Abstract: Power controllers (e.g., inductive power transfer (IPT) power controllers) and methods of making and using the same are provided. An IPT power controller can be implemented on direct alternating current (AC)-AC converters and can use only current and voltage measurements to produce multi-power level IPT controller and design switching logic. Using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR, Not) applied on a resonant current signal, varying positive energy injections (e.g., 1 to 16 pulses), and varying negative energy injections (e.g., 1 to 16 pulses), up to 32 different active states can be designed.

Abstract: Connection systems and methods for connecting cross-frames to girders in skewed structure. A Tee section can be welded to a girder, and cross-frame members can be welded to the flange of the Tee section. The flange of the Tee section can have main cut-outs to separate the web of the Tee section from the flange of the girder. The flange of the Tee section can optionally have edge cut-outs for providing airflow, such as in humid regions with high potential for corrosion.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a non-living biological product. Particularly, exosomes derived from stem cells can help restore heart function. According to certain embodiments, a fluid-induced shear stress mechanical stimulation process of stem cells is used to augmented quantity and quality of exosomes produced from stem cells. These exosomes serve as a therapeutic agent for the regenerative repair of diseases, such as diseased heart tissues. Therefore, compositions comprising the exosomes derived from stem cells and methods of treating a degenerative disease by administering the exosomes isolated from stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compounds, peptidomimetics, and methods of synthesis thereof. The subject invention provides the synthesis and use of guanidino acids and/or poly guanidino acids not only as vehicles for drug delivery but as toolbox for drug discovery. The peptidomimetic of the subject invention comprises oligo(guanidino acid)s or poly(guanidino acid)s with guanidines as peptide bond surrogates. The incorporation of the guanidine as amide bond surrogates offers significant differences in polarity, hydrogen bonding capability, and acid-base character.

Abstract: Sensors, actuators, energy sources, and data processing for enabling artificial intelligent (AI) integrated automated features of intelligent electronic shoes are provided. The intelligent footwear can gather information from the shoe and send the data to a user interface for monitoring the physical activities of the wearer. A smart thermal actuation system can control the internal temperature of the shoe to offer a comfortable experience to the user. Intelligent footwear can also have systems for multipurpose sensing and actuation modules, which can use energy harvested by the user locomotion or by an energy source accompanied by artificial intelligence to gather and process information for ensuring an enhanced user experience.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and vaccines suitable for preventing or reducing malaria transmission. The vaccines block the interaction between ?-tubulin from a malarial parasite and FREP-1 from the mid-gut of a malaria carrier mosquito, for example, Anopheles gambiae.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for studying DNA topology and topoisomerases. The assays and methods utilize a circular plasmid DNA comprising one or more hairpin structures and the ability of T5 exonuclease (T5E) to digest the circular plasmid DNA in a specific configuration. The assays and methods can be used as a high throughput screening for inhibitors of, for example, DNA gyrases and DNA topoisomerases I for anticancer drug and antibiotics discovery.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an inducible CRISPR system for controlling expression of a CRISPR complex with an inducible fusion promoter. One embodiment of the invention provides HIV LTR-minimal Drosophila hsp70 fusion promoter that can be used for inducible co-expression of gRNA and Cas9 in HIV-infected cells to target cellular cofactors such as Cyclin T1. A single introduction of such embodiment leads to sustained suppression of HIV replication in stringent, chronically infected HeLa-CD4 cell lines as well as in T-cell lines. In another embodiment, the invention further relates to enhancement of HIV suppression by incorporating cis-acting ribozymes immediately upstream of the gRNA in the inducible CRISPR system construct. The inducible fusion promoter is adaptable for other tissue- or cell-type specific expression of the inducible CRISPR system.

