Abstract: Described herein are single domain VHH polypeptides (antibodies) that bind to and/or neutralize the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6), in particular, human IL-6 (hIL-6). Anti-hIL-6 VHH polypeptide products, methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided for treating a subject having or at risk of having a disease, disorder, pathology, or infection associated with or induced by IL-6 or dysfunctional IL-6 signaling. The methods, compositions and kits include a single domain, anti-hIL-6 VHH polypeptide (antibody), or hIL-6 binding portion thereof, that specifically binds to and/or neutralizes IL-6 and treats or prevents IL-6-induced illnesses and diseases. The anti-hIL-6 VHHs, or hIL-6 binding portion thereof, may be recombinantly produced and expressed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of detecting an analyte in a sample by associating the sample with an electrode that includes a metal-organic framework. After association, the redox properties of the electrode are evaluated. Thereafter, the presence or absence of the analyte in the sample is detected by correlating the redox properties of the electrode to the presence or absence of the analyte. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to electrodes that include a metal-organic framework and an electrode surface. In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal-organic framework is associated with the electrode surface. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the electrodes of the present disclosure by associating a metal-organic framework with an electrode surface. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of mixing the metal-organic framework with a polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, compositions and methods for regulating expression of a target polynucleotide in a cell. The systems, compositions and methods comprise a chimeric receptor polypeptide comprising a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or a fragment thereof, a chimeric adaptor polypeptide, at least one actuator moiety and a cleavage moiety.

Abstract: A plasma activated biochar filter is provided. In another aspect, Fluorine-based reactive gas is used in a plasma reactor to activate biochar. A further aspect employs a substrate flocked with plasma activated biochar. Yet another aspect employs plasma activated and fluorinated biochar on a porous substrate to act as an oil-fluid separating filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating knowledge graphs and text summaries from document databases are provided. In one embodiment, a system for generating knowledge graphs and text summaries includes: a device, including: a processor; and a memory containing a knowledge graph and text summary generating application, where the knowledge graph and text summary generating application directs the processor to: query a global network of biomedical relationships; construct a knowledge graph and a citation graph; apply processes to learn local context-based weights and compute summarizations; and provide results via a display.

Abstract: This application describes Swept, Confocally-Aligned Planar Excitation (SCAPE) microscopy systems that incorporate a gradient index (GRIN) lens to relay images from their distal tip to their proximal tip so that 3D images of deep tissue can be captured, without undue loss of light. A zero working distance feature can be designed into the third objective to ensure that the light that exits the second objective in the SCAPE system is not lost. Alternatively, a tapered fiber bundle may be positioned between the second objective and the third objective in the SCAPE system to ensure that the light that exits the second objective is not lost. As yet another alternative, direct detection at the intermediate image plane without using a third objective can ensure that the light that exits the second objective in the SCAPE system is not lost.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods that provide novel anti-tumor therapies in cancer. In one aspect, the present invention features a hybrid neutrophil in a non-naturally occurring container, wherein the hybrid neutrophil expresses at least one neutrophil associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: Arg1, MPO, CD66b, and CD15, and at least one antigen-presenting cell (APC) associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD14, HLA-DR, CD32, CD64, and CD89. In another aspect, the present invention features methods of generating a hybrid neutrophil. In still another aspect, the present invention features methods of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, treating a tumor in a subject, and increasing efficacy of an antibody against a tumor in a subject. The methods comprise (a) administering to the subject an effective amount of an anti-tumor antibody and (b) administering to or generating in the subject an effective amount of a hybrid neutrophil.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle is collected. The collected two-dimensional image is input to a machine learning program trained to output one or more reference points of the vehicle occupant, each reference point being a landmark of the vehicle occupant. One or more reference points of the vehicle occupant in the two-dimensional image is output from the machine learning program. A location of the vehicle occupant in an interior of the vehicle is determined based on the one or more reference points. A vehicle component is actuated based on the determined location. For each of the one or more reference points, a similarity measure is determined between the reference point and a three-dimensional reference point, the similarity measure based on a distance between the reference point and the three-dimensional reference point.

