Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting microhardness properties of a weld that defines a weld joint between at least two workpieces. The system includes a processor programmed to: receive temperature data that includes temperature values each attributed to a corresponding one of a plurality of points of the weld at corresponding times during a welding process used to produce the weld, determine peak temperature values and cooling rate values for each of the points of the weld based on the temperature values, predict a three-dimensional (3D) distribution of microhardness values of the weld based on a machine learning method that evaluates the peak temperature values and the cooling rate values, and generate display data based on the 3D distribution of microhardness values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ACE2 recombinant proteins and methods of using such for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes. Also provided herein are methods for producing such recombinant proteins.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating an autoimmune disorder or a cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a composition comprising an oligonucleotide that specifically binds a complementary sequence of the Interleukin-7 receptor (IL7R) pre-mRNA that influences splicing of exon 6, wherein the SM-ASO increases or decreases inclusion of exon 6 in IL7R pre-mRNAs and respectively decreases or increases expression of the soluble isoform of IL7R (sIL7R). In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), or a splice-modulating antisense oligonucleotide (SM-ASO).

Abstract: A consensus-based decentralized multi-robot approach is presented for reconstructing a discrete distribution of features, modeled as an occupancy grid map, that represent information contained in a bounded planar 2D environment, such as visual cues used for navigation or semantic labels associated with object detection. The robots explore the environment according to a random walk modeled by a discrete-time discrete-state (DTDS) Markov chain and estimate the feature distribution from their own measurements and the estimates communicated by neighboring robots, using a distributed Chernoff fusion protocol. Under this decentralized fusion protocol, each robot's feature distribution converges to the ground truth distribution in an almost sure sense.

Abstract: A method for increasing the temperature-resiliency of a neural network, the method comprising loading a neural network model into a resistive nonvolatile in-memory-computing chip, training the deep neural network model using a progressive knowledge distillation algorithm as a function of a teacher model, the algorithm comprising injecting, using a clean model as the teacher model, low-temperature noise values into a student model and changing, now using the student model as the teacher model, the low-temperature noises to high-temperature noises, and training the deep neural network model using a batch normalization adaptation algorithm, wherein the batch normalization adaptation algorithm includes training a plurality of batch normalization parameters with respect to a plurality of thermal variations.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for analyzing a tumor, and more specifically, analyzing a tumor to identify a biological aggressiveness of the tumor. One example method for tumor analysis includes: receiving one or more input features associated with a geometric shape of a tumor, the one or more input features including at least a value indicating a circularity of the tumor; determining, via a machine learning component, a characteristic of the tumor based on the one or more input features, the characteristic being indicative of patient survivability; and outputting an indication of the characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wearable “exo-shell” to improve the gait of elderly people during obstacle avoidance tasks are disclosed. With payload and energy expenditure as a main focus of this design, the present system leverages switchable, passive systems, in combination with lightweight materials that minimize additional metabolic costs, while remaining as “transparent” to the user as possible when inactive.

Abstract: The performance of quantum key distribution by systems and methods that use wavelength division multiplexing and encode information using both wavelength and polarization of photons of two or more wavelengths. Multi-wavelength polarization state encoding schemes allow ternary-coded digits, quaternary-coded digits and higher-radix digits to be represented by single photons. Information expressed in a first radix can be encoded in a higher radix and combined with a string of key values to produce a datastream having all allowed digit values of that radix in a manner that allows eavesdropping to be detected without requiring the sender and receiver to exchange additional information after transmission of the information.

Abstract: Multi-stage distributed beamforming for distributed mosaic wireless networks is provided. Embodiments described herein present systems, devices, and methods that provide increased range, data rate, and robustness to interference and jamming. A distributed mosaic wireless network includes a transmitter, a receiver, and one or more distributed clusters of radios referred to herein as mosaics or relay mosaics. Each mosaic consists of several distributed, cooperative radio transceivers (e.g., mosaic nodes) that relay a signal sent by the transmitter towards the receiver. In some embodiments, a single-stage beamforming technique is implemented whereby the transmitter sends a signal to a first mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to the receiver. In some embodiments, a multi-stage beamforming technique is implemented whereby the transmitter sends a signal to a first mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to a second mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to the receiver.

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. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

Abstract: Systems for physical unclonable function (“PUF”) generation, PUF devices, and methods for manufacturing PUF devices. In one implementation, the system includes a plurality of PUF devices and an electronic controller. Each of the plurality of PUF devices include a first electrochemically-inactive electrode, a second electrochemically-inactive electrode, and a layer of silicon suboxide. The layer of silicon suboxide is positioned directly between the first electrochemically-inactive electrode and the second electrochemically-inactive electrode. The electronic controller is communicably coupled to the plurality of PUF devices. The electronic controller is configured to read binary values associated with the plurality of PUF devices.

