Abstract: Methods for fabricating coiled polymer fibers and yarns (high-spring-index coiled fibers and yarns). Methods include inserting twist separately into individual fibers or yarns, plying the fibers or yarns by inserting plying twist, setting the ply structure without permanently binding together the fibers or yarns of different plies so that the ply structure is substantially stable against untwist when torsionally untethered, and then unwrapping the plied fibers or yarns so that a high-spring-index fiber or yarn can be obtained. In some embodiments, the unwrapped fibers or yarns are further set so that these are further stabilized. The methods can eliminate the need for a mandrel, and can be quickly applied for applications where high-spring-index thermally-driven artificial muscles are presently employed, such as for presently commercialized comfort-adjusting jackets.

Abstract: Isolated or recombinant anti-EGFL6 monoclonal antibodies are provided. In some cases, antibodies of the embodiments can be used for the detection, diagnosis and/or therapeutic treatment of human diseases, such as cancer.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and processes for making and using polypeptides, peptides and antibodies for treating a subject in need of therapy for pathogen-induced infection and non-pathogen-induced (organ fibrosis, COPD and asthma), symptom, disease, disorder, injury, or condition, containing a) multiple EGF-like-domains-9 (MEGF9) or a biologically active fragment thereof; b) uncoordinated receptor 5A (UNC5A) or a biologically active fragment thereof; c) dolichyl-phosphate beta-glucosyltransferase (ALG5) or a biologically active fragment thereof; d) a combination of two or three of a)-c); e) an antibody specific for a); f) an antibody specific for b); g) an antibody specific for c); h) a combination of two or three of e)-g); or i) a combination of at least one of a)-c) and at least one of e)-g).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for re-programming effector T cells to a central memory phenotype comprising culturing the effector T cells with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and IL-21. Further provided are methods of treating cancer comprising administering the central memory T cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses the problem of UAVs pursuing a swarm of target UAVs. The target UAVs are flying together as a flock that are initially modeled as a circle having a time-varying radius or an arbitrarily-shaped swarm that may change in size. Guidance of the pursuing UAVs is developed based on a collision cone framework, wherein the pursuing UAVs cooperatively steer the velocity vector of any point in their convex hull, to intercept the target. Also, the problem of capturing a swarm of intruder UAVs using a net manipulated by a team of defense UAVs is disclosed. The intruder UAV swarm may be stationary, in motion, and even maneuver. Collision cones in 3-dimensional space are used to determine the strategy used by the net carrying UAVs to maneuver or manipulate the net in space in order to capture the intruders.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) spoofing detection and classification technique is provided. An optimization problem is formulated at the baseband correlator domain by using an optimization algorithm such as the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm, for example. A model of correlator tap outputs of the intended received signal is created to form a dictionary of pre-computed waveform functions (e.g., triangle-like-shaped functions). Sparse signal processing can be leveraged to choose a decomposition of pre-computed waveform functions from the dictionary. The optimal solution of this minimization problem can discriminate the presence of a potential spoofing attack peak by observing the decomposition of two different code-phase values (authentic and spoofed) in a sparse vector output. A threshold can be used to mitigate false alarms. Furthermore, a variation of the minimization problem can be provided that enhances the dictionary to a higher resolution.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to mechanical devices for augmenting dexterous reach and sensing of a user. The devices can include a proximal portion configured to receive an appendage of a user; a distal portion configured to detect sensory information; an articulation positioned between the proximal and distal portion to provide for motion of the distal portion via manipulation of the proximal portion; wherein the distal portion comprising a sensing element and the proximal portion comprises a feedback element, the feedback element being connected to the sensing element providing for physical extension of sensory capabilities of the appendage.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. The apparatus has a first cardiac assist device and a second cardiac assist device tuned to maximize blood flow to the body of the patient, while resting the heart so the heart may recover function. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical yarn energy harvesters that convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. These harvesters include an ionically conducting electrolyte, and an electronically conducting material, and a material that can undergo charge injection, which can also be the electronically conducting material. At least one device electrode is either twisted, twisted and coiled, or twisted and plied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds which inhibit RIPK1, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment of RIPK1-mediated diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory disorders, and cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for direct electrodeposition of a metal from the liquid medium. The methods include electro-reduction of lithium anions on cathode electrodes in the presence of various metal deposition selectivity enhancements. The selectivity enhancement disclosed herein comprises the presence of a magnet, a solvent that is immiscible with an original liquid medium comprising the desired metal ions or various separators. Also disclosed are systems for electrodeposition of the desired metals from the liquid medium.

Abstract: A corrugated diaphragm actuator may include a chamber body including a plurality of walls defining a cavity. The plurality of walls may include a first wall including a first corrugated diaphragm defining at least one first corrugated channel, and the corrugated diaphragm may be configured for expanding outwardly when a positive pressure is applied within the cavity.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sequential radiotherapies, such as XRT. In some embodiments, a higher dosage of an XRT may first be administered to a subject, optionally in combination with an immunotherapy, and subsequently a lower dosage XRT is administered to the subject to treat a cancer. Separating the dosage and intensity of the radiotherapies can be used to achieve improved therapeutic responses, such as improved anti-cancer responses, survival times, and/or abscopal effects.

Abstract: Recombinant antibodies are provided that comprise engineered human IgG1 Fc domains that have reduced affinity for viral Fc?Rs, such as HCMV gp34 and gp68, as compared to a wild-type human IgG1 Fc domain. The engineered human IgG1 Fc domains have equivalent affinity for CD16A and FcRn as compared to a wild-type human IgG1 Fc domain. Also provided are engineered forms of HCMV gp34 and their use in a vaccine.

Abstract: DNA is sequenced by (a) independently sequencing first and second strands of a dsDNA to obtain corresponding first and second sequences; and (b) combining the first and second sequences to generate a consensus sequence of the dsDNA. By independently sequencing first and second strands the error probability of the consensus sequence approximates a multiplication of those of the first and second sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dual specificity antibodies which may bind to PD-L1 or PD-L2 and methods of using such antibodies to treat cancers, such as those that express or overexpress PD-L1 or PD-L2.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds that are cGAS antagonists, methods of preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and their use in medical therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising caveolin-1 (Cav-1) peptides. Further provided are methods of using the Cav-1 peptides for the treatment of lung infections or acute or chronic lung injury, particularly lung fibrosis.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, specifically an electric or hybrid electric aircraft having a plurality of ducted fans. The aircraft includes a plurality of axially oriented fans, laterally oriented fans, forward air intakes, side exit ports, rear exhaust ports, plenum air chamber and annular inlet. The aircraft achieves flight by capturing air in the intakes and diverting the air through the axially oriented fans or the laterally oriented fans through the channels selectively.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising caveolin-1 (Cav-1) peptides. Further provided are methods of using the Cav-1 peptides for the treatment of lung infections or acute or chronic lung injury, particularly lung fibrosis.