Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining epidural spinal stimulation parameters that promote muscle activation use spectral analysis and machine learning techniques to characterize electromyography data.

Abstract: Microvesicle compositions and methods of use thereof are provided. The microvesicle composition includes a miRNA encapsulated by a microvesicle, wherein the microvesicle is derived from an edible plant. The method of use thereof includes treating a cancer in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of a microvesicle composition.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include inventive catalysts (e.g., catalysts of Formula (I)). Other embodiments include compositions comprising the inventive catalysts. Some embodiments include methods of using the inventive catalysts (e.g., in hydrofluorination of an organic compound). Further embodiments include methods for making the inventive catalysts. Additional embodiments of the invention are also discussed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are FasL-engineered biomaterials, as well as methods of making and using such FasL-engineered biomaterials, such as for immunomodulation, such as for inducing immunosuppression and specific immune tolerance, such as for preventing or reducing the risks of rejection of cellular or tissue grafts and/or the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes. In specific embodiments, the FasL-engineered biomaterials are biotinylated microgels bound to SA-FasL.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include virus-like particle (VLP) binding agents, and related polynucleotides, cells, methods of making, and compositions. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of detecting VLPs, parvovirus, erythrovirus or parvovirus B19 using a VLP binding agent and diagnostic methods for parvovirus, erythrovirus or parvovirus B19. Further embodiments include methods for administering VLP binding agents to an animal. Other embodiments include treating parvovirus, erythrovirus or parvovirus B19 infections and other diseases. Additional embodiments of the invention are also discussed.

Abstract: Provided are composite electrolytes having a bio-based gel electrolyte in an ordered structure of a porous solid. In some embodiments, the gel electrolyte includes a glycolate gel, a glycerate gel, a bio-based compound-derived gel or a combination thereof. Also provided are electrochemical systems (electrodeposition), redox flow batteries, fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries and lithium-metal batteries including the composite electrolytes, and methods for producing gel electrolytes. In some embodiments, the methods including reacting a polyol, optionally ethylene glycol, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, diethylene glycol, glycerol, or any combination thereof, with a lithium metal and/or a lithium salt, optionally lithium hydroxide, a sodium salt, optionally sodium hydroxide (NaOH), NaTFSI, NaBF4, or NaPF6; an aluminum salt; a potassium salt, a magnesium salt; a calcium salt; a zinc salt; or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A robot skin apparatus includes polymer membranes encapsulating a pressure sensor. The sensor includes piezo-sensitive material in contact with a pair of electrodes in spaced relationship to form a circuit. The apparatus may include a flexible substrate, with the electrodes thereon. The piezo-sensitive material may be piezoresistive film. The electrodes may be symmetrically patterned on the substrate to form a substantially circular peripheral boundary. The apparatus may include pressure sensors on opposite sides of a plane for temperature compensation, a plurality of pressure sensors arrayed on the substrate, and a data acquisition system. A method of fabricating the apparatus includes a wet lithography process for patterning the piezoresistive film. A system includes a pair of gripper fingers, an actuator connected to the fingers, a robot skin apparatus positioned on one of the fingers, and an electronic unit for receiving data from the robot skin and controlling the fingers.

Abstract: A multi-lumen arthroscopy cannula (MLAC) is described which may be used to contain and manage joint irrigation fluid as a means of improving the state of arthroscopic surgery. The MLAC includes an arrangement of components within a cannula housing. An internal passage (central lumen) through which surgical instruments may be inserted into the body includes a series of components which greatly reduce the leakage path of fluid through the central lumen while enabling manipulation of surgical instruments during arthroscopic procedures. A dual-tapered diaphragm seal grips the instruments as it is manipulated to prevent leakage. This works in concert with the consecutively placed multi-leaflet valves, which act to prevent internal leakage and maintain pressure within the surgical cavity. Unique features of this cannula, aside from the multiple valves and dual-tapered diaphragm seal, include bilateral lumens which provide infusion and withdrawal of irrigation inside the joint capsule.

Abstract: Methods for automated segmentation system for retinal blood vessels from optical coherence tomography angiography images include a preprocessing stage, an initial segmentation stage, and a refining stage. Application of machine-learning techniques to segmented images allow for automated diagnosis of retinovascular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: Protein complex variants, compositions, and methods of use thereof are provided. The protein complex variant includes a cholera toxin B subunit variant having one or more modifications thereto. The method of use thereof includes treating a disease by administering an effective amount of a composition including a cholera toxin B subunit variant to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A flexible wire comprises a conductive core surrounded by one or more radial p-n diodes and alternating conductive and non-conductive bands along an outermost surface. Methods for producing the wire are also disclosed, as are textiles and other flexible materials comprising or consisting of such flexible wires.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing prostate cancer. Image sets (e.g., MRI collected at one or more b-values) and biological values (e.g., prostate specific antigen (PSA)) have features extracted and integrated to produce a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The image sets are analyzed primarily in three steps: (1) segmentation, (2) feature extraction, smoothing, and normalization, and (3) classification. The biological values are analyzed primarily in two steps: (1) feature extraction and (2) classification. Each analysis results in diagnostic probabilities, which are then combined to pass through an additional classification stage. The end result is a more accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting an antibiotic-inactivating factor produced by a microorganism are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods used with neurostimulation therapy for spinal cord injury. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sync pulse detector and methods for synchronizing signals from an implanted neurostimulator with measured physiological responses and other data.

Abstract: The invention provides modified griffithsin polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as corresponding nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion proteins, constructs, conjugates, and methods of inhibiting viral infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are GRFT variants and methods of using such GRFT variants. The GRFT variants described herein can be PEGylated, which significantly improves the pharmacokinetics and decreases the immunogenicity of the GFRT composition.

Abstract: Provided are methods for increasing insulin sensitivity in subjects. In some embodiments, the method include administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a lipid bilayer, wherein the lipid bilayer is low in total phosphatidylcholine (PC) or has been treated to reduce total PC.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of performing liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) of III-V compounds and alloys at low pressures using pulsed nitrogen plasma to form an epitaxial layer e.g. on a substrate. The pulse sequence of plasma (with on and off time scales) enables LPE but avoids crust formation on top of molten metal. The concentration of nitrogen inside the molten metal is controlled to limit spontaneous nucleation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for controlling ventricular assist devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving at least one reference pump speed differential associated with a pump of a ventricular assist device; determining a filtered pump speed differential associated with the pump of a ventricular assist device; and adjusting, using a feedback based controller algorithm, current to the pump based on the at least one reference pump speed differential and the filtered pump speed differential.

Abstract: A method of making a spheroid is provided that includes the step of providing a suspension having one or more biologically-relevant materials dispersed within a biocompatible medium. An amount of a hydrophilic material is deposited on a defined area of a super-hydrophobic surface, and a droplet of the suspension is bioprinted onto the hydrophilic material positioned on the super-hydrophobic to thereby create the spheroid.