Abstract: Most artificial neural networks are implemented electronically using graphical processing units to compute products of input signals and predetermined weights. The number of weights scales as the square of the number of neurons in the neural network, causing the power and bandwidth associated with retrieving and distributing the weights in an electronic architecture to scale poorly. Switching from an electronic architecture to an optical architecture for storing and distributing weights alleviates the communications bottleneck and reduces the power per transaction for much better scaling. The weights can be distributed at terabits per second at a power cost of picojoules per bit (versus gigabits per second and femtojoules per bit for electronic architectures). The bandwidth and power advantages are even better when distributing the same weights to many optical neural networks running simultaneously.

Abstract: An optical phased array formed of a large number of nanophotonic antenna elements can be used to project complex images into the far field. These nanophotonic phased arrays, including the nanophotonic antenna elements and waveguides, can be formed on a single chip of silicon using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Directional couplers evanescently couple light from the waveguides to the nanophotonic antenna elements, which emit the light as beams with phases and amplitudes selected so that the emitted beams interfere in the far field to produce the desired pattern. In some cases, each antenna in the phased array may be optically coupled to a corresponding variable delay line, such as a thermo-optically tuned waveguide or a liquid-filled cell, which can be used to vary the phase of the antenna's output (and the resulting far-field interference pattern).

Abstract: A chip-to-chip integration process for rapid prototyping of silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays has been developed. This process has several advantages over wafer-level 3D integration, including: (1) reduced cost per development cycle since a dedicated full-wafer read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) fabrication is not needed, (2) compatibility with ROICs made in previous fabrication runs, and (3) accelerated schedule. The process provides several advantages over previous processes for chip-to-chip integration, including: (1) shorter processing time as the chips can be diced, bump-bonded, and then thinned at the chip-level faster than in a wafer-level back-illumination process, and (2) the CMOS substrate provides mechanical support for the APD device, allowing integration of fast microlenses directly on the APD back surface. This approach yields APDs with low dark count rates (DCRs) and higher radiation tolerance for harsh environments and can be extended to large arrays of APDs.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).

Abstract: The current subject matter includes methods, systems, articles, and techniques to deliver material to anucleate cells, such as red blood cells. Using a rapid deformation based microfluidic system, loading of red blood cells with macromolecules of different sizes has been shown. Although delivery to some mammalian cells, such as cancer cell lines and fibroblasts had been previously demonstrated using this technique, those designs were incompatible with RBCs that have dramatically different physical properties. Through the use of smaller constriction sizes, high speeds and different buffers successful delivery to red blood cells can be achieved. By enabling robust delivery to red blood cells in a simple, scalable manner, the current subject matter can be implemented in a diversity of applications that deliver material to study red blood cell diseases and/or use red blood cells as a therapeutic platform. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for development and use of a perfusion apparatus comprising a biological phantom created from an ex vivo placenta. In some embodiments, a system is provided for perfusing an ex vivo placenta to be imaged using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the system comprising a chamber configured to house the ex vivo placenta therein, the chamber including a first partition separating the chamber into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the ex vivo placenta is housed at least partially in the first portion, and at least one first inlet disposed in the second portion for receiving at least one first tube, the at least one first tube being configured to couple at least one first pump to a fetal compartment of the ex vivo placenta when present in the chamber.

Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one 5 or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In certain embodiments, the self-righting article a tissuel0 interfacing components. In some embodiments, each tissue-interfacing component may comprise an electrically-conductive portion configured for electrical communication with tissue and an insulative portion configured to not be in electrical communication with tissue.

Abstract: A structural electronics wireless sensor node is provided that includes layers of electronic components fabricated from patterned nanostructures embedded in an electrically conductive matrix. In some aspects, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes a plurality of nanostructure layers that each form individual electronic components of the structural electronics wireless sensor node. In certain embodiments, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes electronic components such as a resistor, a inductor, a capacitor, and/or an antenna.

Abstract: A finger insert for use with a nailfold imaging device includes a housing to receive the user's finger and an immersion substance (e.g., immersion oil), and a deformable pad that holds the user's finger in place during imaging, as well as prevent bubble formation in the substance. The housing includes a transparent wall to facilitate imaging of the finger. The transparent wall includes multiple angled portions that prevent or reduce contact between the nailfold and the wall, to ensure sufficient blood flow through the nailfold region for imaging.

