Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of compositions and methods for the generation of a supporting matrix for cells, such as stem cells and NP cells (and precursors thereof). For example, an NP cell-specific phenotype precursor cell can be an adult NP cell, such as a cell taken from the adult and degenerated intervertebral disc and/or a progenitor cell, such as stem cells, induced pluripotent cells, pluripotent cells, precursor cells, or stromal cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing and/or treating appendicitis in a subject, comprising obtaining a biological sample rom said subject; detecting RNA expression levels of at least three or more biomarkers in the biological sample and comparing the expression levels of said at least three or more biomarkers to a control sample wherein an increase or decrease in the level of expression of said at least three or more biomarkers as compared to the control sample is indicative of appendicitis.

Abstract: A cyber-physical system for conducting a telehealth session. In embodiments, the system includes a hardware control box that enables patients (e.g., elderly or cognitively-impaired patients) to easily participate in the telehealth session. In some embodiments, the system analyzes sensor data (e.g., thermal images, eye tracking data, etc.) and calculates state variables that form a mathematical representation (a “digital twin”) indicative of the physical, emotive, cognitive, or social state of the patient. In some of those embodiments, the system calculates Myasthenia Gravis core examination metrics by performing computer vision analysis on patient video data and/or audio analysis on patient audio data. In some embodiments, the system controls a pan-tile-zoom camera to zoom in on each region of interest that is relevant to the examination.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved process for the synthesis of hydrogen terminated silicon from Zintl phases. The hydrogen terminated silicon is useful, for example, as explosives, chemical and biochemical sensors, optoelectronic materials and Li-ion battery anode ion storage materials. The present disclosure also relates to an improved process for the synthesis of nanomaterials and composites from Zintl phases. The nanomaterials and composites are useful, for example, as ion storage materials.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of systems and methods for light-based procedures that include a fiber-optic bi-directional interface device that includes a multi-core optical fiber comprising a plurality of light-guiding cores in which a first portion of the plurality of light-guiding cores each comprise a light emission modification configured to direct light propagating along the light-guiding core in a laterally outward or sideways direction relative to the propagation axis of the light-guiding core; and a second portion of the plurality of light-guiding cores each further comprises a light collection modification configured to receive light produced by a source positioned laterally outwards or sideways relative to the propagation axis of the light-guiding core.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of gene delivery compositions and methods of use thereof. Compositions of gene delivery matter that include adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) packaged inside vault proteins are described. Methods of treating a patient in need of a gene therapy using the disclosed AAVs packaged in vault proteins are also described.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR images includes receiving a plurality of continuous free-breathing DCE images, the plurality of images obtained with a contrast, sorting the images by identifying a respiratory phase associated with each of the continuous free-breathing DCE images, reconstructing the plurality continuous free-breathing DCE images into a 4D respiratory motion-resolved image, obtaining 3D deformable motion vector fields (MVFs), and utilizing a deep learning based motion transformation integrated forward-Fourier (DL-MOTIF) model and the 3D deformable MVFs to reconstruct the DCE MR images.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved processes for preparing modified lignite by reacting raw lignite with a source of magnesium (Mg2+) ions and a source of calcium (Ca2+) ions, washing the modified lignite (e.g., with water), drying, and pyrolyzing the treated lignite, and to the use of such products for phosphorous remediation.

Abstract: Catalysts and methods for transformation of glycerol and a carbon feedstock, such as CO2, a carbonate salt or a bicarbonate salt, are described herein. Homogeneous catalysts include compounds of formula M[NHC-R-linker]aLbXc, where M is a transition metal, NHC is an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, R is an alkyl or aryl group, linker is a polar group, L is a neutral ligand, X is an anionic ligand, a ranges from 1-3, b ranges from 0-3, and c ranges from 0-3. Heterogeneous catalysts include a solid support with a catalytically active compound immobilized on the solid support, where the catalytically active compound has the formula M[NHC-R-linker]aLbXc where M is a transition metal, NHC is an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, R is an alkyl or aryl group; linker is a polar group, L is a neutral ligand, X is an anionic ligand, a ranges from 1-3, b ranges from 0-3, and c ranges from 0-3.

Abstract: Computational refocusing-assisted deep learning methods, apparatus, and systems are described. In certain pathology examples, a representative image is generated using a machine learning model trained with uniformly focused training images generated by a Fourier ptychographic digital refocusing procedure and abnormalities are automatedly identified and/or enumerated based on the representative image.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of a NXTAR-derived oligonucleotides and uses thereof. An aspect of the present disclosure provides for a method of (i) suppressing androgen receptor (AR) expression, (ii) suppressing androgen receptor splice variants (including AR-V7) expression, (iii) treating cancer (e.g., prostate, breast, testis, ovarian, endometrial and skin) (iv) treating skin related diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia and acne vulgaris in a subject comprising administering to the subject a NXTAR-derived oligonucleotide (oligo) (NXTAR is a lncRNA also known as LOC105373241).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for prognosing the risk of progression of a disease or disorder associated with inflammation, e.g., asthma, in a subject. Such methods include detecting levels of a fungal species comprising Malassezia globosa in the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses compositions and methods for the treatment of precancerous skin lesions. Compositions of the invention comprise a cytotoxic agent and a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) inducer.

Abstract: A photonic Mach Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) has a first arm with a first photonic waveguide transmitting a first light having a first phase, a second arm with a second photonic waveguide transmitting a second light having a second phase, and a Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) based assembly. The TCO assembly is positioned about the first photonic waveguide of the first arm to modulate the first phase of the first light traveling in the first photonic waveguide.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of compositions and methods for mapping transposon insertions. Applications can include mapping the locations of self-reporting transposons (SRTs) from thousands of single cells in parallel, while simultaneously measuring mRNA abundance from the same single cells; analyzing genome-associated protein (GAP) (e.g., transcription factor) binding/interactions in a small number of cells in bulk, without single cell resolution; lineage tracing; or as an improved readout for transposon mutagenesis screens.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses methods and compositions for administering Cerenkov radiation-induced therapy (CRIT).

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of transgenic hookworm compositions and systems and methods of use thereof. The present teachings include compositions for a transgenic hookworm that treats a disease, condition, or indication. Also disclosed is a personal protective biosystem based on the transgenic hookworm, and methods to treat a disease, condition, or indication of a subject using transgenic hookworm compositions.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of MHC-independent T cell receptor (miTCR) compositions and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Probiotic bacteria are genetically modified to produce and excrete enhanced levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Exemplary probiotic bacteria include Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis). The genetically modified probiotic bacteria can be prepared as an aqueous suspension and/or incorporated into food and nutraceuticals for oral administration to a subject. An oral formulation including the genetically modified probiotic bacteria can be used to treat inflammatory diseases and/or behavioral disorders caused by or associated with GABA-GABA signaling deficiency or by excess of excitatory neurotransmitters (such as glutamate). Inflammatory conditions that can be treated with the genetically modified probiotic bacteria include multiple sclerosis (MS) and irritable bowel disease (IBD).

Abstract: Antigens of Toxoplasma gondii that provide specific and strong delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune response, or which stimulate IFN-? secretion, are used for testing subjects for infection. Any skin testing format may be adapted for testing for the delayed type hypersensitivity, including a patch, a needle, or a prong. Presence of DTH indicates infection. Alternate methods of detecting a T cell response including monitoring IFN-? secretion may be used.