Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for activating transcription in a mammalian cell.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a Laser-actuated Supercritical Injector (LASI) is provided. This device provides high-speed fluidic jet injection into biological samples, such as cells, organs, and tissues (including skin). In certain embodiments the LASI devices exploit high-speed fluidic jets that are pushed by rapid bubble expansion in a fluid. The bubbles are formed when liquid confined in microcavities or holes are heated up to above the supercritical temperature of the fluid. This leads to the formation of a short but ultra-high vapor pressure (supercritical) fluid that ejects the fluid (and any cargo contained therein) out through microchannels. This jet penetrates a cell, organ or tissue juxtaposed to a surface containing the microchannels and the jet provide sufficient force to penetrate into the cell, tissue, or organ leading to effective deliver of a cargo.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simultaneously recovering and separate sounds from multiple sources using Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) signals are described. In one embodiment, a device can be configured for generating an audio signal based on audio source ranging using ultrawideband signals. In an embodiment the device includes, a transmitter circuitry, a receiver circuitry, memory and a processor. The processor configured to generate a radio signal. The radio signal including an ultra-wideband Gaussian pulse modulated on a radio-frequency carrier. The processor further configured to transmit the radio signal using the transmitter circuitry, receive one or more backscattered signals at the receiver circuitry, demodulate the one or more backscattered signals to generate one or more baseband signals, and generate a set of data frames based on the one or more baseband signals.

Abstract: A solid state thermochromic polymer film comprising two or more separated solid phases with matched refractive indices, wherein the separated solid phases are transparent; and one of the phases undergoes a crystal melting above a threshold temperature resulting in significant reduction of its refractive index. The one of the phases undergoing the crystal melting becomes opaque when its temperature rises above said threshold temperature; and reverts to being transparent when its temperature lowers to an ambient temperature below said threshold temperature. In one example, the new thermochromic phase-changing copolymer with switchable optical transparency is fabricated via copolymerizing hydrophilic poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) and hydrophobic poly(hexadecyl acrylate-tetradecyl acrylate). The polymer film is transparent due to matched refractive indices of the phase separated domains, but turns opaque when the long alkyl chains undergoes crystalline melting above 28-32° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of delivery, treatment, and prevention of neuropathy and/or pain associated with NGF treatment for an underline disease or condition with a NGF mutant, such as NGFR100W, that does not elicit pain. The present disclosure further provides a composition of micro- and/or nano-rods attached with the NGF mutant, such as NGFR100W, which are injectable or administered to a target for desired therapies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of biological matter with desired non-homogeneous and non-isotropic textures from deposited 2-D or 3-D printed elements. Desired textures, such as anisotropic structure at the microscale level, are achieved through a combination of controlled chemical, thermal and freezing steps producing crosslinked anisotropic structures by directional solidification. The apparatus has a movable printing platform associated with a heating module and a cooling module separated by a gap that creates a thermal gradient permitting directional solidification of a printed object as the platform moves over the modules.

Abstract: This invention provides improved synthetic exosomes for delivery a one or more therapeutic agents to the central nervous system. In certain embodiments the synthetic exosome comprises a liposome formed from a lipid bilayer, where said lipid bilayer comprises: one or more phospholipids selected from the group consisting of phosphate lipids, phosphoglycerol lipids, phosphocholine lipids, and phosphoethanolamine lipids where the lipid carbon chain ranges from 3 to 24 carbon atoms; cholesterol, a cholesterol derivative (e.g., cholesterol hemicsuccinate), or a phytosterol; and a non-ionic surfactant; wherein the lipid bilayer does not contain an alcohol; and the liposome ranges in size from about 50 nm up to about 200 nm in diameter. Typically, the synthetic exosome is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier without substantially leaking said therapeutic moiety.

Abstract: A therapeutic hydrogel material is disclosed for the delivery of CAR-T cells that allows their distribution in the tumor resection recess, cavity, or void in combination with platelets decorated with the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) blocking antibody (aPDL1). The delivered hydrogel material acts as a reservoir for both CAR-T cells and platelet-bound aPDL1. Furthermore, inflammation occurring during the surgical wound healing triggers the release of platelet-derived microparticles containing the aPDL1. Cells delivered by the engineered hydrogel show significant control of local and distant tumor recurrence without causing toxic effects. In some embodiments, nanoparticles containing cytokines are also loaded in the therapeutic hydrogel material to maintain the activity and proliferation ability of CAR-T cells.

Abstract: We have discovered a chemical cocktail that selectively induces a robust expansion of myogenic stem cells from readily-obtainable dermal cells and from muscle stromal cells. By differential plating and lineage tracing, we show that Pax7+ cells were the major source for chemical-induced myogenic stem cells (CiMCs). We further performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to characterize the transcriptomic profile of CiMCs and demonstrate a specific expansion of myogenic cells from heterogeneous dermal cell population. Upon transplantation into the injured muscle, CiMCs were efficiently engrafted and improved functional muscle regeneration in both adult and aged mice. Furthermore, an in situ therapeutic modality using this cocktail was developed by loading the chemical cocktail into injectable nanoparticles, which enabled a sustained release of the cocktail in injured muscle and a local expansion of resident satellite cells for muscle regeneration in adult and aged mice.

