Abstract: A brain machine interface for control of prosthetic devices is provided. In its control, the interface utilizes parallel control of a continuous decoder and a discrete action state decoder. In the discrete decoding, we not only learn states affiliated with the task, but also states related to the velocity of the prosthetic device and the engagement of the user. Moreover, we not only learn the distributions of the neural signals in these states, but we also learn the interactions/transitions between the states, which is crucial to enabling a relatively higher level of performance of the prosthetic device. Embodiments according to this parallel control system enable us to reliably decode not just task-related states, but any “discrete action state,” in parallel with a neural prosthetic “continuous decoder,” to achieve new state-of-the-art levels of performance in brain-machine interfaces.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds that function as modulators of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymatic activity, as well as compositions and formulations comprising the compounds. The present disclosure provides therapeutic methods involving administering a subject compound, or a subject pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A system for quantitative detection and analysis of the interactions of molecules with molecular receptors on the surfaces of biological cells based on detecting a mechanical deformation in the membrane of a cell associated with the molecular interactions, which works for both large and small molecules. The mechanical deformation can be detected with high precision in real time from an optical image of the cell with a differential detection method. The system can be also used to detect the electrical activities, such as ion channel opening and closing, as well as action potential propagation in neuronal cells.

Abstract: Exemplary thin-film optical devices have first and second layer groups disposed as a layer stack on a substrate. The first layer group comprises a first PPN layer, a first LCP layer, and a first barrier layer all superposed. The second layer group is superposed relative to the first layer group, and includes a second PPN layer, a second LCP layer, and a second barrier layer all superposed. The first and second layer groups cooperate to polarize multiple wavelengths of an incident light flux in a broadband and/or wide-angle manner. Each of the layer groups has an alignment layer, a respective liquid-crystal polymer layer, and a barrier layer.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing targets include obtaining multiple time series of images. Each image represents light measured in an interrogation area under conditions that cause only one optical marker type of at least two optical marker types to emit or scatter light. Each different time series indicates light measured from a different single optical marker type. The at least two optical marker types are configured to collocate with a single target type. The techniques include determining a path of a speck of light from an individual optical marker of a first optical marker type. The techniques also include determining whether the path corresponds to the target type based on persistence of collocation of a speck of light from each of the other optical marker types. The collocation can be based on maximum correlation in a portion of contemporaneous images. The persistence can be long compared to random separation times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infections in a subject caused by pathogenic bacteria expressing a MAM polypeptide by administering to a subject a composition comprising a MAM polypeptide or a non-pathogenic bacterium expressing a MAM polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a crop yield estimate for an area as small as an individual field from images captured by a satellite are disclosed. The system generates simulations of crop yields in a region that includes the area by applying combinations of different parameters to a crop yield models. Observable quantities for simulated yields are determined from the simulations. The simulations and the observable properties are used to train a statistic model for the region that has two or more variables. Images captured by a satellite that include at least a portion of the area are obtained. Crop information is then determined from the images and weather information associated with the dates that the images where captured is obtained. The statistical model is then applied to the crop information and the weather information to determine a crop yield estimate.

Abstract: Software Managed Manycore (SMM) architectures with scratch pad memory for reach core are a promising solution for scaling memory. In these architectures the code and data of the tasks mapped to the cores is explicitly managed by the compiler and often require inter-procedural information and analysis. But, a call graph of the program does not have enough information, and the Global CFG has too much information. Most new techniques informally define and use GCCFG (Global Call Control Flow Graph)—a whole program representation that succinctly captures the control-flow and function call information—to perform inter-procedural analysis. Constructing GCCFGs for several cases in common applications. The present disclosure provides unique graph transformations to formally and correctly construct GCCFGs for optimal compiler management of manycore systems.

Abstract: This invention provides endothelial cells expressing transcription factor Er71/Etv2, and cell surface endothelial markers Flk1 and VE-cadherin prepared from induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells, as well as methods of preparing the cells and methods of using the cells to vascularize and re-endothelialize or repair ischemic tissue in a subject.

Abstract: A laser system and method employing stimulated Raman scattering using a main laser pulse and a delayed replica reference pulse are provided. A further aspect calculates stimulated Raman loss and stimulated Raman gain from a reflected laser light scatter collected from a fabric or paper specimen. In another aspect, a laser system receives a low energy portion of a spectrum of main and reference laser pulses with a first photodetector, receives a higher energy portion of the spectrum of the main and reference pulses with a second photodetector, and uses a controller to determine a Raman active phonon transfer of energy manifested as an increase in the reflected laser scatter in a lower energy portion of the spectrum and a decrease in a higher energy portion of the spectrum. In yet another aspect, the controller automatically determines if a hazardous particle or substance such as an explosive, is present on a specimen.

