Abstract: Provided herein are engineered Cas13 proteins with enhanced collateral activity. The engineered proteins comprise RNA binding domains (RBDs) fusions within an active site-proximal loop within a higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide-binding (HEPN) domain. Also provided are compositions comprising and methods of using the engineered Cas13 proteins to detect target nucleic acids at attomolar sensitivity.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions comprising random reverse primers that are useful for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure include apparatus, systems and methods utilizing a passive, power-efficient backscattering communication system that enables transmitting data wirelessly between implantable magnetoelectric (ME) devices and an external base station. Certain embodiments encode the transmitted data through modulating the resonance frequency of a ME film by digitally tuning its electric loading conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing hydrogel matrix constructs. Methods of using hydrogel matrix constructs for tissue repair and regeneration and for the oxygenation of red blood cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fundamental barrier to successful device-based therapies is the Inability to deliver a sustained amount of therapeutics that do not have a systemic toxic impact on the subject. Thus, there is a need for identifying new compositions and methods to enhance the delivery, distribution, and/or efficacy of therapeutic agents. The present disclosure relates to implantable constructs (encapsulated cells) designed to deliver antigenic therapeutic reagents, such as IL-2, and optionally one additional therapeutic.

Abstract: A core holder assembly (100) for holding a test sample (200) including a consolidated porous medium includes an outer barrel including a central passage defined by an inner surface, a confining solid positioned in the central passage of the outer barrel, wherein the confining solid includes an outer surface sealed against the inner surface of the outer barrel and an inner surface, wherein the confining solid includes a rigid, lead-free material, and the test sample positioned within the confining solid, wherein the inner surface of the confining solid is sealed against an outer surface of the test sample.

Abstract: A digital image detection apparatus and method of use are disclosed. The apparatus may include an array of photon detectors, configured to receive photons reflected from a target scene and a plurality of first arrival differential (FAD) units, where each FAD units is configured to receive a first input from a first photon detector in the array and a second input from a second photon detector. Each FAD unit may include a set-reset (“SR”) latch, configured to receive the first input and the second input and to determine which of the first input and the second input arrives earlier in time, and a counter control unit, configured to receive an output from the SR latch and increment a differential count based on the output.

Abstract: A capillary pressure assembly (50) for determining in situ capillary pressure in porous media (5) includes a hydrophobic member (170) including one or more ports (180) configured to communicate a pressure of a first phase of a fluid of the porous media to a first passage (103) of the capillary pressure assembly, wherein the porous media includes a consolidated porous media, a hydrophilic member (140) including a porous material configured to communicate a pressure of a second phase, immiscible with respect to the first phase, of the fluid of the porous media to a second passage (113) of the capillary pressure assembly, and a pressure sensor (60) configured to determine the capillary pressure in the porous media based on a pressure within the first passage and a pressure within the second passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for the rapid obtention of significant volumes of interstitial fluid from skin. The disclosure describes a microneedle array-based technique capable of collecting up to ˜65 microliters of interstitial fluid within 25 minutes using disposable plastic microneedles in an array, a plastic skin patch, and employing a low-cost manual vacuum pump. Such rapid methods of obtaining these significant quantities of interstitial fluid permits practical application of diagnostic methods using this material.

