Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to and neutralizing norovirus and methods for use thereof. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method of detecting a norovirus infection in a subject comprising (a) contacting a sample from the subject with an antibody or antibody fragment having clone-paired heavy and light chain CDR sequences; and (b) detecting norovirus in the sample by binding of the antibody or antibody fragment to a norovirus antigen in the sample.

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: Accurate measurement of gradient waveform errors can often improve image quality in sequences with time varying readout and excitation waveforms. Self-encoding or offset-slice method sequences are commonly used to measure gradient waveforms. However, the self-encoding method requires a long scan time, while the offset-slice method is often low precision, requiring the thickness of the excited slice to be small compared to the maximal k-space encoded by the test waveform. This disclosure describes a novel hybrid of those methods, referred to as variable-prephasing (VP). Like the offset-slice method, VP uses the change in signal phase from offset-slices to calculate the gradient waveform. Similar to the self-encoding method, repeated acquisitions with a variable amplitude self-encoding gradient mitigates the signal loss due to phase wrapping, which, in-turn, allows thicker slices and greater SNR.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing mental health intervention using a virtual environment. A spoken communication from a first user is conveyed to a second user in a virtual environment. Data about the first user is collected as the first user interacts with the second user. The collected data includes tone information from the spoken communication. A clinical parameter representing a mental state of the first user is determined from the collected data at a machine learning model. A prompt is provided to the second user, representing one of a suggested phrase, a suggested sentence, and a suggested topic of conversation, according to the determined clinical parameter.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method for intraoperative detection of parathyroid gland viability in a surgery, comprising obtaining speckle contrast images of a parathyroid gland of a patent; and displaying the speckle contrast images of the parathyroid gland in real-time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical clearing method called lipid-preserving index matching for prolonged imaging depth (LIMPID). The optical clearing method can include simply immersing a sample in an optical clearing solution before imaging (e.g., with microscopy or optical coherence tomography). The optical clearing solution can include water; an iodine-containing non-ionic radiocontrast agent; and urea.

Abstract: A fluidic system includes a fluid distribution network, and a fluid collection and sampling network; a plurality of fluidic modules fluidically coupled between the fluid distribution network and the fluid collection and sampling network in parallel; a systemic circulation and mixing reservoir; and a first pump, and a second pump, wherein the first pump is fluidically coupled between the systemic circulation and mixing reservoir and the fluid distribution network for withdrawing media from the systemic circulation and mixing reservoir and delivering the media to the fluid distribution network; and wherein the second pump is fluidically coupled between the fluid collection and sampling network and a sample vial for withdrawing effluent of the plurality of fluidic modules from the fluid collection and sampling network and delivering the effluent to one or more sample vials.

Abstract: A nanotweezer and method of trapping and dynamic manipulation thereby are provided. The nanotweezer comprises a first metastructure including a first substrate, a first electrode, and a plurality of plasmonic nanostructures arranged in an array, and a trapping region laterally displaced from the array; a second metastructure including a second substrate and a second electrode; a microfluidic channel between the first metastructure and the second metastructure; a voltage source configured to selectively apply an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a light source configured to selectively apply an excitation light to the microfluidic channel at a first location corresponding to the array, thereby to trap a nanoparticle at a second location corresponding to the trapping region.

Abstract: A patient-customized electrode array (EA) includes a plurality of electrodes, {Ei}, assembled in a pre-curved form, wherein the curvature of the EA at the i-th electrode Ei is characterized with a curvature that matches the curvature of the i-th point Pi of a structure curve in the cochlea of a patient where the i-th electrode Ei is to be placed, wherein i=1, 2, 3, . . . N, N is an integer greater than zero.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating fibrosis syndrome, and in particular cardiac fibrosis, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of ifetroban, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is an IVRO surgical guide for positioning a cutting guide on a mandibular ramus such that the mandibular ramus is clamped between a hooked distal end and a slidable component having a curved claw. The cutting guide is placed at a predetermined distance from the posterior edge of the ramus at the mid-waistline of the mandibular ramus along a curvilinear shaft in contact with the lateral surface of the ramus. The cutting guide can accommodate a saw for performing the osteotomy.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device, containing a pressure channel, camera, and optical fiber imaging probe, to measure the stiffness of tissues in vivo and ex vivo is disclosed. The device is inserted into a patient and navigated to a tissue of interest, where stiffness is evaluated by applying suction and measuring the elongation or by applying compression force and measuring the compression of the tissue. Biopsies can be taken for further analysis, or tissue can be removed using an ablation laser. Small fluorescent molecules or therapeutics can also be delivered for improved visualization and targeted treatment. As such, this technology may be used to evaluate the stiffness of biomaterials as well as tissues and organs that are difficult to access, allowing for simultaneous diagnosis, treatment, and excision of diseased tissues.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating cancer such as melanomas are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for compounds that inhibit the activity of an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein. The present disclosure 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: A moment arm extension system and method for improving the mechanical advantage of a wearable assistance device by increasing the moment arm of a force-bearing member relative to an underlying body segment of a user are disclosed. The moment arm extension system achieves this by shifting the force-bearing member to lie farther away from the body segment of the user.

Abstract: 6,7-Dihydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridines substituted in the 5-position with heterocyclic rings are positive allosteric modulators of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4 (mAChR M4) and may have use in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor dysfunction.

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: An ink for forming nanofiber fuel cell electrodes, and methods of ink formulations, and membrane-electrode-assemblies for electrochemical devices. The ink includes a first amount of a catalyst, a second amount of an ionomer in a salt form, and a third amount of a carrier polymer dispersed in one or more solvents, where a weight ratio of the first amount to the second and third amounts is in a range of about 1-1.5, and a weight ratio of the second amount to the third amount is in a range of about 1-3. The ink has a solids concentration in a range of about 1-30 wt %. Preferably, the solids concentration is in a range of about 10-15%.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of an implant such as a cochlear implant relative to a structure of interest such as a tissue wall. The implant has an electrode array including a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrode array is insertable into an electrically-conductive volume relative to the inner wall of the scala tympani of the cochlea. A pulse generator generates a biphasic, constant-current pulse on the first and second electrodes. A controller measures the differential voltage across the pair of electrodes during the current pulse. The controller determines the proximity between the inner wall and the segment of the electrode array between the first and second electrodes based on the differential voltage between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and identification for endoscopic kidney surgery may include generating a map of an internal space of a patient's collecting system, including segmentation preoperative CT scans, using localization and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques on endoscopic video to create a point cloud, and registering the point cloud to the segmented CT scans. The systems and methods may include tracking a tip of the endoscope during the endoscopic kidney surgery using localization and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. The systems and methods may include identifying and tracking kidney stones during the endoscopic kidney surgery using computational models.