Abstract: Imaging and radiotherapeutics agents targeting fibroblast-activation protein-? (FAP-?) and their use in imaging and treating FAP-? related diseases and disorders are disclosed.

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: Massively parallel sequencing of cell-free, maternal plasma DNA was recently demonstrated to be a safe and effective screening method for fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. Here, we report an improved sequencing method achieving significantly increased throughput and decreased cost by replacing laborious sequencing library preparation steps with PCR employing a single primer pair. Using this approach, samples containing as little as 4% trisomy 21 DNA could be readily distinguished from euploid samples.

Abstract: A rapid material development process for a powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (PBF AM) process generally utilizes a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to facilitate selection of a simulated parameter set, which can then be used in a design of experiments (DOE) to generate an orthogonal parameter space to predict an ideal parameter set. The orthogonal parameter space defined by the DOE can then be used to generate a multitude of reduced volume build samples using PBF AM with varying laser or electron beam parameters and/or feedstock chemistries. The reduced volume build samples are mechanically characterized using high throughput techniques and analyzed to provide an optimal parameter set for a 3D article or a validation sample, which provides an increased understanding of the parameters and their independent and confounding effects on defects and microstructure.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for increasing the therapeutic efficiency of oncolytic bacterial therapeutics. Bacterial oncolytic therapies, especially the ones targeting tumor hypoxia such as C. novyi-NT, often encounter incomplete tumor clearance in less hypoxic tumoral areas and severe inflammatory reactions. In this study, we explored immune-modulating preconditioning to suppress the host neutrophils and significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of C. novyi-NT in animal models, including an orthotopic brain tumor model in rabbits. The optimized preconditioning agent, hydroxyurea, is clinically approved and C. novyi-NT has demonstrated manageable safety and promising antitumor responses in clinical trials. Thus, the proposed preconditioning of neutrophil suppression is readily translatable to patients undergoing C. novyi-NT trials or other oncolytic biologic therapies and could improve outcome.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for training and using a neural network to predict a coherence function includes: training a neural network by mapping a plurality of different sets of training input samples to respective coherence function truths to generate a trained neural network; receiving an operational input sample; inputting the operational input sample into the trained neural network; obtaining, from the trained neural network, a coherence function mapped to the operational input sample in response to the inputting the operational input sample into the trained neural network; and executing a computer-based instruction based on obtaining the coherence function. The coherence function may be used to differentiate solid masses from fluid-filled masses.

Abstract: A LUS robotic surgical system is trainable by a surgeon to automatically move a LUS probe in a desired fashion upon command so that the surgeon does not have to do so manually during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A sequence of 2D ultrasound image slices captured by the LUS probe according to stored instructions are processable into a 3D ultrasound computer model of an anatomic structure, which may be displayed as a 3D or 2D overlay to a camera view or in a PIP as selected by the surgeon or programmed to assist the surgeon in inspecting an anatomic structure for abnormalities. Virtual fixtures are definable so as to assist the surgeon in accurately guiding a tool to a target on the displayed ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method for constructing a multifunctional antenna structure configured to generate a plurality of radiation patterns includes determining a desired source field associated with the plurality of radiation patterns, and receiving feed locations for a waveguide to an antenna aperture surface. The method may further include placing a metasurface resonator at a first resonator location that exhibits a minimum error relative to the desired source field and satisfies a maximum error threshold relative to the desired source field. The metasurface resonator may be determined based on the feed locations and a plurality of degrees of freedom for the first resonator location. The method may also include discarding a second resonator location in response to determining that no metasurface resonator at the second resonator location satisfies the maximum error threshold. The plurality of degrees of freedom may include metasurface resonator geometries that exhibit different polarizabilities defined in a candidate library.

Abstract: A system for performing private information retrieval may include a data requesting computer that is configured to receive a query string, homomorphically encrypt the query string to generate an encrypted query, transmit the encrypted query to a data repository computer, and receive resultant encrypted datasets. The data repository computer may be configured to access a database comprising a plurality of datasets, receive the encrypted query, and perform a search of the plurality of datasets to identify the resultant encrypted datasets that include data that matches the encrypted query for provision to the data requesting computer. The search may be performed such that encryption of the encrypted query is maintained while performing computational operations of the search.

