Abstract: According to some aspects, a spectrometer is provided, the spectrometer configured to receive molecules of a plurality of metabolites including one or more molecules of a first metabolite, filter the received molecules to retain molecules of the first metabolite including a plurality of different mass isotopomers of the first metabolite, fragment molecules of a first mass isotopmer of the retained molecules to produce a first plurality of daughter ions, measure abundances of the first plurality of daughter ions as a function of daughter ion mass, fragment molecules of a second istopomer, different from the first mass isotopmer, of the retained molecules to produce a second plurality of daughter ions, and measure abundances of the second plurality of daughter ions as a function of the daughter ion mass.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating or ameliorating the symptoms of inflammatory or autoimmune disease or disorder are described herein. The compositions contain a nanolipogel for sustained delivery of an effective amount of one or more active agents of choice, preferably a drug for treating or ameliorating the symptoms of inflammatory or autoimmune disease or disorder. The nanolipogel includes a lipid bilayer surrounding a hydrogel core, which may optionally include a host molecule, for example, an absorbent such as a cyclodextrin or ion-exchange resin. In preferred embodiments at least one of active agents is an immunosuppressant.

Abstract: A method for forming an isoporous graded film comprising multiblock copolymers and isoporous graded films. The films have a surface layer and a bulk layer. The surface layer can have at least 1×1014 pores/m2 and a pore size distribution (dmax/dmin)) of less than 3. The bulk layer has an asymmetric structure. The films can be used in filtration applications.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of identifying a human subject at-risk of developing SeSAME syndrome. The invention also includes a method of diagnosing a human subject afflicted with SeSAME syndrome. The invention further includes a method of identifying a therapeutic agent that modulates a given KCNJ10 mediated K+ current in a mammalian cell. The invention also includes a method of diagnosing a subject as a carrier of SeSAME syndrome.

Abstract: A wireless Josephson-junction-based parametric converter is described. The converter may be formed on a substrate with antennas that pump are configured to wirelessly receive pump, signal and idler frequencies and couple the received frequencies to the converter's circuitry. Capacitors may also be fabricated on the same substrate and sized to tune operation of the converter to desired frequencies. The converter may be coupled directly to microwave waveguides, and may be tuned to different signal frequencies by applying magnetic flux to the converter circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and agents for the treatment of cancer using p53-independent apoptosis to reduce the number of p53-depleted or p53-mutated cancer cells that have amplified HER2 gene. Also disclosed herein are methods and agents for the treatment of HER2-positive cancer in individuals with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.

Abstract: Poly(amine-co-ester-co-ortho ester) polymers, methods of forming active agent-load nanoparticles therefrom, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery are disclosed. The nanoparticles can be coated with an agent that reduces surface charge, an agent that increases cell-specific targeting, or a combination thereof. Typically, the loaded nanoparticles are less toxic, more efficient at drug delivery, or a combination thereof compared to a control or other transfection reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates more particularly to active optical fibers, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) sources using such active optical fibers, and imaging and detection systems and methods using such ASE sources. In one aspect, the disclosure provides an active optical fiber that includes a rare earth-doped gain core configured to emit radiation at at least a peak wavelength emitted wavelength when pumped with pump radiation having a pump wavelength; a pump core surrounding the gain core; and a cladding surrounding the pump core, wherein the value M=16R2(NA)2/?2 in which R is the gain core radius, NA is the active optical fiber numerical aperture, and ? is the peak emitted wavelength, is at least 50, or at least 100. The present disclosure also provides an optical source that includes the optical fiber coupled to a pump source.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and preventing an A?-modulated disease. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an inhibitor of Fyn tyrosine kinase, and methods of using the same. In certain embodiments, the inhibitor of the invention inhibits A? oligomer induced signaling and reduces or halts the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Core-shell particles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The core is formed of or contains one or more hydrophobic materials or more hydrophobic materials. The shell is formed of or contains hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG). The HPG coating can be modified to adjust the properties of the particles. Unmodified HPG coatings impart stealth properties to the particles which resist non-specific protein absorption and increase circulation in the blood. The hydroxyl groups on the HPG coating can be chemically modified to form functional groups that react with functional groups and adhere the particles to tissue, cells, or extracellular materials, such as proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides LED devices comprising gallium nitride LED diodes, at least a portion of which have been modified with color-converting quantum dots. The invention also provides methods of fabricating the LED devices of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a treatment recommendation for a patient having a depression disorder. The method comprising receiving patient information including patient responses to each of a plurality of questions provided on a questionnaire, processing, with a trained statistical model, at least some of the received patient information to determine treatment recommendation information for the patient, and transmitting the treatment recommendation information to an electronic device.

