Abstract: A method for controlling an ego agent includes periodically receiving policy information comprising a spatial environment observation and a current state of the ego agent. The method also includes selecting, for each received policy information, a low-level policy from a number of low-level policies. The low-level policy may be selected based on a high-level policy. The method further includes controlling an action of the ego agent based on the selected low-level policy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and associated method for language-driven gesture understanding are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and associated method for evaluating handwashing protocol compliance are disclosed herein. The system considers temporal combinations of segments of a test handwashing routine to recognize components of a compliant handwashing routine within the test handwashing routine. The system determines whether the components of the handwashing routine have been adequately performed and provides actionable feedback to a user to improve adherence to handwashing routine guidelines.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of analyzing simulated solvent-mediated molecular interactions. The methods include defining a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) grids of voxels on simulated target molecules solvated with simulated solvent molecules to produce a 3D simulation structure. The simulated solvent molecules include simulated nonionic solvent molecules and simulated ionic solvent molecules. A first 3D grid of the plurality of 3D grids includes a first spatial resolution and is defined on the simulated nonionic solvent molecules. A second 3D grid of the plurality of 3D grids includes a second spatial resolution that differs from the first spatial resolution and is defined on the simulated ionic solvent molecules. Related systems and computer readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: Skin-mounted or epidermal devices and methods for monitoring biofluids are disclosed. The devices comprise a functional substrate that is mechanically and/or thermally matched to skin to provide durable adhesion for long-term wear. The functional substrates allow for the microfluidic transport of biofluids from the skin to one or more sensors that measure and/or detect biological parameters, such as rate of biofluid production, biofluid volume, and biomarker concentration. Sensors within the devices may be mechanical, electrical or chemical, with colorimetric indicators being observable by the naked eye or with a portable electronic device (e.g., a smartphone). By monitoring changes in an individual's health state over time, the disclosed devices may provide early indications of abnormal conditions.

Abstract: A clinical or research instrument or apparatus is provided. In another aspect, an apparatus operably conducts microfluidic measurement of metabolic functions in biological samples. A further aspect employs an instrument which includes an enclosed sample chamber having walls of low oxygen permeability and an optically transparent material to allow remote probing or sensing of oxygen.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for single-step fluorescence and electrochemical detection of small molecules, e.g., fentanyl and its analogs, in a sample. The subjection invention provides nucleic acids materials, e.g., aptamers (nucleic acid oligonucleotides) that can bind to fentanyl and its analogs with nanomolar affinity and high specificity against illicit drugs, adulterants, and cutting agents commonly existing in seized samples. The method for detecting fentanyl and/or its analogs in a sample comprises contacting the sample with an aptamer-based sensor selective for fentanyl and its analogs, and sensitively, specifically, and rapidly detecting fentanyl and/or its analogs in the sample.

Abstract: High impedance fault (HIF) detection and location accuracy is provided. An HIF has random, irregular, and unsymmetrical characteristics, making such a fault difficult to detect in distribution grids via conventional relay measurements with relatively low resolution and accuracy. Embodiments disclosed herein provide a stochastic HIF monitoring and location scheme using high-resolution time-synchronized data in micro phasor measurement units (?-PMUs) for distribution network protection. In particular, a fault detection and location process is systematically designed based on feature selections, semi-supervised learning (SSL), and probabilistic learning.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides one or more amino lipids such as an amino lipids containing a sulfonic acid or sulfonic acid derivative of the formulas: wherein the variables are as defined herein. These amino lipids may be used in compositions with one or more helper lipids and a nucleic acid therapeutic agent. These compositions may be used to treat a disease or disorder such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, or other genetic diseases.

Abstract: Obesity and/or diabetes are treated by partially inhibiting circulating leptin in a person in need thereof.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for linear unmixing of spectral images using a dispersion model are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods to compute gestational age and gestational health and applications thereof are described. Generally, systems utilize analyte measurements to determine a gestational age and gestational health, which can be used as a basis to perform interventions and treat individuals.

Abstract: Scalable 3D-printing of ceramics includes dispensing a preceramic polymer at the tip of a moving nozzle into a gel that can reversibly switch between fluid and solid states, and subsequently thermally cross-linking the entire printed part “at-once” while still inside the same gel. The solid gel, including mineral oil and silica nanoparticles, converts to fluid at the tip of the moving nozzle, allows the polymer solution to be dispensed, and quickly returns to a solid state to maintain the geometry of the printed polymer both during printing and the subsequent high temperature (160° C.) cross-linking. The cross-linked part is retrieved from the gel and converted to ceramic by high temperature pyrolysis. This scalable process opens new opportunities for low-cost, high-speed production of complex 3-dimensional ceramic parts, and will be widely used for high temperature and corrosive environment applications, including electronics and sensors, microelectromechanical systems, energy, and structural applications.

Abstract: Provided herein is an FGL2 neutralization cell therapy comprising immune cells expressing a FGL2 neutralization construct. Further provided are methods for the treatment of cancer comprising administering the FGL2 neutralization cell therapy.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for detecting a target in a sample. The imaging system includes a lens-free holographic microscope having a light source in a first plane spaced above an image sensor. The image sensor extends in a second plane. The system also includes a microfluidic chip positioned between the light source and the image sensor. The microfluidic chip extends in a third plane, which is parallel to the second plane. There is at least one chamber in the microfluidic chip configured to receive a sample solution with a target. The system also has a plurality of functionalized beads positioned within the at least one chamber in the microfluidic chip. Any two of the plurality of functionalized beads have an affinity for binding together when exposed to the target in the sample solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including those employing machine learning, utilizing one or more algorithms for relating the structure of a molecule in a library to its function are described. Embodiments described herein relate structure to function by considering the covalent structure of the molecule, the components of that structure that are common to many molecules in the library, and the properties of those components as they relate to the function in question. Applications include, for example, enhancement and amplification of the diagnostic and prognostic signals provided by peptide arrays for use in analyzing the profile of antibodies in the blood produced in response to a disease, condition or treatment.

Abstract: Haptic illusions of continuous lateral motion across the skin are provided in two distinct ways. The first approach is to provide a discrete array of tactors and drive them to provide normal forces to the skin in a sequential pattern along the array of tactors. The second approach is to provide a discrete array of tactors that each provide both normal and lateral forces to the skin in a sequential pattern along the array of tactors. In both cases, the result is a perceived motion of a contact point across the skin, occurring along the length of the factor array.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modified plant cell, plant tissue, plantlet, plant part, plant, and progeny thereof containing a combination of apyrase genes, including at least one modified gene and/or at least one additional apyrase gene. The disclosure is also directed to a method of making a modified plant with a modified apyrase gene and/or an additional apyrase gene. The modified plant generally exhibits at least one improved characteristic over the plant line from which it was derived. The disclosure also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an apyrase enzyme as disclosed.

Abstract: A kinematically engaged yoke system (KEYS) for multiple-order-diffraction engineered material may comprise a harness comprising a frame and a plurality of semi-kinematic keys disposed on the frame, wherein the semi-kinematic keys are configured based on a MOD-side mechanical profile of a plurality of segments of a multiple-order-diffraction engineered material, and wherein the MOD-side mechanical profile, when engaged with the semi-kinematic keys, functions as a fiducial that provides alignment between neighboring segments; and one or more shims disposed between one or more pairs of neighboring segments of the plurality of segments of the multiple-order-diffraction engineered material, wherein the one or more shims facilitate alignment of the one or more pairs of neighboring segments of the plurality of segments based on a translation across one or more surfaces of the one or more shims.