Abstract: Provided are lithium-sulfur batteries and ambient temperature sodium-sulfur batteries comprising defected material organic framework moieties that provide for improved absolute capacity and improved capacity retention. In some aspects, lithium-sulfur batteries and ambient temperature sodium-sulfur batteries comprise a cathode comprising defected metal organic framework moieties.

Abstract: A radiator (RAD) enhanced geothermal system (EGS) may comprise a radiator vane heat exchanger (RVHE). The RVHE may be configured to be located in a plane defined by an injector well and a production well that is defined by a principal stress direction (S1) of a plurality of principal stress directions and a maximum horizontal stress component (SHmax). The RVHE may include one or more stacked laterals oriented along SHmax. Each stacked lateral, of the one or more stacked laterals, may include one or more vertical branches oriented along S1. The RVHE may be configured to extract energy from a non-hydrothermal source of energy.

Abstract: Methods, reporter gene constructs, and kits for using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as an imaging reporter to image a variety of cells and tissues are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunology and autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the generation and use of antibodies to the pancreatic zinc transporter, ZnT8. The present invention also provides an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprising a VH comprising one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:2, 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52. In alternative embodiments an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprises a VL comprising one of the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:7, 17, 27, 37, 47 and 57.

Abstract: A method for providing a self-reliant secondary network of communication nodes using resources associated with a primary network defining sector beams using corresponding resources including respective SSBs includes performing a beam search with respect to the sector beams, performing beam detection to detect neighboring beams among the sector beams, and performing geospatial beam selection to define a selected set of SSBs of respective ones of the sector beams as being geospatial white space unlikely to interfere with the primary network when utilized by the communication nodes in the secondary network. The method may further include performing power control with respect to the selected set of SSBs, and applying medium access control protocols to enable the secondary network to use the selected set of SSBs of the primary network.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device may obtain scan information associated with scanning a section of a body that includes an object within tissue of the section. The device may determine a region of the section that is likely to be represented by an artifact in an image obtained using a first scanning type of a medical image device. The device may determine a plurality of scan patterns for scanning the region using a second scanning type. The device may determine, for the plurality of scan patterns, individual scan scores associated with scanning the region. The device may select, based on the individual scan scores, an optimal scan pattern from the plurality of scan patterns. The device may transmit the optimal scan pattern to the medical imaging device to permit the medical imaging device to scan the section to obtain optimized image data associated with the region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating cancers. In particular, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for identifying mis-splicing-associated surface antigens (MASAs) generated by altered spliceosome proteins, as well as materials and methods for targeting cancerous tumors expressing MASAs.

Abstract: A system includes a chamber comprising one or more openings and filled with an inert or reducing gas. The system includes a conductive material, at least one set of electrodes coupled to the conductive material, and a power supply configured to apply a voltage across the at least one set of electrodes to allow current to flow through and heat the conductive material. The system is configured to thermochemically reduce particulates by heating the particulates that are in electrical and/or thermal contact with the conductive material.

Abstract: Example superlattice structures and methods for thermoelectric devices are provided. An example structure may include a plurality of superlattice periods. Each superlattice period may include a first material layer disposed adjacent to a second material layer. For each superlattice period, the first material layer may be formed of a first material and the second material layer may be formed of a second material. The plurality of superlattice periods may include a first superlattice period and a second superlattice period. A thickness of a first material layer of the first superlattice period may be different than a thickness of a first material layer of the second superlattice period.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel systems with tunable stress-relaxation properties prepared from a polypeptide with one or more primary cross-linkable groups and a polysaccharide with one or more secondary cross-linkable groups. The resulting hydrogel can be tuned to have either dynamic or non-dynamic characteristics depending on the cross-linking groups employed.

Abstract: Example superlattice structures and methods for thermoelectric devices are provided. An example structure may include a plurality of superlattice periods. Each superlattice period may include a first material layer disposed adjacent to a second material layer. For each superlattice period, the first material layer may be formed of a first material and the second material layer may be formed of a second material. The plurality of superlattice periods may include a first superlattice period and a second superlattice period. A thickness of a first material layer of the first superlattice period may be different than a thickness of a first material layer of the second superlattice period.