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: Disclosed herein is a species of peptide and non-peptide inhibitors of Akt, an oncogenic protein. Beginning with a residue of Akt target substrate GSK-3, the functional domains of the GSK-3 residue were characterized. Functionally homologous non-peptide groups were substituted for the amino acids of the GSK-3 creating a hybrid peptide-non-peptide and non-peptide compounds capable of binding to Akt. The non-peptide compounds show increased stability and rigidity compared to peptide counterparts and are less susceptible to degradation. The bound non-peptide compounds exhibit an inhibitory effect on Akt, similar to peptide-based Akt inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating hepatitis in a patient, which includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, device, and method for the high throughput multiplexed detection of a wide number of compounds. The invention comprises of a microwell array coupled to a capture agent array to form a plurality of interfaces between a microwell and a set of immobilized capture agents. The set of capture agents comprises a plurality of distinguishable features, with each feature corresponding to the detection of a particular compound of interest. In certain embodiments, each microwell is configured to contain a single cell. The invention is therefore capable of performing a high throughput analysis of single cell profiles, including profiles of secreted compounds.

Abstract: Separation processes using forward osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of a solvent from a first solution to concentrate a solute therein by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. One or both of the solute and solvent may be a desired product. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. The various species of solute within the second solution can be recovered and recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and system for high-efficiency and low-noise detection of single photons within the visible and infrared spectrum. In certain embodiments, the device of the invention can be integrated within photonic circuits to provide on-chip photon detection. The device comprises a traveling wave design comprising a waveguide layer and a superconducting nanowire atop of the waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention includes compounds that are useful in perturbing or disrupting the function of a transmembrane or intracellular protein, whereby binding of a compound to the transmembrane or intracellular protein induces proteasomal degradation of the transmembrane or intracellular protein. The present invention further includes a method of inducing proteasomal degradation of a transmembrane or intracellular protein. The present invention further includes a method of identifying or validating a protein of interest as a therapeutic target for treatment of a disease state or condition.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for processing data are disclosed. The system includes a data processing framework configured to receive a data processing task for processing, a plurality of database systems coupled to the data processing framework, and a storage component in communication with the data processing framework and the plurality database systems. The database systems perform a data processing task. The data processing task is partitioned into a plurality of partitions and each database system processes a partition of the data processing task assigned for processing to that database system. Each database system performs processing of its assigned partition of the data processing task in parallel with another database system processing another partition of the data processing task assigned to the another database system. The data processing framework performs at least one partition of the data processing task.

Abstract: An intrauterine device for applying force to a wall of a uterus to promote contraception without blocking the fallopian tubes may include an elongate member formed of a resilient material and having a default expanded configuration and a spring portion disposed approximately at a midpoint between two ends of the elongate member. The IUD may also include two tissue contact members, one tissue contact member disposed at one of the two ends of the elongate member and the other tissue contact member disposed at the other end. The tissue contact members may generate a laterally directed force against the wall of the uterus when the intrauterine device assumes its default expanded configuration.

Abstract: As microbial drug-resistance increases, there is a critical need for new classes of compounds to combat infectious diseases. The Ixodes scapularis tick antifreeze glycoprotein, IAFGP, functions as an anti-infective agent against diverse bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Recombinant IAFGP and a peptide, PI, described herein and derived from this protein, bind to microbes and alter biofilm formation. Transgenic iafgp-expressing flies and mice challenged with bacteria, as well as wild-type animals administered IAFGP or PI, were resistant to infection, septic shock, or biofilm development on implanted biomaterials. Antifreeze protein controls bacterial infection and present new therapeutic strategies to counter pathogens.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to three-dimensional (3D) Ferroelectric-gated FET (FeFET) structures that can be used to implement circuitry include memory cells, memory arrays, and/or other logic-based circuitry. For example, in exemplary embodiments, 3D FeFET AND memory arrays with vertical and horizontal channel structures are provided.

Abstract: A device that can be delivered into a body cavity to manipulate tissue intracorporeally while being controlled extracorporeally and a method of using the device to perform a single-port laparoscopic or natural orifice surgery are provided. The device is capable of being passed through an interior diameter of a single port into the body cavity. The device may include an anchor or suspension element that is attachable or mountable to the tissue intracorporeally, a guide element attached to the anchor or suspension element that allows for manipulation of at least one structure in at least one direction, and at least one structure attached to a suture or thread that is passable through the interior diameter of the port and positionable by the guide element. The structure is controllable extracorporeally by manipulating the suture or thread so that the structure moves in at least one direction intracorporeally.

Abstract: A low-noise directional amplifier includes a first port, a second port, a first coupler and a second coupler. The first port is coupled to a first coupler. The low-noise directional amplifier also includes at least two phase preserving amplifiers, a first phase preserving amplifier connected to the first coupler and a second coupler, and the second phase preserving amplifier connected to the first coupler and the second coupler.

Abstract: The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting mutations in WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62).

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring tRNASec and methods of using them for recombinant expression of proteins engineered to include one or more selenocysteine residues are disclosed. The non-naturally occurring tRNASec can be used for recombinant manufacture of selenocysteine containing polypeptides encoded by mRNA without the requirement of an SECIS element. In some embodiments, selenocysteine containing polypeptides are manufactured by co-expressing a non-naturally occurring tRNASec a recombinant expression system, such as E. coli, with SerRS, EF-Tu, SelA, or PSTK and SepSecS, and an mRNA with at least one codon that recognizes the anticodon of the non-naturally occurring tRNASec.

Abstract: The invention includes an isolated transport peptide, which crosses the cell membrane of a cell and/or binds to a target cell. The invention also includes a transport construct in which a transport peptide is linked to a cargo moiety to be delivered into a cell. The invention further includes a method of delivering a transport construct into and/or to a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a species of peptide and non-peptide inhibitors of Akt, an oncogenic protein. Beginning with a residue of Akt target substrate GSK-3, the functional domains of the GSK-3 residue were characterized. Functionally homologous non-peptide groups were substituted for the amino acids of the GSK-3 creating a hybrid peptide-non-peptide and non-peptide compounds capable of binding to Akt. The non-peptide compounds show increased stability and rigidity compared to peptide counterparts and are less susceptible to degradation. The bound non-peptide compounds exhibit an inhibitory effect on Akt, similar to peptide-based Akt inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for ameliorating biofilm formation on a surface of an indwelling or implanted device in a patient resulting in decreased virulence of microorganisms such as Candida species and/or Staphylococcus species.