Abstract: A device to detect an object in a medical image is described. An image analysis application, executed by the device, receives the medical image as an input. The medical image is next partitioned to sub-regions. Parts of the object are detected in a selection of the sub-regions using a deep-learning neural network (DNN) model. Bounding boxes for the selection are also determined. The bounding boxes are evaluated based on a confidence score detected as above a threshold level. The confidence score designates the parts as contained within the selection. Next, a region of interest (ROI) is determined as a group including the selection. Similar orientations associated with the bounding boxes are comparable to similar orientations of a positive training model of the DNN model. Furthermore, the selection is designated as the ROI within the medical image. The medical image is provided with the ROI to a user.

Abstract: A method for using hydrogels to detect metal ions, including transition metal ions, comprises contacting the hydrogel in any order, with a sample potentially containing metal ions, and a solution comprising a fluorescent dye, nanoparticle, colorimetric tag, or combination thereof. The presence of metal ions in the sample may be detected by one or more suitable techniques, such as determining the color, conductivity, Raman, infrared spectrum, and/or size and/or mass change of the hydrogel. The method may be useful for detecting corrosion and/or failure of protective coating of metal structures including outdoor sculptures, building, bridges, ships, and the like.

Abstract: A composition for increasing vaccine yields due to increased virus growth in mutation comprising a vaccine strain bearing the Y161F mutation in hemagglutinin (HA). Y161F in HA increases HA thermostability without changing its original antigenic properties and enhances its binding affinity in the vaccine production platforms used in influenza vaccine manufacturing. A method for optimizing preparation of influenza vaccine seed strains which can further lower the cost of vaccines and increase profits for the vaccine companies, and also maintain antigenic stability during vaccine deliveries.

Abstract: An improved transport carrier for use in a fluid filled microwave sterilization or pasteurization system includes patterned electrically conductive layers or carriers which extend over or under items to be sterilized or pasteurized and occlude 1 to 30% of the area in the direct path of microwave emissions to the items. When the patterned electrically conductive layers or cages are present, heating of the items to be sterilized or pasteurized is substantially more uniform compared to when there is nothing occluding or otherwise interrupting the direct pathway from the microwave emitters to the items. Enhanced automation is achieved for sterilization or pasteurization systems by configuring the preheating and cooling sections as loading and unloading sections. Furthermore, superior fluid temperature control between the loading, heating, and unloading sections is achieved using double gates or dividers between sections.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method may include forming a catalytic nanoarchitecture. The method may include heating a non-catalytic metal compound within a specified temperature range and atmosphere in the presence of a catalytic metal. In some embodiments, heating the non-catalytic metal may include heating within a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. The method may include transforming a first architecture of the non-catalytic metal to a second architecture. The second architecture may include openings in the second architecture. The method may include incorporating the catalytic metal into the openings in the second architecture such that the catalytic metal is integrated into the second architecture. In some embodiments, the method may include increasing a catalytic activity of the catalytic metal by integrating the catalytic metal into the second architecture.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode chamber configured to contain an anolyte and including an anode, a cathode chamber configured to contain a catholyte including a cathode, and a separator between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The anode includes sodium, and the cathode includes aluminum. The battery is configured to be operated above a melting point of the anolyte and the catholyte, such that the anolyte is a molten anolyte and the catholyte is a molten catholyte.

Abstract: Treatments and diagnostics for treatment efficacy against solid and liquid cancers are described. The treatments utilize a combination therapy of Galeterone and a proteasome inhibitor. The diagnostics can measure androgen receptor (AR) cleavage products including AR-variant 7 (AR-V7) cleavage products, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage products, and/or Spectrin ?2 cleavage products or inhibition of DUB activities from a blood sample to monitor treatment efficacy for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) or multiple myeloma (MM).

