Abstract: A single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) includes a PN junction in a semiconductor well doped with a first type of dopant. The PN junction is formed between a first region doped with the first type of dopant and a second region doped with a second type of dopant opposite to the first type of dopant. The first doped region is shaped so as to incorporate local variations in concentration of dopants that are configured, in response to a voltage between the second doped region and the semiconductor well that is greater than or equal to a level of a breakdown voltage of the PN junction, to generate a monotonic variation in the electrostatic potential between the first doped region and the semiconductor well.

Abstract: Rolling-element bearing for a turbomachine of an aircraft, comprising an inner ring (3) defining a first raceway (112), and an outer ring (4) defining a second raceway (124), characterized in that the bearing has at least one loop circuit (21, 22) for forced recirculation of lubricant, this loop circuit comprising a first recirculation circuit (21) comprising at least one lubricant inlet (1200) located on the second raceway (124), and connected by at least one duct (120, 166) created in the outer ring (4) to at least one lubricant outlet (1661) which discharges into a second recirculation circuit (22) of the loop circuit (21, 22), this second recirculation circuit (22) comprising at least one duct (152, 1134, 1136; 1135, 1136) created in the inner ring (3).

Abstract: A RF dielectric filter comprising a block of dielectric material including top and bottom exterior longitudinal surfaces and side exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material. RF signal input/output pads are located at opposed ends of the block. Each of the RF signal input/output pads comprises a strip of conductive material bridging between the bottom exterior surface and the side exterior surface. A strip or region of dielectric material surrounds all the sides of the elongate strip of conductive material except for one end of the strip of conductive material on the side exterior surface which is in a direct unitary coupling relationship with the remainder of the conductive material on the side exterior surface. In one embodiment, the strip or region of dielectric material is generally U-shaped and can vary in width.

Abstract: A toy playset is presented herein. The toy playset includes a base section, a track section configured to receive a toy vehicle, and a biasing member coupled to the base section and to the track section. The biasing member is configured to bias the base section and the track section away from one another, and the biasing member is configured to flex to enable the base section and the track section to move relative to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for production of recombinant viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors or lentiviral vectors, in host cells using engineered cyclic peptides that increase viral titer and transduction efficiency of viral vector compositions. The present disclosure also provides methods for selecting genetically encoded, endogenously expressed cyclic peptides that enhance viral vector manufacturability.

Abstract: Provided herein are RNA aptamers targeting CD5L. Further provided herein are methods of use thereof for the treatment of a disease or disorder, such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broad-spectrum biocidal composition, with fungicidal and bactericidal activity, containing metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric thickeners, plant extracts, surfactants, and additives in an aqueous solvent, as well as the method for in situ production of said metal nanoparticles under controlled operating conditions: concentration, volumetric ratio, time, agitation, temperature, and pH, using plant extracts as reducing agents.

Abstract: An improved toy vehicle playset contains a tower and multiple track portions coupled to the tower that provide a path for toy vehicles to descend from the top of the tower. The tower may include an elevator mechanism for transporting toy vehicles up the tower and an interactive feature that is configured to interact with descending toy vehicles along the track portions. The descent of the toy vehicles may trigger the interactive feature to also descend from the top of the tower, where the descending interactive feature may attempt to impede or stop the descending toy vehicles along the track portions. In some embodiments, the one or more towers may further include platforms configured to store and retain a plurality of toy vehicles, mechanisms that trigger one or more toy vehicles to be launched from the platforms, and mechanisms for diverting toy vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: Provided herein are DNA aptamers targeting AXL receptor kinase. The DNA aptamers may comprise a thiophosphate backbone and be chemically modified. Further provided herein are methods of use thereof for the treatment of a disease or disorder, such as cancer.

Abstract: A RF dielectric filter comprising a block of dielectric material including top and bottom exterior longitudinal surfaces and side exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material. RF signal input/output pads are located at opposed ends of the block. Each of the RF signal input/output pads comprises a strip of conductive material bridging between the bottom exterior surface and the side exterior surface. A strip or region of dielectric material surrounds all the sides of the elongate strip of conductive material except for one end of the strip of conductive material on the side exterior surface which is in a direct unitary coupling relationship with the remainder of the conductive material on the side exterior surface. In one embodiment, the strip or region of dielectric material is generally U-shaped and can vary in width.

