Abstract: A tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic system includes a tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic chip; a valve control system connected to the tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic chip; a vacuum system fluidly connected to the tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic chip; and a droplet formation pressure system fluidly connected to the tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic chip. A microfluidic chip for a tubing-free, sample-to-droplet microfluidic system includes a tubing-free, sample-to-droplet interface section; a droplet mixing section in fluid connection with the tubing-free, sample-to-droplet interface section to received droplets therefrom; an incubation section in fluid connection with the droplet mixing section to receive droplets therefrom; and a detection section in fluid connection with the incubation section to receive droplets therefrom.

Abstract: A holographic imaging system may include an optical source configured to output a source beam, a splitter configured to split the source beam into a reference beam and an object beam that is incident on a target to form a scattered object beam, and a pre-filter comprising a telecentric lens and a spatial filter. The pre-filter may be configured to receive the scattered object beam and filter diffuse light from the scattered object beam to form a filtered scattered object beam. The system may also include a combiner configured to combine the filtered scattered object beam with the reference beam to form an interference beam, and an imaging array configured to receive the interference beam and generate raw holographic data based on the interference beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for using optogenetics to sustain the pluripotency of stem cells. In one embodiment, a vector comprises a nucleotide sequencing encoding a fusion protein comprising the intracellular domain of fibroblast growth factor 1 receptor (FGFR1) and a photoactivatable domain.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating a neurodevelopmental disorder in a subject in need thereof. In some aspects, the method includes administering an effective amount of an agent, wherein administering the agent modulates expression of one or more isoforms of synaptic GTPase-activating protein (SynGAP).

Abstract: A method, a system, a device, and a computer program produce for photon detection is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a plurality of anodes, a photon via one or more of the plurality of anodes; measuring respective voltages of the photon at each of the plurality of anodes; counting incidents in which the photon is detected by more than one of the plurality of anodes based on the measuring; and outputting information regarding a counted number of incidents in which the photon is detected by more than one of the plurality of anodes, wherein the information regarding the courted number of incidents in which the photon is detected by more than one of the plurality of anodes is used as part of a production of an image associated with the received photon.

Abstract: A device may include an image capturing component to obtain images of an environment of a user, and a light projection system. The light projection system may include a laser source and an optical imager. The device may process, in real-time, images captured by the image capturing component to derive signals for controlling the laser source, provide the signals to the laser source to enable the laser source to generate a laser beam pattern, cause the optical imager to raster scan the laser beam pattern to an absorptive element. The absorptive element may be disposed on or in the user, and positioned proximate to a region-of interest, of the user, that includes neuronal cells. The laser beam pattern may cause the absorptive element to produce acoustic energy that cause depolarization of the neuronal cells. The sensory stimulation may enable the user to visually and/or auditorily perceive the environment.

Abstract: A method for enriching or isolating tumor specific MILs is described. This method includes the steps of preparing MILs from the bone marrow of a cancer patient; evaluating the MILs for gene expression, metabolic profile, or phenotype; and selecting and isolating the MILs that exhibit the gene expression, metabolic profile, or phenotype. Compositions containing the MILs and methods of treating cancer with the enriched MILs are also described.

Abstract: A natural enhanced geothermal system (NAT-EGS) that uses a hot sedimentary aquifer (HSA) is disclosed. An example method may include pumping, via an extraction well, heated water from an extraction depth of a HSA, wherein the HSA satisfies a threshold geothermal characteristic. The example method may include extracting, via an energy conversion unit, heat from the heated water to capture energy, resulting in cooled water. The example method may include injecting, via an injection well, the cooled water at an injection depth of the HSA, wherein the injection depth is deeper than the extraction depth.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, kits, and methods comprising imaging agents that can detect Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1). The presently disclosed imaging agents can be used to detect diseases and disorders, such as cancer, infection, and inflammation, in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of brain injuries. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis/prognosis/assessment of brain injuries. In a specific embodiment, a method for identifying which patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) require a head computerized tomography (CT) scan for diagnosing acute intracranial pathology comprises the steps of (a) obtaining or collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the levels of one or more biomarkers in the blood sample obtained from the patient, wherein the biomarkers comprise glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100B, metallothionein 3 (MT3), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and intracellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM5); and (c) identifying the patient as requiring or not requiring a head CT scan based on the measured levels of one or more of biomarkers comprising GFAP, S100B, MT3, NSE and ICAM5.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modulation of protein expression.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer programs, are described for generalizing a learned behavior across different tasks.

Abstract: Provided is a method and a computer device for performing the method for defending a perimeter against a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS). The method includes detecting a presence of a wireless access point (WAP) associated with a sUAS; analyzing data packets intercepted from the WAP; determining the type of sUAS based on the data packets that were intercepted using a machine learning classifier; determining one or more exploits from a library of exploits to initiate against the sUAS based on the type of sUAS determined by the machine learning classifier; and transmitting the one or more exploits to the sUAS.

Abstract: Particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. The particles, compositions, and methods may be used, in some instances, for ophthalmic and/or other applications. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods may involve modifying the surface coatings of particles, such as particles of pharmaceutical agents that have a low aqueous solubility. Such compositions and methods can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for ophthalmic applications, and may be used for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the front of the eye and/or the back of the eye.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering oxygen and other therapeutic gases to a target, such as a tissue, a tissue-engineered construct, and a wound, in a controlled and sustained manner are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, an HCV antigen, an adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, an HCV antigen, an adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to adeno-associated virus capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) comprising the same. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding AAV capsid proteins isolated from an in vivo library. In some embodiments, rAAVs and compositions described by the disclosure are useful for delivery of one or more transgenes to the muscle-tissue of a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of analyzing tissue using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible tissue analysis device that includes radio¬frequency (RF) tracking and imaging elements. Related kits, systems, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of using Olfr90 demonstrated to bind to fungal metabolites, including a metabolite known to be detected in patients with mold (e.g. Aspergillus) infections.

Abstract: Blockade of immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) shows promise in patients with cancer. Inhibitory antibodies directed at these receptors have been shown to break immune tolerance and promote anti-tumor immunity. These agents work particularly well in patients with a certain category of tumor. Such tumors may be particularly susceptible to treatment because of the multitude of neoantigens which they produce.