Abstract: A scalable approach for the synthesis of black phosphorus (BP) material thin films over large areas is described. A red phosphorus (RP) material thin film may be deposited on a substrate followed by conversion to a BP material thin film using high-pressure alone or high pressure and high temperature. A thin-film of dielectric material such as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) can be formed on a RP material film before the conversion is performed to improve the crystalline quality and stability of the converted BP material. Surprisingly, an atomically sharp and defect-free interface can be formed between the converted BP material and hBN. The BP material has high crystalline uniformity and can be used to fabricate thin-film transistors and optoelectronic devices such as infrared photodetectors.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating disease and disorders associated with pathological calcification or pathological ossification by modulating the level or activity of NPP1 or a mutant thereof, or a mutant NPP4 modified to exhibit ATP hydrolase activity similar to the hydrolase activity of NPP1.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of preventing or treating a toxic liver disease or disorder, such as but not limited to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver injury associated with or caused by alcohol consumption in a mammal afflicted with NASH, alcoholic hepatitis, drug induced liver injury, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and other toxic liver conditions, in a subject, such as a mammal. The invention also includes a method of promoting weight loss in a subject, such as a mammal. The invention comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dose of at least one cardiac glycoside or a solvate, salt, prodrug or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A “nanolipogel” is a delivery vehicle including one or more lipid layer surrounding a hydrogel core, which may include an absorbent such as a cyclodextrin or ion-exchange resin. Nanolipogels can be constructed so as to incorporate a variety of different chemical entities that can subsequently be released in a controlled fashion. These different incorporated chemical entities can differ dramatically with respect to size and composition. Nanolipogels have been constructed to contain co-encapsulated proteins as well as small hydrophobic drugs within the interior of the lipid bilayer. Agents incorporated within nanolipogels can be released into the milieu in a controlled fashion, for example, nanolipogels provide a means of achieving simultaneous sustained release of agents that differ widely in chemical composition and molecular weight. Additionally, nanolipogels can favorably modulate biodistribution.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of preparing flagellar-coiling protein 1 (Fcp1)-deficient Leptospira bacterium. In one aspect, the invention includes an isolated, flagellar-coiling protein 1 (Fcp1)-deficient Leptospira bacterium. Another aspect includes a composition comprising a flagellar-coiling protein 1 (Fcp1) deficient Leptospira bacterium. Yet another aspect includes a method of producing a motility-deficient Leptospira bacterium comprising inhibiting expression of a wild-type flagellar-coiling protein 1 (Fcp1) gene. Methods of stimulating an immune response and reducing or treating an infectious disease caused by one or more Leptospira bacteria in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of flagellar-coiling protein 1 (Fcp1) deficient Leptospira bacteria to the subject are also included.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a computer program product, and a system are provided. A plurality of multi-level cognitive exercises are provided to an individual. Each of the multi-level cognitive exercises includes at least one task to perform. The individual is requested to respond to a cognitive exercise in the plurality of cognitive exercises by performing the at least one task contained in the cognitive exercise. A response provided by the individual to the cognitive exercise is monitored. Based on the monitoring, a determination is made whether the individual performed the at least one task at a predetermined performance level, wherein the performance level is defined by the at least one task contained in the cognitive exercise. Based on the determining, the individual is requested to perform at least another task. At least one activity for the individual to perform is generated. The at least one activity is based on responses to the multi-level cognitive exercises by the individual.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, for example: oral rehydration compositions, beverages, food items, methods and uses, which utilise resistant starch to prevent or treat dehydration, including dehydration which is caused by diarrhoea. Beverages, food items and oral rehydration solutions including a resistant starch, which are suitable for aiding in the maintenance and restoration of hydration levels in individuals undertaking physical activities, including sports, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating diseases or disorders associated with pathological calcification or pathological ossification. In certain embodiments, the diseases or disorders are selected from the group consisting of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification (IIAC), Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), hypophosphatemic rickets, osteoarthritis, calcification of atherosclerotic plaques, PXE, hereditary and non-hereditary forms of osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hardening of the arteries occurring with aging, calciphylaxis resulting from end stage renal disease and progeria.