Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMDH1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for Raman spectroscopy are described. In certain implementations, a spectrometer is provided. The spectrometer may include a plurality of optical elements, comprising an entrance aperture, a collimating element, a volume phase holographic grating, a focusing element, and a detector array. The plurality of optical elements are configured to transfer the light beam from the entrance aperture to the detector array with a high transfer efficiency over a preselected spectral band.

Abstract: Biomarkers tests which can be used to predict a positive or negative risk of preeclampsia are described. More specifically, a panel of biomarkers including MMP-7 and gpIIbIIIa, described. The test is useful to predict preeclampsia when a biological sample is obtained between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Prediction later in pregnancy can be achieved by a combination of Siglec-6, Activin A, ALCAM, and/or FCN2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of examining fetal hearts includes obtaining ultrasound data of a fetal heart to generate fetal heart images, displaying different marked sample images of a fetal heart and at respective cardiac phases, each marking a different feature of a fetal heart at a respective marked location, and sequentially presenting one of the different marked sample images to a user along with one of the fetal heart images that is a similar view. As each of the different marked sample images is sequentially presented, a user is prompted to mark the different feature in a respective fetal heart image based on its marked location to create a plurality of marked fetal heart images, and a geometric model of the heart is generated based on the marked fetal heart images, from which fetal echocardiography views can be extracted. The fetal echocardiography views of the fetal heart are displayed.

Abstract: Glucose-responsive zwitterionic polymer-insulin-saccharide compositions are provided according to aspects of the present disclosure which include a zwitterionic polymer, an insulin moiety, a saccharide moiety, and a saccharide binding molecule. Methods of use of glucose-responsive zwitterionic polymer-insulin-saccharide compositions according to aspects of the present disclosure include administration to human patients to alleviate conditions, such as diabetes, which are responsive to administration of insulin.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and kits including at least one nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule encoding for a mutant CoChop protein. Methods of the invention include administering a composition comprising a mutant CoChop to a subject to preserve, improve, or restore phototransduction. Preferably, the compositions and methods of the invention are provided to a subject having impaired vision, thereby restoring vision to normal levels.

Abstract: Advancements in solid tumor (e.g., renal cell carcinoma) treatments and imaging are described. The advancements are based on nanoformulations that: (i) overcome deliverability issues associated with anti-cancer compounds; (ii) have increased targeted delivery to tumors, and hypoxic cores of tumors due to the presence of targeting ligands; (iii) have increased delivery to the hypoxic cores of tumors due to engineered shapes; (iv) provide synergistic treatment combinations; and/or (v) overcome cancer cell resistance to therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing, preventing, and/or inhibiting germination of C. difficile spores, including methods for inhibiting C. difficile germination to prevent or treating C. difficile-associated diseases and disorders such as, for example, severe diarrhea and colitis in a subject. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Isothiocyanate (ITC)-androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor conjugates for apoptosis induction in cancer cells are described. The conjugates can have electrophilicity blocked with an agent such as N-acetyl cysteine. When administered in combination with a glutathione (GSH)-depleting agent, the conjugates result in ferroptosis of cancer cells.

Abstract: Down-regulating autoimmune regulator (AIRE) function in B cells to produce antibodies is described. The antibodies can be class-switched, high affinity, and neutralizing, and have a high degree of somatic hypermutations, even in the framework region, as compared to antibodies produced in the absence of AIRE downregulation.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides alternating current based systems and methods to develop chemical compounds, such as drug molecules using electrochemistry in organic synthesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating fluid flow are provided. A valve for regulating fluid flow includes a tubing, a regulating element, and an actuator. The tubing is configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. The regulating element is arranged proximate to the tubing. The actuator is arranged proximate to the regulating element, and is configured to manipulate a parameter associated with the regulating element.

Abstract: A device may include a metallic substrate and a plurality of nanorod arrays arranged on the substrate. The nanorod arrays may be made of porous metallic nanostructures and may appear black in color.

Abstract: A system for an engine to determine in situ under specified conditions the auto-ignition quality of the fuel used in a compression ignition engine is provided. The system may include an ion current sensor. The ion current sensor may access an engine cylinder for obtaining ion current data. A control unit may be in communication with the ion current sensor for receiving the ion current data. The control unit being configured to determine the auto-ignition quality of the fuel based on features of the ion current data.

Abstract: A boost or DC-DC converter includes a first output and a second output, a first inductor having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first inductor being connectable in electrical communication with a first output of a power supply or DC voltage source, and a second inductor having a first side and a second side, the first side of the second inductor being connectable in electrical communication with the first output of the power supply, the first inductor being inversely coupled to the second inductor. The converter includes a first switch in communication with the second side of the first inductor and a second output of the power supply, and a second switch in communication with the second side of the second inductor and the second output of the power supply.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions, devices, systems, and methods that reduce the likelihood, amount, or level of cellular deposition (and associated blockage and/or failure) of implantable medical devices, such as central nervous system implants. Embodiments involve use of inhibitor(s) of one or more of TLR-4, TNF-?, IL-1?, or IL-6, for instance, to prevent, reduce, or reverse activation of astrocyte and/or glia cells, and/or to prevent, reduce, or reverse attachment of such cells to the surface of a medical device in contact with a biological fluid, such as cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: A line-scan Brillouin microscopy apparatus is configured to operate in a coaxial configuration. The line-scan Brillouin microscopy apparatus includes an illumination source that provides a P polarized illumination light beam for illuminating a sample. A first optical assembly provides the P polarized illumination light beam to the sample and collects initial Brillouin scattered light from the sample. The first optical assembly includes an optical component that converts the initial Brillouin scattered light to S polarized Brillouin scattered light. A second optical assembly is configured to receive the S polarized Brillouin scattered light from the first optical assembly. Characteristically, the second optical assembly is configured to induce a spectral dispersion. A detection unit is configured to detect a spatio-spectral pattern of the initial Brillouin scattered light. Advantageously, multiple points of the sample along P polarized illumination light beam are measured simultaneously.

Abstract: Isothiocyanate (ITC)-androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor conjugates for apoptosis induction in cancer cells are described. The conjugates can have electrophilicity blocked with an agent such as N-acetyl cysteine. When administered in combination with a glutathione (GSH)-depleting agent, the conjugates result in ferroptosis of cancer cells.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes an inverter coupled to a DC source, eight power switches and three DC-link capacitors that synthesize seven output voltage levels. In one example the inverter includes a four-level active neutral pointed clamped inverter (4L-ANCP) that includes six power switches of the eight power switches is operated at a switching frequency with a first voltage stress level, and a half-bridge that includes the other two of the eight power switches is coupled to the 4L-ANCP and operated at a fundamental frequency with a second voltage stress, the second voltage stress being higher than the first voltage stress level.

Abstract: Increasingly, human subjects are taking biotin as a medical therapy or nutritional supplement. This practice causes difficulty in analysis of biological samples, such as blood samples, using biotin conjugate reagents since free biotin results in interference. Inventive antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, which specifically bind to biotin of a biotin conjugate and which have a higher affinity for biotin of a biotin conjugate than for free biotin, are provided along with methods of their use.