Abstract: A boat used in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace is configured to hold one or more complex three-dimensional (3D) structures when performing a coating. A platform wafer is placed horizontally in the boat to support the complex 3D structures and a mount is positioned to secure the complex 3D structures on the platform wafer during the CVD process. One or more “witness” wafers may also be placed in the boat for analyzing the thin-film coating. The platform wafer may be positioned between or bracketed by the vertical wafers. Parts with coatings manufactured using LPCVD are further disclosed.

Abstract: A self-powered wireless keyboard by modifying the structure of a traditional membrane keyboard having a volcanic crater structure. Not damaging the original membrane keyboard structure, a micro magnet core is installed inside a cylindrical protrusion block under the key cap as a mover of the induction power generation device, and an induction coil is wound in a key slot of the keyboard base as the stator of the induction power generation device. In this way, when each key is pressed, it will produce induction current. A layer of flexible solar cell can be laid on the upper surface of the key, which can generate electricity by collecting the light energy in the surrounding environment during the time of daily illumination.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology for the conversion of solar energy into chemicals may require cost-effective photoelectrodes to efficiently and stably drive anodic and/or cathodic half-reactions to complete the overall reactions for storing solar energy in chemical bonds. Apparatus and systems incorporating effectively transparent metal catalysts enable the design and/or implementation of PEC devices for light harvesting. Triple-junction photocathodes with the triangular catalyst grids are provided to improve the efficiency of the photocathodes to generate renewable fuel from sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to QTY CCR9 and CXCR2 variant Fc receptor fusion proteins, methods for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, provided herein is a method comprising: (a) (i) determining cytolytic activity in a tumor from the subject; and/or (ii) determining genetic alterations associated with cytolytic activity in the tumor; and (b) administering an immunotherapeutic agent to the subject if (i) cytolytic activity is detected in the tumor and/or (ii) a genetic alteration associated with induction of cytolytic activity, tumor resistance to cytolytic activity and/or suppression of cytolytic activity is detected in the tumor.

Abstract: Skin hydration is necessary to maintain the epidermal barrier, minimize adverse environmental influences, and reduce cell stress. Provided herein are compounds, such as compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically and cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions, methods, and uses that may be used for skin hydration. Also reported herein is a scalable method for synthesizing compounds of Formula (I). The compounds provided herein are responsible for improved skin penetration and/or retention and are therefore useful for the treatment and/or prevention of various diseases, disorders, or conditions to protect human skin.

Abstract: A system for near-surface geophysical subsurface imaging for detecting and characterizing subsurface heterogeneities comprises an instrument that outputs probing electromagnetic signals through a ground surface that interact and are affected by scattered signals of acoustic waves that travel through the ground surface and further senses vibrational modes of a subsurface below the ground surface; an imaging device that dynamically generates a time sequence of images of properties of the acoustic waves and maps elastic wave fields of the acoustic waves; and a processor that analyzes dynamic multi-wave data of the images to quantify spatial variations in the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the subsurface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for thermosensitive hydrogel for cancer therapeutic and methods of preparation thereof. The invention represents an advancement in the field of cancer therapeutics and provides for a polymer-protein based thermosensitive hydrogel comprising polyvinyl alcohol, poloxamer 407 and bovine serum albumin. The thermosensitive hydrogel can be optionally be enriched with one or more additional component such as photothermal agents, photosensitizers, drugs and dyes. The invention also provides for a method of preparing the thermosensitive hydrogels. The hydrogels of the present invention are inexpensive, thermosensitive, has ability to effectuate sustained release of drugs and can be used for targeted delivery and dual-modality treatment.

Abstract: Described are concepts, systems, circuits and techniques directed toward methods and apparatus for generating one or more pulse width modulated (PWM) waveforms with the ability to dynamically control pulse width and phase with respect to a reference signal.

Abstract: Drip irrigation emitters having low activation pressures, desirable flow rates, and are configured to clog less than existing emitters are provided. The disclosed emitters include membrane cavities that are devoid of a channel and a land to help advance fluid through the cavity, to an outlet, and to an outside environment. Instead, the membrane cavities have various shapes and configurations that, in conjunction with a depressed membrane, help to drive fluid out of the membrane cavity and to an outside environment. The shapes of the membrane cavities include a sinusoidal configuration, a cylindrical shape configuration, and a flat bottom configuration. Various features of such emitters, and methods of using the same, are also provided.