Abstract: Methods to compute glycemia tests and applications thereof are described. Additional methods to compute risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and applications thereof are described. Generally, systems utilize analyte measurements to determine a glycemic status or cardiovascular disease risk, which can be used as a basis to treat individuals.

Abstract: An electrode, the electrode including an exposed contact surface, the exposed surface comprising a contact material, the contact material comprising a MXene. A device, the device including a plurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of electrodes comprising an exposed contact surface, the exposed surface comprising a contact material, the contact material comprising a MXene. A method, the method including delivering electrical stimulation to a subject with an electrode that comprises an exposed contact surface, the exposed contact surface comprising a contact material that includes a MXene.

Abstract: A triboelectric generator can include respective contact members including a first contact member and second contact member. The respective contact members can be movable with respect to each other such that the respective contact members separate from each other in a first configuration and contact each other in a second configuration. The first contact member can include a first conductive layer and a contact layer. The second contact member can be spaced apart from the first contact member in the first configuration and can include an insulating contact layer and a second conductive layer. The insulating contact layer can be configured to come into contact with the contact layer of the first contact member and the transition of the respective contact members from the first configuration to the second configuration can create triboelectric charges. In some examples, the first contact member can include a non-contact insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of electrochemical redox refrigeration includes inducing a flow of an electrochemical refrigerant that is in contact with a first electrode to a second electrode; applying an electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the electrochemical refrigerant is oxidized at one of the first electrode and second electrode and reduced at another of the first electrode and second electrode; wherein the first electrode is at least partially thermally isolated from Joule heating in the electrochemical refrigerant and from activation losses in the second electrode by an action of the flow of the electrochemical refrigerant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence that encodes an antibody to a Zika viral antigen, and functional fragments thereof. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the combination of a first composition that elicits an immune response in a mammal against zika virus and a second composition comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-ZIKV-Envelope (anti-ZIKV E) Protein antibody.

Abstract: A textile includes: (1) a matrix; and (2) particulate fillers dispersed within the matrix. The textile has a transmittance of infrared radiation at a wavelength of 9.5 ?m of at least about 40%, and the textile has a weighted average reflectivity of radiation over a wavelength range of 0.3 ?m to 2 ?m of at least about 40%.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for an Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) is provided that includes a transition metal nitride layer on a substrate, an ORR surface oxide layer deposited on the transition metal nitride layer, where the ORR surface oxide layer includes from sub-monolayer to 20 surface oxide monolayers.

Abstract: Provided are supramolecular polypseudorotaxane hydrogel compositions and 3-D structures capable of reversible 3-D structural deformation which include (a) a solvent; (b) an at least partially linear polymer, where the polymer further comprises groups capable of covalent crosslinking between the polymers; (ii) at least one first macrocyclic ring which forms a pseudorotaxane with a polymer in the polymer network; and (iii) at least one second macrocyclic ring that does not form the pseudorotaxane. The hydrogel composition has a viscosity which allows for 3-D printing of the hydrogel to form a 3-D structure, and a storage (elastic) modulus after crosslinking that allows for the 3-D structure to undergo reversible 3-D structural deformation upon change of solvent conditions. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the compositions and 3-D structures.

Abstract: Methods of differentiating pluripotent stem cells into thymic epithelial progenitor cells are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling metabolic enzymes or pathways in cells to produce a chemical above the levels of a wild-type strain is disclosed. The system utilizes cells, including yeasts, bacteria, and molds, having at least two genes capable of being controlled bi-directionally with light, where one gene is turned from off to on when exposed to light and another gene is turned from on to off when exposed to light, the two genes reversing when the light is turned off. Cells may utilize any number of sequences that benefit chemical production, including sequences that: encode for constitutive transcription of light-activated transcription factor fusions; encode for a metabolic enzyme; encode for a repressor; induce expression of metabolic enzymes; and an endogenous or exogenous activator expressed by a constitutive promoter, inducible promoter, or gene circuit.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and semiconductor structures are directed to an apparatus including a photon emitter such as an LED which operates over an emission wavelength range and a photo-voltaic device arranged relative to the photon emitter to provide index-matched optical coupling between the photo-voltaic device and the photon emitter for an emission wavelength range of the photon emitter.