Abstract: A body area network (BAN) architecture including a plurality of ultra-wideband (UWB) BAN node devices, a control node device, and a remote node device is described. The plurality of UWB BAN node devices measures real-time physiological data of a patient and transmits the physiological data to the control node device using UWB signals. The control node device encodes the UWB signals using an spectral amplitude coding-optical code division multiple access (SAC-OCDMA) encoder, modulates the encoded UWB signals using an on-off keying (OOK) scheme, combines the modulated UWB signals into an optical signal using an optical coupler, and transmits the combined optical signal through a free space optical (FSO) link to the remote node device. The remote node device decodes the combined optical signal using an SAC-OCDMA decoder, converts the decoded optical signal into an electrical signal, and analyzes the physiological data based on the electrical signal.

Abstract: Novel cyclic peptides, cyclic peptide conjugates and compositions containing them for treating neurological diseases in a subject include an Odorranalectin (OL) sequence or modified OL sequence as a scaffold and a biologically active peptide or protein and/or therapeutic agent conjugated thereto. Methods of treatment of neurological diseases are based on intranasal delivery of a cyclic peptide or cyclic peptide conjugate as described herein. Combinatorial libraries that include a plurality of cyclic peptides have also been developed and can be used to screen for a ligand(s) for a receptor of interest.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an anhydrous hydrogen fluoride generator vessel (also referred to herein as the “AHF generator vessel”) is provided. In several embodiments, an AHF generator vessel may include a container assembly, one or more shelves, and a center pipe assembly. The container assembly may include a lid assembly that may be removably coupled to the wall, and one or more feet. The center pipe assembly may include a base adapter, a center pipe, and a bottom adapter. In one embodiment, sodium bifluoride is loaded onto the one or more shelves which are positioned perpendicular to the center pipe and stacked upon one another. An external heat source may provide the heat to the vessel to thermally degrade the sodium bifluoride into HF and sodium fluoride (NaF). In various embodiments, the HF may be carried by a carrier gas out of the AHF generator vessel via the lid assembly.

Abstract: A 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-7-(4-((5-(4-methoxybenzylideneamino)-2-thioxo-1,3,4-thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid compound, its synthesis, and its use as an anticancer and/or anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for detecting a high-risk phenotype of a mast cell tumor (MCT) in a biological sample from a mammal, preferably a dog. Kits, PCR probes and primers to detect high-risk MCT are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a direct current power supply system for urban rail transit cascaded direct-hanging stations, belonging to the field of power electronic technologies. The power supply system includes a 110 kV high-voltage power grid, a 35 kV medium-voltage power grid, a cascaded H-bridge medium-voltage direct-hanging converter, a 650V-800V common direct current bus, a standby power supply and direct current electric loads. The cascaded H-bridge medium-voltage direct-hanging converter is formed by 3n modules in cascade, and each module is formed by an H-bridge converter and an isolated DC/DC converter connected in series.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-inflammatory nanofibers and methods of use thereof. In particular methods are provided for the use of anti-inflammatory nanofibers in the promotion of tissue (e.g., urinary bladder tissue) regeneration.

