Abstract: Time multiplexing an electromagnetic trap beam may be used to generate trap shapes/geometries to trap one or more particles with one electromagnetic beam by directing the electromagnetic beam at a pattern of different locations with sufficient rapidity to form an effective shape/geometry. Additionally, multiplexing an electromagnetic trap beam may be used to shutter trapping electromagnetic radiation to protect a viewer, use the same beam for multiple functions, move and organize particles, and generate illumination effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rigidity measuring device comprising an arm. The arm includes a rail and a base connected to the rail. The rail includes a limit switch, and the base includes a load cell. Also, disclosed is a rigidity measuring device comprising an arm and a processor. The arm includes a rail and a base connected to the rail. The rail includes a limit switch, and the base includes a load cell. The processor electronically connects to the limit switch and the load cell.

Abstract: Cationic steroidal antimicrobial (CSA) compounds having a structure of Formula I, II or III, or salt thereof, wherein at least one of R1-R18, (e.g., R18) includes a terpenyl group attached via an ester or amide linkage and at least one R1-R18, (e.g., R3, R7 and R12) is an amino acid linked to the steroidal backbone by an ester or amide linkage: R18 has the following structure: —R19—(C?O)—X—R20 ?where R19 is omitted or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl, X is oxygen or nitrogen, and R20 is a terpenyl group. R3, R7 and R12 have the following structure: R22R23N—R21—(C?O)—X— ?where R21 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, X is oxygen or nitrogen, and R22 and R23 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl.

Abstract: A novel treatment for Graves' Disease (GD) is disclosed and described. Chimeric autoantigen receptor (CAAR) T cells are engineered using a CAAR construct causing thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) epitope expression such that the engineered CAAR T cells serve as bait for autoreactive B cells. The engineered CAAR T cells specifically eliminate the autoreactive B cells, thus eliminating the causative factor for GD. Certain CAAR T cells are further engineered to incorporate bispecific LINK CAR technology to further require the presence of CD19 or BCMA to further increase CAAR T cell targeting specificity to autoreactive B cells and plasma cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to modulate the activity of furin in a subject are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods include administering a pharmaceutical composition including a protease inhibitor. In some embodiments, the protease inhibitor inhibits furin activity by binding to the catalytic site, the allosteric site, or both.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to compositions and methods for treating pain with wogonin. In particular, described herein are compositions and methods for treating musculoskeletal pain and arthritis with wogonin.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for regenerating tissue and/or preventing tissue loss by stimulating stem cells. A method includes providing a treatment composition including one or more CSA compounds and a carrier, applying the treatment composition to a targeted tissue region of a subject, and the treatment composition stimulating tissue regeneration and/or preventing tissue degradation at the targeted region of the subject.

Abstract: A multi-stage stent including a stent body and a bio-erodible material is provided. The stent body can be compressed in an initial state and the bio-erodible material can be coupled to the stent body in a configuration that holds the stent body in an expanded first state, following a first stage expansion from the initial state upon deployment of the stent body. Upon erosion of the bio-erodible material the stent body is released from the first state to expand further in a second stage expansion to a second state.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a plate configured for implantation in a body of a patient. The plate can include a plurality of pores and be configured for placement between a cancellous bone of a spinal vertebra and a corresponding cartilaginous endplate as a replacement for a bony endplate of the spinal vertebra.

Abstract: A device and methodology for cleaning optical instruments. The device includes a sheath, a wiper mechanism, and an actuator. The sheath attaches to an optical instrument such that the wiper mechanism is in proximity to a lens of the optical instrument. The wiper mechanism includes a blade and a compliant deployment system having first and second curved cross members attached to the blade and sheath such that they bias the blade in a first state where the blade is in a deployed position but can de-form allowing the blade to transition to a second state in a stored position. The actuator maintains tension on the blade to keep the blade in the second state and when the actuator releases tension on blade spring energy stored by the deformation of the curved cross members is released transitioning the blade to the first deployed position providing a wipe of the wiper mechanism.

