Abstract: Cancer immunology provides promising new avenues for cancer treatment but validation of potential neoantigens to target is costly and expensive. Analysis of MHC binding affinity, antigen processing, similarity to known antigens, predicted expression levels (as mRNA or proteins), self-similarity, and mutant allele frequency, provides screening method to identify and prioritize candidate neoantigens using sequencing data. Methods of the invention thereby save time and money by identifying the priority candidate neoantigens for further experimental validation.

Abstract: A contact sports training device is disclosed in which a single individual may realistically practice two-person contact sports, self-defense, or martial arts techniques that include grappling, blocking, and deflection, which may include a flexible back plate and one or more arms attached thereto to realistically resist and flex when a force is applied by a trainee, allowing for the practice of techniques that teach how to strike through, deflect, or penetrate defenses in a more lifelike training scenario. The contact sports training device may also include simulated weapons, be mounted to a heavy bag, Bob®, or other surface by straps or fasteners. Methods of training with a contact sports training device are also disclosed, including providing a responsive contact sports training device having simulated human arms extended forward in a defensive posture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrazole derivatives having pharmacological activity towards the ?2? subunit, in particular the ?2?-1 subunit, of the voltage-gated calcium channel, in particular having dual pharmacological activity towards both the ?2? subunit, in particular the ?2?-1 subunit, of the voltage-gated calcium channel and the ?-opioid receptor. The present invention also relates to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of pain.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a data center that includes at least one rack cabinet configured to store at least one computing asset. The system includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the computing asset, where the RFID tag stores inventory data related to the computing asset. The system also includes a plurality of tracking modules disposed inside of the rack cabinet without being physically attached to the computing asset. Each tracking module is adapted to monitor a condition inside of the rack cabinet. At least one of the plurality of tracking modules includes an RFID reader configured to communicate with the RFID tag to obtain the inventory data of the computing asset. The RFID tag and reader maintain a line of sight relative to each other inside of the rack cabinet to minimize metallic interference during communication therebetween.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: A method of recovering metals from electronic waste comprises providing a powder comprising electronic waste in at least a first reactor and a second reactor and providing an electrolyte comprising at least ferric ions in an electrochemical cell in fluid communication with the first reactor and the second reactor. The method further includes contacting the powders within the first reactor and the second reactor with the electrolyte to dissolve at least one base metal from each reactor into the electrolyte and reduce at least some of the ferric ions to ferrous ions. The ferrous ions are oxidized at an anode of the electrochemical cell to regenerate the ferric ions. The powder within the second reactor comprises a higher weight percent of the at least one base metal than the powder in the first reactor. Additional methods of recovering metals from electronic waste are also described, as well as an apparatus of recovering metals from electronic waste.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for identifying functional anti-tumor T cell responses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are positive allosteric modulators of melanocortin receptor and methods of using such modulators.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an instrument with a cleaning fluid includes a vessel defining a chamber and a port for at least partially filling the chamber with the fluid. The apparatus further includes an ultrasonic transducer for delivering ultrasonic energy to the fluid, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the chamber. The apparatus further includes a rotatable device removably disposable in the chamber and having a rack defining a cavity for supporting the instrument. The rotatable device also has a fluid delivery member extending toward the cavity and having a fluid channel between an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a fluid transmission system in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member for circulating the fluid from the chamber through the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member. A method of cleaning an instrument is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arylamide derivatives having dual pharmacological activity towards both the ?2? subunit, in particular the ?2?-1 subunit, of the voltage-gated calcium channel and the ?-opioid receptor, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of pain.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for electrochemically upgrading bio-oils and bio-crudes that enhance yields of selected reduction products for subsequent production of bio-based fuels.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for securing one or more printed circuit boards to a substrate. The substrate may include retention tabs that form a receiving slot that receives an edge of the printed circuit board. The retention tabs and printed circuit board may have corresponding engaging features designed to retain the printed circuit board within the receiving slot and that, in some embodiments, can permit slight movement of the printed circuit board within the receiving slot to accommodate any thermal expansion of the board during use.

