Abstract: Disclosed is a neural computer including an image sensor capable of controlling a photocurrent. The neural computer according to an embodiment includes a preprocessor configured to receive an image and generate a feature map for the received image; a flattening unit configured to transform the feature map generated by the preprocessor into tabular data to provide data output; and an image classifier configured to classify images received through the preprocessor by using the data output by the flattening unit as an input value. The preprocessor includes an optical signal processor configured to receive the image and generate the feature map.

Abstract: Disclosed are an encryption and decryption method and device based on bit permutation and bit transformation. The method includes: configuring a memory space, and preparing corresponding storage spaces for a plaintext file, a ciphertext file and a key file; changing a bit value of an initial key stream according to a bit operation rule, so as to obtain a bit-transformed key stream, changing a bit value of a plaintext according to the bit operation rule depending on the key stream; on the basis of a bit-transformed plaintext stream, according to a bit permutation rule depending on the key stream, performing a bit permutation operation on the bit-transformed plaintext stream, and randomly distributing the plaintext stream in a ciphertext stream, so as to obtain a target ciphertext and store the same as a file.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for the controlled de novo synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides using enzymatic catalysis. For example, provided herein are methods for preparing RNA oligonucleotides via controlled, template-independent addition of nucleotides to an initiator oligonucleotide 3?-terminus via enzymatic catalysis (also known as terminal transferase activity). Single nucleotides can be iteratively added by a compatible polymerase (e.g., a poly(N) polymerase such as a poly(U) polymerase) until a desired RNA oligonucleotide sequence is synthesized. Also provided are nucleotides and polymerases useful in the methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of altering a cell including providing the cell with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Cas1 protein and/or a Cas2 protein of a CRISPR adaptation system, providing the cell with a CRISPR array nucleic acid sequence including a leader sequence and at least one repeat sequence, wherein the cell expresses the Cas1 protein and/or the Cas2 protein and wherein the CRISPR array nucleic acid sequence is within genomic DNA of the cell or on a plasmid. Also provided are methods and systems for nucleic acid storage and in vivo molecular recordings of events into a cell.

Abstract: A probiotic formulation is provided including one or more bacteria, bacterial strains or bacterial species of the genus Veillonella, genus Faecalibacterium, genus Phascolarctobacteria, genus Oscillospira, genus Ruminococcus, genus Bacteroides, genus Blautia, family Christensenellaceae, genus Dialister, or phylum cyanobacteria.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method for configuring an assistive flexible suit including the acts of outfitting a person with an assistive flexible suit, monitoring an output of at least one sensor of the assistive flexible suit as the person moves in a first controlled movement environment, identifying at least one predefined gait event using the output of the at least one sensor, adjusting an actuation profile of the at least one actuator and continuing to perform the acts of monitoring, identifying and adjusting until an actuation profile of the at least one actuator generates a beneficial moment about the at least one joint to promote an improvement in gait. The at least one controller is then set to implement the actuation profile.

Abstract: The disclosure describes aspects of using multiple species in trapped-ion nodes for quantum networking. In an aspect, a quantum networking node is described that includes multiple memory qubits, each memory qubit being based on a 171Yb+ atomic ion, and one or more communication qubits, each communication qubit being based on a 138Ba+ atomic ion. The memory and communication qubits are part of a lattice in an atomic ion trap. In another aspect, a quantum computing system having a modular optical architecture is described that includes multiple quantum networking nodes, each quantum networking node including multiple memory qubits (e.g., based on a 171Yb+ atomic ion) and one or more communication qubits (e.g., based on a 138Ba+ atomic ion). The memory and communication qubits are part of a lattice in an atomic ion trap. The system further includes a photonic entangler coupled to each of the multiple quantum networking nodes.

Abstract: A system for quantification of exercise and physical therapy includes an anchoring module and an electronics module. The anchoring module is removably attached to an object (e.g., a flexible resistive band) or equipped with a clamping mechanism for removably securing the object. The anchoring module also includes an anchoring-module coupling fixture. At least one of the modules includes a sensor (e.g., a force sensor) configured to generate a signal representative of a user's performance during exercise or physical therapy; a processor configured to receive signals from the force sensor; a computer storage medium storing software code and in communication with the processor, wherein the software code includes instruction for processing the signals from the force sensor to quantify the performance; and at least one electronics-module coupling fixture configured to secure the electronics module to the anchoring module coupling fixture.

Abstract: Provided herein are host cells or host cellular expression systems that express a membrane protein. Also, methods are provided that use such host cells or host cellular expression systems to produce higher amounts of the membrane proteins. Further, the cells or cellular systems can be used as tools for the functional characterization of membrane proteins, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting membrane proteins.