Abstract: The present invention realtes to lentiviral particles which have been pseudotyped with Nipah virus (NiV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins (NiVpp-F/G). Additionally, the present invention relates to truncated NiV-F glyocproteins useful in producing such NiVpp lentiviral particles, as well as to additional variant peptides which enhance activity. Further, the present invention relates to methods of using such lentiviral particles or sequences, for example in the treatetment of cancer or CNS disorders.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to ?v?8 are provided.

Abstract: A gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based biosensor device for wearable biosensing applications is disclosed. An exemplary capacitive tactile sensor with GelMA used as the core dielectric layer is disclosed. A robust chemical bonding and a reliable encapsulation approach are introduced to overcome detachment and water-evaporation issues in hydrogel biosensors. The resultant GelMA tactile sensor shows a high-pressure sensitivity of 0.19 kPa?1 and one order of magnitude lower limit of detection (0.1 Pa) compared to previous hydrogel pressure sensors owing to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties (e.g., dielectric constant). Furthermore, it shows durability up to 3,000 test cycles because of tough chemical bonding, and long-term stability of three (3) days due to the inclusion of an encapsulation layer, which prevents water evaporation (e.g., 80% water content).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and one method includes determining a fetal blood oxygenation level, including: activating at least one light source with at least two distinct wavelengths of light on an abdomen of a pregnant mammal to direct light into a maternal abdomen toward a fetus; receiving a set of mixed signals from a set of photodetectors positioned at different locations on the maternal abdomen from reflected light that traverses maternal tissue or maternal tissue and fetal tissue; determining the fetal blood oxygenation level by performing computations on a composite fetal signal produced from the mixed signals; and ensuring a skin temperature of the maternal abdomen does not rise to unsafe levels due to activating the at least one light source.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating CD 127lo/? immunosuppressive regulatory T cells which can be greatly enriched for FoxP3, methods of expanding the isolated cells, pharmaceutical compositions of such cells, and methods of their use in the treatment of autoimmune and other immune system mediated disorders.

Abstract: An apparatus for a lateral flow nucleic acid assay with an integrated pore-based detector, which has the potential to detect pathogens, both microbial and viral, in aqueous samples in approximately 5 minutes or less without nucleic acid amplification or optical components. The detector is based on an electromechanical signal transduction mechanism that enables low-cost detection of DNA/RNA at ultralow concentrations (down to about 10 M to about 19 M). The scheme relies on the use of charge-neutral peptide nucleic acid (PNA) capture probe conjugated to polystyrene beads. The PNA-beads acquire substantial negative charge upon capture of target pathogenic DNA/RNA and become mobile in an electric field. Upon application of a bias voltage of around 1 V to 2 V, the PNA-beads with hybridized target are directed electrophoretically to a smaller diameter pore. Subsequent pore blockage results in a strong, sustained drop in measured ionic current through the pore.

Abstract: The inventions provide the art with novel treatments of various airway conditions such as asthma wherein pathological production of mucus is implicated. Disclosed are novel inhibitors of miR-200 micro-RNAs, including inhibitors of miR-141. These miRNAs promote pathological mucus production and other airway dysfunction. They may be targeted by antagomirs which disrupt their activity. Additionally, they may be targeted by compositions with disrupt the gene expression of the targeted miR.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable device configured to detect impedance characteristic of a tissue.

Abstract: During operation, the system receives an optical input signal, and also receives a reference optical frequency comb (OFC) signal. Next, the system uses a gapless spectral demultiplexer to spectrally slice the optical input signal to produce a set of spectral slices. The system also uses a high-contrast demultiplexer to strongly isolate each combline of the reference OFC signal to produce a set of reference comblines. Next, in a parallel manner, the system demodulates each spectral slice in the set of spectral slices centered on a single reference combline in the set of reference comblines to produce a set of baseband I/Q signals, wherein each spectral slice is demodulated based on a known code sequence. The system then digitizes the set of baseband I/Q signals to produce a set of digitized signals. Finally, the system processes the set of digitized signals to directly reconstruct a waveform for the optical input signal.

Abstract: Gene expression is measured in a sample of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from a subject and used to predict organ function recovery. A Function Recovery Potential (FRP) score is assigned to a sample that reflects the measured expression level of the genes identified herein in a direction associated with recovery from organ failure. Treatment of the subject with optimal medical management (OMM) and/or palliative care (PC) is advised when the FRP score is lower than the reference value, and referring the subject for treatment with therapies including—but not limited to—mechanical circulatory support (MCS) surgery, heart transplant (HTx) surgery, or other intervention for advanced heart failure is advised when the FRP score is greater than the reference value. A method for developing an FRP scoring algorithm that predicts a subject's ability to recover from medical intervention for organ failure is also described.

Abstract: Provided are constructs and methods useful for the screening and identification of polynucleotide sequences of interest, in particular promoters, RNA stability modifying sequences and transcriptional modifying sequences.