Abstract: Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are used to provide measurement of chordae tendineae forces. Two basic modes of operation are considered, The first mode is a research mode, where the FBG sensors are affixed to native chordae in situ and preferably in vivo to provide data on chordae forces in a beating heart under various conditions (e.g., normal, hypertensive, etc.), The second mode is a clinical mode, where the FBG sensor can be used to measure tension on a prosthetic neochord during the surgical procedure to implant the prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method comprising obtaining, by a device, a combined sound signal for signals combined from multiple sound sources in an area in which a person is located, and applying, by the device, speech-separation processing (e.g., deep attractor network (DAN) processing, online DAN processing, LSTM-TasNet processing, Conv-TasNet processing), to the combined sound signal from the multiple sound sources to derive a plurality of separated signals that each contains signals corresponding to different groups of the multiple sound sources. The method further includes obtaining, by the device, neural signals for the person, the neural signals being indicative of one or more of the multiple sound sources the person is attentive to, and selecting one of the plurality of separated signals based on the obtained neural signals. The selected signal may then be processed (amplified, attenuated).

Abstract: An exemplary random number generation system leverages the r includes at least one solar power panel of a solar power system, at least one sensor and a random number generator. The sensor senses one or more output parameters (e.g., voltage or current) from the solar power system and provides the sensed parameter to the random number generator, which uses the sensed parameter to generate a number that is truly random (i.e., is not deterministic). As an example, the random number generator may receive multiple samples of the measured parameter and generate a random number based on a difference of the multiple samples. If desired, the random number generator may include an algorithm to remove biasing in the random number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Zika virus (ZIKV) in a subject. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a ZIKV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a ZIKV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a plasma sheet source and methods of using same. The plasma sheet source includes a cylindrical electrode having a conductive cylindrical core surrounded by a dielectric material, a plurality of channels configured to direct gas from a gas inlet to the electrode, and a plasma outlet positioned below the electrode. Gas is introduced to the plasma sheet source and directed toward the electrode, which when powered by pulsed direct current, produces plasma as the gas ionizes. The produced plasma is then directed out of the plasma outlet to a specimen for treatment of the specimen. Notably, the plasma exiting the plasma outlet is in the form of a plasma sheet that is at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A two-step chromatography purification scheme is described which selectively captures and isolates the genome-containing rAAV vector particles from the clarified, concentrated supernatant of a rAAV production cell culture. The process utilizes an affinity capture method performed at a high salt concentration followed by an anion exchange resin method performed at high pH to provide rAAV vector particles which are substantially free of rAAV intermediates.

Abstract: A single beam plasma or ion source apparatus, including multiple and different power sources, is provided. An aspect of the present apparatus and method employs simultaneous excitation of an ion source by DC and AC, or DC and RF power supplies. Another aspect employs an ion source including multiple magnets and magnetic shunts arranged in a generally E cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Methods, spray devices, and kits for the in situ formation of silk fibroin fibers and/or aerosols are disclosed. Rapidly mixing a silk fibroin solution and a beta sheet initiation solution forms a mixed solution, which is rapidly expanded to form the silk fibroin fibers and/or aerosols. The beta sheet initiation solution includes a hygroscopic polymer having a molecular weight of between 7.5 kDa and 15.0 kDa. The rapid mixing and rapid expanding occur within one second of one another. Silk fibroin aerosols are formed when a molecular weight distribution of fragments in the silk fibroin solution is below an aerosol-fiber threshold. Silk fibroin fibers are formed when the molecular weight distribution is below the aerosol-fiber threshold.

Abstract: A plurality of modules are simultaneously positioned at locations that correspond to different angiosomes. Each of these modules has a front surface shaped and dimensioned for contacting a person's skin, a plurality of different-wavelength light sources aimed in a forward direction, and a plurality of light detectors aimed to detect light arriving from in front of the front surface. Each module is supported by a support structure (e.g., a strap or a clip) that is shaped and dimensioned to hold the front surface adjacent to the person's skin at a respective position. Perfusion in each of the angiosomes is monitored using these modules, and the surgeon can rely on this information to guide his or her intervention.

Abstract: Hybrid carbon nanofiber (Cnf) products (e.g., mats, yarns, webs, etc.) and methods of fabricating the same are provided. The hybrid Cnf products are flexible and lightweight and have high thermal conductivity. An electrospinning process can be used to fabricate the hybrid Cnf products and can include preparation of an electrospinning solution, electrospinning, and carbonization (e.g., under a vacuum condition).

