Abstract: A system and method for producing a series of time-resolved magnetic resonance (MR) images is set forth. The system can perform method steps of encoding spatial information into an MRI signal by manipulating a phase of the MRI signal within an MRI system, generating and outputting a phase-encoded MRI signal over time by digitizing a plurality of time points in the MRI signal, repeating the generating and outputting step for a plurality of phase-encoded signals, each phase-encoded signal in synchrony with a trigger, producing a plurality of digitized time points, and reconstructing a series of time resolved MR images, each image of the series of MR images at one specific time point selected from the plurality of digitized time points for each phase-encoded step. Each image in the series of time-resolved MR images corresponding to a specific time point in a cyclic event.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for treating bacterial infections with nanoparticles comprising a thiol-binding metallic core conjugated to a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Recalcitrant infections are often difficult to treat because of the presence of persister cells, a subpopulation of bacterial cells that is highly tolerant of traditional antibiotics. Persister cells are dormant, which makes them less susceptible to many antibiotics, which are designed to kill growing cells. Administration of nanoparticles comprising a thiol-binding metallic core conjugated to fluoroquinolone antibiotics was found to be highly efficacious in eradicating persister cells and for treating infections for a broad range of bacterial species, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Such treatment was effective not only in eradicating planktonic bacteria but also bacteria in biofilms.

Abstract: Described are composite grid structures that have a plurality of ply layers, each one of the plurality of ply layers comprising a plurality of first elongate tapes oriented in a first direction and a plurality of second elongate tapes oriented in a second direction, the second direction being offset from the first direction by an angle of at least 25 degrees. In the grid structures: each of the first elongate tapes has a first length extending between opposing ends of each of the plurality of first elongate tapes and a first midpoint intermediate the opposing ends, and each of the second elongate tapes has a second length extending between opposing ends of each of the plurality of second elongate tapes and a second midpoint intermediate the opposing ends. Associated composite laminate structures, grid structures, and methods of manufacturing and/or using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for processing optical signals. In some embodiments, an optical system has an optical device for receiving a plurality of optical signals and processing such signals in a desired way. The optical device has one or more functional layers that are separated by buffer layers. The index of refraction of at various points in each functional layer is controlled during manufacturing so that the functional layer performs one or more optical functions or, in other words, manipulates one or more incoming optical signals in a desired way, such as switching, filtering, splitting, focusing, collimating, etc. As an example, the index of refraction profile within a region of a functional layer may be controlled so that an incoming signal from a first optical fiber is redirected for reception by a second optical fiber that is not aligned with the first optical fiber.

Abstract: Nanostraws and to methods of utilizing them in order to deliver biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins etc., into non-adherent cells such as immune cells, embryos, plant cells, bacteria, yeast etc. The methods described herein are repeatedly capable of delivering biologically relevant cargo into non-adherent cells, with high cell viability, dosage control, unaffected proliferation or cellular development, and with high efficiency. Among other uses, these new delivery methods will allow to scale pre-clinical cell reprogramming techniques to clinical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosynthetic products that may be useful for controlling bacterial panicle blight of rice. These products are encoded by four biosynthetic operons found within the genome of a Pseudomonas protegens strain designated as PBL3 and deposited as ATCC #, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of Burkholderia glumae on rice plants. Also provided are vectors encoding these biosynthetic products, and methods of using the biosynthetic products to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided. Multiple opposite and self-powered sensors are provided in another aspect of the present apparatus. A further aspect employs a sensor apparatus including a first pair of flexible piezoelectric sensors attached to opposite sides of an exterior surface of a workpiece and at least a second pair of flexible piezoelectric sensors attached to opposite sides of the exterior surface of the workpiece. Another aspect of the present apparatus uses pairs of thin film piezoelectric sensors which are configured to detect bending curvature of a workpiece in at least two dimensions by sending voltage output signals from both of the sensors of a first pair and/or both of the sensors of at least a second pair to a controller and/or electrical circuit.

Abstract: A passive thermal management system and methods of using a thermoresponsive hydrogel coating configured to autonomously switch between a heating state and a cooling state based on ambient temperature. At temperature greater than a lower critical solution temperature of the thermoresponsive hydrogel, the thermoresponsive hydrogel coating becomes solar reflective and has enhanced radiative cooling ability to achieve daytime radiative cooling. At temperatures less than the lower critical solution temperature, the thermoresponsive hydrogel coating becomes transparent to facilitate absorption of solar radiation by sun absorber.

