Abstract: In alternative embodiments, provided are selective agonists having a high affinity for the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (?7 nAChR), assays for selectivity of nicotinic receptor subtype and ligand-gated ion channel subtype based on receptor occupation and response, behavioral assessments for reversing cognitive impairment after scopolamine treatment, enhancing memory retention over time, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations and devices comprising them, and methods for making and using them, including characterizing and efficiently assaying them for receptor subtype selectivity. In alternative embodiments, provided are substituted anti 1,2,3-triazoles compounds with high affinity, and selective binding, for the alpha7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor (?7 nAChR), as exemplified by 5-(1-(2-(Piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-1H-indole (“IND1”), 5-((quinuclid-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-1H-indole (“IND8”) and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) quinuclidine (“QND8”).

Abstract: Disclosed are polycationic polymers. The polycationic polymers can include a plurality of positively charged centers, each of which is formed by condensation of cyclic bis-electrophile (e.g., a 9-thia/aza/selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl electrophile) with a nucleophile. The resulting polycationic polymers can efficiently bind nucleic acids. The polycations can also exhibit properties of cytotoxicity and DNA transfection with interesting structure-activity characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are degradable materials comprising the reaction product of an oxanorbornadiene crosslinker or derivative thereof and a multivalent nucleophile-terminated compound, wherein the reaction product is a degradable elastic solid capable of entraining cargo. Also disclosed herein are degradable materials comprising a polymeric and hyperbranched crosslinked material made with oxanorbornadiene linkage that can be activated for cleavage at a predetermined rate by addition of a nucleophile. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: In addition to containing and protecting the viral genome, the capsid (protein shell) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays critical roles in the viral life cycle including regulation of intracellular trafficking and nucleic acid metabolism. Substituted pyrimidine modulators of the assembly of the HBV capsid structure and methods for their use are described.

Abstract: In addition to containing and protecting the viral genome, the capsid (protein shell) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays critical roles in the viral life cycle including regulation of intracellular trafficking and nucleic acid metabolism. Substituted pyrimidine modulators of the assembly of the HBV capsid structure and methods for their use are described.

Abstract: In addition to containing and protecting the viral genome, the capsid (protein shell) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays critical roles in the viral life cycle including regulation of intracellular trafficking and nucleic acid metabolism. Substituted pyrimidine modulators of the assembly of the HBV capsid structure and methods for their use are described.

Abstract: The invention provides amphiphilic compounds with hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces. The compounds can be readily prepared from steroids such as cholic acid or deoxycholic acid, which provide hydrophobic skeletons with structures similar to that of the lipid cholesterol. The compounds of the invention can be used to aid the solubilization, isolation, purification, stabilization, crystallization, and/or structural determination of membrane proteins, and to prepare micelles for delivery of a bioactive agent, such as a drug or a gene, to a subject.

Abstract: Ligands useful for promoting copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions comprise a compound represented by structural Formula (I) as described in the specification, wherein in Formula (I) Z1 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or a group represented by the formula: Y1—(CH2)c—Y2—(CH2)d—Y3—CH2—N(CH2Z4)(CH2Z5), where Y1 is -E1-C(O)O—, -E1-C(O)NH—, -E1-, or a covalent bond; Y2 is a covalent bond, —CH?CH—, or a 1,4-(1,2,3-triazolyl) group; Y3 is —OC(O)-E2-, —NHC(O)-E2-, -E2-, or a covalent bond; each of E1 and E2 is a benzimidazolyl group attached at the 1 and 2 positions; each of c and d is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; each of Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group including a substituent X1 and optionally including a substituent (CH2)n—R1, and Y1, Y2, Y3, X1, R1, c, d and n are each as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Protein nanoparticles encapsulate cargo proteins within an enclosure containing a protected chemical milieu. Encapsulation within such protected chemical milieu enhances the employability and performance of cargo proteins, particularly cargo enzymes, particularly within otherwise hostile chemical environments. Protein nanoparticles are assembled using shell proteins, such as viral coat proteins like Q?, in the presence of a bifunctional polynucleotide and the selected cargo protein. The bifunctional polynucleotide includes two aptameric activities that assist the disposition and retention of cargo proteins within the protein nanoparticle.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Adhesive polymers are formed when polyvalent azides and alkynes are assembled into crosslinked polymer networks by copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The condensation polymerization is efficiently promoted by Cu ions either leached from the metal surface or added to the monomer mixture, and strong interactions with metal surfaces are provided by the multiple triazole binding elements produced. The adhesive polymers may be formed either as adhesive polymer coatings or as adhesive polymer cement.

Abstract: Ligands useful for promoting copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions comprise a compound represented by structural Formula (I) as described in the specification, wherein in Formula (I) Z1 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or a group represented by the formula: Y1—(CH2)c—Y2—(CH2)d—Y3—CH2—N(CH2Z4)(CH2Z5), where Y1 is -E1-C(O)O—, -E1-C(O)NH—, -E1-, or a covalent bond; Y2 is a covalent bond, —CH?CH—, or a 1,4-(1,2,3-triazolyl) group; Y3 is —OC(O)-E2-, —NHC(O)-E2-, -E2-, or a covalent bond; each of E1 and E2 is a benzimidazolyl group attached at the 1 and 2 positions; each of c and d is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; each of Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group including a substituent X1 and optionally including a substituent (CH2)n—R1, and Y1, Y2, Y3, X1, R1, c, d and n are each as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of compounds to a scaffold. Compositions and methods are further provided for catalyzing a reaction between at least one terminal alkyne moiety and at least one azide moiety, wherein one moiety is attached to the compound and the other moiety is attached to the scaffold, forming at least one triazole thereby.

Abstract: Adhesive polymers are formed when polyvalent azides and alkynes are assembled into crosslinked polymer networks by copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The condensation polymerization is efficiently promoted by Cu ions either leached from the metal surface or added to the monomer mixture, and strong interactions with metal surfaces are provided by the multiple triazole binding elements produced. The adhesive polymers may be formed either as adhesive polymer coatings or as adhesive polymer cement.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of compounds to a scaffold. Compositions and methods are further provided for catalyzing a reaction between at least one terminal alkyne moiety and at least one azide moiety, wherein one moiety is attached to the compound and the other moiety is attached to the scaffold, forming at least one triazole thereby.