Abstract: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs) are a rare but clinically important form of pancreatic neoplasia. To explore the genetic basis of PanNETs, we determined the exomic sequences of ten non-familial PanNETs and then screened the most commonly mutated genes in 58 additional PanNETs. Remarkably, the most frequently mutated genes specify proteins implicated in chromatin remodeling: 44% of the tumors had somatic inactivating mutations in MEN-1, which encodes menin, a component of a histone methyltransferase complex; and 43% had mutations in genes encoding either of the two subunits of a transcription/chromatin remodeling complex consisting of DAXX (death-domain associated protein) and ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked). Clinically, mutations in the MEN1 and DAXX/ATRX genes were associated with better prognosis.

Abstract: Blockade of immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) shows promise in patients with cancer. Inhibitory antibodies directed at these receptors have been shown to break immune tolerance and promote anti-tumor immunity. These agents work particularly well in patients with a certain category of tumor. Such tumors may be particularly susceptible to treatment because of the multitude of neoantigens which they produce.

Abstract: As cell-free DNA from brain and spinal cord tumors cannot usually be detected in the blood, we assessed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the CNS for tumor DNA, here termed CSF-tDNA. The results suggest that CSF-tDNA could be useful for the management of patients with primary tumors of the brain or spinal cord.

Abstract: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs) are a rare but clinically important form of pancreatic neoplasia. To explore the genetic basis of PanNETs, we determined the exomic sequences of ten non-familial PanNETs and then screened the most commonly mutated genes in 58 additional PanNETs. Remarkably, the most frequently mutated genes specify proteins implicated in chromatin remodeling: 44% of the tumors had somatic inactivating mutations in MEN-1, which encodes menin, a component of a histone methyltransferase complex; and 43% had mutations in genes encoding either of the two subunits of a transcription/chromatin remodeling complex consisting of DAXX (death-domain associated protein) and ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked). Clinically, mutations in the MEN1 and DAXX/ATRX genes were associated with better prognosis.

Abstract: We determined the sequence of ATRX and DAXX in 447 cancers from various sites. We found mutations most commonly in pediatric glioblastoma multiformae (GBM) (11.1%), adult GBM (6.5%), oligodendrogliomas (7.7%) and medulloblastomas (1.5%); and showed that Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism found in cancers that have not activated telomerase, perfectly correlated with somatic mutations of either gene. In contrast, neuroblastomas, and adenocarcinomas of the ovary, breast, and pancreas were negative for mutations in ATRX and DAXX. Alterations in ATRX or DAXX define a specific molecular pathway that is closely associated with an alternative telomere maintenance function in human cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable accommodative IOL system for insertion into an eye of a patient, the system comprising: an optical element and a housing including an opaque frame. The optical element comprises an optical lens having variable optical power, and the opaque frame is circumferentially disposed around a periphery of the optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an instrument with a cleaning fluid includes a vessel defining a chamber and a port for at least partially filling the chamber with the fluid. The apparatus further includes an ultrasonic transducer for delivering ultrasonic energy to the fluid, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the chamber. The apparatus further includes a rotatable device removably disposable in the chamber and having a rack defining a cavity for supporting the instrument. The rotatable device also has a fluid delivery member extending toward the cavity and having a fluid channel between an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus further includes a fluid transmission system in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member for circulating the fluid from the chamber through the fluid channel of the fluid delivery member. A method of cleaning an instrument is also provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic test for ovarian cysts is based on the detection of mutations characteristic of the most common neoplasms giving rise to these lesions. With this test, tumor-specific mutations were detected in the cyst fluids of 19 of 24 (79%) borderline tumors and 28 of 31 (90%) malignant ovarian cancers. In contrast, we detected no mutations in the cyst fluids from 10 non-neoplastic cysts and 12 benign tumors. When categorized by the need for exploratory surgery (i.e., presence of a borderline tumor or malignant cancer), the sensitivity of this test was 85% and the specificity was 100%. These tests could inform the diagnosis of ovarian cysts and improve the clinical management of the large number of women with these lesions.