Abstract: The present invention is generally related to engineered bacteriophages expressing antimicrobial peptides or lytic enzymes or fragments thereof for targeting a broad spectrum of bacterial hosts, and for the long-term suppression of bacterial phage resistance for reducing bacterial infections. In some embodiments, bacteriophages express antimicrobial peptides or antimicrobial polypeptides (e.g. phage lytic enzymes) which are secreted from the host bacteria, or alternatively released upon lysis of the bacterial host cell. Aspects of the present invention also relate to the use of the engineered bacteriophages for the reduction of bacterial infections, both in a subject or for bioremediation purposes, in clinical settings and wound healing.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods to improve treatment of chronic infections, and reduce, delay, or inhibit formation of biofilms, using specific combinations of aminoglycoside antibiotics and high, localized concentrations of one or more PMF stimulating compounds. These novel methods are easily adapted to clinical settings as toxicity and efficacy of the antibiotics and metabolites used have already been studied in vivo, and as dosing for both the antibiotics and metabolites are known. These approaches and therapeutic methods are also useful with non-metabolic chemicals that induce proton-motive force in bacteria.

Abstract: A wearable system is directed to neurological stimulation of a human foot, and includes a controller with at least one bias signal generator for outputting a driving signal. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the controller, including providing electrical energy to the bias signal generator. The system also includes a platform in the form of an insole insert of a shoe, the insole insert having a plurality of actuators positioned in a medial arch region of the foot. The plurality of actuators stimulate the medial arch region in response to receiving the driving signal from the controller. The stimulation of the plurality of actuators provides a subthreshold bias signal to target cells with a subthreshold bias signal magnitude that is below a threshold where the target cells are activated by a stimulus. The plurality of actuators is surrounded with a vibration dissipating material.

Abstract: Described herein are novel biological converter switches that utilize modular components, such as genetic toggle switches and single invertase memory modules (SIMMs), for converting analog inputs to digital outputs, and digital inputs to analog outputs, in cells and cellular systems. Flexibility in these biological converter switches is provided by combining individual modular components, i.e., SIMMs and genetic toggle switches, together. These biological converter switches can be combined in a variety of network topologies to create circuits that act, for example, as switchboards, and regulate the production of an output product(s) based on the combination and nature of input signals received.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of a pathogen infection are described. In particular, this document provides a method of detecting target nucleic acids, such as pathogen-specific RNA, in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where the method comprises using one or more toehold switch sensors and an isothermal amplification step to detect the target nucleic acid. Methods specific for detecting and identify the presence of a virus such as Zika virus are also provided.

Abstract: An item authentication system for UII item data encoded on a Data Matrix tag uses the Data Matrix Extended Channel Interpretation to transit the UII tag data to an authentication data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening applicants are disclosed herein. A method of screening applicants is performed by a screening server. The server begins by receiving a selection of screening services and an applicant profile that identifies an applicant. The screening continues by generating screening results specified by the selection of screening services based on the applicant profile. A property manager is then notified that the screening results are available for the applicant based upon the applicant profile. The screening results are then provided to the property manager based upon the applicant profile. Based on these screening results, the screener or property manager can make a decision about the applicant and communicate a decision action to the applicant.

Abstract: A permanent magnet alternator (PMA) includes a rotatable shaft, windings, a shunt regulator circuit, and a speed detection circuit. The rotatable shaft is connected electromagnetically to the windings. The shunt regulator circuit is electrically connected to the windings. A current sense transformer with a primary coil is electrically connected to the shunt regulator circuit. A secondary coil is electrically connected to a comparator circuit with reference voltage and generates voltage pulse indicating PMA speed. The voltage pulses form an output corresponding to and indicative of rotation speed of the shaft suitable for processing by a processor to present a PMA speed indication for use in the overall system architecture as a measurement parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide artificial expression systems comprising multivalent transcription factor complexes for cooperative transcription factor assembly and modulating gene expression. More specifically, engineered synthetic transcription factors are recruited and structurally organized on synthetic gene circuits using molecular clamps, where the strength of intra-complex interactions can be modulated for fine tuning of gene expression as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed approaches for limiting use or a programmable IC involve a provider of programmable ICs generating, using one or more private keys of the provider, one or more signed configuration bitstreams from one or more circuit designs received from a customer. The provider changes the general purpose programmable IC into an application programmable IC that can only be programmed by the one or more signed configuration bitstreams. The application programmable IC and the one or more signed configuration bitstreams are provided from the provider to the customer.

