Abstract: The disclosure provides stereocilin (STRC) promoters, as well as vectors containing the same, that can be used to express a desired expression product in hair cells that endogenously express STRC, including cochlear and vestibular hair cells. The STRC promoters described herein may be operably linked to a polynucleotide, such as a transgene, encoding a heterologous expression product and used for the treatment of subjects having or at risk of developing hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction.

Abstract: A laminate composite composed of at least two laminations (1, 7) and an imprint located between them (3). The lamination (7) includes at least two layers (4, 5, 6). One layer (5) includes a UV absorber to protect the imprint. This layer (5) is characterized by having a lower density than the other layers (4, 6). The other layers (4, 6) preferably have a density that is higher relative to the one layer (5) by a factor of 1.005, in particular by a factor of 1.01, preferably by a factor of 1.015.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions containing polynucleotides that encode a stereocilin protein under regulatory control of an outer hair cell-specific promoter, as well as two-vector systems containing the same, that can be used to promote expression of stereocilin specifically in outer hair cells. Additionally, the compositions described herein may be used for the treatment of subjects having or at risk ofdeveloping hearing loss, such as hearing loss associated with a mutation in stereocilin.

Abstract: A laminate composite composed of at least two laminations (1, 7) and an imprint located between them (3). The lamination (7) includes at least two layers (4, 5, 6). One layer (5) includes a UV absorber to protect the imprint. This layer (5) is characterized by having a lower density than the other layers (4, 6). The other layers (4, 6) preferably have a density that is higher relative to the one layer (5) by a factor of 1.005, in particular by a factor of 1.01, preferably by a factor of 1.015.

Abstract: Transducer probe identification is provided. A wireless identification is provided. For example, a radiofrequency identification tag is positioned within a transducer probe. A receiver is positioned within the imaging device. Using the wireless information, the imaging device may generate a list of available transducers regardless of whether they are connected with the imaging device. As an alternative or addition, information specific to a transducer is provided to the imaging device. Using either wireless transmission or a wired connection, the information distinguishes a given transducer from other transducers of a same type and manufacturer or from all other transducers. The specific identifier is then used with security information to prevent theft.