Abstract: A self-decoupled RF coil and method for adjusting the same is disclosed. The RF coil is an array of elements including at least one loop. Electromagnetic coupling between elements in the array causes an induced current in the at least one loop. The induced current has two modes. A reactance inserted in the at least one loop balances the two modes. The balanced current modes cancel. This cancelation results in self-decoupling of at the least one loop from the other elements in the RF coil array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are octahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole compounds of formula (I), which may be useful as antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4 (mAChR M4). Also disclosed herein are methods of making the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating disorders using the compounds and compositions.

Abstract: Artifacts caused by metallic needles used in MRI-guided procedures such as tumor biopsies significantly decrease the visibility of therapy targets and diminish the ability of the physician to accurately monitor and perform the procedure. As described in the present application, a needle including active shimming can self-compensate for these artifacts and significantly improve the visualization and monitoring of targeted tissue. The accuracy and overall outcomes of MRI-guided treatments can be significantly improved with the use of the needle.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for characterizing an internal surface of a lens using interferometry measurements. Sphere-fitting a distorted radius determines distorted pathlengths. Ray-tracing simulates refraction at all upstream surfaces to determine a cumulative path length. A residual pathlength is scaled by the group-index and rays are propagated based on the phase-index. After aspheric surface fitting, a corrected radius is determined. To estimate a glass type for the lens, a thickness between focal planes of the lens surfaces is determined using RCM measurements. Then, for both surfaces, the surface is positioned into focus, interferometer path length matching is performed, a reference arm is translated to stationary phase point positions for three wavelengths to determine three per-color optical thicknesses, and ray-tracing is performed. A glass type is identified by minimizing an error function based on optical parameters of the lens and parameters determined from known glass types from a database.

Abstract: An asymmetric linear actuator is provided which integrates a hydraulic dissipater and an electric motor and power screw which generates small forces. The actuator is configured so that an electric motor drives a power screw which drives a rod through a cylinder to provide linear actuation. The cylinder is fluid-filled and incorporates a piston that separates the cylinder into a first and second fluid chamber which are filled with a first and second volume of working fluid. Movement of the piston and rod assembly results in fluid movement between the first and second volumes of working fluid and through the fluidic restriction. The fluidic restriction can be proportionally controllable via an electric motor which enables controllable power dissipation via control of the fluidic restriction motor and controllable power generation via control of the power screw motor.

Abstract: The non-natural enantiomer (ent-(+)-verticilide) and uses for treatment of RyR2-mediated spontaneous Ca2+ leak, arrhythmia and memory loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compounds that inhibit the activity of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions as well as methods for using compounds for treatment of diseases and conditions (e.g., cancer) characterized by the over-expression or dysregulation of Mcl-1 protein.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes an upper arm section for receiving an upper portion of an arm of a subject, a forearm section for receiving a forearm section of the arm, and at least one elbow joint rotatably coupling the upper arm section and the forearm section. In the orthotic device, the forearm section includes a release control operatively coupled to the at least one elbow joint, where the release control is configured to transition the at least one elbow joint from a restricted motion state to a free motion state when the release control is activated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the analysis of immune checkpoint proteins involved in cancer. In particular, the present disclosure provides material and methods for determining abundance ratios of various immune checkpoint proteins (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2) present in a biospecimen sample based on quantification of peak area using mass spectrometry analysis. The methods disclosed herein provide an alternative platform for diagnosing and treating cancer, especially in cases limited by ineffective antibody recognition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to human monoclonal IgE antibodies, and IgG antibodies engineered therefrom. Such engineered antibodies can be used to blunt pathologic IgE responses in subjects, such as in the treatment or prevention of allergies.

Abstract: The invention regards the modulation of TGF-? activity by administering to a subject an antibody that binds to TGF-?, thereby increasing bone growth, bone formation, bone mass and bone strength. The antibody acts to increase osteoblast number and function while at the same time decreasing osteoclast number and function. Such drugs are useful in the treatment of diseases or disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, metastatic bone cancer, myeloma bone disease, bone fractures, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a lower limb device having at least a powered joint are provided. A method includes configuring the device to a first state in a finite state model for a current activity mode including a stair ascent mode or a stair descent mode. The method also includes, based on real-time sensor information, transitioning the device between different states in the finite state model when pre-defined criteria for transitioning among the different states are met. In the method, the finite state model for stair ascent includes lifting and swing phases, where the lifting phase includes a powered knee extension and a powered ankle push-off. The finite state model for stair descent includes yielding and swing states, where the swing states include providing a powered plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint and the yielding states include providing a resistive and passive plantarflexion of the powered ankle joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of formula (I): wherein all symbols are defined in the description. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of making the compounds, kits comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds, compositions and kits for treatment of disorders associated with TREK-1, TREK-2 or both TREK-1 and TREK-2 dysfunction in a mammal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to and neutralizing Zika virus and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes engineering of cells to co-express TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) and Decoy Receptor 1 (DcR1). The expression of DcR1 results in competition for TRAIL binding to Death Receptors 4 and 5, thereby protecting the engineered cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Such cells will exhibit longer survival such as when used in cell-based therapies for cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are glycidol-based polymers, nanoparticles, and methods related thereto useful for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, drug delivery. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are methods for nuclear spin polarization enhancement via signal amplification by reversible exchange at very low magnetic fields.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluidic device to detect, capture, and/or remove disease material in a biological fluid. The present invention also relates to methods for the treatment/prevention of sepsis through the use of the claimed device.

Abstract: The present application discloses a spectroscopy probe for a Raman spectroscopy system, and methods for preparing filters for the probe. A method for forming an SERS substrate which can optionally be used with the probe is also described. The spectroscopy probe is formed using a double-clad optical fibre probe tip, the double-clad optical fibre (DCF) having a single mode core, multimode inner cladding, and outer cladding, and a micro-filter fixed to the distal end of the optical fibre probe tip. The micro-filter has a short pass or band pass filter configured to align with the DCF core to filter silica Raman background generated by laser excitation in the single mode core, and a long pass filter configured to suppress Rayleigh scattering from the sample while allowing Raman scattered wavelengths to be transmitted through the inner cladding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are substituted 7-azaspiro[3.5]nonane compounds, which may be useful as antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4 (mAChR M4). Also disclosed herein are methods of making the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating disorders using the compounds and compositions.