Abstract: Systems and method for reshaping current-voltage (I-V) curves are provided. A photovoltaic system is exposed to a light source. The photovoltaic system includes one or more photovoltaic modules configured to generate electric energy from light incident on the one or more photovoltaic modules. The one or more photovoltaic modules can include thin-film organic photovoltaic layers disposed on glass units of windows. An output voltage of each photovoltaic module is converted up or down to a converted voltage via a fixed ratio converter. The I-V curve of the photovoltaic module is reshaped based on the converted voltage and corresponding converted current. The maximum power point of the photovoltaic module can be tracked based on the reshaped I-V curve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered IL-18 polypeptides for the production of IL-18, polynucleotides encoding the engineered IL-18, host cells expressing the engineered IL-18, and methods of using the engineered IL-18 in immunotherapy.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating water is provided where the apparatus includes a reaction chamber having an air-water interface and a plasma applicator disposed in air in proximity to the air-water interface. The plasma applicator includes a solid dielectric plate sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode, where the first electrode is closer to the water than the second electrode. The plasma applicator further includes a first insulating layer disposed on the first electrode. The apparatus is configured to generate a plasma between the first insulating layer and the air-water interface during operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices and methods for treating disorders in a hollow body organ by ablating the tissue therein. At least one set of bipolar electrodes is deployed in the hollow body organ to contact the inner wall of the organ. In the deployed position, each positive electrode is positioned in a location substantially opposite each negative electrode. The tissue contact areas of the positive and negative electrodes are substantially the same and the electrodes are separated from one another by a distance of at least 10 times the width of each of the electrodes. The electrodes thereby produce lesions that are substantially identical to one another and also similar to those produced with monopolar electrodes. The electrodes are used to produce an ablation pattern that can electrically isolate regions of the hollow body organ, thereby treating the disorder(s).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to treat a urinary bladder are disclosed. An expandable member is introduced and expanded in the urinary bladder to appose one or more elongate conductors on the outer surface of the expandable member against the inner wall of the urinary bladder. The one or more elongate conductors are used to create a predetermined pattern of electrically isolated tissue regions having reduced electrical propagation such that electrical propagation through the urinary bladder as a whole is reduced. A mucus layer may be removed from the inner bladder wall prior to the ablation. Ablation may be regulated by impedance measurement with the one or more elongate conductors. The urinary bladder may be filled with a fluid to facilitate the impedance measurement.

Abstract: In certain examples, methods and semiconductor structures are directed to a switching (power) amplification circuit, including resonance circuitry to resonate at a frequency associated with at least one of a plurality of different selectable resonance frequencies. The switching amplification circuit is configured to deliver power to one or multiple loads while the switching amplifier circuit is operating based on one or more of the selectable resonance frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of making novel antigen binding domains against infectious diseases. The present invention also relates to novel CARs that utilize the novel antigen binding domains as an extracellular element. The present invention also relates to use of the novel antigen binding domains as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE) combined with transgenes, including Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in eukaryotic cells. These RDEs can be used to optimize expression of transgenes, e.g., CARs, in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered at desired times from the eukaryotic cell. Such CAR T-cells with transgene payloads can be combined with the administration of other molecules, e.g., other therapeutics such as anticancer therapies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for delivering a payload at TnMUC1 positive cancer cells. Anti-TnMUC1 CARs and transgene payloads can be engineered into immune cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered at desired times from the immune cell. Such anti-TnMUC1 CAR T-cells with transgene payloads can be combined with the administration of other molecules, e.g., other therapeutics such as anticancer therapies.

Abstract: A suction device for use with a medical device may include a suction device body and an extension. The suction device body may include a first lumen positioned therein and including a plurality of holes. The extension may include a second lumen positioned therein and may be coupled to the suction device body and configured to facilitate connection of the suction device body to a suction line. The second lumen may be in communication with/open to the first lumen and the suction line may be adapted for connection to a pump configured to apply a negative pressure to the first and second lumens. The suction device may evacuate fluids and/or solids from a patient in an area proximate to the suction device.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Tandem gene pairs are described in which the GC3 Content of one gene changes its level of expression, and changes the level of expression of the tandem gene. This gene control is called Mercury and can be used to control the expression level of a gene of interest. Mercury is used herein to reduce tonic signaling from chimeric antigen receptors by reducing the expression of a chimeric antigen receptor.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: RNA Control Devices and/or destabilizing elements (DE) can regulate the expression of Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in eukaryotic cells. More specifically, DEs, RNA Control Devices, and/or side-CARs can be used with small molecule ligands to regulate the expression of Chimeric Antigen Receptors. These DE-CARs, Smart CARs (Smart=small molecule actuatable RNA trigger), Smart-DE-CARs, and/or Side-CARs can be used in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), and RNA control devices, combined with transgenes, including Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in eukaryotic cells. RDEs can be combined with RNA control devices to make RDEs that include ligand mediated control. These smart RDEs and other RDEs can be used to optimize expression of transgenes, e.g., CARs, in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered at desired times from the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE) combined with transgenes, including Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in eukaryotic cells. These RDEs can be used to optimize expression of transgenes, e.g., CARs, in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered at desired times from the eukaryotic cell. Such CAR T-cells with transgene payloads can be combined with the administration of other molecules, e.g., other therapeutics such as anticancer therapies.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), RNA control devices, and destabilizing elements (DE) combined with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) or other transgenes in eukaryotic cells. Multicistronic vectors are also disclosed for use in engineering host eukaryotic cells with the CARs and transgenes under the control of the control devices. These control devices can be used to optimize expression of CARs in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered after stimulation of the CAR on the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Control Devices are disclosed including RNA destabilizing elements (RDE), and RNA control devices, combined with transgenes, including Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in eukaryotic cells. RDEs can be combined with RNA control devices to make RDEs that include ligand mediated control. These smart RDEs and other RDEs can be used to optimize expression of transgenes, e.g., CARs, in the eukaryotic cells so that, for example, effector function is optimized. CARs and transgene payloads can also be engineered into eukaryotic cells so that the transgene payload is expressed and delivered at desired times from the eukaryotic cell.