Abstract: A method to fabricate micro-size III-nitride light emitting diodes (?LEDs) with an epitaxial tunnel junction comprised of a p+GaN layer, an InxAlyGazN insertion layer, and an n+GaN layer, grown using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), wherein the ?LEDs have a low forward the GaN layers, which reduces a depletion width of the tunnel junction and increases the tunneling probability. The ?LEDs are fabricated with dimensions that vary from 25 to 10,000 ?m2. It was found that the InxAlyGazN insertion layer can reduce the forward voltage at 20 A/cm2 by at least 0.6 V. The tunnel junction ?LEDs with an n-type and p-type InxAlyGazN insertion layer had a low forward voltage at 20 A/cm2 that was very stable. At dimensions smaller than 1600 ?m2, the low forward voltage is less than 3.2 V.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods to improve the detection of a lateral-flow immunoassay for the sensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein or other analytes, as well as devices that incorporate those methods are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analytic sensitivity expression for parameters of a battery electrochemical model, based on model reduction and reformulation techniques such as the single particle assumption, Padé approximation, and Laplace transform. The analytic expressions of sensitivity are in a compact form with explicit relationship to the current input, which enables the direct optimization of the input-dependent sensitivity. The current optimization with maximum sensitivity may be performed for several critical battery electrochemical parameters, namely a solid-phase lithium diffusion coefficient, a volume fraction of the electrode active material, and a reaction rate constant. The electrochemical parameter may be reliably identified using the optimal current profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the identification and quantitation of targets (e.g., biological targets such as cells and viruses) using molecules comprising a binding moiety that binds to the target and a fluorescent moiety whose fluorescence properties are altered when the binding moiety binds to the target. A plurality of said molecules are specifically arranged in structures that resemble the size and shape of a cell to maximize affinity and sensitivity.

Abstract: A precision gyroscope which provides mode matching which is insensitive to rate input in response to continuously monitoring the split between the resonances of the drive and sense modes. A calibration signal, having at least one modulated term whose carrier is synchronous with the excitation in the drive resonator is utilized to modify the feedback signal in the sense resonator. The gyroscope thus does not suffer from corruption of, or from, the rate measurement; whereas the frequency of the calibration signal can be chosen independently of the bandwidth of the rate input.

Abstract: Photonic pigments are disclosed, which include a plurality of magnetic nanorods assembled into tetragonal colloidal crystals.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for producing calcium hydroxide includes dissolving a calcium precursor in a first solution in contact with a first electrode to produce Ca2+ ions, transporting the Ca2+ ions across a first membrane from the first solution into a second solution using a first electrochemical potential, producing hydroxide ions at a second electrode, transporting the hydroxide ions across a second membrane into the second solution using a second electrochemical potential, and precipitating calcium hydroxide from the second solution.

Abstract: An organ lengthening device comprising a spring-like structure, wherein the surface of the device is covered with micron-size anchors such as hooks, studs or wires made from a biodegradable polymer. The anchors are configured to engage the surface of the organ so that the device will be anchored to the organ. The device, which is inserted into the organ in a compressed position, gradually lengthens over time, thereby lengthening the organ, wherein the anchors are configured to degrade away and eventually allow the device to become disengaged from the organ.

Abstract: Catalytic dehydrogenation of a light alkane gas on a metal oxide catalyst is achieved by (a) pretreating the metal oxide catalyst with dimethylether (DME); and (b) reacting the alkane gas catalytically on the catalyst in a dehydrogenation reaction, under conditions wherein the pretreating improves product yield of the reaction.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for activating transcription in a mammalian cell.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a Laser-actuated Supercritical Injector (LASI) is provided. This device provides high-speed fluidic jet injection into biological samples, such as cells, organs, and tissues (including skin). In certain embodiments the LASI devices exploit high-speed fluidic jets that are pushed by rapid bubble expansion in a fluid. The bubbles are formed when liquid confined in microcavities or holes are heated up to above the supercritical temperature of the fluid. This leads to the formation of a short but ultra-high vapor pressure (supercritical) fluid that ejects the fluid (and any cargo contained therein) out through microchannels. This jet penetrates a cell, organ or tissue juxtaposed to a surface containing the microchannels and the jet provide sufficient force to penetrate into the cell, tissue, or organ leading to effective deliver of a cargo.

Abstract: A therapeutic microporous hydrogel scaffold for use in an animal is disclosed that releases one or more therapeutic agents or drugs. The scaffold uses a drug-releasing microporous annealed particle system that encapsulates drug-loaded nanoparticles into particle building blocks. By modulating nanoparticle hydrophilicity and pre-gel solution viscosity, the particle building blocks were generated with consistent and homogeneous encapsulation of nanoparticles. The scaffold may be used to treat myocardial infarction (MI) using, for example, the drugs forskolin (F) and Repsox (R). The intramyocardial injection of the pre-annealed hydrogel slurry of particles that formed the resultant scaffold improved left ventricular functions, which were further enhanced with increased angiogenesis and reduced fibrosis and inflammatory response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of biological matter with desired non-homogeneous and non-isotropic textures from deposited 2-D or 3-D printed elements. Desired textures, such as anisotropic structure at the microscale level, are achieved through a combination of controlled chemical, thermal and freezing steps producing crosslinked anisotropic structures by directional solidification. The apparatus has a movable printing platform associated with a heating module and a cooling module separated by a gap that creates a thermal gradient permitting directional solidification of a printed object as the platform moves over the modules.

