Abstract: An apparatus and methods for high-speed non-linear spectrally encoded multi-photon imaging that are particularly suited for use in two photon fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime imaging. The system is capable of optical image compression and scale invariant digital zoom. A wavelength agile laser with digitally synthesized electro-optic modulation in a master oscillator-power amplifier configuration is combined with spectral encoding to eliminate the speed limitations of inertial scanning. The technique for fast two photon fluorescent imaging with simultaneous lifetime imaging independently detects the location, amplitude and lifetime of fluorescent emission by synthesizing a sequential excitation beam via digital electro-optic modulation of a quasi-CW swept source followed by time encoded detection. For fluorescent imaging, spectral and temporal mappings are employed separately, with quasi-CW spectral encoding used for pumping and time encoding for constructing the image at fluorescence wavelength.

Abstract: K-Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancer. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for modulating K-Ras and treating cancer.

Abstract: A reservoir for containing a fluid includes a cylindrical wall sized to engage a shaft bored into ground, a bottom end cap fixed to a lower end of the cylindrical wall and a top end cap fixed to an upper end of the cylindrical wall. The top end cap is concave such that the top end cap extends below a top end of the cylindrical wall. The bottom end cap, the top end cap, and the cylindrical wall define a subterranean chamber. A plug made of a composite material is on the top end cap, with a lower face disposed on the concave top end cap and a peripheral face engaging the shaft. At least one pressure port extends downwardly into the shaft and through the plug and the top end cap, defining a fluid path to the subterranean chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for providing efficient implementations for pattern recognition. Embodiments of the disclosed technology use local binary comparisons and random projection in place of conventional convolution operations. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology provide an important means to improve memory and speed efficiency that is particularly suited for small footprint devices and hardware accelerators. Other embodiments compare a binary pattern to one or more portions of an input image to determine a plurality of binary results, and generate an estimate of the feature based on the plurality of binary results. Yet other embodiments generate an final image, comprising a final estimate of the feature, by randomly selecting one or more portions from each of a plurality of initial images, wherein each of the plurality of initial images comprises an initial estimate of the feature.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for single chain variable fragments to oxidized phospholipid epitopes and methods of use thereof, including the production of transgenic animal models and the use of the fragments as therapeutic agents for treating CAS.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for convolutional precoding and decoding of polar codes are disclosed. An example method for error correction in a data processing system includes receiving a noisy codeword, the codeword having been generated based on an outer stream decodable code and an inner polar code and provided to a communication channel or a storage channel prior to reception by the decoder, the stream decodable code characterized by a trellis, and performing, based on the trellis, a list-decoding operation on the noisy codeword vector to generate a plurality of information symbols, the list-decoding operation being configured to traverse through a plurality of states at one or more stages of a plurality of decoding stages.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for single chain variable fragments to oxidized phospholipid epitopes and methods of use thereof, including the production of transgenic animal models and the use of the fragments as therapeutic agents for treating CAS.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Cas9 polypeptides, where a variant Cas9 polypeptide of the present disclosure comprises an internal insertion of a heterologous polypeptide. The present disclosure provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the variant Cas9 polypeptides. The present disclosure provides host cells comprising a variant Cas9 polypeptide of the present disclosure, or comprising a nucleic acid encoding a variant Cas9 polypeptide of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides methods of binding and/or modifying a target nucleic acid, involving use of a variant Cas9 polypeptide of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method of detecting and/or discriminating mismatched or complementary nucleic acids using a field-effect transistor (FET). The FET comprises source and drain electrodes formed on substrate and separated by a channel that includes a thin semiconducting film. One or more nucleic acid molecules are immobilized to thin semiconducting film. The FET includes a gate electrode in contact with solution containing the sample (or located on the surface of the device). Samples possibly containing target nucleic acid are exposed to the FET of the biosensor device and current response is measured after samples containing target nucleic acid have been exposed to the FET of the biosensor device. Measured current response in the FET is used to detect and/or discriminate whether target nucleic acid is present as well as complementary or mismatched. Measured current response may also be used to differentiate among different mismatches.

Abstract: An all-optical Diffractive Deep Neural Network (D2NN) architecture learns to implement various functions or tasks after deep learning-based design of the passive diffractive or reflective substrate layers that work collectively to perform the desired function or task. This architecture was successfully confirmed experimentally by creating 3D-printed D2NNs that learned to implement handwritten classifications and lens function at the terahertz spectrum. This all-optical deep learning framework can perform, at the speed of light, various complex functions and tasks that computer-based neural networks can implement, and will find applications in all-optical image analysis, feature detection and object classification, also enabling new camera designs and optical components that can learn to perform unique tasks using D2NNs. In alternative embodiments, the all-optical D2NN is used as a front-end in conjunction with a trained, digital neural network back-end.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing biological matter is provided. The method includes preparing an aqueous solution, combining the aqueous solution with a thickening gent, forming the combination into a plurality of two-dimensional individual volume elements in parallel, assembling the plurality of individual volume elements in a three-dimensional array and solidifying the three-dimensional array. Methods of additive manufacturing a food product and a three-dimensional structure with aqueous solution or organic matter are also provided. A system for additively depositing elements including an aqueous solution or organic matter is also provided.