Abstract: Sample collection tubes and methods of producing the same are provided. Contemplated collection tubes comprise a tube having a separator substance disposed therein. In some aspects, the separator substance preferably maintains a predetermined flowability during irradiation or heat sterilization, and can subsequently polymerize upon exposure to a UV light or other suitable source. In other aspects, the separator substance preferably includes a soft gel component (thixotropic gel), and a photocurable sealant component that is formulated to polymerize and form a solid barrier between fractions of a liquid.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to tertiary amine solutions of metal precursors used for chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition. The tertiary amine solutions have many advantages. They dissolve high concentrations of non-polar precursors without reacting with them. They do not supply impurities such as oxygen or halogens to the material being produced, nor do they etch or corrode them. Vaporization rates can be chosen so that the solute and solvent may be evaporated simultaneously, have high flash points, and low flammability. Small droplets may be formed easily which facilitate rapid evaporation without decomposition of he dissolved metal precursor to supply vapors for chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition processes.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing a swipe-based confirmation mode in electronic touch sensitive devices. The user can engage the confirmation mode by performing a command (e.g., delete or power down command), which causes the device to display a confirmation swipe gesture prompt. The confirmation prompt may be included within a confirmation graphic or a confirmation pop-up window. By performing the confirmation swipe gesture on the touch sensitive surface, the user may confirm the command. By not properly performing the confirmation gesture, closing a confirmation pop-up window, tapping an area of the screen not associated with the confirmation prompt, or otherwise not performing the confirmation swipe gesture, the device may cause the function to be cancelled.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, systems, reagents, methods, and kits that are useful for the targeted editing of nucleic acids, including editing a single site within the genome of a cell or subject, e.g., within the human genome. In some embodiments, fusion proteins comprise a Gam protein, a napDNAbp, and a cytidine deaminase. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a UGI domain. In some embodiments, methods for targeted nucleic acid editing are provided. In some embodiments, reagents and kits for the generation of targeted nucleic acid editing proteins, e.g., fusion proteins of a Gam protein, a cytidine deaminase and nucleic acid editing proteins or domains, are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides rechargeable lithium ion batteries comprising at least one lithium salt-graphite composite electrode. In particular, the disclosure provides a rechargeable “water-in-bisalt” lithium ion battery with a high potential where at least a portion of the lithium salt is phase separated from the aqueous electrolyte, and where the anionic-redox reaction occurs within the graphitic lattice.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of measuring brain state. The method includes: receiving a first plurality of electrical signals from a contact lens placed on a surface of a subject's eye, the first plurality of electrical signals associated with a first plurality of electrodes lying adjacent to an iris dilator muscle of the subject's eye. Another aspect of the invention provides a contact lens including: an optically transparent or translucent substrate; and one or more pairs of electromyography electrodes arranged on or within the optically transparent or translucent substrate. At least one of the one or more pairs electromyography electrodes are arranged to lie adjacent to an iris dilator muscle of a subject's eye when the contact lens is placed on the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis device comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode each are an electrode comprising an electrically conductive support of which at least a part of the surface is covered by a metal deposit of copper, wherein the surface of the metal deposit is in an oxidized, sulfurated, selenated and/or tellurized form and the metal deposit has a specific surface area greater than or equal to 1 m2/g. The present invention relates also to a method for reducing CO2 into hydrocarbons using an electrolysis device according to the invention. The method according to the invention comprises: a) providing an electrolysis device according to the invention; b) exposing the cathode of said electrolysis device to a CO2-containing aqueous catholyte solution; c) exposing the anode of said electrolysis device to an aqueous anolyte solution; and d) applying an electrical current between the anode and the cathode in order to reduce the carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Provided herein are a subset of alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GC) compounds having improved immunomodulatory activity, particularly with respect to NKT cell number and activity. Also provided herein are methods of use of such compounds, including in the modulation of NKT cells and/or activity in vivo. Further provided are combinatorial synthesis methods for generating alpha-GC compounds of specifically defined structure and thereby generating pure preparations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that demonstrate efficacy in blocking PACAP receptors (e.g. PAC1) and associated methods of treating neurological diseases or disorders using the disclosed compounds. The neurological diseases or disorders include, but are not limited to, stress-related diseases (e.g. chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or general anxiety disorder), pain-related diseases (e.g. chronic pain, primary headache disorders, or migraines), or addiction (e.g. addiction to a substance (e.g. addiction to cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, nicotine, alcohol, prescription medication, marijuana, tobacco, or an opioid selected from heroin, fentanyl, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and methadone)).

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods for serially expanding an artificial heart valve within a pediatric patient. For example, the artificial heart valve can be implanted into the pediatric patient during a first procedure, and then expanded during a second procedure to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth. Some embodiments include introducing an expander into the implanted valve when the frame is expanded to a first working diameter, and then actuating the expander to expand the frame to a second working diameter greater than the first working diameter, to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, 3,4,6,8-substituted-2-([1?-biphenyl]-4-yl)quinoline analogs, that are inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) with improved pharmacokinetic properties. The disclosed compounds can be used in the treatment of a variety of disorders and diseases in which inhibition of DHODH can be clinically useful, including cancer, such as a hematological cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML); graft-versus-host-diseases; autoimmune disorders; and disorders associated with T-cell proliferation. The disclosed compounds can demonstrate flip-flop kinetics when administered orally, i.e., pharmacokinetics in which the rate of absorption, rather than the rate of elimination, dominates the pharmacokinetics. The disclosed compounds can demonstrate a sustained pharmacokinetic profile instead of an immediate release profile. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.