured to acquire images generated by radiation emitted by the radiation source and an area where the radiation source is positioned during a treatment. The positions of projections of the markers on an image detected are determined when the radiation source is at a treatment position in an intended treatment plan reference system. A plurality of lines in the detection reference system are calculated, each line being defined by a 3D position of a marker and a 3D position of a corresponding projection of the marker on the detector according to the image. A 3D position of the radiation source in the detection reference system is inferred based on the calculated lines.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for providing improvements in genome-scale metabolic models are described. The methods identify and optimize metabolic flux states that minimize the cost of enzyme production while maximizing a desired cellular phenotype. The computer-implemented methods may maximize cellular phenotypes such as growth (biomass) or production of a metabolite, such as a commercially valuable chemical compound, through the selection of metabolic pathways that maximize these phenotypes while minimizing metabolic costs associated with production of the proteomic constituents of individual metabolic pathways. The computer implemented methods may be useful for computationally designing microbial strains for the production of chemicals.

Abstract: Stage-specific Borrelia antigens for diagnosing, treating and/or preventing Lyme disease are provided. The antigens include chimeric Borrelia antigen constructs and mutant recombinant proteins comprising OspC and OspE epitopes, respectively. The antigens are used in multiprotein assays that differentiate early, middle and late stage infection, and/or in vaccine preparations.

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: Methods of synthesizing the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan in high yield and purity are provided. The methods involve the coupling of two structurally distinct benzimidazole units via a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Methods of regioselectively synthesizing one of the benzimidazole units are also provided.

Abstract: Aerosolized dapsone (or alternatively, an aqueous formulation of dapsone) is used to treat airway inflammation, particularly chronic neutrophil-dominated inflammation. Diseases that may be prevented or treated by the methods include chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and others.

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 tumors of the central nervous system, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to dextran fibers which are preferably electrospun and devices formed from such fibers. In particular, such devices may include substances of interest (such as therapeutic substances) associated with the electrospun fibers. Upon exposure to a liquid the electrospun fibers dissolve immediately and the substances of interest are released into the liquid. Exemplary devices include bandages formed from electrospun dextran fibers and associated agents that promote hemostasis, such as thrombin and fibrinogen.

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: A mixer-heater device provides controllable reduction in aerosol droplet size. Additionally, an intermittent delivery mode for administering an aerosol to a patient may take into account patient expiration and reduce aerosol losses without prolonging treatment time. Depositional losses in aerosol delivery systems may be reduced by streamlining the three dimensional geometry of conduits which change stream direction or flow path diameter. Ventilation systems may also benefit from streamlined components, in particular Y-connectors, with resulting advantages such as reduced rebreathed CO2.

Abstract: Chelation directed C—H activation reactions that are catalyzed by Pd(11) on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT), Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT), or graphene are provided. The reactions are used to directly and regioselectively or regiospecifically functionalize specific C—H bonds, e.g. to build complexity into small molecules. Features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description of invention that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The invention will be realized and attained by the compositions and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to compositions and methods directed to cancer theranostic nucleic acid constructs that permit simultaneous cancer-specific viral replication, expression of a diagnostic gene product, and expression of a therapeutic gene.

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 tumors of the central nervous system, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for use in polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis (PCOS). The method involves a sample from a subject for a DENND1A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein to make or aid in a diagnosis of PCOS. Also provided are methods for selecting an individual as a candidate for therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome by testing a biological sample from an individual for DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein and designating the individual as a candidate for the PCOS based on determining DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein in the sample. Also provided are products for use in aiding diagnosis of PCOS which contain reagents for detecting DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein, and packaging containing printed material describing use and indications for the product.

Abstract: Recombinant therapeutic cytokines (“therakines”) for the treatment of cancer are provided. The recombinant therakines include a truncated region of MDA-7/TL-24 (“M4”) not normally found in nature that has anti-cancer activity and a secretory signal which causes secretion of the therakine from plasmid/virus transduced normal and cancer cells and interaction of the therakine to MDA-7/IL-24 receptors on adjacent, neighboring and distant cancer cells. Therakine interaction results in bystander killing of the target cancer cell as well as adjacent, neighboring and distant cancer cells.

Abstract: A method of making a 2-halonicotinonitrile comprises reacting an alkylidene nitrile with a C1-compound in an organic solvent and a dehydrating agent. The dehydrating agent substantially retards dimerization of the alkylidene nitrile during the reaction. The enamine intermediate that forms from the reaction is cyclized using a halide donor to make the 2-halonicotinonitrile.

Abstract: A recombinant Flagrp170 protein and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a Flagrp170 protein and related molecules encoding same, and cells presenting such a protein are provided. The Flagrp170 protein comprises an NF-?B-activating domain of Flagellin and an ATP-binding domain truncated Grp170. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used for the treatment or prevention of cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and system support the fusion of bones in the medial column of the human foot. An exemplary implant uses an improved lag screw and supplemental components, including a washer plate and transverse screws which penetrate transverse through holes in the shaft of the lag screw. Additionally, a surgical procedure is described which may employ such an implant. The improved lag screw may be inserted at the plantar surface of the first metatarsal and support the fusion of, for example, the transverse tarsal joint, the cuneonavicular joint, and the tarsometatarsal joint.