Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of compositions and methods for modulating autophagy for treatment and prevention of autophagy-associated diseases, disorders, or conditions and compositions of photoreactive compounds. An aspect of the present disclosure provides for autophagy enhancing agents capable of treating or preventing diseases, disorders, or conditions in which autophagy is implicated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to the development of improved fertilizer for precision and sustainable agriculture. A method was developed wherein efficient NPK nanocomposite for plant nutrition was synthesized in a single step using aerosol science and technology concepts. Further a formulation was prepared by addition of ZnO, TiO2 and other nanoparticles to the NPK nanocomposite. Also, an aerosol based foliar application technique was developed for the precise delivery of nanoparticles to the plants.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods and systems for segmenting images and expediting a contouring process for MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy (MR-IGART) comprising applying a convolutional neural network (CNN), wherein the CNN accurately segments organs (e.g., the liver, kidneys, stomach, bowel, or duodenum) in 3D MR images.

Abstract: An image classification system defends against physically realizable attacks. A training dataset of input images is retrieved and an adversarial image is generated based on one of the input images that is selected. The adversarial image is created by occluding a portion of the selected image by superimposing a predetermined shape (e.g., a rectangle) containing noise on the selected image. A defense against occlusion attacks (DOA) classifier is trained using the training dataset and the adversarial image. The DOA classifier is utilized to classify captured images of items (e.g., street signs) that may have been attacked (e.g., sticker placement, vandalism).

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure are the provision of a bioelectronic device, additive manufacturing methods of bioactive encapsulated conducting polymer hydrogel electrodes, and related methods of use. As described herein, a 3D-printed bioelectronic electrode device, methods to fabricate a bioelectronic device, a method to perform a bioelectronics experiment, and a method to treat a subject with a bioelectronic-related disorder are described.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods for inhibiting neuronal activity in NF1 tumors. One aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of inhibiting tumor growth comprising administering a neuronal activity inhibiting agent to a subject in need thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of attenuating neuronal excitability, activity-regulated mitogen production, and tumor progression comprising administering a neuronal activity inhibiting agent to a subject in need thereof. Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of activating HCN channels in a subject comprising administering a neuronal activity inhibiting agent to a subject in need thereof. Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of treating brain or and nerve tumors in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) comprising administering a neuronal activity inhibiting agent to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure are the provision of conductive granular hydrogel compositions, bioelectric devices comprising the conductive granular hydrogel compositions such as wearable electrodes, conductive filaments, bioink compositions comprising living cells encapsulated in the conducting polymer composition, bioelectronic hydrogel-based devices, and methods of use thereof. The conducting 3D hydrogel is characterized by a void fraction value and high conductivity for in vitro cell applications. In addition, methods of producing the conducting 3D hydrogels and bioinks, methods of fabricating the bioelectronic hydrogel-based devices, and methods of performing bioelectronic measurements using the bioelectronic hydrogel-based devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a composition and method of treatment of glioblastoma, using ZIKA virus.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods of suppressing Plasmodium parasite growth or infectivity or treating malaria comprising administering a polybasic antimalarial agent. The polybasic peptides and polymers provided can be used for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum and other plasmodium species that cause human malaria.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods and compositions for detecting recombinant cationic ferritin imaging agents. Also provided are transgenic microorganisms capable of synthesizing a recombinant ferritin imaging agent and methods of making the same. The imaging agents described herein can be used to effectively and noninvasively detect renal pathologies and are suitable for use in a number of imaging modalities.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions including a VLDLR-based decoy receptor as, as well as methods of use for preventing and treating alphavirus infection in a subject in need thereof. Compositions of the VLDLR-based decoy receptor include an Fc domain and at least one VLDLR LA domain. A subject in need thereof includes a subject having or at risk for contracting an alphavirus infection selected from at least one of Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) infection.

Abstract: Among the various aspects herein is the provision of compositions and methods for modulating MYCT1. Methods are provided for regulating tumor angiogenesis (anti-angiogenesis, Myct1-targeted vascular control) and/or immunostimulation, which inhibit tumor growth, in a subject. Methods are provided to quantify MYCT1 to predict responsiveness of a subject having a cancer or tumor to a treatment, guide treatment decisions, select subjects for clinical trials, and evaluate the clinical efficacy of certain therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to near infrared fluorescent oxonol dyes and imaging agent compositions including compounds according to Formula (I) and their uses in bioimaging applications. The disclosure is further directed to oxonol precursor compositions and compounds according to Formula (II) and their uses in synthesizing oxonol dyes and imaging agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to classes of compounds that bind the chromo-barrel domain of AT-rich interactive domain 4B (ARID4B). In some aspects, the compounds are of the Formula (II) as described herein, or a diamine composite thereof as set forth in Formula III herein. In some aspects, the compound is selected from compounds 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j, (as described herein) or combinations thereof. The present disclosure further considers administration of the compounds to target ARID4B in cells and for the treatment of cancerous breast tissue cells.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions comprising two spectrally distinct radionuclides separated by a site susceptible to cleavage. Compositions of the invention may be used to detect enzyme activity and/or image diseases associated with said enzyme activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to novel methods and compositions for treating tumors resistant to one or more anticancer drugs, such as platinum-based chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: A CT scanning method compensates gantry motion blurring in projection measurement based on synchronized focal spot movement and detector data shifting. Tube power is increased by moving the focal on the target and reducing focal spot dwell duration. The CT scanning method is used on helical CT and cone beam with a rotating anode source and CBCT and TBCT with a linear array x-ray source.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is coupled to the first layer using a coupling process and includes a plurality of varying densities formed by the second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The first and second layers are configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The three-dimensional electrospun nanofiber scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for engineered microorganisms and methods of making and using same. The engineered microorganisms as described herein can have a surface display and can be useful as therapeutic agents (e.g., sponges) and biosensors.