Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions and methods for treating or preventing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The compositions and methods include an immunogenic portion of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2-2 (COVID-19) spike protein. In at least particular cases, a mutated version of a portion of the RBD is utilized, such as a deglycosylated, or amino acid substituted mutant of the spike protein.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic stimulation of a vagus nerve for post-stroke rehabilitation is disclosed. The system includes an application subsystem having an electrode positioned to stimulate the vagus nerve and coupled to a user outside of a surgical setting. The system also includes a waveform generator communicatively coupled to the electrode, and a triggering subsystem including a receiver configured to detect the presence of a tag. The triggering subsystem is communicatively coupled to waveform generator and is configured to automatically trigger the stimulation of the vagus nerve upon detecting the presence of the tag. The tag is located proximate a rehabilitation context such that the tag is detected when the user is using the rehabilitation context, resulting in the vagus nerve of the user being automatically stimulated by the electrode in response to the user's post-stroke rehabilitation training.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of probiotic selection and use based on the capability of microbial biogenic amine uptake as a method for targeted clinical and veterinary applications, including promoting health and well-being and/or treating therapeutic conditions. The present invention utilizes a microbially-focused approach for the development of drug selection and/or probiotic administration in a variety of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specialized subpopulation of natural killer cells that have enhanced effector functions and the potential to kill malignant tumor cells or infected cells when the natural killer cells are exposed to an antibody bound to the tumor cells or the infected cells.

Abstract: Predictive modeling of peptide binding motifs of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) is employed through the application of a predictive machine learning (ML) model. The predictive ML model can utilize structural and biophysical data obtained by modeling the physical structure of the binding pocket of the MHC-I and generating an electrostatic potential distribution of the binding pocket structural model. By utilizing the structural an biophysical data of the binding pocket of the MHC-I, the predictive ML model predicts the amino acid sequence of the peptide binding motif of the MHC-I.

Abstract: A bioorthogonal catalytic patch integrates TiO2 nanosheets populated with metallic nanoparticles into polyvinyl alcohol-based microneedles arranged in an array. This bioorthogonal patch-based device is robust, removable and can effectively mediate the conversion of caged substrates into their active states once placed at the site of application. The capacity of the patch in executing bioorthogonal catalysis in high-level living systems was demonstrated by localized dealkylation of a caged doxorubicin prodrug at the melanoma tumor site and restoration of its pharmacological properties for cancer therapy. This in situ applied patch facilitated to enhance the local treatment efficacy and eliminate off-targeted prodrug activation or dose-dependent side effect towards healthy organs or tissues located away from the application site.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of diagnosing and determining treatment strategies for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric protein comprising: a) a single chain variable fragment (scFv); b) a linker peptide; and c) an amino acid sequence comprising an IgE high affinity receptor alpha chain, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Handheld, broadband terahertz (THz) scanners, housings therefor and imaging systems are provided. The scanner may comprise a 2-Dimensional (2D) gimbaled mirror for beam steering. The 2D gimbaled mirror may comprise a single mirror mounted in a frame, a first motor and a second motor. The first motor and the second motor may be coupled to the frame. The mirror may be rotatable in a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation to scan light on a target in two dimensions. The first motor corresponds to the first axis and the second motor corresponding to the second axis. The 2D gimbaled mirror may be positioned within the housing such that the single mirror is positioned at a focus of a focusing lens. The focusing lens may be fixed within a housing. The scanner may also comprise a terahertz emitter and detector.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reconstructing 3-D point cloud. A light source generates light that is received by a polarization field generator, which generates a polarization field that illuminates the target object being imaged such that each outgoing ray has a unique polarization state. A camera captures images of the illuminated target object and the captured images are received by a processor that: (1) performs a polarization field decoding algorithm that decodes the polarization field to obtain a set of incident rays; (2) performs a camera ray decoding algorithm to obtain a set of camera rays; (3) performs a ray-ray intersection algorithm that determines intersection points where the incident rays and the camera rays intersect; and (4) performs a 3-D reconstruction algorithm that uses the set of incident rays, the set of camera rays and the intersection points to reconstruct a 3-D point cloud of the target object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting both the occurrence and type of driver distraction experienced by a driver, determined through evaluation of sensed vehicle conditions or activities, such as steering, braking, lane changing, etc. as detected by one or more sensors on or associated with the vehicle. That detection of the occurrence and type of driver distraction may then be used to initiate another action, including initiating an audible or visual alert to the driver, taking measures to interfere with or stop operation of the device that is causing the distraction, log the occurrence and type of distraction that occurred, and report the occurrence and type of distraction to an outside monitoring computer (such as one associated with a guardian of the driver, an insurer of the vehicle, a law enforcement authority, or the like).

