Abstract: A fiber optic based sensing system and method includes a. functionalized optical fiber based sensor including an engineered sensing layer, a light source structured to generate light and couple the light into an input of the functionalized optical fiber based sensor, and an interrogator including a photodetector coupled to the functionalized optical fiber based sensor to receive transmitted or reflected tight, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuit coupled to an output of the photodetector, a controller coupled to an output of the TIA circuit, and a transmitter (e.g., a wired or wireless transmitter) coupled to the controller.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) for a patient during a surgery. In some implementations, the disclosed methods include calculating the target MAP based on the age, biological sex, emergent surgery status, and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status (PS) class of the patient, and a predetermined intraoperative hypotension (IOH) risk benchmark. Treating the patient to maintain a MAP at or above the target MAP during the surgery reduces a risk of IOH during the surgery, a risk of administering an unnecessary therapy to avoid IOH during the surgery; and a risk of not administering a therapeutic MAP-decreasing action during the surgery. In some implementations, the method further comprises conducting the surgery on the patient and treating the patient to maintain the MAP of the patient at or above the target MAP during the surgery. Also provided are systems for implementing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable iron alloy-containing compositions for use in preparing medical devices. In addition, biodegradable crystalline and amorphous compositions of the invention exhibit properties that make them suitable for use as medical devices for implantation into a body of a patient. The compositions include elemental iron, and one or more elements selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, zinc and calcium. The compositions can be prepared using a high energy milling technique. The resulting compositions and the devices formed therefrom are useful in various surgical procedures, such as but not limited to orthopedic, craniofacial, tracheal, and cardiovascular.

Abstract: A self-aware composite mechanical metamaterial, comprising first and second electrically conductive components disposed relative to each other to act as opposite electrodes to induce contact electrification; wherein the first and second electrically conductive components, along with a dielectric component serving as a skeleton of the self-aware composite mechanical metamaterial, form a lattice of snapping curved semicircular-shaped segments, wherein each of the snapping curved semicircular-shaped segments has an elastic snap-through instability mechanism; and wherein the lattice comprises periodic repeatable parallel rows of the snapping curved semicircular-shaped segments.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind MCT11 are provided. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibody, vectors including these nucleic acid molecules, and host cells transfected with these vectors. Methods of using MCT11 specific antibodies to treat cancer, inhibit or treat T cell exhaustion, and/or enhance immunotherapy, are also provided.

Abstract: Described here are ophthalmic compositions and methods for treatment of dry eye disease. One ophthalmic composition includes an effective amount of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A second ophthalmic composition includes an effective amount of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A third ophthalmic composition includes effective amounts of IL-4 and IL-13 in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate. A fourth ophthalmic composition includes at least one activator of interleukin-4 receptor signaling in a free uncomplexed form, or as a complex with a dermatan sulfate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and kits for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and TBI-associated impairments in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject an interleukin-7 (IL-7) or IL-7 agonist, a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?) inhibitor, or both. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using biomarkers for identifying a subject that is likely to respond to a treatment for TBI-associated impairments, and monitoring the subject's response to such treatment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified viruses, e.g., oncolytic vaccinia viruses, which have been modified to contain an exogenous nucleic acid that expresses a protein that modulates STAT3 activity. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that vaccinia viruses modified to contain nucleic acid encoding PIAS3 and that express PIAS3 or a fragment thereof can inhibit STAT3 activity and enhance the anti-cancer activity of the vaccinia virus. Accordingly, this disclosure provides for oncolytic vaccinia viruses and methods of using them in the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: A computational systems pathology spatial analysis platform includes: (i) a spatial heterogeneity quantification component configured for generating a global quantification of spatial heterogeneity among cells of varying phenotypes in multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data; (ii) a microdomain identification component configured for identifying a plurality of microdomains for tissue samples based on the global quantification, each microdomain being associated with a a tissue sample; and (iii) a weighted graph component configured for constructing a weighted graph for the multi-parameter cellular and subcellular imaging data, the weighted graph having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges each being located between a pair of the nodes, wherein in the weighted graph each node is a particular one of the microdomains and the edge between each pair of microdomains in the weighted graph is indicative of a degree of similarity between the pair of the microdomains.