Abstract: An ultra-long sub-wavelength grating as an optical antenna for optical phased arrays includes a top structure and a bottom structure which are vertically stacked. The bottom structure is made of a material with a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the top structure. The top structure is made of a material with a refractive index higher than that of the bottom structure. A strip waveguide is disposed in the middle of the top structure. subwavelength blocks are disposed periodically on two sides of the straight strip waveguides. The invention has the following beneficial effects. The structure could increase the effective length of the grating; uniform near field distribution can be achieved by controlling the positions of the subwavelength blocks. The structure is simpler with lower fabrication requirements and lower cost.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, a mobile augmented reality (AR) system can include: a receiver configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals from one or more items located within an environment; a tracking module configured to generate tracking data responsive to a location of the system within the environment over time; a display device; and one or more processors configured to determine a location of at least one of the one or more items within the environment using the received RF signals and the tracking data, and generate a visual representation of the location of the at least one item for display on the display device.

Abstract: An integrated photonic architecture for coherent signal generation and processing. This architecture can enhance coherent transceiver performance for many applications, including remote sensing, LiDAR, high-speed data communication, and high performance computing.

Abstract: Peptides capable of binding to HLA-E and affecting immune cell activity are provided. Such peptides can selectively activate NKG2C+ immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and/or can inhibit NKG2A+ cells to decrease or suppress immune cell responses. Methods of use of the peptides are also disclosed, for instance, for treating or inhibiting the development or progression of a multitude of illnesses and conditions, including autoimmune disease, infectious disease such as viral or bacterial infection, and proliferative disorders such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are stmctural information on the Cas protein of the CRISPR-Cas system, use of this information in generating modified components of the CRISPR complex, vectors and vector systems which encode one or more components or modified components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors and components. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formulation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system. In particular the present invention comprehends optimized functional CRISPR-Cas enzyme systems.

Abstract: A method for producing a cotton-wool like material for bone regeneration using a wet spinning method. 50-80 wt % of calcium salt particles and 50-20 wt % of PDLLGA resin are put into a mixing vessel, dissolved in acetone, and stirred to produce a spinning solution with a resin concentration of 10-20 wt % in which said calcium salt particles are dispersed. The produced spinning solution is filled in a syringe, and the spinning solution filled in the syringe is injected into a collector container filled with poor solvent by extruding the spinning solution from the discharge port of an injection needle having a predetermined diameter. The spinning solution injected into the poor solvent is solidified into fibers by interdiffusion of desorption of organic solvent and penetration of poor solvent in the poor solvent solution. The fibers solidified in the poor solvent are deposited in a floating state in the collector vessel without fiber-to-fiber adhesion and collected in a cotton-wool like shape.

Abstract: A device can be configured as an under-constrained deployable system. Such a system can use under-constrained deployable couplers. A device may include a second segment coupled to the first segment by a high strain structure, wherein the high strain structure is bent to store deployment energy in a stowed configuration. Releasing the stored deployment energy can allow an under-constrained deployable system to transition to an expanded configuration. A tensioning system can transition an under-constrained deployable system to a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Devices, such as transistors, that use bismuth to create ohmic contacts are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the same. The transistors, such as field-effect transistors, can include one or more two-dimensional materials, and electrical contact areas can be created on the two-dimensional material(s) using bismuth. The bismuth can help to provide energy-barrier free, ohmic contacts, and the resulting devices can have performance levels that rival or exceed state-of-the-art devices that utilize three-dimensional materials, like silicon. The two-dimensional materials can include transition metal dichalcogenides, such as molybdenum disulfide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to derivatized agelastatin compounds and methods for the treatment, prevention, or delay of cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effect amount of the derivatized agelastatin compounds, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a composition thereof to a subject in need thereof. Methods for making the derivatized agelastatin compounds are also provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system comprises a computer hardware processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for receiving, from one or more sensors, sensor data relating to a robot; generating, using a statistical model, based on the sensor data, first control information for the robot to accomplish a task; transmitting, to the robot, the first control information for execution of the task; and receiving, from the robot, a result of execution of the task.