Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric receptor comprising NKG2D, DAP10 and CD3 zeta. Also disclosed is a composition comprising this chimeric receptor and methods for making and using it to enhance the cytotoxicity and antitumor capacity of NK cells. The invention also encompasses methods for use of NKG2D-DAP10-CD3 zeta polypeptides, vectors and cells in methods for treating cancer and other proliferative disorders, as well as infectious diseases.

Abstract: A method for providing a semi-device-independent random output signal, and a system for providing a semi-device-independent random output signal. The method comprises the steps of providing respective coherent laser signals of a same optical mode in a signal arm and a local oscillator arm between a quantum signal source, Alice, and at a quantum signal detector, Bob; Alice and Bob randomly selecting operation in a test mode or a randomness generation mode for each of n rounds; generating a raw random string from bit values bi of rounds in which randomness generation mode was chosen, and using rounds in which test mode was chosen to estimate an entropy of the raw random string.

Abstract: The present application relates to devices that assist the human trunk, and provides a device for human trunk assistance, which includes: a trunk link (1), coupled to an upper back of a user through back straps (2); two thigh links (3), coupled to left and right thighs of the user through leg straps (4) respectively; two hip joint hinges (5), placed align to left and right hip joints of the user respectively, and configured for rotatably coupling the trunk link (1) and the two thigh links (3); and a torque generator (6), coupling to the two hip joint hinges (5) through Bowden cables (7), and configured to generate an assist torque to reduce moment burden to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal organic framework (MOF) suspensions, and sols and compositions comprising MOF nanosheets. Also disclosed herein are their methods of preparation.

Abstract: A dielectric elastomeric material having a permittivity of 20-65 at 103 Hz is provided. The dielectric elastomeric material is formed from a composition comprising: a polymer comprising at least one acrylate monomer; a cross-linker; and a photoinitiator. A conductive elastomer comprising the dielectric elastomeric material, as well as a method of forming the dielectric elastomeric material, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of selectively depositing a selectively deposited layer are described. Exemplary processing methods may include treating a substrate comprising a non-hydroxyl-containing surface and a second surface with one or more of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or a hydrogen plasma to passivate the second surface. In one or more embodiments, a selectively deposited layer is then selectively deposited on the non-hydroxyl-containing surface and not on the second surface by flowing a first precursor over the substrate to form a first portion of an initial carbon-containing film on the non-hydroxyl-containing surface and not on the second surface. The methods may include removing a first precursor effluent from the substrate. A second precursor may then be flowed over the substrate to react with the first portion of the initial selectively deposited layer. The methods may include removing a second precursor effluent from the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for assisting an upper arm of a user, which includes: a support mechanism configured for supporting the device on a torso of the user; an arm link member connectable to the upper arm: a joint member coupled with the arm link member and the support mechanism, and a force generating member arranged on the support mechanism. The device, in use, transfers a load from the upper arm, through the joint member to the torso. The force generating member is configured for providing a resisting torque between the arm link member and support mechanism, and the force generating member is mechanically configured to apply a relatively larger resisting torque at a predetermined range of motion of the upper arm and to apply a relatively lesser resisting torque outside the predetermined range.

Abstract: We disclose dumbbell-shaped vectors adapted for efficient expression in mammalian cells. We also disclose a novel method allowing the efficient synthesis of dumbbell-shaped vectors at low cost for delivery of recombinant DNA and RNA into host cells; and the use of dumbbell-shaped vectors for transient expression in, for example, primary human cells.

Abstract: A gas sensor, a method of manufacturing a gas sensor, a method for fabricating a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) die for a heater or thermopile, and a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) die for a heater or thermopile. The gas sensor comprises a first micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) die comprising a light source; a second MEMS die comprising a light detector; a sample chamber disposes in an optical path between the light source and the light detector; and a holder substrate; wherein the first and second MEMS dies are disposed on the holder substrate in a vertical orientation relative to the holder.

