Abstract: Various systems and methods for generating images are provided. In some embodiments, the techniques can include acquiring a medical image and an associated motion characterization. The motion characterization can then be used to generate a plurality of gated image data sets, sorted by phase in the motion cycle. A new amplitude-based motion characterization curve is derived from the association of phases with amplitude-based characteristics in the phase gated images. This newly derived amplitude-based motion characterization curve can then be used to re-sort data according to amplitude-based gating techniques known in the field or with data driven optimization techniques.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of synthesis and amplified photodegradation of hydrogel network and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to a single monolithic IC to perform simultaneous optogenetic neural inhibition and extracellular electrophysiological recording in-vivo. Some embodiments include a low input capacitance (e.g., 9.7 pF) amplifier particularly tailored for the use of high-impedance electrodes to conduct single neuron extracellular recording integrated with programmable high current drivers for optogenetic stimulation or inhibition on the same IC chip. Some embodiments use a noise model to guide the IC design process to obtain parameters for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The performance of the IC chip was demonstrated on an anesthetized gerbil expressed with inhibitory optogenetic protein (Halorhodopsin). Spontaneous action potentials from the fifth nerve of the brainstem were recorded by the amplifier and were subsequently inhibited by laser illumination.

Abstract: A microwave sensor includes a cloud of particles, e.g., Rubidium 87 atoms. A probe laser beam transitions ground-state particles in its path to an excited state. A set of one or more coupling laser beams causes excited particles to transition to a first Rydberg state so that particles in the intersection of the laser beams are in a dark superposition which is transparent to the probe laser beam so that a frequency spectrum of the probe laser beam shows a transmission peak at the laser frequency. A microwave lens focuses a microwave vector (e.g., a microwave signal) within the intersection, causing particles in the first Rydberg state to transition to a second Rydberg state, splitting the transmission peak into a pair of peaks. The intensity of the microwave vector can be calculated based on the frequency difference between the pair of peaks. The direction of the microwave vector can be determined from the location of the laser-beam intersection.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical intervention related to the lacrimal system. The invention relates to a lacrimal system device and methods of using the device for drug delivery to an eye, sinuses and/or periocular tissues.

Abstract: Hydraulically-amplified, self-healing, electrostatic actuators that harness electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve various actuation modes. Electrostatic forces between electrode pairs of the actuators generated upon application of a voltage to the electrode pairs draws the electrodes in each pair towards each other to displace a liquid dielectric contained within an enclosed internal cavity of the actuators to drive actuation in various manners. The electrodes and the liquid dielectric form a self-healing capacitor whereby the liquid dielectric automatically fills breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.

Abstract: Methods of forming sintered compounds and compounds formed using the methods are disclosed. Exemplary methods include reactive flash sintering to form sintered compounds from two or more starting compounds. Various sintered compounds may be suitable for use as solid electrolytes in solid-state electrochemical cells and batteries.

Abstract: Virtual redundancy for active-standby cloud applications is disclosed herein. A virtual machine (“VM”) placement scheduling system is disclosed herein. The system can compute, for each standby VM of a plurality of available standby VMs, a minimum required placement overlap delta to meet an entitlement assurance rate (“EAR”) threshold. The system can compute a minimum number of available VM slots for activating each standby VM to meet the EAR threshold. For each standby VM of a given application, the system can filter out any server of a plurality of servers that does not meet criteria. If a given server meets the criteria, the system can add the given server to a candidate list; sort, in descending order, the candidate list by the minimum required placement overlap delta and the number of available virtual machine slots; and select, from the candidate list of servers, a candidate server from atop the candidate list.

Abstract: A grating coupler couples a waveguide to a beam and is formed of patterned shapes in a first and second layer of planar material, the shapes embedded in background material, the layers separated by less than one wavelength. The shapes are organized as a plurality of adjacent unit cells arranged along a direction of propagation of light with each unit cell including a shape of the first material and a shape of the second material, each unit cell having design parameters including a period, a width wb of the shape of first planar material, a width wt of the shape of second planar material, and an offset between the shapes. The coupler has a directivity ratio D is at least 10 dB between “up” and “down” radiation; and unit cells differ in at least one parameter selected from period, wb, wt, and offset to provide a predetermined beam shape.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) having configurations with spiral wound structures and with frame-and-plate structures are provided. Systems may allow for production of an electrical current that is at least partially generated by anodophilic microorganisms connected directly or indirectly to an electrode. A spiral wound or frame-and-plate type bioelectrochemical system may include an anolyte influent point, a catholyte influent point, electrodes, ion selective membranes, mesh separators, gas collection devices, an exterior containment vessel, and one or more external electrical devices.

