Abstract: Encoding efficiency for attribute information in point cloud information is improved. A point cloud encoding device includes a subsampling unit configured to preserve chroma signals of some points in a point cloud to be encoded and discard chroma signals of remaining points other than those points, and an attribute information encoding unit configured to encode the chroma signals of those points in the point cloud to be encoded and luma signals of all points.

Abstract: Current kidney organoids model development and diseases of the nephron but not the con-tiguous epithelial network of the kidney's collecting duct (CD) system. Here, we report the generation of an expandable, 3D branching ureteric bud (UB) organoid culture model that can be derived from primary UB progenitors from mouse and human fetal kidneys, or gen-erated de novo from human pluripotent stem cells. In chemically-defined culture conditions, UB organoids generate CD organoids, with differentiated principal and intercalated cells adopting spatial assemblies reflective of adult kidney's collecting system. Aggregating 3D-cultured nephron progenitor cells with UB organoids results in a reiterative process of branching morphogenesis and nephron induction, similar to kidney development. Applying a gene editing strategy to remove RET activity, we demonstrate genetically modified UB organoids can model congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).

Abstract: A point cloud coding device includes an interpolation unit configured to perform an interpolation process on a reconstructed point cloud of a coded frame with respect to attribute information in point cloud information and generating a reference frame of fractional precision, a motion estimation unit configured to perform motion estimation between the reference frame of fractional precision and the frame of integer precision to generate motion information, a prediction unit configured to generate a predicted value on the basis of the motion information, and an entropy coding unit configured to entropy-code the difference between a point cloud of the frame and the predicted value.

Abstract: A lacrimal tear flow measurement device, and methods of manufacture and use, are described that includes a polymer microcapillary tube or similar structure having at least one end coated on the outside with soft silicone rubber and one end treated on the inside to be hydrophobic. The hydrophobic end keeps liquid from escaping or entering that end while allowing air to pass. The rest of the tube's insides may be hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophobe. As a Schirmer's test strip replacement, the entrance end of the device can be touched to the lacrimal lake of a patient's eye to collect suck up, or merely collect, tear fluid within the collection tube for weighing, volume measurement, or other analysis. Long-term collection devices for wear between doctors' visits can have a bypass channel allowing liquid to flow back onto the eye.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions and methods for treating or repairing damage to ocular tissue. In particular, several embodiments relate to patches that interact, e.g., by way of an adhesive, with damaged retinal tissue to repair or mend a hole, tear or detachment of the retina from underlying ocular tissue. Still additional embodiments relate to self-assembling patches.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treatment of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs). More particularly, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) provided in the form of compositions are used to deliver a nucleic acid encoding human PEX1 to host cells. The rAAVs comprise a AAV capsid, and packaged therein a vector genome comprising an AAV 5? inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence; a promoter; a coding sequence encoding a human PEX1; and an AAV 3? ITR.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for making prepregs are disclosed. A method may include depositing a resin material onto a surface of a fiber bed and forming a number of discrete resin regions thereon. A distance between the resin regions may be measured to provide desired exposed portions of the surface to facilitate permeation of air through the exposed portions of the surface in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the fiber bed during a curing process of the prepreg.

Abstract: The present methods treat neurofibromatosis by a administering to a subject perillyl alcohol or iso-perillyl alcohol. The present methods also treat neurofibromatosis by administering to a subject a carbamate of perillyl alcohol, or a carbamate of iso-perillyl alcohol. The perillyl alcohol carbamate may comprise perillyl alcohol conjugated with rolipram or temozolomide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for increasing circulating mesenchymal stem cells by administering a compound having the general formula 1 as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes for use in die level testing of semiconductor devices) from a core material and a shell or coating material that partially coats the surface of the structure. Other embodiments are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for producing structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material wherein the coating material is located around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions.

Abstract: Various nucleoside phosphate and phosphonate analogues are provided for treatment of viral infections. Methods of preparing the analogues, pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogues, and methods of using the analogues as antiviral compounds, especially against adenoviruses, coronaviruses, and varicella zoster viruses, are also provided.