Abstract: A voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage is disclosed. The voltage converter includes a voltage converter circuit having a set of switches, a switch driver connected to the voltage converter circuit, a controller connected to the switch driver and the output voltage, a target output voltage connected to the controller, a control signal generated by the controller for the switch driver that includes a duty ratio based on the target output voltage and the output voltage. The switch driver is configured to apply the control signal to the set of switches and the voltage converter circuit generates the output voltage based on the duty ratio to match the target output voltage.

Abstract: PKC V5 isozyme-specific peptides are described. The sequences and compositions comprising the sequences are useful for treating disease states associated with the PKC isozyme from which they are respectively derived. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical formulations and methods of identifying compounds that mimic the activity of the peptides are also described.

Abstract: A system for eye movement and pupil size change matching for user authentication includes an ocular sensor that is configured to sense eyes of a user and collect data indicative of the user's eye movement and pupil size changes. When a user's eyes are detected, the logic analyzes data collected by the ocular sensor in order to determine whether the sensed data match data extracted from a template defined by the eye movement and pupil size changes of an authorized user. If so, the user is authenticated and is permitted to access at least one restricted resource. As an example, the user may be permitted to access an application or sensitive data stored on a computer system or to access a restricted area, such as a room of a building.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a microresonator comprising a silicon-rich silicon oxide layer and a plurality of silicon nanoparticles within the silicon-rich silicon oxide layer. The microresonator further includes an optical coupler optically coupled to the microresonator and configured to be optically coupled to a signal source. The microresonator is configured to receive signal light having a signal wavelength, and at least a portion of the microresonator is responsive to the signal light by undergoing a refractive index change at the signal wavelength. The optical switch further includes an optical coupler optically coupled to the microresonator and configured to be optically coupled to a signal source. The optical coupler transmits the signal light from the signal source to the microresonator.

Abstract: Described are methods for the high-throughput discovery and genotyping of nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and short deletions and insertions. These methods take advantage of the fact that differences in DNA sequence result in the differential presence of restriction endonuclease digestion sites. Approaches involve isolation of short DNA fragments (“tags”) near restriction endonuclease sites. The presence of one (or two) of these tags indicates that a site was present. Regions of DNA with a restriction site in only one individual create an opportunity for primer extension to produce labeled material, which can be assayed on a platform that employs a collection of nucleic acids. Efficient variant detection microarrays and bead libraries are provided that contain genomic tags with different representations between two populations, so that most elements in the collection of nucleic acids contain a SNP between populations of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating viral infections and coinfections through the use of inhibitory agents that prevent a unique viral structural protein motifs from binding to host proteins from the clathrin adaptor proteins family and subsequently preventing viral replication.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a diverse and abundant class of ˜22-nucleotide (nt) endogenous regulatory RNAs that play a variety of roles in animal cells by controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Increased miR-181a expression in mature T cells is shown to cause a marked increase in T cell activation and augments T cell sensitivity to peptide antigens. Moreover, T cell blasts with higher miR-181a expression become reactive to antagonists. The effects of miR-181a on antigen discrimination are in part achieved by dampening the expression of multiple negative regulators in the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, including PTPN22 and the dual specificity phosphatases DUSP5 and DUSP6. This results in a reduction in the TCR signaling threshold, thus quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing T cell sensitivity to antigens.

Abstract: A method for reducing lost circulation in drilling wells employs composite materials containing an engineering thermoplastic polymer and mineral fibers. Optionally the composites may also include other components such as calcium carbonate and blending agents.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible structure includes: obtaining a load graph and a stress graph representing a relationship between a weight percentage of tissue forming nanoparticles and a maximum load or maximum stress of a polymer film, respectively; determining a first and second weight percentage corresponding to a peak of the load graph and the stress graph respectively; determining an optimal weight percentage based on the first and second weight percentages; preparing a polymer film having the optimal weight percentage of the first tissue forming nanoparticles to the polymer; dividing the polymer film to multiple strips; constructing a scaffold by stacking the strips to form polymer layers and adding bone or composite particles between the polymer layers; applying a solution to the scaffold to form a coated scaffold; and adding second tissue forming particles to the coated scaffold to form the biocompatible structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an anode material for a sodium-ion battery having the general formula AOx—C or ACx—C, where A is aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), silicon (Si), or any combinations thereof. The anode material also contains an electrochemically active nanoparticles within the matrix. The nanoparticle may react with sodium ion (Na+) when placed in the anode of a sodium-ion battery. In more specific embodiments, the anode material may have the general formula MySb-M?Ox—C, Sb-MOx—C, MySn-M?Cx—C, or Sn-MCx—C. The disclosure also relates to rechargeable sodium-ion batteries containing these materials and methods of making these materials.