Oxidase-based sensors and methods of using the sensors are provided.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion protein, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises: (a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first biosensor, wherein said first biosensor is a first molecule capable of interacting with a second molecule; (b) a second nucleic acid sequence encoding an effector-activating module, wherein the effector-activating module comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first part of a protease, wherein said first part of the protease is capable of interacting with a second part of said protease to form an active form of said protease; (c) a third nucleic acid sequence encoding a third biosensor comprising a protease cleavage site, wherein the protease cleavage site is sterically occluded in the absence of a stimulus for said third biosensor and wherein the protease cleavage site becomes accessible in the presence of said stimulus.

Gas vesicles, protein variants and related compositions methods and systems for singleplexed and/or multiplexed ultrasound imaging of a target site in which a gas vesicle provides contrast for the imaging which is modifiable by application of a selectable acoustic collapse pressure value of the gas vesicle.

The present disclosure relates to a peptoid compound, and a derivative, a salt, a preparation method and use thereof. The peptoid compound includes the following subunits: 4-phenylphenethylamine, monoprotected ethylenediamine, monoprotected tetramethylenediamine, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzylamine, isobutylamine, and R(+)--methylbenzylamine, in which molecular formulas of the subunits are as follows:

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in which P is independently an amino protecting group.

Calcium reacting photoproteins are a class of self-illuminating proteins that emit light upon contact with calcium. Fluorescent Proteins are small proteins that change the color of light when excited. Fluorescent Proteins and Calcium Activated Photoproteins can be used to enhance, dazzle, amaze, startle, and otherwise entertain an audience by their direct application on to the audience, surroundings, the actors, or sprayed on settings as in the newer 4D movies. The disclosure comprises novel Coelenterazine compounds and methods of use, including a simple delivery device for the photoprotein to create unique and novel cinematic, theatrical, stage, movie and musical concert optical effects by their luminous reaction upon contact with surfaces that contain calcium. Calcium is ubiquitous in and on most surfaces and in the environment; it is this unique property of calcium that makes this a novel use of the photoproteins for entertainment. A generic formula of Coelenterazine as shown. ##STR00001##

Closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems include a sealed, closed cavity enclosing a sensor and forming a closed cavity sensor assembly. The closed cavity sensor assembly may be tilted and/or translated relative to a platform in order to adjust the orientation of the sensor to align it with an imaging optical axis. Following alignment, the closed cavity sensor assembly may be permanently or reversibly fixed in place. The closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems may be part of medical imaging systems such as endoscopic imaging systems and/or open field imaging systems.

Some embodiments disclosed herein pertain to indicator compounds used to detect the presence of and/or an amount of an analyte. In some embodiments, the indicator compounds are fusion proteins. In some embodiments, when the analyte binds to the indicator compound, the indicator compound undergoes a conformational change. In some embodiments, the conformational change results in a luminescent signal that allows quantification of the amount of analyte present.

The invention, in some aspects, relates to dummy-fluorescent (DF) polypeptide molecules and their encoding nucleic acid molecules and use of such molecules in fusion proteins and their encoding nucleic acid molecules. Compositions of the invention may be delivered to cells and subjects and used in methods to modulate electrical activity of cells in which they are expressed, and for treatment of diseases and conditions in subjects.

The present invention relates to nanoscale polymer dots (Pdots) that include strongly light absorbing semiconducting polymer nanoparticles doped with near-IR emitting dyes. The polymer functions as an antenna and transfers the excitation energy to the doped near-IR emitting dye molecules, which function as the emitting entity. The resulting Pdots feature very bright near-IR emission with emission wavelength tunability, high water solubility, and stability in biological solutions.

Calcium reacting photoproteins are a class of self-illuminating proteins that emit light upon contact with calcium. Fluorescent Proteins are small proteins that change the color of light when excited. Fluorescent Proteins and Calcium Activated Photoproteins can be used to enhance, dazzle, amaze, startle, and otherwise entertain an audience by their direct application on to the audience, surroundings, the actors, or sprayed on settings as in the newer 4D movies. The disclosure comprises novel Coelenterazine compounds and methods of use, including a simple delivery device for the photoprotein to create unique and novel cinematic, theatrical, stage, movie and musical concert optical effects by their luminous reaction upon contact with surfaces that contain calcium. Calcium is ubiquitous in and on most surfaces and in the environment; it is this unique property of calcium that makes this a novel use of the photoproteins for entertainment.