Abstract: Electrical propulsion systems and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrical propulsion system may include an electrically-actuated valve to selectively permit flow of propellant from a reservoir tank to a thruster. The valve may physically isolate the propellant from the thruster when inactivated, exhibiting a non-wetting surface which may inhibit propellant from passing through the valve towards the thrusters. In some embodiments, a valve may be activated through application of a voltage potential to the valve relative to the propellant, which may change the wettability of the valve, permitting propellant to wet and subsequently pass through the valve. The voltage potential may be adjusted to vary the wettability of the valve, resulting in the valve effectively regulating propellant flow rate. The valve may include a conductive layer, a dielectric or insulating layer, and a non-wetting layer to enhance the non-wetting behavior of the valve.

Abstract: An ensemble of spin defect centers or other atom-like quantum systems in a solid-state host can be used as a compact alternative for an atomic clock thanks to an architecture that overcomes magnetic and temperature-induced systematics. A polariton-stabilized solid-state spin clock hybridizes a microwave resonator with a magnetic-field-insensitive spin transition within the ground state of a spin defect center (e.g., a nitrogen vacancy center in diamond). Detailed numerical and analytical modeling of this polariton-stabilized solid-state spin clock indicates a potential fractional frequency instability below 10-13 over a 1-second measurement time, assuming present-day experimental parameters. This stability is a significant improvement over the state-of-the-art in miniaturized atomic vapor clocks.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for targeting nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides non-naturally occurring or engineered DNA-targeting systems comprising a novel DNA-targeting CRISPR effector protein and at least one targeting nucleic acid component like a guide RNA. Methods for making and using and uses of such systems, methods, and compositions and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Triggerable hydrogel compositions and related methods are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the compositions and related methods may be used for medical-related or other applications. For example, the compositions and methods described herein may be useful, for example, in biomedical applications such as articles for (e.g., gastric) retention. In some embodiments, methods for deploying and/or removing an article comprising the composition, such as an article for gastric retention, are provided. The article and/or composition may be removed internally from a subject by, for example, introducing at least one reagent (e.g., one reagent, two reagents) such that at least a portion of the composition disassociates. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a polymer network comprising two or more interpenetrating polymers. In some cases, a first polymer comprises a first cross-link moiety configured to dissociate upon interaction with a reagent.

Abstract: A method for identifying a group of users from a number of users includes receiving, for each user of the number of users, response data including motion data characterizing motion of the user during a prescribed time period occurring after issuance of a challenge to the number of users, processing the motion data of the number of users to identify a first subset of the number of users with substantially matching motion data, and forming the group of users to include the first subset of the number of users.

Abstract: A responsive material having an elastomeric matrix in which ferromagnetic particles are dispersed so as to have a predetermined magnetization pattern which, when exposed to an external magnetic field, changes the shape of the responsive material from an initial shape to a predetermined transformed shape dictated by the magnetization pattern. An initial shape of the responsive material is formed by direct ink printing while applying magnetic fields to a dispensing nozzle to align the particles and gives rise to the desired magnetization pattern.

Abstract: A motor system can include a bearingless stator having a plurality of magnetic windings including rotation windings and suspension windings; a dipole interior permanent magnet (IPM) rotor positioned within the stator, the rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets disposed within a cylindrical structure; one or more position sensors to measure radial and angular position of the rotor; and a controller configured to receive measurements from the one or more position sensors and to generate current commands for the stator to excite the rotation windings to generate torque and to excite the suspension windings to stabilize the rotor within the stator.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and can exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The apparatus includes one or more needles adapted to remove a small portion of tissue when inserted into and withdrawn from the skin. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The exemplary method and apparatus can produce cosmetic effects such as increases in collagen content, epidermal thickness, and dermal/epidermal junction undulations in the skin.

Abstract: A reticle transport system having a magnetically levitated transportation stage is disclosed. Such a system may be suitable for use in vacuum environments, for example, ultra-clean vacuum environments.