Abstract: Methods and solutions for fabricating a superhydrophobic, optically transparent surface on a substrate. A dip coating technique is employed in which a solution comprising hydrophobic nanoparticles, a resin binder and a solvent is provided. The substrate is dipped and then withdrawn from the solution. As the substrate is withdrawn, a precursor coating of the solution is formed on a surface of the substrate. The solvent in the precursor coating is allowed to evaporate (is otherwise removed), immediately resulting in a superhydrophobic, optically transparent coating on the substrate surface. The hydrophobic nanoparticles can be metal oxide nanoparticles (such as SiO2, ZnO, and ITO) that are surface functionalized to be hydrophobic. Substrate types include glass and polymer substrates such as PC and PMMA.

Abstract: A reaction-based process developed for the selective removal of CO2 from a multicomponent gas mixture to provide a gaseous stream depleted in CO2 compared to the inlet CO2 concentration. The proposed process effects the separation of CO2 from a mixture of gases by its reaction with metal oxides. The Calcium based Reaction Separation for CO2 (CaRS—CO2) process consists of contacting CO2 laden gas with CaO in a reactor such that CaO captures CO2 by the formation of CaCO3. CaCO3 is regenerated by calcination leading to the formation of fresh CaO sorbent and the evolution of a concentrated stream of CO2. The “regenerated” CaO is then recycled for the further capture of CO2. This carbonation-calcination cycle forms the basis of the CaRS—CO2 process. This process also may use a mesoporous CaCO3 structure that attains >90% conversion over multiple carbonation and calcination cycles.

Abstract: Soybean ubiquitin promoters and processes for expressing nucleic acids in transgenic plants under the control of a soybean ubiquitin promoter are described.

Abstract: Malignant tumors that are intrinsically resistant to conventional therapies are significant therapeutic challenges. An embodiment of the present invention provides an oncolytic virus capable of killing target cells, such as a tumor cells. In various embodiments presented herein, the oncolytic virus is armed or encodes a therapeutic polypeptide. In at least one embodiment, a recombinant oncolytic virus has been generated that can specifically replicate in cancer cells leading to their destruction and at the same time secrete robust amounts of a therapeutic polypeptide. Compositions and methods disclosed herein have broad therapeutic applicability.

Abstract: A method for forming a piece of a sheet metal is performed by positioning a consumable body, made of metal, proximate to the piece of the sheet metal. The consumable body is rapidly vaporized, and the gas pressure generated thereby is directed into the piece of the sheet metal. This results in acceleration of the piece of sheet metal, and it is collided into a stationary body at a velocity, generally in excess of 200 m/s. Depending upon the type of stationary body, the piece of sheet metal is deformed into a predetermined shape or is welded onto the stationary body. The vaporization is accomplished by passing a high current of electricity into the consumable body. The effect of the vaporized metal may be augmented by additional components in the consumable body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating among volatile compounds is provided using a semiconductor junction structure or sensor device. Sensor devices of the present disclosure employ a combination of hole carriers (p-type) and electron carriers (n-type) metal oxides deposited, for example, on a gold microspring array designed so that it has several leads that are at different distances from each other.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor design that exploits the different majority carriers (holes/electrons) in WO3 and Cr2O3 to build sensitivity and selectivity to NO at ppb levels, while discriminating against CO at concentrations a thousand-fold higher (ppm) and spread over a considerable range (0-20 ppm). Practical application of this sensor system for detecting NO in human breath is demonstrated.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring a tissue structure is provided. The method includes obtaining image data of the tissue structure. Also, an anatomical landmark in the image data is identified. A first geometric shape is applied to the image data of the tissue structure based on the anatomical landmark. For example, the geometric shape may have a linear portion, such as a square or diamond. The method also includes applying a second geometric shape to the image data of the tissue structure based on the anatomical landmark. The second geometric shape may be different than the first geometric shape, such as an arc or parabola. The method also includes segmenting a first substructure of the image data from a second substructure of the image data. These substructures may be, for example, a sclera and ciliary body of an eye.

