Abstract: A spectroscopy and microscopy system and method include a source of pulsed infrared light generating pulsed infrared excitation light for exciting a sample, such that the pulsed infrared light selectively heats the sample by absorption of the pulsed infrared light and allows the sample to cool. A source of probe light generates probe light for illuminating the sample. A detection element detects a signal indicative of selective heating of the sample by the excitation light. A processor receives the signal indicative of the selective heating of the sample, computes a time rate of local temperature rise in the sample to obtain instantaneous absorption in the sample, and, using the instantaneous absorption, generates a spectrum related to the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods implement of high-speed delay scanning for spectroscopic SRS imaging characterized by scanning a first pulsed beam across a stepwise reflective surface (such as a stepwise mirror or a reflective blazed grating) in a Littrow configuration to generate near continuous temporal delays relative to a second pulsed beam. Systems and methods also implement deep learning techniques for image restoration of spectroscopic SRS images using a trained encoder-decoder convolution neural network (CNN) which in some embodiments may be designed as a spatial-spectral residual net (SS-ResNet) characterized by two parallel filters including a first convolution filter on the spatial domain and a second convolution filter on the spectral domain.

Abstract: A stimulated Raman photothermal (SRP) microscope for imaging a sample. A first optical source without an optical resonator emits a pump beam. A second optical source emits an intensity-modulated Stokes beam. The Stokes beam is combined with the pump beam to form a combined beam. The combined beam is directed to the sample to induce a thermal effect caused by the stimulated Raman process. A third optical source emits a probe beam, the probe beam is directed to the sample. An optical detector detects modulation of the probe beam after modulation by the sample to measure an SRP signal. Because noise in the pump and Stokes beam do not significantly effect the measurements from the probe beam, these beams can use a high-powered optical parametric amplifier (OPA) source for improved sensitivity and imaging speed compared to SRP microscopes using an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) source.

Abstract: A spectroscopy and microscopy system and method include a source of pulsed infrared light generating pulsed infrared excitation light for exciting a sample, such that the pulsed infrared light selectively heats the sample by absorption of the pulsed infrared light and allows the sample to cool. A source of probe light generates probe light for illuminating the sample. A detection element detects a signal indicative of selective heating of the sample by the excitation light. A processor receives the signal indicative of the selective heating of the sample, computes a time rate of local temperature rise in the sample to obtain instantaneous absorption in the sample, and, using the instantaneous absorption, generates a spectrum related to the sample.

Abstract: A computing system includes accelerator devices for hardware acceleration of operations of a fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) application, including a hybrid bootstrapping operation that may be parallelized for increased performance. Hybrid bootstrapping includes a first extraction on a first ciphertext (e.g., Ring Learning with Errors or RLWE) to form a plurality of second ciphertexts (e.g., LWE) corresponding to respective elements of the encrypted data, and a plurality of blind-rotate operations performed independently on the respective second ciphertexts to collectively produce a plurality of third ciphertexts (e.g., RLWE). A second extraction of respective elements of the third ciphertexts forms a plurality of fourth ciphertexts (e.g., LWE), and a repacking of respective elements of the fourth ciphertexts recreates the first-ciphertext representation of the encrypted data with restored modulus and reduced noise.

Abstract: A short-wave infrared photothermal (SWIP) microscopy system and method for vibrational imaging of a sample generates shortwave infrared excitation light probe light. The excitation light and the probe light are combined to generate a combined beam, which is focused to generate a focused combined beam, which is directed onto the sample to obtain a SWIP signal generated by absorption-induced thermo-optic selective heating of the sample. The SWIP signal is collected through an aperture in a condenser and detected.

Abstract: Containers including internal mixers and actuators assemblies and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, a container may include a mixer and an actuator, at least one of which may be located inside of the container. The actuator may actuate the mixer to induce flow within the container and mix the contents of the container with a low volumetric footprint and high mixing efficiency. In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to deform the mixer, which may include one or more features which may be deformed out of plane in a Kirigami or Origami fashion. The actuator and mixer may be arranged in series or in parallel. The actuator may be used without a mixer to induce flow within the container. The actuator may be driven pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, and/or in any other suitable manner.

Abstract: The methods and assays described herein relate to detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer, e.g., by detecting the level of expression of certain miRNAs described herein and/or by therapeutically increasing the level of those miRNAs.

Abstract: Kirigami mixing systems and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, a mixing system includes one or more grippers configured to deform a portion of a flexible container containing fluid when undergoing axial deformation. The grippers may include features including slots, hinges, and spines to aid in the transition of the grippers between a closed and retracted configuration when the one or more grippers are deformed. The compression of the container subsequently result in fluid flow within the container which may mix or agitate the fluid. In some embodiments, the described grippers may be formed integrally with the flexible containers. In some embodiments, the mixing system may include a plurality of grippers arranged around the flexible container.

Abstract: A stimulated Raman photothermal (SRP) microscope for imaging a sample. A first optical source omits an intensity-modulated pump beam. A second optical source omits an intensity-modulated Stokes beam. The Stokes beam is combined with the pump beam to form a combined beam. The combined beam is directed to the sample to induce a thermal effect caused by the stimulated Raman process. A third optical source emits a probe beam, the probe beam is directed to the sample. An optical detector detects modulation of the probe beam after modulation by the sample to measure an SRP signal.

