Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. The delivery device includes at least one cord is configured to selectively cinch the self-expanding prosthetic heart valve. The delivery device further includes at least one self-expanding release pin comprising a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an intermediate segment positioned between the proximal segment and the distal segment. The at least one self-expanding release pin includes a normal, expanded condition wherein the intermediate segment extends radially outward relative to a central axis of the spindle from the proximal segment to the distal segment. The delivery device further includes a capsule configured to be distally extended relative to the spindle to collapse the at least one self-expanding release pin from the normal, expanded condition of the at least one self-expanding release pin to a collapsed condition of the at least one self-expanding release pin.

Abstract: A system for replacing a heart valve of a patient. The system includes a delivery device and a prosthetic heart valve. The system is configured to be transitionable between a loaded state, a partially deployed state and a deployed state. In the loaded state, the prosthetic heart valve engages a coupling structure and is compressively retained within a primary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed arrangement. In the partially deployed state, the prosthetic heart valve engages the coupling structure and is compressively retained within a secondary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve to a partially deployed arrangement. The partially deployed arrangement is less compressed than the compressed arrangement and less expanded than a deployed arrangement. In the deployed state, the primary and secondary capsules are retracted from over the prosthetic heart valve, which expands to the deployed arrangement and is released from the coupling structure.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for preparing an existing, implanted prosthetic aortic valve for subsequent prosthetic aortic valve implantation. To prepare the existing valve, a valve preparation device is delivered to the valve and valve leaflets are severed either via mechanical cutting or electrodes so that the leaflets cannot obstruct a blood flow path once a prosthetic valve is subsequently implanted within the valve. Similarly, in alternate embodiments, devices and methods of the disclosure can be used for preparing a native aortic valve for delivery and implantation of a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A ring formed of a first gold layer and second silver layer wherein the silver layer is more than fifty percent of the ring weight. The layers are bonded together with the gold layer on a portion of the outer surface to give an appearance of a ring formed entirely of gold. A method for fabricating the ring is also provided.

Abstract: Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins and nucleotide encoding Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins are provided. Also provided is a method for identifying a compound that modulates a cellular response mediated by a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein. A method is further provided for identifying a compound that inhibits an interaction between a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein and a glutamate transporter protein. A method is provided for treating a disorder associated with glutamate transport.

Abstract: The invention includes a transgenic, non-human mammal useful for identifying candidate compounds for treating neurological and/or psychiatric disorders. Incorporated into the genome of the transgenic mammal is a transgene comprising a glutamate transporter promoter operatively linked to a reporter gene. The transgenic non-human mammal and cells isolated therefrom can be used as an in vivo model for the identification of candidate compounds useful for the treatment of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating or preventing neurological disease and disease symptoms using beta-lactam compounds, and compounds useful for treating disease and disease symptoms.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for delivering a heterologous gene to a cell body of a neuron by contacting a muscle tissue innervated by the neuron with a viral vector comprising a heterologous gene, wherein the viral vector enters said neuron and is retrogradely moved to the cell body. Additionally, methods for expressing secreted proteins from a nerve cell body as well as methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying compounds which modulate cellular glycosylation. The invention further provides methods for treating subjects suffering from or at risk of developing a glycosylation associated disorder.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of modulating excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) protein expression, methods of treating disease and disease symptoms, methods of identifying compounds that modulate EAAT protein expression, and compounds useful for modulating EAAT protein expression and treating disease and disease symptoms.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features methods for detecting at least one neurological disorder in a patient, the method comprising obtaining a biological sample from the patient; and detecting at least one aberrant human glutamate transporter 2 (EAAT 2) mRNA in the sample as being indicative of the neurological disorder in the patient. In a particular aspect, the invention is useful for detecting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the patient.

Abstract: Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins and nucleotide encoding Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins are provided. Also provided is a method for identifying a compound that modulates a cellular response mediated by a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein. A method is further provided for identifying a compound that inhibits an interaction between a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein and a glutamate transporter protein. A method is provided for treating a disorder associated with glutamate transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules comprising the EAAT2 promoter, as well as screening assays useful for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the EAAT2 promoter, and methods of treating neurological disorders comprising administration of EAAT2 promoter modulators.