Abstract: A porous transparent electrode is formed where a film comprising of semiconducting nanoparticles is decorated with polyoxometalates (POMs) bonded to their surfaces. The semiconducting nanoparticles are transparent metal oxide. The semiconducting nanoparticles include tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), or titanium dioxide (TiO2). In an embodiment, the POM is [SiW12O40]4?; [?-P2W18O62]6?; or [?2-P2W17O61]10?. The semiconducting nanoparticles bond to the POM through a combination of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The porous transparent electrode can be placed in a protonated form or ion-paired with alkali metal cations or tetraalkylammonium cations.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index lenses (GRI-Ls) and methods of fabricating the same are provided. GRI-Ls can be fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) and/or photo-assisted, thermal-assisted, and/or other laser-based curing from at least two precursors with a preset refractive index gradation along the planar axis. These lenses are self-focusing lenses and may be convergent or divergent for decreasing and increasing refractive indices from the center, respectively. Rather than a gradation in lens thickness from the center, the GRI-Ls can have a gradation of composition from the center.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for decalcifying aortic valves and/or other valves, blood vessels, and/or cardiac tissues in a mammalian (e.g., a human) patient (e.g., a patient having or suspected of having calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)). A transcatheter (aortic) valve decalcification system/method can include applying one or more pulsed magnetic fields to the calcium deposit(s) within a valve or other vessel or tissue within the patient. The system can include a catheter having pulsed magnetic field ribbons disposed therein, and the catheter can be provided to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancers such as melanomas. The subject invention provides biomarkers and methods for assessing the severity of a cancer/tumor and for monitoring the progressing of a cancer/tumor. The subject invention also provides therapeutic targets in cancer for developing anti-cancer therapies.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for intracellular deliver of molecules and/or therapeutic agents. The subject invention also provides methods for synthesizing polymeric systems and nanomaterials that enhance or assist the passage of molecules and/or therapeutic agents across biological membranes. The compound, polymer or nanoparticle of the subject invention comprises a modified guanidine moiety in a plurality of repeating units of a polymer or on the surface of a nanoparticle where the guanidine moiety comprises, for example, a carbamoyl or thiourea modification. The polymer or nanoparticle can be used in a cancer treatment formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of prostate cancers, preferably, advanced prostate cancers. The subject invention also provides compounds, compositions, and methods for preventing/slowing down/reducing the progress and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The subject invention further provides compounds, compositions, and methods for inhibiting DNA repair within cancer cells to slow tumor growth, preferably, by inhibiting BER capacity, including pol ? and LIG I.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quantifying the duration of S1 and/or S2 heart sounds, in order to identify markers of heart failure and/or lung failure, are provided. Cardiac cycles containing S1 and S2 sound can be identified in a phonocardiogram and normalized. In order to quantify S1 and S2 sound length, the envelope of the absolute value of the signal can be obtained for each cycle. The sound waves of two components can be separated using the identified single sound wave. These features can be correlated to measures of heart failure and/or lung failure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides fungal extracts, fungal metabolites, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fungal extracts, and/or fungal metabolites, methods of preparation, and therapeutic uses thereof. The subject invention also provides a bioactive agent and a composition comprising the bioactive agent, and therapeutic uses thereof. The subject invention further provides methods for treating, inhibiting and/or preventing malaria infection and transmission by using the fungal extracts, fungal metabolites, bioactive agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fungal extracts, fungal metabolites, and/or bioactive agent.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for fabricating electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors with enhanced sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratios, LOD, and improved stability and reproducibility. The subject invention also provides methods for aptamer immobilization on the surface of the electrode, which favors sufficient spacing between aptamers at the microscale to achieve optimal target recognition, folding, and signal transduction. The E-AB sensors of the subject invention provide superior sensing regardless of the sequence or structure of the bound aptamers or the physiochemical properties of the target.

Abstract: Provided are novel high entropy nitrides (HENs) exhibiting excellent physical and chemical properties. Also provided are systems and methods to synthesize bulk HENs by reaction flash sintering. Commercial metal nitride powders can be consolidated into near fully dense single-phase bulk ceramic with a proprietary flash sintering apparatus. A constant DC electrical field of ˜80 V/cm and pressure of ˜15 MPa at room temperature can trigger reaction flash sintering without pre-heating, and the entire process can finish in ˜250 seconds to ˜400 seconds.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index lenses (GRI-Ls) and methods of fabricating the same are provided. GRI-Ls can be fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) and/or photo-assisted, thermal-assisted, and/or other laser-based curing from at least two precursors with a preset refractive index gradation along the planar axis. These lenses are self-focusing lenses and may be convergent or divergent for decreasing and increasing refractive indices from the center, respectively. Rather than a gradation in lens thickness from the center, the GRI-Ls can have a gradation of composition from the center.

Abstract: Filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and methods of synthesizing the same are provided. An in situ chemical vapor deposition technique can be used to synthesize CNTs filled with metal sulfide nanowires. The CNTs can be completely and continuously filled with the metal sulfide fillers up to several micrometers in length. The filled CNTs can be easily collected from the substrates used for synthesis using a simple ultrasonication method.