Abstract: A method for extending and enhancing bright coherent high-order harmonic generation into the VUV-EUV-X-ray regions of the spectrum involves a way of accomplishing phase matching or effective phase matching of extreme upconversion of laser light at high conversion efficiency, approaching 10?3 in some spectral regions, and at significantly higher photon energies in a waveguide geometry, in a self-guiding geometry, a gas cell, or a loosely focusing geometry, containing nonlinear medium. The extension and enhancement of the coherent VUV, EUV, X-ray emission to high photon energies relies on using VUV-UV-VIS lasers of shorter wavelength. This leads to enhancement of macroscopic phase matching parameters due to stronger contribution of linear and nonlinear dispersion of both atoms and ions, combined with a strong microscopic single-atom yield.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds and methods that are useful in promoting reactions that proceed through an oxidative quenching pathway. In certain embodiments, the reactions comprise atom transfer radical polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesenchymal stem cell storing or transport formulation, a method of preparing the mesenchymal stem cell toring or transport formulation as well as to methods of using the mesenchymal stem cell storing or transport formulation. Such methods include a method of transporting mesenchymal stem cells in this storing or transport formulation as well as a method of treating a subject having a disease, the method comprising topically administering mesenchymal stem cells that have been stored or transported in this storing or transport formulation. Also concerned is a unit dosage of the mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an image indicating a potential presence of a cancer lesion at a location within a prostate of a patient by transmitting light from an optical probe toward a location, receiving fluorescence spectra by the optical probe from the location, and generating a visual display of a diagnosis classification so as to confirm or contradict the existence of the cancer lesion at the location.

Abstract: A method of increasing a polymerization reaction rate of a base monomer composition that has slow free-radical polymerization kinetics. The method comprises combining an effective amount of a nanogel to the base monomer composition to form a monomer-nanogel mixture having a polymerization reaction rate that is greater than the polymerization reaction rate of the base monomer composition when subjected to an identical free-radical polymerization reaction conducted under identical conditions. The base monomer composition comprises one or more slow-kinetic monomers with slow free radical polymerization kinetics in which <25% of the double bonds are converted within the first 10 mintes of said reaction. The nanogel is soluble in the base monomer composition. The nanogel is derived from a nanogel-forming monomer mixture that comprises: at least one monovinyl monomer; at least one divinyl monomer; a chain transfer agent; and an initiator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for human-robot communication are proved. More particularly, some embodiments use augmented reality to facilitate communication of robot intention and teleoperation in human-robot cooperative environments. Various embodiments of the present technology provide a middleware that integrates augmented reality (AR) with novel teleoperation interfaces to increase operation effectiveness, support the user in conducting concurrent work, and decrease stress. Various embodiments provide predictive graphical interfaces such that a teleoperator controls a virtual robot surrogate, rather than directly operating the robot itself, providing the user with foresight regarding where the physical robot will end up and how it will get there. In accordance with various embodiments a user may select between two AR interfaces using such a surrogate: one focused on real-time control and one inspired by waypoint delegation.

Abstract: An adapter to be used to position and restrain a patient's head movement during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, X-ray imaging or other imaging or medical procedures. The adapter has a high degree of adjustability and modularity. The adapter can be fitted to a patient quickly and comfortably by offering translational, rotational and height adjustment during the fitting procedure, thereby reducing the overall time for the MRI. The adapter includes a base, one or more attachment members to selectively affix the base to an imaging table, a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart supports attached to the base, a stabilizer frame rotatably attached to the pair of supports, and a locking mechanism to selectively prevent rotation of the frame attached to the pair of supports.

Abstract: In some embodiments, two light beams having different frequencies can be counter-propagated through an atomic absorber having an atomic transition frequency approximately equal to the sum of the frequencies of the two beams. When the beams are appropriately tuned, the atomic absorber absorbs significant amount of light of at least the lower power beam. The amount of light remaining after the absorber is an indication of how well the frequencies are tuned to the absorber. At least one of the beam frequencies has an FM modulation applied prior to the absorber. This means the phase of the remaining light compared to the FM modulation, along with the intensity of the remaining light, can be used to provide a first feedback signal to adjust the frequencies of the beams to match the absorber frequency. Finally, both beams have amplitude modulation applied before the absorber.

Abstract: Imaging or measurement methods and systems including methods and systems for finding the three-dimensional orientation and position of multiple dipole-like particles and single molecules, methods and systems for generating helical beams and helical spread functions, and methods and systems for super-resolution and super-localization of dense arrays of emitters.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the growth or metastasis of a cancer in a subject by inhibiting a Ral GTPase in the subject, and small molecule inhibitors of Ral GTPases useful in the methods of the invention. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the invention, and methods of using the same.