Abstract: A series of benzosuberene analogues demonstrate effective inhibition of tubulin polymerization, cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, and vascular disruption in tumors.

Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor structure includes a first n-type semiconductor layer, a first quantum well layer, a first p-type semiconductor layer, and a second n-type semiconductor layer. The first quantum well layer is disposed on the first n-type semiconductor layer. The first p-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the first quantum well layer. The second n-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the first p-type semiconductor layer. The second n-type semiconductor layer includes both an n-type dopant and a p-type dopant. The concentration of the n-type dopant in the second n-type semiconductor layer is greater than the concentration of the p-type dopant in the second n-type semiconductor layer. The first n-type semiconductor layer, the first quantum well layer, the first p-type semiconductor layer, and the second n-type semiconductor layer form a bipolar phototransistor structure. A manufacturing method of the optoelectronic semiconductor structure is also provided.

Abstract: Structures for response shaping in frequency and time domain, include an optical response shaper and/or a modulator device with multiple injection. The device comprises a resonator having an enclosed geometric structure, for example a ring or racetrack structure, at least two injecting optical waveguides approaching the resonator to define at least two coupling regions between the resonator and the injecting waveguides, and may define at least two Free Spectral Range states. One or both of the coupling regions has a coupling coefficient selected for a predetermined frequency or time response, and the coupling coefficient or other device parameters may be variable, in some case in real time to render the response programmably variable.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing corneal shape abnormalities. These methods may be used to differentiate corneas having subclinical keratoconus from other conditions which cause distortion of corneal shape, including warpage of the cornea due to contact lens wear. Also disclosed is classification scheme to aid diagnosis of corneal conditions and thereby guide clinical decision making regarding patient treatment. This classification scheme is based on computed properties of corneal shape, is amenable to automation, and may be implemented in an integrated system or provided in the form of software encoded on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A new and distinct Pyracomeles cultivar named ‘NCXP1’ is disclosed, characterized by thornless shoots and a compact, dense, spreading plant habit. Plants are non-flowering after 8 years of observation. The new cultivar is a Pyracomeles, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes: a sensor to sense an environment outside of the vehicle, a positioning device to measure a current position of the vehicle, and a controller to calculate a first weighted time to collision with another vehicle using an accident severity index obtained based on the environment outside the vehicle and the current position of the vehicle and to control collision avoidance based on the calculated first weighted time to collision. The apparatus performs strong control to avoid a collision in an external environment incapable of being sensed by a sensor, thus reducing occurrence of an accident of the vehicle and damage due to the accident of the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds useful as insect repellents, compositions comprising such repellents, and methods of repelling an arthropod using such compounds and compositions. The disclosure further provides insect traps and method for identifying ligands and cognates for biological molecules.

Abstract: A hybrid composite discharge electrode (HCDE) (20) includes at least one metal layer (22) and at least one carbon fiber layer (26). The HCDE (20) improves the stability and uniformity of the corona while being corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and compact. Additionally, a method of making a HCDE (20) is provided. In another aspect, an electrostatic precipitator (60) is provided and includes a hybrid composite discharge electrode (62).

Abstract: The scope of the invention encompasses novel, multifunctional tools for maintaining the neovagina. The tools comprise novel dilator shapes that conform the anatomical pathway of the neovagina. The tools may further include a douching function for the effective and thorough washing of the neovagina, which is not achieved with standard douching devices. The tools may also comprise a measurement function for medical evaluation of the neovagina and to aid in proper dilation. Also presented herein are novel devices for delivery of agents to the natal vagina, including insemination devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods useful for treating ocular ciliopathies, for example Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). In some embodiments, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids comprising a transgene encoding a CEP290 protein fragment, and methods of treating ocular ciliopathies using the same.

Abstract: The system obtains packets-to-be-compressed at a compressor at a transmitter that transmits packets through a channel to a decompressor at a receiver. It also obtains cross-layer information regarding a state of the channel from lower-layer network entities in the transmitter. The system then determines whether to request feedback from the decompressor based on a predetermined policy, and requests and receives feedback from the decompressor based on the determination. The system uses the cross-layer information and any received feedback to estimate a state of the channel and the decompressor. The system also determines a compression level based on a compression policy and the estimations for the state of the channel and the decompressor. The system generates the packets-to-be-transmitted by selectively compressing the headers of the packets-to-be-compressed based on the determined compression level.

