Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for Integrated Circuit (IC) identification, authentication, and tamper detection. Die identification, authentication, and tamper detection techniques are described that employ capacitive sensing of on-chip interconnect. The signal and power routing in ICs have nominal capacitance values that are characteristic of their foundry, and the variance of these values, due to process tolerances, is unique to each device. Measuring these capacitances provides not only support for determining the authenticity of the device and fabrication site, but also provides distinct identification of each part. By integrating Capacitance-to-Digital Converters (CDCs) with low power and area overhead, capacitance values from intrinsic functional nets can be reported, and the need for separate additive test circuitry can be avoided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel polypeptide conjugates. The polypeptide conjugates disclosed herein comprise a stapled peptide comprising a peptide and at least one staple which holds the peptide in an ?-helical conformation, and a cyclic cell-penetrating peptide (cCPP) conjugated, directly or indirectly, to the stapled peptide. The present disclosure demonstrates that cCPPs can be used to confer consistent cell-permeability to stapled peptides.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises a first layer deposited onto a second layer. The second layer comprises a lightly doped n-type or p-type semiconductor drift layer, and the first layer comprises a high-k material with a dielectric constant that is at least two times higher than the value of the second layer. A metal Schottky contact is formed on the first layer and a metal ohmic contact is formed on the second layer. Under reverse bias, the dielectric constant discontinuity leads to a very low electric field in the second layer, while the electron barrier created by the first layer stays almost flat. Under forward bias, electrons flow through the first layer, into the metal ohmic contact. For small values of conduction band offset or valence band offset between the first layer and the second layer, the device is expected to support efficient electron or hole transport.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising a substrate, a set of electrodes disposed on or within the substrate, and a layer comprising ?-WO3 disposed in electrical communication with the set of electrodes, wherein the layer of ?-WO3 exhibits polarization switching are described. Methods of making and using the electrochromic devices are also described. The electrochromic devices are used for detecting acetone in a fluid. The observed change in color of the ?-WO3 layer can be correlated with a subject's medical condition, such as diabetes.

Abstract: An instrument and software methodology to detect a radioactive source and incorporates the following: 1) two radiation detectors in a co-axial configuration, housed in a handheld probe, and 2) a gamma detection control unit executing software algorithms to limit the functional field of view to the front aspect of the probe, vary the depth and width of the field of view to provide collimation without the use of metallic shielding, and allowing the instrument to measure the distance to the radiation source.

Abstract: A composite component includes a reinforcement bonded to a base component by a bond formed by, or reinforced with, a localized coupling in the base component. The bond may be formed by ultrasonic additive manufacturing. The localized coupling may include a compression of the base component, a weld in the base component, or a heat affected zone of the weld. Where the bond is formed by the localized coupling, the localized coupling encompasses the reinforcement. Where the bond is reinforced with the localized coupling, the localized coupling may encompass the reinforcement, or be arranged at an inside radius of a turn in the reinforcement. The reinforcement results in the composite component having enhanced properties such as lower density, increased strength, stiffness, or energy absorption capabilities.

Abstract: Example proximity sensors are described. The proximity sensor can include a transceiver unit, and a leaky coaxial cable operably coupled to the transceiver unit. The proximity sensor described herein can be used with a steering wheel. For example, the leaky coaxial cable can be embedded in the steering wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions, nucleic acids, vectors, viruses, and methods useful for treating hearing loss and/or blindness, for example, Usher Syndrome type IF. The present disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids, vectors, and rAAV.9.PHP.B comprising a transgene encoding a mini-PCDH15, and methods of treating hearing loss using the same. The present disclosure also provides a gRNA associated with a base editor to correct one or more mutations in PCDH15 for treating hearing loss and/or vision loss.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, described herein is a method of treating a subject infected with a pathogen encoding an Fc-binding protein comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fc region of an immunoglobulin G antibody. Also described herein is a method for treating cancer in a subject undergoing oncolytic viral therapy comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fc region of an immunoglobulin G antibody. Further described herein is a method of activating natural killer (NK) cells in a subject infected with a pathogen, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fc region of an immunoglobulin G antibody.

Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a gaseous alkane input stream and metal sulfide (MSx) particles that can react with an alkane in the gaseous alkane input stream to generate an alkene, a reduced metal sulfide (MSx-1) particle, and at least one of: hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and at least one sulfur containing compound selected from: S2, CS, and CS2. A product stream can be collected that includes the alkene and at least one of: hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and the at least one sulfur containing compound. A reduced metal sulfide (MSx-1) particle reacts with sulfur in a sulfur stream and can generate the metal sulfide (MSx) particle and hydrogen (H2).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a biocompatible microsphere, a biofilm-generating probiotic bacterium, a prebiotic, and/or a prebiofilmic. Methods for preparing and formulating the compositions and methods for treating or preventing a disease using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for predictive heart valve simulation. The systems and methods described herein can include segmenting anatomical region of a heart of a patient from image data characterizing the heart of the patient. Anatomical model data that can include three-dimensional shapes of the anatomical regions of the heart can be generated based on the image data. The anatomical model data can be used to generate anatomical model data. The analytical model data can include a three-dimensional mesh of the anatomical regions of the heart. A deformed analytical model that can be indicative of a deformed position of the anatomical regions of the heart and a deformed position of the surgical object can be generated based on the analytical model data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. The disclosed compositions are useful for treating a subject with a disease or condition, such as a cardiovascular disease. In a further aspect, the cardiovascular disease can be a vascular stenosis or restenosis. Also described herein are methods of making and using the unimolecular core-shell nanoparticle, nanoclusters thereof, and platelet biomimetic nanoclusters thereof. 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.

Abstract: Compositions for and methods of treating irritable bowel disease are provided. The compositions and methods employ MG53, which can be in the form of recombinant human MG53. The MG53 can be administered in a form to avoid or bypass gastric digestion or degradation. The composition can include a live MG53-expressing microbe, such as a probiotic composition that expresses MG53 in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. An enteric release composition comprising MG53 is also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to prodrug compositions of a STAT inhibitor compound. In some aspects, the STAT is STAT3. Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the prodrug inhibitors of STAT. In various aspects, the prodrug inhibitors of STAT can be used in methods of treating an inflammatory disorder, including multiple sclerosis, or a disorder of uncontrolled cellular proliferation, such as a cancer. 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.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to novel tumor targeting peptides.

Abstract: Systems and methods use bimetallic alloy particles for converting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to hydrogen (H2) and sulfur (S), typically during multiple operations. In a first operation, metal alloy composite particles can be converted to a composite metal sulfide. In a second operation, composite metal sulfide from the first operation can be regenerated back to the metal alloy composite particle using an inert gas stream. Pure, or substantially pure, sulfur can also be generated during the second operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are MOFs containing nucleophilic transition metal hydroxide (M-OH) groups. In certain embodiments, these MOFs can include a plurality of metal ions, each coordinated with one or more hydroxide ligands and one or more backbone ligands. In certain embodiments, the MOFs can comprise Kuratowski cluster-based secondary building units (SBUs). These MOFs can exhibit excellent performance for low pressure CO2 capture via a CO2/HCO3? fixation mechanism in which cooperative inter-cluster hydrogen bonding interactions enhance CO2 capture performance. Also provided are methods of making MOFs including one or more metal hydroxide moieties, as well as methods of using these MOFs to capture an acidic gas (e.g., CO2, SO2, NO2, or acetylene).

Abstract: The present invention relates to Adeno-associated virus type 9 methods and materials useful for intrathecal delivery of polynucleotides. Use of the methods and materials is indicated, for example, for treatment of lower motor neuron diseases such as SMA and ALS as well as Pompe disease and lysosomal storage disorders. It is disclosed that administration of a non-ionic, low-osmolar contrast agent, together with a rAAV9 vector for the expression of Survival Motor Neuron protein, improves the survival of SMN mutant mice as compared to the administration of the expression vector alone.

Abstract: An electrical capacitance volume tomography sensor for use in high temperature, high pressure applications for measuring or imaging a flow within the sensor, the sensor comprising an outer pressure vessel, a plurality of electrodes placed within the outer pressure vessel, a plurality of threaded studs, wherein one of the threaded studs is attached to one of the plurality of electrodes, a coating or layer is placed on the plurality of electrodes for electrically isolating the plurality of electrodes, a plurality of holes in the outer pressure vessel for allowing terminal connections to the plurality of electrodes within the outer pressure vessel, wherein each of the plurality of holes accepts one of the plurality of threaded studs, and a plurality of gaskets, where one gasket is placed at each of the plurality of holes to seal the pressure at each of the holes in the outer pressure vessel by placing one gasket concentric around one threaded stud and conforming each gasket between a back of an electrode and the