Abstract: An example deployable structure includes at least one base member, at least one first articulable member, at least one second articulable member, and at least one interference member. The deployable structure must include at least one base member, at least one first articulable member, at least one second articulable member, and at least one interference member otherwise the deployable structure may not be switchable between the compact and deployed states thereof. The base member is articulably connected to the first articulable member using a first hinge, the first articulable member is articulably connected to the second articulable member using a second hinge, and the interference member is articulably connected to the second articulable member using a third hinge. The interference member is also attached to the base member, for example, using a fourth hinge. The deployable structure is configured to switch from at least a compact state to a deployed state.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for deactivating coronavirus. A method includes providing a deactivation composition including one or more CSA compounds and a carrier, administering the deactivation composition to a subject, and the deactivation composition deactivating coronavirus virions in the subject or coming into contact with the subject. The method can thereby prevent, decrease, or inhibit a coronavirus infection, such as COVID-19, of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment compositions and methods for preventing and/or treating microbial infections of ciliated tissues, such as tissues of the trachea, lungs, and sinuses. The method utilizes a treatment composition that includes a cationic steroidal antimicrobial (CSA) compound, a poloxamer, and a carrier, which is administered to ciliated tissue, such as lung tissue, in order to prevent or treat a microbial infection by killing microbes associated with the ciliated tissue. The poloxamer forms micelles that encapsulate the CSA compound, the poloxamer being included in the treatment composition in an amount, by weight, that is about 100 to 1000 times the amount of the CSA compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reference electrode that includes a tube, saturated reference salt, an excess reference salt, and a wire. The saturated reference salt and the excess reference salt are placed inside the tube. The wire is also placed inside the tube. Also disclosed is a system comprising a crucible, a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. The crucible contains molten salt. The electrodes are placed within the molten salt. The reference electrode that includes a tube, saturated reference salt, an excess reference salt, and a wire. The saturated reference salt and the excess reference salt are placed inside the tube. The wire is also placed inside the tube.

Abstract: A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a first link comprising an outer cylinder, a second link comprising a first tool member pivotably connected to the first link at a first joint mounted in a first cavity in the wall of the outer cylinder, a third link comprising a second tool member pivotably connected to the first tool member at a second link, and a fourth link comprising an inner cylinder to which the second tool member is also pivotably connected at a third link mounted in a second cavity in the wall of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder of the fourth link is rotated in relation to the outer cylinder of the first link the actuator tool transitions from a first state where the tool is closed to a second state where the tool is open.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for optofluidic analyte detection and analysis using multi-mode interference (MMI) waveguides are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, spatially and spectrally multiplexed optical detection of particles is implemented on an optofluidic platform comprising multiple analyte channels intersecting a single MMI waveguide. In some embodiments, multi-stage photonic structures including a first stage MMI waveguide for demultiplexing optical signals by spatially separating different wavelengths of light from one another may be implemented. In some embodiments, a second stage may use single-mode waveguides and/or MMI waveguides to create multi-spot patterns using the demultiplexed, spatially separated light output from the first stage.

Abstract: Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) are introduced as compliant deployable flexures that can span gaps between segments in a mechanism and then lay flat when under strain in a stowed position. This paper presents models of Euler spiral beams combined in series and parallel that can be used to design compact compliant mechanisms. Constraints on the flexure parameters of DESCs are also presented. Analytic models developed for the force-deflection behavior and stress were compared to finite element analysis and experimental data. A spinal implant and a linear ratcheting system are presented as illustrative applications of DESCs.

Abstract: Cationic steroidal antimicrobial (CSA) compounds having a structure of Formula I, II or III, or salt thereof, wherein at least one of at least one of R1-R18, (e.g., R3, R7 and R12) is linked to the steroidal backbone by a urethane group: At least one of R1-R18, (e.g., R3, R7 and R12) has the following urethanyl structure: —O—(C?O)—NR19R20 where R19 and R20 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aminoalkyl, aminoalkenyl, aminoalkynyl, or aminoaryl, provided that at least one of R19 or R20 includes an amino group (e.g., R19 is hydrogen and R20 is (C2-C6)aminoalkyl). R18 can have the following structure: —R21—(C?O)—NR22R23 where R21 is omitted or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl, and R22 and R23 are hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl, provided that at least one of R22 or R23 is not hydrogen.

Abstract: A system includes: an acoustic exciter, a compliant material applied to the acoustic exciter to configure the acoustic exciter for triggering acoustic excitation of at least part of a substrate; a sensor configured to receive an acoustic response of the acoustic excitation; and circuitry configured to determine at least one characteristic of the substrate using the acoustic response.

Abstract: A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a first link comprising an outer cylinder, a deployment ring including second link comprising a first portion pivotably connected to the first link at a first joint mounted in a first cavity in the wall of the outer cylinder and a third link comprising a second tool portion pivotably connected to the first portion at a second link, and a fourth link comprising an inner cylinder to which the second portion of the deployment ring is also pivotably connected at a third link mounted in a second cavity in the wall of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder of the fourth link is rotated in relation to the outer cylinder of the first link the actuator tool transitions from a first state where the deployment ring is stowed within the tool to a second state where the deployment ring is deployed externally.