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein are smart, high-speed UV communication protocols, inspired by the biological principles. The disclosed and described protocols use a ‘pipe’ routing topology to deliver large amount of data among the UVs equipped with multi-beam antennas. The disclosed and described embodiments include bio-inspired pipe routing and adaptive batch coding (ABC) based congestion control. In regard to bio-inspired pipe routing, a human's brain uses highly cooperative neuro cells to memorize everything. Inspired by neuro networks, a pipe architecture with high-throughput node-to-node data delivery is disclosed and described herein. The pipe routing uses multi-beam antennas to achieve parallel data transmission. In regard to ABC based congestion control, a new network coding called ABC is disclosed, which can minimize traffic congestion occurrences in the above pipe routing. The disclosed and described transport layer protocol includes both end-to-end reliability and congestion control.

Abstract: Isolated non-naturally occurring, mutant-human islet amyloid polypeptides (hIAPP) are disclosed. These polypeptides can be formulated or co-formulated at physiological pH, which enable the polypeptides of the instant disclosure to be delivered to a subject having an amyloid-based disease in a single injection with an insulin agent. Methods and compositions for treating amyloid-based disease in a subject in need thereof, by administering an effective amount of an isolated, mutant-hIAPP polypeptide, including formulations or co-formulations thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A photonic-crystal-fiber-delivered laser-triggered high-voltage gas switch can deliver a peak irradiance of greater than 5.1×1011 W/cm2 to the AK gap for a laser having a wavelength of 1064 nm. The switch is capable of operating at pressures up to 2200 psi; voltages across the gap of greater than 200 kV; operation at less than 70% self-break voltage; shot-to-shot jitter of less than 3 ns; AK gap distances of 3 mm or smaller; and triggering via a fiber-delivered laser pulse energy of as low as 500 ?J.

Abstract: A device configured to assist the performance of upper body exercises by a subject includes a base, the base comprising a cut-out having a shape complementary with a portion of a support member and a platform, couplable to the base, wherein the platform has a cut-out having a shape complementary with a portion of the support member. When the platform is coupled to the base, the cut-out on the platform aligns with the cut-out on the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of energy storage devices, and especially electrochemical energy storage devices including electrolytes comprising an ionic liquid, one or more solvents, and one or more salts of a Group 2 element. Effects on electrochemical performance of the electrolyte of each of the components of the electrolyte were systematically determined. In addition, interactions between the electrolytes and separator films were dissected to optimize electrochemical performance of coin cell batteries.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a purified inactivated Zika virus (ZIKV), methods for producing the purified inactivated ZIKV, immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising the purified inactivated ZIKV and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of infection by ZIKV.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of an improved method to differentiate histiocytic malignancy from lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Abstract: A mobile phone-based dark field microscope (MDFM) apparatus suitable for quantifying nanoparticle signals is provided. The MDFM apparatus includes an electrically operated light source, a dark-field condenser, a slide housing configured to receive an analytical slide, and an adapter housing configured to receive an objective lens and receive a portable electronic communication device. The slide housing positions the analytical slide between the objective lens and the dark-field condenser. The adapter housing registers the objective lens with a camera lens of the portable electronic communication device. A method for performing a biological quantitative study using the dark-field microscope apparatus is further provided.

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients make antibodies to self-proteins that are potential biomarkers for early detection and risk prediction. We have identified seventeen antigens as biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk prediction of T1D, including the antigens MLH1, MTIF3, PPIL2, NUP50, TOX4, FIGN, C9orf142, ZNF280D, HES1, QRFPR, CTRC, SNX6, SYTL4, ELA2A, IGRP, PAX6, and HMGN3.

Abstract: Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a liner, wherein a surface of the hydrogel dissociably-engages a surface of the liner. Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a hydrophobic glue, wherein at least a portion of the gel network of the hydrogel is occupied by the hydrophobic glue. Reverse coaling processes and articles of manufacture made by reverse coating processes are provided according to aspects of the present invention. Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a substrate, wherein: the hydrogel comprises a polymer network; the substrate comprises a surface comprising a polymer network; and the polymer network of the hydrogel and the polymer network of the surface are entangled.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses resurfaced cell-penetrating nanobodies and their methods of use. The resurfacing of nanobodies with positively-charged amino acids facilitates their penetration into a cell and allows targeting of a specific intracellular protein.