Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: It has been discovered that phosphorylation-dependent uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in endothelial cell (EC) barrier disruption. Compositions and methods to reduce or prevent eNOS uncoupling are disclosed. Decoy peptides that can prevent phosphorylation and mitochondrial redistribution of eNOS, reduce eNOS uncoupling, and preserve EC barrier function, and uses thereof, are described. The peptides improve lung vascular integrity in a mouse model of VILI. Thus, the decoy peptides can be used to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with increased vascular permeability such as ALI, ARDS, and VILI.

Abstract: Antibodies for detecting nitration of nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and antibodies for detecting nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1? are disclosed. Methods of detecting nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1?, and uses thereof are also disclosed for identification and diagnosis or phenotypes, pathologies, diseases and disorders associated with protein nitration of PKG-1? are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the disclosed antibodies is used in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Nitration shielding peptides that reduce or prevent nitration of a protein of interest are disclosed. The peptide can serve as molecular sink for nitrating agents, block access of the nitrating agents to the target tyrosine on the protein of interest, serve as substrate for the nitrating agent (i.e., provide an alternative nitratable tyrosine residue), provide a nitrating agent neutralizing moiety such as antioxidant, or a combination thereof. The nitration shielding peptide can be a fusion protein that includes one or more additional domains such a protein transduction domain, a targeting signal, a purification tag, or any combination thereof. Exemplary nitration shielding peptides for reducing nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, and methods of use thereof for treating pathologies, disease, and disorders associated with nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, respectively are also provided.

Abstract: Antibodies for detecting nitration of nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and antibodies for detecting nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1? are disclosed. Methods of detecting nitrotyrosine 247 PKG-1? and nitrotyrosine 425 of PKG-1?, and uses thereof are also disclosed for identification and diagnosis or phenotypes, pathologies, diseases and disorders associated with protein nitration of PKG-1? are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the disclosed antibodies is used in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Nitration shielding peptides that reduce or prevent nitration of a protein of interest are disclosed. The peptide can serve as molecular sink for nitrating agents, block access of the nitrating agents to the target tyrosine on the protein of interest, serve as substrate for the nitrating agent (i.e., provide an alternative nitratable tyrosine residue), provide a nitrating agent neutralizing moiety such as antioxidant, or a combination thereof. The nitration shielding peptide can be a fusion protein that includes one or more additional domains such a protein transduction domain, a targeting signal, a purification tag, or any combination thereof. Exemplary nitration shielding peptides for reducing nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, and methods of use thereof for treating pathologies, disease, and disorders associated with nitration of RhoA and PKG-1?, respectively are also provided.

Abstract: Fusion enzymes having multiple segments of different biological activity including one segment having P450scc activity and at least one segment having electron-transfer activity for transferring electrons to P450scc are described along with genetic constructs for production of such enzymes and methods for their use. Methods for their use include cholesterol degradation in vitro or in vivo as well as conversion of cholesterol to other useful steroidal products including pregnenolone.

Abstract: Fusion enzymes having multiple segments of different biological activity including one segment having P450scc activity and at least one segment having electron-transfer activity for transferring electrons to P450scc are described along with genetic constructs for production of such enzymes and methods for their use. Methods of their use include cholesterol degradation in vitro or in vivo as well as conversion of cholesterol to other useful steroidal products including pregnenolone.