Abstract: A compound of Formula X wherein ring A is absent, or present and selected from a 5-membered or 6-membered, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which is optionally substituted; ring B is absent, or present and selected from a 5-membered or 6-membered, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, which is optionally substituted; and at least one of ring A or ring B is present, and the hash line represents ring A fused to ring N—W1—W3 and ring B fused to ring N—W4—W6; W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, and W6 are independently selected from CR1 or N; Z is selected from CRZ or N; and Y is selected from a group consisting of C(R2)2, B(R2)2, Al(R2)2, Si(R2)2, and Ge(R2)2. An optoelectronic device selected from the group consisting of a photovoltaic device, a photodetector device, a photosensitive device, and an OLED, the optoelectronic device including an organic layer that comprises a compound of Formula X. A consumer product that includes the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A neural network architecture for classifying input data is provided. The neural network architecture includes an input block, an output block, and at least one hidden block interposed between the input block and the output block. Characteristically, each neuron of an input block output neuron layer, an output block input neuron layer, an output block output neuron layer, a hidden block input neuron layer and a hidden block output neuron layer, independently applies a logistic activation function or an activation function that is the sum of a logistic activation function and a linear term or an activation function that is the sum of a logistic activation function and a quasi-linear term.

Abstract: Herein, we provide genetically engineered immune effector cells, among other cells, which express CAR and secret a bispecific “trap” protein co-targeting a checkpoint protein and TGF-? or TGF-? receptor, so as to improve the antitumor immunity of the immune effector cells. Compared with conventional CAR-T cells and CAR-T cells secreting a polypeptide checkpoint inhibitor, the provided genetically engineered immune effector cells CAR-T cells with “trap” protein secretion attenuate inhibitory T cell signaling, enhance T cell persistence and expansion, and improve effector functionalities and resistance to exhaustion. In a xenograft mouse model, CAR-T cells with “trap” protein secretion significantly enhanced antitumor immunity and efficacy. Methods of using these genetically engineered cells, as well as using polynucleotides encoding the CAR and the “trap” protein, are also provided, for example, as a therapy against solid tumors.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for analyzing media content includes a step of providing a plurality of narrative files formatted in human readable format. Each narrative file includes a script and/or dialogues tagged with character names along with auxiliary information. Each script includes a plurality of portrayals performed by an associated actor or character. Linguistic representations of content of the narrative files in both abstract and semantic forms is determined. The linguistic representations are connected to higher order representations and mental states. The linguistic representations are connected to behavior and action. Interplay between language constructs and demographics of content creators is analyzed. Content representations towards individuals/groups are adapted to reflect heterogeneity in preferences.

Abstract: An organic light emitting device having an anode, a cathode and an organic layer disposed between the anode and the cathode is provided. In one aspect, the organic layer comprises a compound having at least one zwitterionic carbon donor ligand.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting rhythmic synchronization of motor neurons. The system includes one or more sensors for receiving a first signal that measures an electrical signal of one or more neurons, the first signal having a first plurality of specific bursts. The system includes a processor connected to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to receive the first signal. The processor is configured to generate a second signal based on the first signal using a discrete wavelet transform, the second signal having a second plurality of specific bursts. The processor is configured to determine a time delay between a specific burst within the first plurality of specific bursts and a specific burst within the second plurality of specific bursts using one or more expert rules. The processor is configured to apply the time delay to the first signal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting an antigen or for detecting expression of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The methods include obtaining a sample from a subject, contacting the sample with a fusion protein comprising a reporter fused to a single chain antibody specific to the antigen or fused to an extracellular domain of an antigen targeted by the CAR or fused to Protein L and assaying the activity of the reporter, wherein presence of reporter activity or increase in reporter activity relative to a reference value is indicative of presence of the antigen or presence of the expression of the chimeric antigen receptor in the sample.

Abstract: A universal chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-modified immune cell is provided, including engineering natural killer (NK) cells and/or T cells which recognizes 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) and can subsequently be redirected to target various epitopes of envelop protein gp160 using DNP-conjugated broad neutralizing antibodies as adaptor molecules. In preferred embodiments, the anti-gp160 antibodies target membrane-distal epitopes. This system can recognize and kill mimic HIV-infected cell lines expressing at least one of subtypes B and C gp160. Presently provided system containing universal CAR-NK cells and (bNAbs) overcome the limitations of conventional anti-HIV CARs, as the latter targets a single epitope of the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp160 and falls short of countering the enormous diversity and mutability of viruses.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to induce hypermutation, produce phage libraries displaying mutagenized immunoglobulin variable regions, and conduct affinity maturation based on the use of activation-induced deoxycytidine deaminase (AID) and a low fidelity DNA polymerase eta (pol ?). High affinity monoclonal antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof produced by these methods are also demonstrated.