Abstract: Composite material can include a matrix material, a fiber dispersed in the matrix material, and an ultraviolet (UV)-light sensitive mechanophore grafted to a surface of the fiber. A method for making a fiber-reinforced polymer composite can include contacting a fiber in a first solution, rinsing and then drying intermediate fiber, contacting dried fiber in a third solution, rinsing, and then drying the rinsed fiber thereby generating functionalized fiber that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The functionalized fiber can be combined with a polymer matrix material, cured, and irradiated, thereby generating a fiber-reinforced polymer composite.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including those employing machine learning, utilizing one or more algorithms for relating the structure of a molecule in a library to its function are described. Embodiments described herein relate structure to function by considering the covalent structure of the molecule, the components of that structure that are common to many molecules in the library, and the properties of those components as they relate to the function in question. Applications include, for example, enhancement and amplification of the diagnostic and prognostic signals provided by peptide arrays for use in analyzing the profile of antibodies in the blood produced in response to a disease, condition or treatment.

Abstract: A surgical loupes head strap is disclosed. The surgical loupes head strap may include a first monofilament and a second monofilament coupled by at least one sleeve. The surgical loupes head strap may further include a first coupler with a first hole and a second hole, where the first hole is configured to surround and couple to a first end of the first monofilament, and the second hole is configured to surround and couple to at least a portion of a first surgical loupes headgear temple. The surgical loupes head strap may further include a second coupler with a first hole and a second hole, where the first hole is configured to surround and couple to a first end of the second monofilament, and the second hole is configured to surround and couple to at least a portion of a second surgical loupes headgear temple.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to compositions comprising an encapsulated spheroid, and methods of making and using the same. A composition may comprise a spheroid comprising a plurality of cells and aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads, wherein the spheroid is encapsulated by the aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads to form an encapsulated spheroid. A method may comprise administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Another method may comprise administering a compound to the encapsulated spheroid. A method of creating an encapsulated spheroid may comprise coating a surface with an aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel, culturing a plurality of cells on the surface, thereby creating a spheroid, and encapsulating the spheroid with a plurality of aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads.

Abstract: Antibodies that selectively bind to glycosylated PD-1 relative to unglycosylated PD-1 are provided. In some aspects, PD-1 polypeptides comprising glycosylated amino acid positions are also provided. Methods for making and using such antibodies and polypeptides (e.g., for the treatment of cancer) are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for light-induced electroplating of aluminum are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods may comprise preparing an ionic liquid comprising aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and an organic halide, placing the silicon substrate into the ionic liquid, illuminating the silicon substrate, the illumination passing through the ionic liquid, and depositing aluminum onto the silicon substrate via a light-induced electroplating process, wherein the light-induced electroplating process utilizes an applied current that does not exceed a photo-generated current generated by the illumination.

Abstract: Collapsible branched anastomosis devices allow for the formation of percutaneous vascular anastomoses using a Seldinger wire technique. This minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for a large surgical incision and also avoids the use of time consuming hand-suturing. The devices collapse to a fraction of their expanded volume and are configured to fit within a delivery sheath for over the wire delivery through a small incision in a blood vessel.

Abstract: Modular dendrimers with cationic groups and lipophilic groups are provided herein. In some aspects, the dendrimers provided herein may be formulated in compositions which contain a nucleic acid and one or more helper excipients. In some aspects, these compositions may also be used to treat diseases or disorders with a therapeutic nucleic acid.

Abstract: Chronic tobacco smoke exposure (TSE)-induced lung injury includes increased alveolar and airway inflammation, type II alveolar epithelial cells (A2Cs) senescence and apoptosis, and mucus hypersecretion by airway epithelial cells (AECs) that can be treated by the caveolin-1 peptide CSP7 (SEQ ID NO:1). Caveolin-1 and p53 mediated induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression by interleukin 17A, TSE, pollution and other causes leads to lung injury, which can be abrogated by CSP7 treatment, which abolishes A2Cs senescence and apoptosis and AEC mucus hypersecretion. CSP7 treatment of lung tissue of patients with TSE-induced lung injury decreases A2C apoptosis and AEC mucus hypersecretion. Lung injury with A2Cs senescence and apoptosis and AEC mucus hypersecretion caused by TSE-induced PAI-1 expression in lung tissue of patients is abolished by CSP7.