Abstract: A system for neuromodulation includes a split-ring resonator (SRR) comprising a resonance circuit, the SRR being implantable in a cranial target site and a source of microwave signals, wherein the microwave signals are deliverable wirelessly to couple with the SRR to produce a localized electrical field, wherein the localized electrical field inhibits one or more neurons at the cranial target site with submillimeter spatial precision.

Abstract: A mid-infrared photothermal microscopy system images a sample. A mid-infrared optical source generates a mid-infrared beam which is directed along a first optical path to reach the substrate on a first side and heat the sample. A probe light source generates a probe light which is directed along a second optical path to reach the substrate on a second side and illuminate the sample. A first laser scanner is positioned along the first optical path and configured to rotate to redirect light and scan the sample with the mid-infrared beam. A second laser scanner is positioned along the second optical path and configured to rotate to redirect light and scan the sample with the probe light. The laser scanners each include at least one mirror driven to rotate such that the mid-infrared beam and the probe light scan the sample synchronously.

Abstract: A glucose control system employs adaptation of a glucose target (set-point) control variable in controlling delivery of insulin to a subject to maintain euglycemia. The glucose target adapts based on trends in actual glucose level (e.g., measured blood glucose in the subject), and/or computed doses of a counter-regulatory agent such as glucagon. An adaptation region with upper and lower bounds for the glucose target may be imposed. Generally the disclosed techniques can provide for robust and safe glucose level control. Adaptation may be based on computed doses of a counter-regulatory agent whether or not such agent is actually delivered to the subject, and may be used for example to adjust operation in a bihormonal system during periods in which the counter-regulatory agent is not available for delivery.

Abstract: A short-wave infrared photothermal (SWIP) microscopy system and method for vibrational imaging of a sample generates shortwave infrared excitation light probe light. The excitation light and the probe light are combined to generate a combined beam, which is focused to generate a focused combined beam, which is directed onto the sample to obtain a SWIP signal generated by absorption-induced thermo-optic selective heating of the sample. The SWIP signal is collected through an aperture in a condenser and detected.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring a magnetic field from a source. A plurality of sensors each include a plurality of sensing elements. A first sensing element is configured to detect an intensity of the magnetic field and a second sensing element is configured to directly measure a gradient of the magnetic field. A positioned is determined, with respect to the source, where a magnitude of the magnetic field in a first direction is greatest. An orientation of the sensors is determined in a three-dimensional pattern by arranging the sensors to emphasize sensing the magnetic field in the first direction. The sensors are oriented and positioned according to the position and orientation determined. The magnetic field is measured, in the first direction, using the sensors.

Abstract: Microscopic analysis of a sample includes a fluorescent dye disposed within the sample. A mid-IR optical source generates a mid-infrared beam, which is directed onto the sample to induce a temperature change by absorption of the mid-infrared beam. An optical source generates a probe beam directed to impinge on the sample. A detector detects fluorescent emissions from the sample when the probe beam impinges on the sample. A data acquisition and processing system acquires and processes the detected fluorescent emissions from the sample to: (i) generate a signal indicative of infrared absorption by the sample, (ii) generate a signal indicative of temperature in the sample based on the signal indicative of infrared absorption by the sample, (iii) generate an image of the sample using the signal indicative of temperature in the sample.

Abstract: Valves, systems, articles, and methods for controlling fluid flow are generally described. According to some aspects, valves that can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration in response to a change in magnetic field and/or voltage potential are provided. According to certain aspects, valves comprising elastic diaphragms comprising magnetic materials (e.g., an elastic composite material including magnetic nanoparticles or other magnetic materials dispersed in a matrix) and/or electroactive polymers are provided. In some aspects, magnetically actuated systems and/or voltage potential actuated systems comprising elastomeric valves are described. In some embodiments, valves and systems described herein are useful for liquid handling, dosing, and regulation of fluid flow, though embodiments in which the disclosed valves are used in different applications are also contemplated.

Abstract: An exemplary illumination source is provided. The illumination source includes a light integrating device for coupling to at least one optical structure at an output port. The light integrating device includes at least one input port. At least one light source produces at least one optical illumination coupled to the at least one input port. A light adjusting tool controls the optical illumination emitted by the light integrating device. The light adjusting tool controls uniformity of light emitted by the light integrating device by modifying at least one internal surface of the light integrating device.

Abstract: Methods and materials for forming a three-dimensional (3D) structure in a material are described. An example method includes directing a liquid casting material into a mold cavity of a mold structure, where the mold cavity corresponds to a three-dimensional (3D) structure. The method further includes causing the liquid casting material to solidify within the mold cavity to form a solid structure of the casting material, removing at least a portion of the mold structure from the solid structure of the casting material, and forming a structural material around the solid structure of the casting material. The solid casting material is liquified within the structural material. The liquified casting material is evacuated from the structural material to form the 3D structure in the structural material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides Cas9 variants, and base editors comprising these variants, that recognize non-canonical protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) and have less restrictive PAM requirements for editing. The present disclosure provides Cas9 protein variants comprising one or more amino acid substitutions relative to wild-type Nme2Cas9. Fusion proteins comprising the Cas protein variants described herein are also provided by the present disclosure. Further provided herein are methods for editing a target nucleic acid using the Cas variants and fusion proteins provided herein. The present disclosure also provides guide RNAs, complexes, polynucleotides, cells, kits, and pharmaceutical compositions. Further described herein are phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) systems, vectors, methods, and devices.