Abstract: Provided are a chitin-based superabsorbent materials and method of preparation thereof. The superabsorbent material comprises chitin crosslinked by an epoxy crosslinker, and guanidine attached to the crosslinked chitin. The preparation method includes dissolving chitin in an aqueous solvent to form a solution; reacting the dissolved chitin with an epoxy crosslinker and guanidine, or a salt thereof, thereby forming a hydrogel; and drying the hydrogel.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation characterized in that rhodium and molybdenum are supported on hydroxyapatite, the catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation providing a catalyst that can promote a reduction reaction that converts an amide compound into an amine compound, can be used under moderate conditions, and has durability that allows repeated use thereof while retaining high activity. Also provided is a method for producing an amine compound, the method being characterized by including bringing an amide compound into contact with the catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation to cause hydrogenation, thereby producing an amine compound.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) including reacting a mixture of macroalgae and ethanol hydrothermally in an autoclave at a reaction temperature between 150 degrees Celsius (° C.) and 250° C. to form a suspension. The method further includes separating the CQDs from the suspension. The CQDs have a size of 1 to 5 nanometers (nm). The CQDs have a Stokes shift of at least 80 nm at an excitation wavelength of 270-410 nm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to human monoclonal IgE antibodies, and IgG antibodies engineered therefrom. Such engineered antibodies can be used to blunt pathologic IgE responses in subjects, such as in the treatment or prevention of allergies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assisting individuals with physical and/or cognitive ailments, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and/or visual impairment. The quality of life, safety, and/or autonomy of such individuals can be enhanced by utilizing a combination of sensors, actuators, augmented reality (AR) technology, and machine learning (ML) algorithms. The sensors and actuators can include (but are not limited to) cameras, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, accelerometers, motion sensors, AR visual systems, headphones, microphones, haptic feedback systems, and/or connectivity capabilities (wired and/or wireless) to provide information about the surrounding environment and events. By leveraging advanced sensor technology, AR, and real-time data processing, a comprehensive support system can be provided that addresses the unique challenges faced by these individuals on a daily basis.

Abstract: A beam control method is provided that can be implemented with any hardware system for imaging and/or cutting such as SEM/FIB/HIM or charged particle lithography which alleviates the deposited energy overlap between pixels to increase resolution and precision while reducing damage. The method includes scanning a workpiece with e-beam lithography, proton lithography, ion beam lithography, optical lithography, ion beam imaging or FIB in a reduced or sub-sampled pattern, to reduce beam overlap, which can include the step of scanning the beam ensuring that there is the largest difference in time and space between consecutive beam locations.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding. The method for image decoding includes comparing whether a size of a current transform block and a size of a smallest transform block (smallest transform unit (STU)) are the same as each other, and decoding information indicating whether transformation is performed on the current transform block and determining whether to perform inverse transformation on the current transform block based on the decoded information indicating whether the transformation is performed when the size of the current transform block and the size of a smallest transform block are the same as each other.

Abstract: A vaccine delivery method is presented that includes a composition including as one component a slurry matrix that is a liquid at room temperature and a gel at physiological pH, physiological salt concentrations and/or physiological temperatures and as a second component one or more antigens. Also included are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject and vaccinating a subject by administering such compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for expressing Otoferlin, e.g., utilizing adeno-associated viral (AAV) particles. Further provided herein are compositions of AAV particles comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding Otoferlin are codon optimized for expression in human cells. Such methods and compositions may be useful for treatment of diseases and disorders such as Deafness, Autosomal Recessive 9 (DFNB9). Also provided are kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with expression of mesothelin comprising administering a cell that expresses a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to mesothelin in combination with a PD-L1 inhibitor.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate and a coating disposed on the substrate. The coating includes a binder and a plurality of nanosheets. The plurality of nanosheets are arranged in layers and are oriented with their largest surfaces being substantially parallel to a surface of the substrate upon which they are disposed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for determining blood volume in a subject. Blood volume is an important hemodynamic parameter for monitoring many disorders, such as stoke and cancer. Current MRI techniques for quantification of absolute blood volume for such clinical applications all require injecting exogenous contrast agents. To reduce associated safety risks and cost, the present invention is directed to a non-contrast-enhanced MRI method for blood volume mapping on MRI. The technique of the present invention employs velocity-selective (VS) pulse trains in paired control and label modules for separating vascular signal by subtraction. The Fourier-transform based VS saturation pulse train (FT-VSS) of the present invention has improved performance over conventional VS pulse trains for the blood volume measurement.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for traffic signal control of a traffic network with a learned model. The method including: receiving sensor readings from the traffic network, the sensor readings including positions and speeds of vehicles approaching each intersection; using a learned dynamics model that takes the sensor readings as input, predicting a plurality of possibilities for position and velocity of the vehicles approaching each intersection in a future timestep; determining a action for the one or more intersections by performing a tree search on the plurality of possibilities and selecting the possibility with a highest action value; and outputting the action to the traffic network for implementation as a traffic control action at the one or more intersections.