Abstract: Identification and evaluation of a set of first-in-class potent inhibitors targeting a new cancer target, Grb2-associated binder˜1 (GAB1), which integrates signals from different signaling pathways and is frequently over-expressed in cancer ceils. Intensive computational modeling is utilized to understand the structure of the GAB1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and screened five million compounds. Upon biological evaluation, several inhibitors were found that induced large conformational changes of the target structure exhibited strong selective binding to GAB1 PH domain. Particularly, these inhibitors demonstrated potent and tumor-specific cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells. This targeting GAB1 signaling may be used for cancer therapy, especially for triple negative breast cancer patients.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an outer cannula having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a sharp bevel facilitating insertion of the needle assembly into a subject. The needle assembly further includes an inner cannula slidably disposed coaxially in the lumen of the outer cannula and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inner cannula having a blunt distal end portion extending beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula whenever the inner cannula is in the extended position. The needle assembly further includes a bias coupled to the inner cannula in a manner favoring automatic positioning of the inner cannula at the extended position. The needle assembly includes a valve located in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula to allow fluid to exit the subject through the inner cannula, and to prevent ingress of fluid into the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides autoradiography methods and systems for imaging via the detection of alpha particles, beta particles, or other charged particles. Embodiments of the methods and systems provide high-resolution 3D imaging of the distribution of a radioactive probe, such as a radiopharmaceutical, on a tissue sample. Embodiments of the present methods and systems provide imaging of tissue samples by reconstruction of a 3D distribution of a source of particles, such as a radiopharmaceutical. Embodiments of the methods and systems provide tomographic methods including microtomography, macrotomography, cryomicrotomography and cryomacrotomography.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that can modulate the amount of Nav 1.7 protein, a key protein in pain signaling, that is present in the cellular surface and methods for using such compounds. In particular, compounds of the invention modulate the amount of Nav 1.7 protein on the cellular surface by modulating SUMOylation of CRMP2. Thus, compounds of the invention can be used to treat various clinical conditions associated with the presence and/or activation of Nav 1.7 protein on the cellular surface and/or SUMOylation of CRMP2.

Abstract: An acoustoelectric image-guided therapy system and method for applying acoustoelectric image-guided therapy are disclosed. Embodiments are directed to therapy systems and methods that utilize and are based on acoustoelectric imaging. The acoustoelectric imaging may be combined with focused therapies such as ultrasound, ablation, or hyperthermia for treatment of, for example, acute or chronic conduction abnormalities (e.g., neuropathy, arrhythmia, epilepsy, etc.). Current-density maps are obtained near the region of interest using acoustoelectric imaging techniques. Targeting of the region of interest is then identified for therapy based on the current-density maps. Treatment of the targeted region of interest is then employed while optionally monitoring bioelectric properties using real-time feedback from the acoustoelectric imaging. Imaging and therapy may be automatically co-registered. Standard electrophysiology (e.g., ENG, ECG, EEG, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods of friendly jamming for securing wireless communications at the physical layer are presented. Under the assumption of exact knowledge of the eavesdropping channel, a resource-efficient distributed approach is used to improve the secrecy sum-rate of a multi-link network with one or more eavesdroppers while satisfying an information-rate constraint for all links. A method based on mixed strategic games can offer robust solutions to the distributed secrecy sum-rate maximization. In addition, a block fading broadcast channel with a multi-antenna transmitter, sending two or more independent confidential data streams to two or more respective users in the presence of a passive eavesdropper is considered. Lastly, a per-link strategy is considered and an optimization problem is formulated, which aims at jointly optimizing the power allocation and placement of the friendly jamming devices for a given link under secrecy constraints.

Abstract: The present invention features a microwave gain medium having a negative refractive index, which overcompensates for loss exhibited in conventional passive metamaterials. The design consists of sub-wavelength building blocks with embedded microwave tunnel diodes exhibiting a negative refractive index and a stable net gain. The negative resistance may also be used for dispersion compensation that may enable broadband response of metamaterials.

Abstract: A device for movement and resistance training of the lower extremities is disclosed which helps prevent muscle de-conditioning and deep vein thrombosis from lack of movement resulting in venous stasis and potential development of blood clot formation. The device includes footpads with spring resistance and sensors that register the number of times the pads are depressed and the amount of force applied by a user to the footpads. Data from use of the device may be stored and provided as feedback to the user so the user can monitor progress in using the device.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction device (pMTJ) is provided that has a structure of a first heavy metal layer, a first thin dusting layer on the first heavy metal layer, a first CoFeB layer on the thin dusting layer, a MgO barrier layer on the first CoFeB layer, a second CoFeB layer on the MgO barrier layer, a second thin dusting layer on the CoFeB layer; and a second heavy metal layer on the thin dusting layer. The insertion of the thin dusting layer improves thermal stability of the pMTJ structure.

Abstract: An expansible cardiovascular graft system for replacing vasculature such as a portion of the aorta. The portion of the aorta may include but is not limited to the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, or the descending aorta. The system features a graft conduit with a proximal anchor disposed at the proximal end and a distal anchor disposed at the distal end and an expansible portion disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor. At least a portion of the expansible system is adapted to gradually expand.

Abstract: Described are Dynorphin A analog compounds and uses thereof for treating pain in humans and lower animals by administering to a human or lower animal in need of treatment. The compounds interact with the bradykinin receptor to relieve pain. Preferred compounds are amphipathic [Des-Arg7]-dynorphin A peptide analogs and specific cyclic dynorphin A peptide analogs.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to microfluidic devices and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, systems, and kits for imparting stresses on a fluid flowing through a microfluidic device that is designed to mimic a stress profile of a macrofluidic device or pathology.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunogenic materials and methods useful for reducing the risk of fungal infections, particularly valley fever. The disclosure also provides assays for identifying compounds useful to treat valley fever, as well as methods for ameliorating the symptoms of valley fever.

Abstract: A see-through free-form head-mounted display including a wedge-shaped prism-lens having free-form surfaces and low F-number is provided.

Abstract: Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for characterizing a prostate cancer sample by detecting expression of ERG, PTEN or both, changes in which relative to a normal control are shown herein to be correlated with prostate cancer capsular penetration and more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Such methods are useful for the prognosis of prostate cancer capsular penetration and for making treatment decisions in patients with prostate cancer that has penetrated the capsule. Also provided are kits that can be used with such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to stereoscopic displays, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to stereoscopic displays with addressable focus cues.

Abstract: A system and method for processing highly undersampled multi-echo spin-echo data by linearizing the slice-resolved extended phase graph model generates highly accurate T2 maps with indirect echo compensation. Principal components are used to linearize the signal model to estimate the T2 decay curves which can be fitted to the slice-resolved model for T2 estimation. In another example of image processing for highly undersampled data, a joint bi-exponential fitting process can compensate for image variations within a voxel and thus provide partial voxel compensation to produce more accurate T2 maps.

Abstract: The present invention features a unique system of interdependent methods to greatly improve data acquired via the Differential Target Antenna Coupling (“DTAC”) method, which transmits electromagnetic (“EM”) fields and measures the primary EM field and the secondary EM fields generated in subsurface targets. These new data correction techniques provide improvements, in orders of magnitude, to the measured DTAC response accuracy. This improvement allows for greater depth of investigation, improved target location, and enhanced target characteristics.

Abstract: A target is sensed by an antenna array having a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, both of which are caused to be electromagnetically coupled to the target. The antenna array is rotated, and as the array rotates, a change in at least one of the coupling between the transmitter antenna and the target and the coupling between the receiver antenna and the target is detected at multiple rotational orientations of the antenna array.