Abstract: A reverberant shear wave field in an object such as a patient's body or organ causes deformations in one or more selected directions measured with an imaging modality such as ultrasound or MR equipment or other imaging equipment, to estimate displacements in one or more selected directions over time increments and then viscoelastic properties such as stiffness or other parameters of the ROI.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for enhancing the treatment of a cancer, particularly in a human subject, by administering antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to inhibit or kill specific myeloid/monocyte/macrophage-lineage cells. The myeloid/monocyte/macrophage-lineage cells are identified, for example, by expression of one or more of the scavenger receptors CD204 and CD163, and/or mannose receptor-1 (CD206).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to compressing genetic sequencing data. In many embodiments, the genetic sequencing data is reordered and encoded based on sequence homology between individual sequencing reads within the genetic sequencing data. Several embodiments are directed to systems to compress genetic sequencing data, and some embodiments are directed to non-transitory, machine-readable media that direct a processor to compress genetic sequencing data. In further embodiments, the genetic sequencing data represents paired-end sequencing data, and several embodiments transmit the data to a remote device.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to colloidal particles useful for photoacoustic imaging. The particles comprise a photoacoustic imaging agent with an absorbance maximum or plateau in the range of wavelengths 700-1100 nm. The imaging agent also displays low optical absorbance at some wavelength in the range 700-1100 nm. This combination of high and low optical absorbance enables background subtraction in photoacoustic imaging applications. The imaging agent is an organic compound having low aqueous solubility so that it is stably encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the particle. The particle is stabilized by a polymeric surface coating, and the polymeric stabilizing layer on the surface of the particle may contain targeting ligands for targeted diagnostics or therapeutic delivery. The particle core may also contain therapeutic agents or other imaging agents.

Abstract: A system and a method for hybrid brain computer interface for controlling a robotic swarm are disclosed. The system comprises: a control interface for defining a plurality of electrodes configured for accessing a plurality of brain signals associated with a plurality of channels located over a sensorimotor cortex; a processor, in operative communication with the control interface, configured to: train a machine learning model to associate a brain state with data defining a brain signal, decode a control signal of the plurality of brain signals to generate control data, apply the control data to the machine learning model to identify the brain state, and transmit instructions to a plurality of robotic devices to modify a density of the plurality of robotic devices based on the brain state; and an input device, in operable communication with the processor, for generating input data, the input data utilized by the processor to modify a position of the plurality of robotic devices.

Abstract: An exercise state evaluation method having the following steps is provided. The steps includes: obtaining a plurality of sensing signals by a foot information sensing module; recording a receiving time of each of the sensing signals by a processing unit and generating a plurality of pressure values, a plurality of center of gravity values, and a center of gravity trajectory information corresponding a human body according to each of the sensing signals; determining a start time, an acting time and a finish time corresponding to an exercise according to the receiving time, the pressure values, the center of gravity values and the center of gravity trajectory information; obtaining an act time value according to the start time, the acting time and the finish time; and integrating the pressure values, the center of gravity values, the center of gravity trajectory information and the act time value to an user interface.

Abstract: A method of preparing the instant whole wheat crisps includes: using whole wheat grains as raw materials, fully soaking the whole wheat grains to make the whole wheat grains absorb water until saturating, and then performing cooking, extruding, sheeting, and microwave vacuum drying to obtain the instant whole wheat crisps. In the present disclosure, no artificial additive is added in the processing process, and the wheat grains are extruded and dried at a low temperature, which conforms to the current trend of “clean label” foods. Moreover, the whole wheat grains are processed into crisps, which are unadulterated whole wheat foods and conforms to the current trend of whole grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of diseases associated with expression of BCMA, in particular myelomas. The invention relates to combination therapies of a BCMA CAR-expressing cell and a gamma secretase inhibitor.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the modelling, treatment, reducing resistance to the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of a condition/disease associated with insufficient quantity and/or quality of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and differentiated blood cells thereof. Embodiments include compositions and methods for treating the condition/disease, comprising the step of providing to a subject at least one therapeutically effective dose of a composition disclosed herein. Other embodiments include methods for generating and/or collecting hematopoietic stem cells from a subject.