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods and systems for detecting cell states in a biological sample. An aspect of the present disclosure provides for a method of determining cell type or cell states. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing or having been provided a sample comprising DNA or RNA and generating a methylation profile for the DNA or RNA in the sample or providing or having been provided a methylation profile of the DNA or RNA in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing CRISPR/Cas-based gene regulation (e.g., genome editing or gene expression) of a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA or target RNA) in a cell. The methods include using modified single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that enhance gene regulation of the target nucleic acid in a primary cell for use in ex vivo therapy or in a cell in a subject for use in in vivo therapy. Additionally, provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a genetic disease in a subject by administering a sufficient amount of a modified sgRNA to correct a mutation in a target gene associated with the genetic disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for molecular simulation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for predicting a relationship between a ligand and a receptor. The method includes steps for identifying a plurality of conformations of a receptor, computing docking scores for each of the plurality of conformations and a set of one or more ligands, and predicting a relationship between the set of one or more ligands and the plurality of conformations of the receptor.

Abstract: A system may mitigate leakage currents in charging stations for electric vehicles. The system may include a bank of one or more parallel capacitors per phase electrically coupled to an AC voltage source, wherein a neutral point of the one or more parallel capacitors is electrically coupled to a DC ground; a bank of one or more inductors per phase electrically coupled to the one or more parallel capacitors, wherein each inductor is in series with and downstream from one capacitor; a rectifier electrically coupled to and downstream from the one or more parallel inductors, wherein the rectifier converts the AC voltage source to a DC voltage for supply to a battery; a DC bus electrically coupled to the rectifier; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to mitigate leakage currents by controlling a voltage of at least one of the bank of one or more parallel capacitors.

Abstract: Provided herein are rAAV and other vectors and compositions useful for treating a patient having CMT2 comprising: (a) a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an engineered human mitofusin 2 coding sequence operably linked to regulatory sequences which direct expression thereof in a human target cell. Also provided are rAAV and other vectors and compositions useful for treating a patient having CMT2 comprising: (b) a nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one miRNA specific for an endogenous human mitofusin 2 sequence in a human CMT2A subject, wherein the miRNA coding sequence is operably linked to regulatory sequences which direct expression thereof in the subject. Further provided are compositions containing both the engineered hMfn2 coding sequence and the at least one miRNA coding sequence, wherein the engineered human mitofusin 2 coding sequence has a sequence which differs from endogenous human mitofusin 2 in the CMT2A patient in the target site of the encoded miRNA.

Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be diagnosed by affixing a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light detectors against the subject's body near a joint, and sequentially transmitting light from each of the plurality of light sources into the subject's body. Signals are acquired from each of the plurality of light detectors. The rise time of the acquired signals that occurs in response to an inflation of a pressure cuff is determined, and an indication of whether the joint is affected by SLE is made based on the determined rise time. In some embodiments, a plateau time of the acquired signals is also acquired, and the indication of whether the joint is affected by SLE is made based on the determined rise time and the determined plateau time.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in extraction procedures of analytes (organic and inorganic, including heavy metals) from matrices (e.g., complex matrices) in various fields (e.g., biological, clinical, chemical, environmental, toxicological, and forensic) are provided. The device can comprise a support structure acting as a rigid and stable support for extraction materials that can be inserted thereinto. The device can comprise a plurality of windows in the support structure through which the extraction materials can be exposed. The device can include two portions that can join together (e.g., using an interlocking system).

Abstract: A memory authentication system initiates various memory operations on a memory chip and then assesses the performance of the memory chip in performing such operations in an attempt to identify a signature in the chip's performance that can be used to identify the chip's source. As an example, a partial erase operation may be performed on programmed memory cells in order to drain some charge from the cells but allowing some charge to remain in the cells. Due to process variations during manufacturing, charge should drain from the cells at different rates such that some of the cells may flip to an erase state while other cells remain in a program state. The pattern of bit flips defines a unique signature that may be used to identify the chip's manufacturing source (e.g., the foundry at which the chip was manufactured).

Abstract: In one example, a bearing or transmission has an outer race that extends circumferentially about a central axis. An inner race is disposed within the outer race and extends circumferentially about the central axis so as to be coaxial with the outer race. A plurality of load-bearing rolling elements are disposed between the inner race and the outer race, and are spaced circumferentially from one another so as to not contact one another. A plurality of separator rolling elements are disposed within the outer race. Each separator rolling element is disposed between a respective pair of the load-bearing rolling elements such that the separator rolling element is in rolling contact with the load-bearing rolling elements of the respective pair. The load-bearing and separator rolling elements form a contiguous ring.

Abstract: A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide (MCDCW) is described. A hybrid mode excitation for multi-core dielectric filled circular waveguide fed parabolic antenna is also described. A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide with four cylinders of different relative permittivity (?r) inside each other is used to generate the hybrid mode (HE11) directly without need for coupling TE11 and TM11 modes as in prior art corrugated waveguide feeders. This mode is preferable to be used as operating mode to feed the reflector. Four concentric cylinders of different relative permittivity ?r are used as an example.