Abstract: A robotic ankle system provides an assistive force for the heel-up portion of a user gait. Energy is stored in a spring responsive to a heel-on portion of the gait, and then released as the heel-up portion begins. In this manner, the gait of a user is assisted. The systems and methods are of particular use for those affected by stroke or in connection with rehabilitation activities.

Abstract: Hybrid in-situ and signal of opportunity (SoOP) calibration for antenna arrays is provided. Deployment of aircraft antennae is redesigned to support multiple services with shared physical elements that conform to the exterior of an aircraft to mitigate drag. Conformal arrays are, however, susceptible to structural changes in the fuselage that manifest as pointing errors and side lobe degradation. Embodiments provide an online calibration algorithm that leverages cooperative satellites in direct line-of-sight of a radio frequency (RF) device with an antenna array (e.g., an aircraft with a conformal antenna array) to optimally steer beams. These external calibration sources supplement an in-situ source mounted on a common platform with the antenna array (e.g., placed on the aircraft's tail). Models are established for potential sources of mismatch and the hybrid calibration method is demonstrated via simulations.

Abstract: A boost or DC-DC converter includes a first output and a second output, a first inductor having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first inductor being connectable in electrical communication with a first output of a power supply or DC voltage source, and a second inductor having a first side and a second side, the first side of the second inductor being connectable in electrical communication with the first output of the power supply, the first inductor being inversely coupled to the second inductor. The converter includes a first switch in communication with the second side of the first inductor and a second output of the power supply, and a second switch in communication with the second side of the second inductor and the second output of the power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dynamic flow apparatus for cardiovascular diagnosis and pre-procedure analysis of individual patients. The dynamic flow apparatus includes a three-dimensional (3D) cardiac model in an enclosed container. The 3D cardiac model can mimic an operation of an actual heart by pumping fluid through the 3D cardiac model and causing the model to expand and contrast. Data obtained from the operation of the 3D model can be used during a surgical procedure of an actual heart of an individual.

Abstract: Systems & methods for sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using an iDEP-based sorting device. The device includes an inlet channel with a constriction and the inlet channel splits into multiple different channels after the constriction—the multiple channels includes a center channel and at least one side channel. A sample is introduced into the iDEP sorting device containing a plurality of SWNTs of different lengths suspended in a fluid. An electrical field is applied to the sample between a first electrode in the center channel and a second electrodes at a proximal end of the inlet channel. The applied electrical field causes longer SWNTs to move towards the side channels while the shorter SWNTs move towards the center channel. Accordingly, a first plurality of shorter SWNTs is then collected from the center channel and a second plurality of longer SWNTs is collected from the at least one side channel.

Abstract: A micro-colorimetric sensor for sensing target chemicals using edge tracking includes a substrate. A plurality of parallel linear channels of porous media is entrenched into the substrate and each linear channel includes a sensing material adapted to sense one of several specific target chemicals in air. The plurality of parallel linear channels is separated by barrier material from the adjacent parallel linear channel where the barrier material blocks diffusion of chemicals from one linear channel to another. A plate is affixed over the substrate top to cover the plurality of parallel linear channels. An air sample is diffused along the micro-colorimetric sensor and color images are captured. An intensity profile is derived from the plurality of color images to determine a maximum and a minimum intensity value along the sensor. A plurality of positions along the sensor is tracked to determine an edge position.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems and methods of use are provided for rapidly heating a target area of a subject. The ultrasound system can include at least one imaging transducer array for imaging the target area, and at least two spaced-apart heating transducer arrays for heating the target area. The heating transducer arrays can be separated by the imaging transducer array on an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using machine learning to improve disease diagnostics are provided. A method can include obtaining, using a peptide array, peptide sequence data and peptide binding values from one or more samples, wherein the peptide sequence data and the peptide binding values correspond to a plurality of conditions; for each of the one or more samples, normalizing the peptide binding values according to a median binding value of peptides associated with the peptide array; and training a regressor using dense compact representations of the peptide sequence data and peptide binding values. The method can further include providing an output of the regressor to a classifier, wherein the classifier is configured to determine whether the patient has one of the plurality of conditions based on the output of the regressor.