Abstract: Methods and engineered cells are provided for increasing activity of a norcoclaurine synthase in a microbial cell. The method comprises, within the engineered microbial cell, contacting an engineered norcoclaurine synthase with a substrate, wherein contacting the substrate with the engineered norcoclaurine synthase increases conversion, within the engineered microbial cell, in comparison to a non-engineered norcoclaurine synthase.

Abstract: An air interface plane (AIP) of a radio frequency (RF) aperture includes: a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and a matrix of tapered elements arranged on the first side of the circuit board and secured to the circuit board, the matrix of tapered elements cooperating to at least one of receive or transmit an over-the-air RF signal. Suitably, each tapered element of the matrix has: a central hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a hub base which is proximate to the first side of the circuit board to an apex of the tapered element which is distal from the first side of the first circuit board; and a plurality of arms extending from the central hub at the apex of the tapered element, each of the plurality of arms including a first portion that projects the arm radially away from the longitudinal axis and a second portion that projects the arm longitudinally toward the first side of the circuit board.

Abstract: A system for determining a condition of a tissue of a patient body is described. The tissue is illuminated with an illumination wavelength by a light source. In response to the illumination, the tissue emits light. This emitted light is received at a detector that includes multiple diode sensors. The diode sensors detect intensities of associated wavelengths of the emitted light. A spectral analysis is performed with the detected intensities. The spectral analysis includes initial coefficients. A composite function associated with the initial coefficients is minimized so as to determine wavelength coefficients. The wavelength coefficients are used to compute a score. Based on the score, the condition of the tissue is determined. Related methods, techniques, apparatus, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus and drug-induced lupus erythematosus by measuring cell-based complement activation products in a subject's blood. In particular, the invention describes a diagnostic method employing the measurement of multiple complement activation products, such as C3d and C4d, on the surfaces of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Kits and automated systems for performing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.