Abstract: A double eccentric positioning apparatus uses two equal offset eccentric bushings to accurately position a tool (such as a drill bushing) in two dimensions. Miniature servo motors and precise gearing control the rotation of each eccentric bushing, which controls the direction of the offset vectors. The offset vectors are used to determine the final position of the drill bushing. The desired rotation angles can be mathematically calculated based on desired position. The inner eccentric bushing is located concentric to the offset of the outer eccentric bushing. This allows any position, within a radius of two times the eccentric offset, to be achieved. The use of worm gearing on the eccentric bushings prevents back-driving of the servo motors, due to the lead angle of the worm gears, and the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A combination for carrying out microwave assisted reactions is disclosed, such as acid digestion and solvent extraction. The combination includes a microwave transparent pressure-resistant reaction vessel and a flexible film fluoropolymer liner inside the reaction vessel. The flexible film liner has a size and shape that substantially conforms to the inner walls of the reaction vessel. A pressure-relief closure is positioned on the reaction vessel and the flexible film liner, and an infrared temperature detector that operates in wavelengths (frequencies) to which both the reaction vessel and the flexible liner are transparent, so that an exact fit and conductive heating to the outside of the reaction vessel are not required.

Abstract: Contact lenses incorporate high plus or add power profiles that at least one of slow, retard or preventing myopia progression and minimize halo effect. The lens includes a center zone with a negative power for myopic vision correction; and at least one treatment zone surrounding the center zone, the at least one treatment zone having a power profile that increases from an outer margin of the center zone to a positive power within the at least one treatment zone of greater than +5.00D.

Abstract: Contact lenses incorporate high plus or add power profiles that at least one of slow, retard or preventing myopia progression and minimize halo effect. The lens includes a center zone with a negative power for myopic vision correction; and at least one treatment zone surrounding the center zone, the at least one treatment zone having a power profile that increases from an outer margin of the center zone to a positive power within the at least one treatment zone of greater than +5.00 D.

Abstract: An energized dispersive extraction method for sample preparation for analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an extraction solvent, sorbent particles, and a sample matrix containing an analyte in a heat conductive sample cup; positioning the sample cup in a pressure-resistant reaction chamber; dispersing the solvent and the sample matrix in the sample cup in the reaction chamber; heating the sample matrix and the solvent in the sample cup in the reaction chamber to a temperature that generates an above-atmospheric pressure; draining the solvent extract from the sample cup at atmospheric pressure; and collecting the solvent extract for analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic devices such as ophthalmic lenses. An ophthalmic device may comprise an ophthalmic lens for at least one of slowing, retarding or preventing myopia progression. The ophthalmic lens may comprise a center zone with a negative power for myopic vision correction; and at least one treatment zone surrounding the center zone, the at least one treatment zone having a power profile comprising an ADD power, the at least one treatment zone having a surface shape comprising a portion of a generally toroidal shape, wherein the at least one treatment zone is arranged as to form a continuous surface with the center zone.

Abstract: Contact lenses incorporate high plus or add power profiles that at least one of slow, retard or preventing myopia progression and minimize halo effect. The lens includes a center zone with a negative power for myopic vision correction; and at least one treatment zone surrounding the center zone, the at least one treatment zone having a power profile that increases from an outer margin of the center zone to a positive power within the at least one treatment zone of greater than +5.00 D.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and kits useful for sensitizing a microorganism or a population of microorganisms to a quinolone antibiotic. In a particular aspect, a carbon source and an electron acceptor can sensitize an antibiotic persistent microorganism to treatment with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Methods for sensitizing a microorganism to a quinolone antibiotic, reducing the density-dependent persistence (DDP) of an antibiotic resistant microorganism, and reducing the number of persistent cells in a population are also provided. Theses compositions and methods are useful in treating infections resulting from high-density bacterial cultures, such as pneumonia, genitourinary infections, biofilms, prosthetic graft infections, sepsis, and endovascular infections.