Abstract: Glucagon promoters are disclosed herein. In addition, disclosed are recombinant nucleic acid molecules that include a glucagon promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one heterologous protein. Vectors including these recombinant nucleic acid molecules, and host cells transformed with these vectors, are also disclosed. Methods of use for these promoters, recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are small molecule compounds capable of disrupting Kv2.1-syntaxin binding. The compounds are useful for treating a variety of neurological disorders, diseases, and injuries.

Abstract: Systems and methods using single conductor guided surface electromagnetic (EM) waves to interrogate distant wireless active or passive sensor devices or media surrounding the conductor. The guided waves may be launched on the conductor over a wide frequency range (e.g., MHz to several GHz) using an RF launcher that is connected to an interrogator. Such guided surface EM waves can travel significantly longer distances as compared to the free space propagation of waves because they travel by waveguiding along the conductor surface. Using these waves, power and/or data can be delivered to sensors located on or near the conductor surface, and data can be received from the sensors.

Abstract: A method of determining an extent of visual spatial neglect of a patient includes providing a software-based test to the patient via a presentation apparatus positioned on the head of the patient and having a display device positioned close and in front of the eyes of the patient. EEG information is collected from the patient during the test via an EEG apparatus positioned on the head of the patient. Portions of the EEG information collected during the test are used to determine the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient. An indication of the extent of the visual spatial neglect of the patient is provided.

Abstract: A cranial spring for treatment of craniosynostosis includes two arms that extend from a center point or center portion and have a space or gap disposed between end portions of the arms. Each of the arms can include a foot portion configured to distribute a spring force over a wider surface area of bone relative to conventional cranial springs. In some examples, the arms are linear and extend away from a curved central vertex portion, thereby giving the spring an overall U-shape or V-shape configuration. In other examples, the arms are continuously curved thereby giving the spring an overall circular shape. The spring can be formed from a bioresorbable material that is configured to dissolve after implantation over a specified resorption period, and therefore can be used in cranioplasty without requiring a second surgical procedure for removal thereof.

Abstract: Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.

Abstract: A vaccine is disclosed that promotes CD4+ T cell-independent host defense mechanisms to defend against infection by fungi such as Pneumocystis spp. The vaccine may be used to prevent or to treat fungal infections. The novel vaccine can provide protective immunity, even for immunocompromised individuals such as HIV patients having reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting at least one analyte in an environment includes a dehumidifier system including at least one of a condenser unit and a desiccant unit and a sensor responsive to the analyte in fluid connection with the dehumidifier system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a polymer-based gel implant and methods of making and using the same. The polymer-based gel implant comprises a polymer component and a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the polymer-based gel implant can be used to treat and/or prevent retinal diseases and/or retinopathies. The polymer-based gel implant exhibits physical properties that provide the ability to safely place the polymer-based gel implant in an ocular region without undesired diffusion and also to allow for controlled and timely release of the therapeutic agent to a desired region of the ocular region, such as the retina. In particular disclosed embodiments, the polymer-based gel implant can be used for safe and effective gene therapy.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to produce Ac-225 from Ra-226 using gamma-radiation generator are disclosed herein. The gamma radiation generator can utilize an electronic neutron generator or a nuclear reactor to produce high energy prompt-capture gamma-radiation. The Ra-226 is irradiated by the gamma radiation to produce Ra-225, which decays to produce Ac-225. The method of using electronic neutron generator and an irradiation target material such as Gd-157 to produce high energy gamma radiation without using a continuously decaying radioisotope such as Co-60 could significantly reduce the cost and increase the safety associated with the production of high energy gamma radiation and Ac-225.