Abstract: Techniques are described for tailoring automatic exposure control (AEC) settings to specific patient anatomies and clinical tasks. According to an embodiment, computer-implemented method comprises receiving one or more scout images captured of an anatomical region of a patient in association with performance of a computed tomography (CT) scan. The method further comprises employing a first machine learning model to estimate, based on the one or more scout images, expected organ doses representative of expected radiation doses exposed to organs in the anatomical region under different AEC patterns for the CT scan. The method can further comprises employing a second machine learning model to estimate, based on the one or more scout images, expected measures of image quality in target and background regions of scan images captured under the different AEC patterns, and determining an optimal AEC pattern based on the expected organ doses and the expected measures of image quality.

Abstract: Provided herein are hydrogels that include a plurality of bacteriophages located within and covalently bonded to the hydrogel interior. The hydrogel is engineered to facilitate a controlled sustained release of the connected bacteriophages, e.g., to or within the body of a patient suffering from a bacterial infection. Also provided are methods for forming the provided hydrogels, and for using the hydrogels to treat a patient suffering from a bacterial infection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compact and low-cost vibrational spectroscopy platforms are described. Many embodiments implement deep learning processes to identify the relevant optical spectral features for the identification of an element from a set of elements. Several embodiments provide that resolution reduction and feature selection render efficient data analysis processes. By reducing the spectral data from the full wide-band high-resolution spectrum to a subset of spectral bands, a number of embodiments provide compact and low-cost hardware incorporation in spectroscopic platforms for element identification functions.

Abstract: Processes and materials to detect cancer from a biopsy are described. In some cases, cell-free nucleic acids can be sequenced, and the sequencing result can be utilized to detect sequences derived from a neoplasm. Detection of somatic variants occurring in phase can indicate the presence of cancer in a diagnostic scan and a clinical intervention can be performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating RAG2 deficiencies in subjects, comprising genetically modifying cells from the subjects ex vivo by integrating a functional, codon-optimized RAG 2 cDNA at the endogenous RAG2 locus.

Abstract: The subject invention provides oligo(carbamoylated guanidine)s (OCGs) having fast and selective mycobactericidal effects via disruption of the mycobacterial membrane potential. OCGs also potentiates bedaquiline, an oxidative phosphorylation-targeting anti-TB drug. The combination of OCG and anti-TB drug can be used as an effective therapy for treating tuberculosis.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate self-catheterization of a urethra. In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes an elongate anchor member comprising a proximal end and a rounded distal end to facilitate insertion into a user's vagina, a bridge extending laterally from an intermediate location of the anchor member, a guide on the bridge spaced apart from the anchor member such that the guide is aligned with the user's urethra, the guide including a passage therethrough sized to receive a urinary catheter therethrough, and a handle on the proximal end of the anchor member to facilitate manipulation by the user and consistent, accurate alignment of the guide.

Abstract: R-spondin (RSPO) surrogate compositions and methods for their use are provided. RSPO surrogates of the invention comprise (i) a specific binding domain for Ring Finger Protein 43 (RNF43) or Zinc and Ring Finger Protein 3 (ZNRF3) and (ii) a cell targeting domain More specifically, wherein the specific binding domain for RNF43 or ZNRF3 is an antibody fragment, and wherein the cell targeting domain is a cytokine.

Abstract: Provided herein are biocompatible polymers having a polymer backbone and one or more repeating units, and methods of making and using the same. The repeating units can each be individually selected from a zwitterionic precursor repeating unit of Formula (1). Also provided are systems for nucleic acid delivery including the biocompatible polymers, the systems having a cationic core and a polysaccharide-anionic peptide conjugate adsorbed to the cationic core.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film suspended above a carrier substrate is adapted to propagate an acoustic wave in a Lamb mode excited by a component of an electric field that is oriented in a longitudinal direction along a length of the piezoelectric thin film. A first signal electrode is located on the piezoelectric thin film and oriented in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A first ground electrode is located on the piezoelectric thin film and oriented in the transverse direction. The first ground electrode is separated from the first signal electrode by a gap in which the acoustic wave resonates. A first release window and a second release window are located at a first end and a second end of the piezoelectric thin film, respectively. Intermittent release windows are located beyond distal ends of the first signal electrode and the first ground electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for performing single molecule proteomics utilizing a nanopore sensor to measure an electronic signature of protein or peptide being transported through the nanopore from a first chamber to a second chamber. The protein's electronic signature is a function of ionic current over time. The method and system utilizing an agent, such as guanidinium chloride, to bind to the nanopore's interior and provide an electroosmotic force within the nanopore. The electroosmotic force, in some embodiments, enables stretching and unfolding of the protein during transport through the nanopore. The agent may also or alternatively induce the unfolding of the protein before transport through the nanopore and/or provide force moving the protein through the nanopore.

Abstract: Variant IL-13 polypeptides are provided, which are engineered to have one or more of the following properties: (a) altered affinity for IL-13R?2, relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (b) altered affinity for IL-13R?1 relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (c) a disruption in the binding site for IL-4R? relative to the native human IL-13 protein.