Abstract: A microporous gel system for certain applications, including biomedical applications, includes an aqueous solution containing plurality of microgel particles including a biodegradable crosslinker. In some aspects, the microgel particles act as gel building blocks that anneal to one another to form a covalently-stabilized scaffold of microgel particles having interstitial spaces therein. In certain aspects, annealing of the microgel particles occurs after exposure to an annealing agent that is endogenously present or exogenously added. In some embodiments, annealing of the microgel particles requires the presence of an initiator such as exposure to light. In particular embodiments, the chemical and physical properties of the gel building blocks can be controlled to allow downstream control of the resulting assembled scaffold. In one or more embodiments, cells are able to quickly infiltrate the interstitial spaces of the assembled scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system comprising: (a) a first nucleic acid encoding an ?-factor receptor operatively linked to a first promoter, (b) a second nucleic acid encoding a recombinase operatively linked to a promoter which is activated by an ?-factor receptor bound to an ?-factor, and (c) a third nucleic acid encoding a gene of interest (GOI) flanked by a pair of recombinase recognition sequences, recognized by the recombinase, operatively linked to a second promoter. The present invention provides for a genetically modified fungal cell comprising the system of the present invention.

Abstract: An adjustable fingerprint capturing device is configured to stabilize a finger of a subject. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises an imaging device(s) configured to capture an image(s) of the finger. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises an image actuator. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises a controller configured to activate the imaging device(s) based on input from the image actuator. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises a housing disposed to: the imaging device(s), the image actuator, and the controller. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises a plurality of moveable finger stabilizers configured to move about a portion of the housing. The plurality of moveable finger stabilizers are configured to apply pressure to the finger. The adjustable fingerprint capturing device comprises a stabilizer actuator connected to: the housing and the plurality of moveable finger stabilizers.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a method and system to synthesize a target molecule within a droplet. In an exemplary embodiment, a first microfluidic device configured to contact a polynucleotide-containing component from a sample with lysis reagents to form a first droplet. The lysis reagents include an enzyme having protease activity. The first droplet is encapsulated with an immiscible carrier fluid. A collection reservoir is provided to receive and incubate the first droplet for a first duration of time. The first duration of time is sufficient to inactivate the enzyme of the lysis reagent. A second microfluidic device is provided to receive the first droplet and add nucleic acid synthesis reagent to thereby form a second nucleic acid synthesis droplet in the immiscible carrier fluid. Finally, a reaction chamber is provided to synthesize the target polynucleotide within the second nucleic acid synthesis droplet.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include cell permeable cyclic peptide scaffolds that include a hexapeptide composed of naturally or non-naturally occurring amino acids. Pharmaceutical compositions having one or more of the cell permeable cyclic peptide scaffolds and pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are also provided. Methods for using the subject cell permeable cyclic peptide scaffolds are also described.

Abstract: Provided are drug-transport metabolomics profile assessments and therapies.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator (SLM) is disclosed, wherein the SLM has a substrate comprising an array of MEMS-based mirror elements that is periodic with small pitch (<3 microns) and high fill factor (>80%) in a first dimension. Each mirror element includes a micromirror whose height above the substrate is controlled via a vertical comb-drive actuator, which is located completely beneath the micromirror in the first dimension. As a result, mirror element can control the phase of light reflected from its micromirror. In some embodiments, the SLM includes an array of mirror elements that is periodic with small pitch and high fill factor in two dimensions. In such embodiments, the actuator, as well as tethers for supporting the micromirror above the substrate, are located completely beneath the micromirror, thereby enabling high fill factor in both dimensions.

Abstract: A metallic quantum well may be formed by interposing a layer of metallic well material two layers of barrier material. Two or more metallic quantum wells may be combined to form a coupled metallic quantum well. The absorption spectrum and the emission spectrum of the coupled metallic quantum well may be tuned by at least adjusting the dimensions of the individual metallic quantum wells and/or the materials forming the metallic quantum wells. The metallic quantum well and/or the coupled metallic quantum well may exhibit sufficient nonlinearity even at a miniaturized scale. As such, the metallic quantum well and/or coupled metallic quantum well may be used for a variety of on-chip applications including, for example, as part of an on-chip pulse limiter, an on-chip super-continuum generator, and/or the like.

Abstract: This application is drawn to a method of using an isoform NELL-1 peptide, and compositions thereof for bone formation or for treating, preventing, or ameliorating osteoporosis.