Abstract: A method of retrieving fetal cells from an endocervical sample by removing the mucus from the endocervical sample by disassociating fetal cells and maternal cells in the endocervical sample; and isolating disassociated fetal cells from other cells in the endocervical sample. Also provided is a method of retrieving fetal cells from an endocervical sample, by obtaining a mixture of disassociated cells prepared by the above method, treating the cells with a fetal-specific antibody, identifying cells that have bound to the fetal-specific antibody, and isolating the identified cells. The disassociated cell prepared by the above method can be analyzed and used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the identification of fetal cells among cervical cells, determination of fetal cell density to predict high risk pregnancy, genetic analysis of fetal cells, and determination of growth factor or other biomarker expression to predict obstetrical disorders.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize anti-CD11b antibodies, anti-CD18 antibodies, anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies, anti-integrin ?V antibodies, anti-integrin ?1 antibodies, Abciximab, neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) protein, and/or combinations thereof to treat solid tumors are described.

Abstract: Methods of isolating and assaying fetal extravillous trophoblast cells, including assays of RNA of the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells according to aspects of the disclosure include obtaining a maternal endocervical sample containing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from a pregnant subject; fixing the maternal endocervical sample in an aldehyde fixative, removing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from the maternal endocervical sample thereby producing isolated extravillous trophoblast cells, isolating and assaying RNA from the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids and nucleic acid expression vectors containing optimized mGluR6 promoters for expression of transgenes in the retina. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for expression of gene products to preserve, improve, or restore phototransduction or vision.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in detecting the presence of diseases, the biosensor comprising a detector for detecting a presence of at least one marker indicative of a specific disease. A method of determining efficacy of a pharmaceutical for treating a disease or staging disease by administering a pharmaceutical to a sample containing markers for a disease, detecting the amount of at least one marker of the disease in the sample, and analyzing the amount of the marker in the sample, whereby the amount of marker correlates to pharmaceutical efficacy or disease stage. Markers for gynecological disease. An immune-imaging agent comprising labeled antibodies, whereby the labeled antibodies are isolated and reactive to proteins overexpressed in vivo. Informatics software for analyzing the arrays, the software including analyzing means for analyzing the arrays.

Abstract: A Distributed sensing and control network includes multiple sensing/control nodes, each of which includes a controller. Each sensing/control node determines signal transmission/receipt scheduling based on a physical-ratio-k-scheduling (PRKS) protocol stored within the controller.

Abstract: Methods of isolating DNA of a fetus of an ongoing pregnancy are provided according to the present invention which include obtaining a maternal endocervical sample containing maternal cells and fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from a pregnant subject; isolating fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from the maternal endocervical sample, producing isolated fetal extravillous trophoblast cells contaminated with maternal DNA; lysing the isolated fetal extravillous trophoblast cells; isolating fetal nuclei from the lysed fetal extravillous trophoblast cells, producing isolated fetal nuclei, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminating maternal DNA; and purifying genomic DNA from the isolated fetal nuclei, producing purified fetal genomic DNA. The purified fetal genomic DNA can be assayed to determine a characteristic of a genomic DNA sequence of the purified fetal genomic DNA, thereby determining a characteristic of DNA of a fetus of an ongoing pregnancy.

Abstract: IgA-based Fc-folate conjugates as a treatment for cancer are provided. The conjugates utilize only the Fc portion of IgA to target its receptor on neutrophils (Fc?R1) to elicit antibody-dependent cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for assessing the presence or risk of obstetrical complications, particularly those related to an angiogenic and anti-angiogenic imbalance. Also provided are methods of treating an angiogenic and anti-angiogenic imbalance with water-soluble statins, such as pravastatin.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: Systems and methods to assess the health of various microbiomes and to identity species therein are disclosed. Described assessments and identifications can inform treatment decisions if a microbiome is determined to have a less than optimal balance of bacterial species within it; the presence of one or more negative species; and/or the absence of one or more positive species.

Abstract: Cell culture devices and methods of their use are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include a base having a pair of spaced apart wells and at least one fluid port defined from an exterior of the base to each of the wells, each fluid port being spaced above the base sheet by a distance sufficient to introduce a material above a matrix deposited on the base sheet in the wells; and a cover having a pair of spaced apart well covering portions that are each disposed above a respective one of the one spaced apart wells of the base body when the cover is covering the upper surface of the base body and having a gas passage defined between the spaced apart well covering portions and at least one gas port defined from an exterior of the cover to each of the well covering portions.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor assembly includes an optical proximity sensor with an IR LED emitting light having an infrared wavelength, an IR photo detector sensitive to the infrared wavelength, an optical barrier blocking direct light rays from the LED to the IR photo detector and permitting reflected light rays to reach the at least one photo detector; and an electronic integrated circuit with an amplifier for amplifying a signal detected by the photo detector, an analog to digital converter, LED drivers, noise reduction and ambient light cancellation circuitry, and a digital interface for communication with a microcontroller. The optical proximity sensor is accommodated on a wearable carrier. A single sensor may include a plurality of identical or different LEDs, a plurality of photodiodes, or both. Also, several sensors may be placed on a person's skin along a vascular path to obtain data relating to blood flow and artery stiffness.

Abstract: A method of generating protein-induced pluripotent stem cells by delivering bacterial!y expressed reprogramming proteins into nuclei of starting somatic cells using the QQ-protein transduction technique, repeating several cell reprogramming cycles for creating reprogrammed protein-induced pluripotent stem cells, moving the reprogrammed cells into a feeder-free medium for expansion, and expanding and passaging the reprogrammed cells in a whole dish for generating homogeneous piPS cells. Also provided are the piPCS cells formed using this method and uses thereof.

Abstract: Valproate is useful as an antifungal agent. The valproate compositions can be used to treat fungal infections. The valproate compositions can be formulated as topical antifungals.

Abstract: A nanodevice composition including N-acetyl cysteine linked to a dendrimer, such as a PAMAM dendrimer or a multiarm PEG polymer, is provided. Also provided is a nanodevice for targeted delivery of a compound to a location in need of treatment. The nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer, linked to the compound via a disulfide bond. There is provided a nanodevice composition for localizing and delivering therapeutically active agents, the nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer and at least one therapeutically active agent attached to the PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer.

Abstract: An ionizing system includes a channel and a heater coupled to the channel. The channel has an inlet disposed in a first pressure region having a first pressure and an outlet disposed in a second pressure region having a second pressure. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The heater is for heating the channel, and the channel is configured to generate charged particles of a sample in response to the sample being introduced into the channel.

Abstract: Valproate is useful as an antifungal agent. The valproate compositions can be used to treat fungal infections. The valproate compositions can be formulated as topical antifungals.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject in need thereof are provided which include administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a protein transduction reagent-modified reprogramming protein to the subject, wherein the protein transduction reagent is non-covalently bound to the reprogramming protein and wherein the protein transduction reagent comprises a cation reagent and a lipid. According to aspects, such methods provide delivery of protein-transduction reagent-modified reprogramming proteins to cancer cells, such as tumor cells, as well as diseased cells of diseased tissues and provide in vivo conversion of diseased cells into normal cells via protein-induced in situ cell reprogramming without administration of nucleic acids to the subject.