Abstract: A method for processing formulae includes encoding a formula by: training, with a server, a model by using a machine learning algorithm with a data set that includes a plurality of formulae; transforming, with a processor, a first formula into a tree format using the trained model; converting, with the processor, the tree format of the first formula into a plurality of lists; and encoding, with the processor, the plurality of lists into a fixed dimension vector by leveraging a stacked attention module; and generating one or more formula candidates by: obtaining, with the processor, input information; and generating, with the processor, one or more second formula candidates based on input information by using the stacked attention module with a tree beam search algorithm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to neural interface devices and methods that accesses the subarachnoid space to enable minimally invasive modulation and recording of neural structures. Exemplary embodiments may comprise an implantable pulse generator and a microelectrode catheter. In particular embodiments, the microelectrode catheter comprises one or more stimulating and recording electrodes. Exemplary embodiments may also include methods comprising performing a lumbar puncture to access the spinal subarachnoid space and advancing microcatheter through the spinal subarachnoid space.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to wirelessly monitoring and controlling implantable magnetoelectric devices. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a system that includes an implantable device, a base station, and one or more sensors that are physically connected or wirelessly connected to the base station. The implantable device includes a magnetoelectric film, an electrical circuit coupled to the magnetoelectric film, and one or more electrodes. The base station includes a magnetic field generator and a magnetic transceiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engineered cell comprising a sulfotransferase. In some embodiments, the sulfotransferase is NnSULT1C1 sulfotransferase. The present disclosure also provides methods for the biosynthesis of a peptide containing at least one sulfotyrosine residue, as well as compositions comprising a peptide containing at least one sulfotyrosine residue. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods of the present disclosure provide therapeutic peptides for use in treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder, such as an HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: A multicomponent photocatalyst includes a reactive component optically, electronically, or thermally coupled to a plasmonic material. A method of performing a catalytic reaction includes loading a multicomponent photocatalyst including a reactive component optically, electronically, or thermally coupled to a plasmonic material into a reaction chamber; introducing molecular reactants into the reaction chamber; and illuminating the reaction chamber with a light source.

Abstract: An electrode includes an electrically conductive substrate with a coating containing boron-doped diamond (BDD) nanoparticles. Fabricating the electrode can include dispersing BDD nanoparticles in a solvent to yield a suspension, coating a conductive substrate with the suspension, and drying the suspension to yield the electrode. In some cases, fabricating the electrode includes combining BDD nanoparticles with a polymeric resin precursor to yield a mixture including a metal oxide, coating a conductive substrate with the mixture to yield a coated substrate, and calcining the coated substrate to yield a metal oxide coating including BDD nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for treating bone diseases, such as bone cancers, bone metastasis of cancers, or osteoporosis, by administering a bone-targeting polypeptide conjugate. The bone-targeting polypeptide conjugate may be a bone-targeting antibody conjugate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds of the formula: A-L-R1(I), wherein the these variables are defined herein, as well as medical devices comprising said compounds. The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or medical devices disclosed herein. Further, the present disclosure provides methods of treatment using the compounds, medical devices, or pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: Anodes, cathodes, and separators for batteries (electrochemical energy storage devices). The anodes are Li metal anodes having lithiated carbon films (Li-MWCNT) (as dendrite suppressors and protective coatings for the Li metal anodes). The cathodes are sulfurized carbon cathodes. The separators are GNR-coated (or modified) separators. The invention includes each of these separately (as well as in combination both with each other and with other anodes, cathodes, and separators) and the methods of making each of these separately (and in combination). The invention further includes a battery that uses at least one of (a) the anode having a lithiated carbon film, (b) the sulfurized carbon cathode, and (c) the GNR-modified separator in the anode/cathode/separator arrangement. For instance, a full battery can include the sulfurized carbon cathode in combination with the Li-MWCNT anode or a full battery can include the sulfurized carbon cathode in combination with other anodes (such as a GCNT-Li anode).

Abstract: A multi-frequency wireless access device including a first waveguide having a pair of parallel metal plates with open sides and a slot in one of the metal plates, the slot permitting radiation to leak out, the leaked radiation illuminating a range of angles depending on frequency.

Abstract: The spontaneous assembly of chiral structures from building blocks that lack chirality is fundamentally important for colloidal chemistry and has implications for the formation of advanced optical materials. Here, we find that purified achiral gold tetrahedron-shaped nanoparticles assemble into two-dimensional superlattices that exhibit planar chirality under a balance of repulsive electrostatic and attractive van der Waals and depletion forces. A model accounting for these interactions shows that the growth of planar structures is kinetically preferred over similar three-dimensional products, explaining their selective formation.