Abstract: A system for generating an electrical signal responsive to a pressure input, a sensory system, and a method for generating an electrical signal responsive to a pressure input. The system comprises a diaphragm configured to be subjected to the pressure input; a microfluidic channel with a first end thereof coupled to the diaphragm such that the pressure input generates a corresponding pressure change in the microfluidic channel; one or more magnets disposed in a carrier liquid in the microfluidic channel; and one or more coils disposed along the microfluidic channel and for generating the electrical signal based on Faraday effect by the magnets moving, under the pressure change in the microfluidic channel, through the respective coils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for assessing quality of a singing voice singing a song. The system comprises memory and at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive a plurality of inputs comprising a first input and one or more further inputs, each input comprising a recording of a singing voice singing the song, to determine, for the first input, one or more relative measures of quality of the singing voice by comparing the first input to each further input; and to assess quality of the singing voice of the first input based on the one or more relative measures. Also disclosed is a method implemented on such a system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a time-to-digital converter (TDC)-based device comprising a crossbar array for generating a current, a current-controlled delay line 104 for converting the current received from the crossbar array into a time pulse, and a TDC circuit 106 for measuring and converting the time pulse into digital output.

Abstract: A spin-orbit torque device is described. The spin-orbit torque device comprising an interfacing layer and a magnetic layer having a switchable magnetization direction. An interface is formed between the interfacing layer and the magnetic layer, the interface having a 3m1 crystallographic point group symmetry adapted to interact with an electric current to generate a spin torque for switching the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer. A method for fabricating the spin-orbit device and a method for switching the switchable magnetization of a spin-orbit torque device are also described.

Abstract: A triboelectric sensor comprises a substrate; at least one grid structure disposed in or on the substrate; and at least one electrode for collecting triboelectric charges that are generated by sliding of an object over a surface of the substrate; wherein the at least one grid structure is configured such that motion of the object is detectable from a signal generated by crossing of the object over at least part of the grid structure.

Abstract: Wirelessly powered photodynamic therapy devices are disclosed and systems and methods using such devices are also disclosed. In an embodiment, a photodynamic therapy system comprises: an implantable illumination device comprising a light source configured to emit light having a spectrum which overlaps with an absorption peak of an absorption target and a receiver antenna coupled to the light source and configured to extract power from a radiofrequency power signal incident on the implantable illumination device; and a transmitter comprising an antenna, a powering module configured to generate a drive signal which causes the antenna to generate the radiofrequency power signal, and a dosimetry module coupled to the antenna and configured to detect a radiofrequency signal backscattered from the implantable illumination device and determine an indication of the power extracted by the implantable illumination device from the radiofrequency signal backscattered from the implantable illumination device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for coupling flavonoid-containing compounds to provide flavonoid dimers, trimers and oligomers. The method comprises contacting a flavonoid-containing compound with base in the presence of air. Flavonoid dimers, trimers and oligomers may also be useful in the treatment of diseases, such as fungal infections and diseases associated with starch hydrolase.

Abstract: A method of detecting a rotor bar fault of an electrical machine, said method comprising, acquiring a set of online signals from the electrical machine over a period, said set of online signals comprising at least one vibration signal, and a summed signal of magnetic flux signals, each magnetic flux signal obtained from a respective flux sensor positioned on an external surface of the electrical machine; extracting an online anomaly indicator value from the set of online signals; comparing the online anomaly indicator value with a baseline anomaly indicator value of a corresponding loading condition; and determining presence of the broken or cracked rotor when the online anomaly indicator value deviates from the baseline anomaly indicator value by a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for training a neural network to quantify the vessel calibre of retina fundus images. The method involves receiving a plurality of fundus images; pre-processing the fundus images to normalise images features of the fundus images; and training a multi-layer neural network, the neural network comprising of a convolutional unit, multiple dense blocks alternating with transition units for down-sampling image features determined by the neural network, and a fully-connected unit, wherein each dense block comprises a series of cAdd units packed with multiple convolutions, and each transition layer comprises a convolution with pooling.