Abstract: This invention provides improved synthetic exosomes for delivery a one or more therapeutic agents to the central nervous system. In certain embodiments the synthetic exosome comprises a liposome formed from a lipid bilayer, where said lipid bilayer comprises: one or more phospholipids selected from the group consisting of phosphate lipids, phosphoglycerol lipids, phosphocholine lipids, and phosphoethanolamine lipids where the lipid carbon chain ranges from 3 to 24 carbon atoms; cholesterol, a cholesterol derivative (e.g., cholesterol hemicsuccinate), or a phytosterol; and a non-ionic surfactant; wherein the lipid bilayer does not contain an alcohol; and the liposome ranges in size from about 50 nm up to about 200 nm in diameter. Typically, the synthetic exosome is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier without substantially leaking said therapeutic moiety.

Abstract: We have discovered a chemical cocktail that selectively induces a robust expansion of myogenic stem cells from readily-obtainable dermal cells and from muscle stromal cells. By differential plating and lineage tracing, we show that Pax7+ cells were the major source for chemical-induced myogenic stem cells (CiMCs). We further performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to characterize the transcriptomic profile of CiMCs and demonstrate a specific expansion of myogenic cells from heterogeneous dermal cell population. Upon transplantation into the injured muscle, CiMCs were efficiently engrafted and improved functional muscle regeneration in both adult and aged mice. Furthermore, an in situ therapeutic modality using this cocktail was developed by loading the chemical cocktail into injectable nanoparticles, which enabled a sustained release of the cocktail in injured muscle and a local expansion of resident satellite cells for muscle regeneration in adult and aged mice.

Abstract: A therapeutic hydrogel material is disclosed for the delivery of CAR-T cells that allows their distribution in the tumor resection recess, cavity, or void in combination with platelets decorated with the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) blocking antibody (aPDL1). The delivered hydrogel material acts as a reservoir for both CAR-T cells and platelet-bound aPDL1. Furthermore, inflammation occurring during the surgical wound healing triggers the release of platelet-derived microparticles containing the aPDL1. Cells delivered by the engineered hydrogel show significant control of local and distant tumor recurrence without causing toxic effects. In some embodiments, nanoparticles containing cytokines are also loaded in the therapeutic hydrogel material to maintain the activity and proliferation ability of CAR-T cells.

Abstract: A solid state thermochromic polymer film comprising two or more separated solid phases with matched refractive indices, wherein the separated solid phases are transparent; and one of the phases undergoes a crystal melting above a threshold temperature resulting in significant reduction of its refractive index. The one of the phases undergoing the crystal melting becomes opaque when its temperature rises above said threshold temperature; and reverts to being transparent when its temperature lowers to an ambient temperature below said threshold temperature. In one example, the new thermochromic phase-changing copolymer with switchable optical transparency is fabricated via copolymerizing hydrophilic poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) and hydrophobic poly(hexadecyl acrylate-tetradecyl acrylate). The polymer film is transparent due to matched refractive indices of the phase separated domains, but turns opaque when the long alkyl chains undergoes crystalline melting above 28-32° C.

Abstract: The present invention realtes to lentiviral particles which have been pseudotyped with Nipah virus (NiV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins (NiVpp-F/G). Additionally, the present invention relates to truncated NiV-F glyocproteins useful in producing such NiVpp lentiviral particles, as well as to additional variant peptides which enhance activity. Further, the present invention relates to methods of using such lentiviral particles or sequences, for example in the treatetment of cancer or CNS disorders.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simultaneously recovering and separate sounds from multiple sources using Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) signals are described. In one embodiment, a device can be configured for generating an audio signal based on audio source ranging using ultrawideband signals. In an embodiment the device includes, a transmitter circuitry, a receiver circuitry, memory and a processor. The processor configured to generate a radio signal. The radio signal including an ultra-wideband Gaussian pulse modulated on a radio-frequency carrier. The processor further configured to transmit the radio signal using the transmitter circuitry, receive one or more backscattered signals at the receiver circuitry, demodulate the one or more backscattered signals to generate one or more baseband signals, and generate a set of data frames based on the one or more baseband signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of delivery, treatment, and prevention of neuropathy and/or pain associated with NGF treatment for an underline disease or condition with a NGF mutant, such as NGFR100W, that does not elicit pain. The present disclosure further provides a composition of micro- and/or nano-rods attached with the NGF mutant, such as NGFR100W, which are injectable or administered to a target for desired therapies.