Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system comprising a head-mounted display (HMD) and handheld controller set is enhanced to provide a more realistic end user VR experience. According to this disclosure, a chroma-keyed trainer is embedded in the VR environment for use in workouts. This creates the illusion that the trainer is with the user in the virtual room. To create this effect, the trainer is filmed using a chroma key setup (e.g., a green screen background) and with standard cameras. The video is used in the headset with the keyed color (green) removed. As the training video is rendered, a set of virtual reality (VR) events that have been synchronized to movements of the trainer in the training video are output to the user so that the trainer actively participates in the workout with the user.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a distal portion and proximal portion. An axis extends between the distal and proximal portions. A plurality of struts are connected to the distal portion and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The struts at least in part define a receiving volume adapted to receive a residual limb and are movable between an expanded configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially outward relative to the axis to loosen the fit of the adjustable system, and a closed configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially inward relative to the expanded configuration to tighten the fit of the adjustable socket system. A tightening system is operatively connected to the struts and arranged to differentially tighten and loosen the fit of the adjustable socket system on one or more areas of the residual limb via a single input.

Abstract: Provided here are cells engineered for therapeutic purposes to express multiple proteins, including an anti-BCMA (B cell maturation antigen), anti-CD3 bispecific antibody. Also provided are new anti-BCMA, anti-CD3 bispecific antibodies with associated sequences. Further disclosed is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) comprising an exogenous mRNA encoding an anti-BCMA and anti-CD3 antibody, and an exogenous mRNA encoding a single-chain interleukin-12 (IL-12) fusion protein.

Abstract: This disclosure is drawn to pyridine derivatives, compositions thereof, and associated methods, useful for inhibition of SARM1 activity and/or for treating or preventing neurological disorders.

Abstract: A suture passer includes a shaft having an axis, a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft, and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw, wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw, and further wherein the spring comprises a recess for receiving the suture therein.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), such as those specific for BCMA, that have improved properties, including increased CAR T cell binding to BCMA and improved CAR T cell killing of BCMA-expressing cancer cells. Use of the CARs in immune cells (e.g., T cells), compositions (e.g., CARs and nucleic acid constructs encoding the same), and methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: Provided herein are biosynthetic methods for producing lactones, such as macrocyclic lactones, from fatty acids. The lactones produced using and/or during the biosynthetic methods are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a simulated reverberation sound signal are disclosed. This simulated reverberation sound signal operates as a reverberation effect for a sound associated with a source. The simulated reverberation sound signal is generated using a truncated sound signal that (i) repeats in a decaying manner over time, (ii) has a perceivable arrival direction that approximates where the sound originated, and (iii) has a given shape on a sound sphere.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a distal portion and proximal portion. An axis extends between the distal and proximal portions. A plurality of struts are connected to the distal portion and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The struts at least in part define a receiving volume adapted to receive a residual limb and are movable between an expanded configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially outward relative to the axis to loosen the fit of the adjustable system, and a closed configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially inward relative to the expanded configuration to tighten the fit of the adjustable socket system. A tightening system is operatively connected to the struts and arranged to differentially tighten and loosen the fit of the adjustable socket system on one or more areas of the residual limb via a single input.

Abstract: Textile compositions comprising at least one filamentous fungus are disclosed, as are methods for making and using such textile compositions. Embodiments of the textile compositions generally include at least one of a plasticizer, a polymer, and a crosslinker, in addition to the filamentous fungus. The disclosed textile compositions are particularly useful as analogs or substitutes for conventional textile compositions, including but not limited to leather.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), such as those specific for BCMA, that have improved properties, including increased CAR T cell binding to BCMA and improved CAR T cell killing of BCMA-expressing cancer cells. Use of the CARs in immune cells (e.g., T cells), compositions (e.g., CARs and nucleic acid constructs encoding the same), and methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: A traffic manager module of a cyber threat defense platform that can differentiate between data flows to a client device. A registration module can register a connection between devices within a client network to transmit a series of data packets. A classifier module can execute a comparison of features of the connection to a set of interest criteria to determine an interest level for the cyber threat defense platform in the connection. The classifier module can apply an interest classifier describing the interest level to the connection based on the comparison. A deep packet inspection engine can examine the data packets of the connection for cyber threats if the interest classifier indicates interest. A diverter can shunt the data packets of the connection away from the deep packet inspection engine if the interest classifier indicates no interest.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include: visually presenting visual stimuli to participants in multiple runs, wherein the visual stimuli include pairs of images, each pair including a reference product image and a competitor product image; performing multiple scans on the participants during passive viewing of the visual presenting, the scans including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); and determining a similarity index based on results of the scans, the similarity index indicating a level a perceived similarity between the reference product image and the competitor product image.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds having the following structure: or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, oxide, or solvate thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds, methods of inhibiting activity of DYRK1A in a cell, methods of increasing cell proliferation in a population of pancreatic beta cells, methods of treating a subject for a condition associated with insufficient insulin secretion, and methods of treating a subject for a neurological disorder.

Abstract: Provided are compounds of Formula (I?) or (I) below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods for their use and production.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for conducting real-time auction events based on a countdown timer. The method includes receiving product data associated with a product including a price of the product, generating a live auction event associated with the product, incrementally decreasing the price of the product based on a countdown timer, receiving a bid order request including bid data associated with a bid order for the product, the bid data including a bid price, a bid quantity, and a bid identifier, the bid identifier corresponding to a user account of a user, and fulfilling the bid order request based on the bid price of the bid order request.

Abstract: Redox active S-linked polymers, sulfurized matrices, and related composites, compositions electrode material, electrodes, as well as related electrode chemical cell battery, methods and systems are described. In particular, S-linked polymers and related compositions, composites, electrode material and electrodes having a redox potential of up to 3.5 V with reference to Li/Li+ electrode potential under standard conditions and a capacity up to 800 mAh/g or higher are described. More particularly, redox active S-linked polymers, sulfurized matrices, and related composites, and compositions are provided as electrode material of a cathode for an electrochemical cell further containing a Li anode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: Techniques for using a network to decompose an HRTF data set to generate approximation data and to render an audio signal using the approximation data are disclosed herein. An input HRTF data set is fed into the network, which then generates approximation data that includes mixing channel gains, FIR filter coefficients, and basis filter shapes. This approximation data controls various components in the network. When the input HRTF data set is fed as input into the network, then the output of the network is an output approximated HRTF data set. The network iteratively fine tunes the approximation data until the output approximated HRTF data set sufficiently matches the input HRTF data set. After the approximation data is sufficiently tuned, the approximation data is later used by the network to render an audio signal.

Abstract: This invention related to a coupler for securing an attachment to an earth working machine. The coupler comprises a coupler body that presents a receptacle having a capture region. A pin of an attachment can move into and out of the capture region. A retainer can capture the pin in the capture region but the retainer can be moved by a hydraulically driven driver to a position to allow release the pin from the capture region. A trigger that the pin will strike when the pin moves into or out of the capture region, decouples the driver from the retainer and the retainer is then allowed to be biased back to its retaining position by a spring.

Abstract: The description relates to representing acoustic characteristics of real or virtual scenes. One method includes generating directional impulse responses for a scene. The directional impulse responses can correspond to sound departing from multiple sound source locations and arriving at multiple listener locations in the scene. The method can include processing the directional impulse responses to obtain coherent sound signals and incoherent sound signals. The method can also include encoding first perceptual acoustic parameters from the coherent sound signals and second perceptual acoustic parameters from the incoherent sound signals, and outputting the encoded first perceptual acoustic parameters and the encoded second perceptual acoustic parameters.