Abstract: Disclosed are field effect transistor-based (FET-based) sensors for the rapid and accurate detection of analytes both in vivo and in vitro. The FET-based sensors can include a substrate, a channel disposed on the substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode electrically connected to the channel, and a recognition element for an analyte of interest immobilized on the surface of the channel via a linking group. The distance between the recognition element and the channel can be configured such that association of the analyte of interest with the recognition element induces a change in the electrical properties of the channel. In this way, an analyte of interest can be detected by measuring a change in an electrical property of the channel. Also provided are devices, including probes and multi-well plates, incorporating the FET-based sensors.

Abstract: MicroRNA profiles transition from normal breast to ductal carcinoma in situ and transition to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and methods of use thereof are described. Methods of diagnosis and prognosis using microRNA signatures to differentiate invasive from in situ carcinoma are described. Also described is the use of microRNA expression for predicting overall survival and time to metastasis.

Abstract: A DC/DC flyback converter that exhibits reduced switch and transformer voltage stresses in comparison to known flyback converters. The flyback converter also employs soft switching. Embodiments of such flyback converters may be used, without limitation, in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. A front-stage of the flyback converter comprises a DC/AC step-down circuit that may be separately used for various purposes.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of various adaptive and/or disease pathways by examining samples containing one or more miRs therein, and by formulating therapeutic agents therefrom.

Abstract: An ion-sensitive sensor includes a dielectric layer comprising Al2O3 having a functionalized surface configured to bond with an analyte. The ion-sensitive sensor is immersed in an electrolytic solution containing a concentration of alkali ions. An electrode is arranged to apply an electric potential to the functionalized surface of the ion-sensitive sensor. In some embodiments the ion-sensitive sensor is an ion-sensitive silicon FET. In some embodiments the ion-sensitive sensor is an ion-sensitive polymer FET. In some embodiments, the electrode comprises a perforated gate metal layer disposed on the gate dielectric layer of an ion-sensitive FET, and the functionalized surface is disposed in openings of the perforated gate metal layer. In some embodiments the dielectric layer comprises a multi-layer dielectric stack including at least one Al2O3 layer. In some embodiments the dielectric layer is deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Abstract: Reliable and rapid diagnostic methods for many functional syndromes (FS) such as Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (IC) are not available. Exemplary embodiments include rapid and accurate methods for diagnosing FS in humans and other mammals using infrared microspectroscopy (IRMS). Exemplary methods utilize Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA) to create classification models. Exemplary methods utilize classification models to categorize a subject's condition (e.g., healthy/sick and or flare/remission). Using these classification models, various embodiments enable diagnosis based on spectra data from a blood sample or other biomedical specimen. Exemplary embodiments may be useful for rapid diagnosis of IC and various other conditions in humans, cats, and/or other mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and optionally a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In preferred embodiments, the immunoconjugates comprise one or more anti-CD74 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, conjugated to a liposome or micelle. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the immunoconjugates and using the immunoconjugates in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In certain preferred embodiments, the therapeutic methods comprise administering to a subject with a CD74-expressing disease an anti-CD74 immunoconjugate and thereby inducing apoptosis of CD74-expressing cells. In more preferred embodiments, the CD74 immunoconjugate is capable of inducing cell death in the absence of any other therapeutic agent, although such agents may be optionally administered prior to, together with or subsequent to administration of the anti-CD74 immunoconjugate. The compositions may be part of a kit for administering the anti-CD74 immunoconjugates or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-pancreatic cancer agent.

Abstract: Methods for restoring a desired pattern of DNA methylation, inducing re-expression of methylation-silenced tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), and/or inhibiting tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo in a subject in need thereof by administering an effective amount of one or more miR-29s sufficient to target one or more of DNMT3A and DNMT3B are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods—for treatment and prevention of lymphoid malignancies, including, but not limited to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), B-cell lymphoma, Acute Myeloid leukemia (AML), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The methods include administration of a therapeutically effective amount of FTY720 (2-Amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane 1,3-diol hydrochloride) or a derivative, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof to a subject.

Abstract: Biomarkers for determining a kidney flare episode in systemic lupus erythematosus are described.

Abstract: A system for continuous in vivo biosensing of specific analyte molecule concentrations based on the dynamic optical properties of electronic polymers is disclosed. The biosensor system includes at least one implant member subcutaneously exposed to the interstitial fluid of the subject, and a reader member at least temporarily positioned over the implant member to probe it with light of specific wavelengths through the skin. The system has many potential applications, including the real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetics as a method to supplement or replace conventional capillary blood testing.