Abstract:
Provided are methods and compositions for transdifferentiation of a somatic cell, e.g., a fibroblast to a dopaminergic precursor, Specifically, provided are induced dopaminergic (iDP) cells, or master transcription factors (TFs) therefore, methods for making iDP cells, and methods and compositions for using them in, e.g., treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Abstract:
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved robotic surgical systems, including robotic surgical devices having improved arm components and/or biometric sensors, contact detection systems for robotic surgical devices, gross positioning systems and devices for use in robotic surgical systems, and improved external controllers and consoles.
Abstract:
A computer-implemented method of preparing a set of differentially informative methylated positions (DIMPs) or differentially informative methylated regions (DIMRs) from a sample methylome of an animal or plant having a phenotypic characteristic different from a wild-type of the same species of animal or plant, and the characteristic is associate with differences in methylation of the genome, comprises: providing a computer with the sample methylome, and a reference methylome of the wild-type of the same species of animal or plant; calculating with the computer a divergence between a plurality of cytosine positions of the sample methylome and the reference methylome; and selecting with the computer a set of DIMPs or DIMRs. Each DIMP or DIMR is selected based on an approximation of the energy required to produce the divergence between methylation levels of the plurality of cytosine positions of the sample methylome as compared to the wild-type methylome.
Abstract:
There is described an arteriovenous fistula stent, having a tubular body comprising a series of sinusoidal shaped struts along the length of the tubular body. A plurality of curvilinear connectors extend between and are attached to adjacent struts wherein a first end of a connector is attached to a distal face of a proximal strut apex and a second end of a connector is attached to a proximal face of a distal strut apex. A pair of unconnected strut apexes are between pairs of connected apexes. When the tubular body is in a stowed configuration a proximal aperture and a distal aperture are circular and when the tubular body is in a deployed configuration the distal aperture is oblong or ovoid. There is also described a method for inserting a stent for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a stent into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location. Next, introducing the stent and vein into the candidate artery and forming the stent into a curvature angle selected to minimize turbulent blood flow in an anastomosis formed by the vein and the artery. Optionally, there is a step of fastening a distal portion of the stent to the artery.
Abstract:
Provided are materials and methods for the prevention and treatment of Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis comprising administration of an effective amount of at least one of a hemi-channel inhibitor or a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administration of an effective amount of each of a hemi-channel inhibitor and a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a hemi-channel inhibitor or a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, as well as kits comprising at least one effective dose of a hemi-channel inhibitor or a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor or a combination of both.
Abstract:
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of estimating a position of a rotor in a motor. The method includes obtaining a current regulation quality index based on a current command and a measured current, determining an estimated position of the rotor based on the current regulation quality index and position estimation data and controlling the motor based on the estimated position of the rotor.
Abstract:
Small molecule inhibitors of bacterial ribonuclease (e.g., RnpA) and methods for their synthesis and use are described herein. The methods of using the compounds include treating and preventing microbial infections and inhibiting bacterial ribonuclease.