Abstract: Synthetic auxotrophs with one or more ligand-dependent essential gene functions and methods of production that can be used for biosafety. The ligand-dependent function of an essential gene product can be produced by a series of mutations in the ORF of an essential gene; N, C, or insertional fusions of ligand-binding domains with essential genes or an engineered ligand-dependent intein splicing to alter essential gene function. A positive and/or negative selection can be used to identify auxotrophs from created mutant libraries. The positive selection is performed by growing a mutant library in conditions where growth or viability depends on the function of mutagenized essential genes. The negative selection eliminates constitutively growing cells that do not require a ligand for growth by growing the library in the absence of complementing ligand and in conditions where growing cells are eliminated. Desirable phenotypes are collected after the selections.

Abstract: An improved toy vehicle playset contains a tower and multiple track portions coupled to the tower that provide a path for toy vehicles to descend from the top of the tower. The tower may include an elevator mechanism for transporting toy vehicles up the tower and an interactive feature that is configured to interact with descending toy vehicles along the track portions. The descent of the toy vehicles may trigger the interactive feature to also descend from the top of the tower, where the descending interactive feature may attempt to impede or stop the descending toy vehicles along the track portions. In some embodiments, the one or more towers may further include platforms configured to store and retain a plurality of toy vehicles, mechanisms that trigger one or more toy vehicles to be launched from the platforms, and mechanisms for diverting toy vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticles for the delivery of a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject that include a chitosan and a polyphosphate, wherein the chitosan nanoparticles are coated with polylactic acid. Methods of delivering a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject for the treatment or prevention of a disease are also disclosed. For example, the treatment of ovarian cancer in a subject by inhibiting the expression of ZNF034 is disclosed.

Abstract: Acoustically responsive particles and methods are provided for their use. Methods are provided for making and using tunable, monodisperse acoustically responsive particles and negative contrast acoustic particles, wherein the particles can contain a functional group available for covalent modification.

Abstract: Provided herein are lipid-based nanoparticles (e.g., exosomes) having (a) a core comprising a cationic polymer and a therapeutic agent (e.g., a therapeutic protein, an antibody, an inhibitory RNA, and/or a small molecule drug) and (b) a lipid coating comprising an exosomes-derived membrane. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods of producing such nanoparticles as well as methods for use of such lipid-based nanoparticles in therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticles for the delivery of a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject that include a chitosan and a polyphosphate, wherein the chitosan nanoparticles are coated with polylactic acid. Methods of delivering a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject for the treatment or prevention of a disease are also disclosed. For example, the treatment of ovarian cancer in a subject by inhibiting the expression of ZNF034 is disclosed.

Abstract: Synthetic auxotrophs with one or more ligand-dependent essential gene functions and methods of production that can be used for biosafety. The ligand-dependent function of an essential gene product can be produced by a series of mutations in the ORF of an essential gene; N, C, or insertional fusions of ligand-binding domains with essential genes or an engineered ligand-dependent intein splicing to alter essential gene function. A positive and/or negative selection can be used to identify auxotrophs from created mutant libraries. The positive selection is performed by growing a mutant library in conditions where growth or viability depends on the function of mutagenized essential genes. The negative selection eliminates constitutively growing cells that do not require a ligand for growth by growing the library in the absence of complementing ligand and in conditions where growing cells are eliminated. Desirable phenotypes are collected after the selections.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticles for the delivery of a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject that include a chitosan and a polyphosphate, wherein the weight ratio of the chitosan to the polyphosphate is about 1.0 or greater and the weight ratio of the polyphosphate to the therapeutic agent or diagnostic agent is about 15.0 or less. Also disclosed are nanoparticles that include a chitosan and an inhibitor of enhancer of Zeste homologue 2 (EZH2). Methods of delivering a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent to a subject for the treatment or prevention of a disease and methods of predicting prognosis of ovarian cancer in a subject that involve determining the expression and/or function of EZH2 in the subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions inter alia for treating diseases, including hyperproliferative diseases, migraine headaches, and depression.

Abstract: We describe methods for synthesis and formulations of stable elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles with controllable compressibility and density. These elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles have a density/compressibility ratio that is less than that of water and therefore exhibit negative acoustic contrast under acoustic radiation exposure. This negative acoustic contrast allows our elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles to be acoustically manipulated (e.g. separated) differently from other components (e.g. cells) within an aqueous solution. This disclosure also describes methods for biofunctionalization of the elastomeric negative acoustic contrast particles and as an example their use as platforms for bioassays.