Abstract: Cable-actuated differential enabling N degrees of freedom provided by a plurality of pulleys and at least N+1 tensioning cables. The cable-actuated differential increases a dynamic force range by minimizing co-activation of the tensioning cables at any operating point. A cable-actuated differential having three cables provides motor based control of a 2 DOF joint that can be applied to robots or teleoperation. A cable-actuated mechanical differential having opposing bevel gears and a middle bevel gear meshed with the opposing gear allows an output connector to controllably and independently rotate about the x axis or y axis via three operational modes without backlash.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating pathological inflammation in a patient comprising: administering to the patient a multivalent structured polypeptide comprising multiple copies of the therapeutic peptide. The present invention also provides a kit, comprising: a multivalent structured polypeptide comprising multiple copies of the therapeutic peptide; and instructions teaching administration of the multivalent structured polypeptide to a patient having atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating handoffs between a robot and a counterpart in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for controlling a robot to handoff an object. The method includes steps for presenting an object to a receiver, moving an object to interrogate a grip stiffness of the receiver, and measuring a response to the moving using a set of one or more sensors. The method further includes steps for computing the grip stiffness of the receiver based on the measured response and determining whether to release the object based on the computed grip stiffness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide or multivalent polypeptide, and an anti-cancer agent. In some embodiments, the anti-cancer agent is conjugated to the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating cancer or reducing cancer cell proliferation using the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. In some aspects, the peptide or multivalent polypeptide enhances the efficacy of the anti-cancer agent, the targeting of the anti-cancer agent to the cancer cells, or both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide or multivalent polypeptide, and an anti-cancer agent. In some embodiments, the anti-cancer agent is conjugated to the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating cancer or reducing cancer cell proliferation using the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. In some aspects, the peptide or multivalent polypeptide enhances the efficacy of the anti-cancer agent, the targeting of the anti-cancer agent to the cancer cells, or both.

Abstract: Methods of treating influenza A are provided, comprising administering to a subject at least one agent selected from a WDR7 inhibitor, a CCDC115 inhibitor, a TMEM199 inhibitor, and a CMTR1 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide or multivalent polypeptide, and an anti-cancer agent. In some embodiments, the anti-cancer agent is conjugated to the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating cancer or reducing cancer cell proliferation using the peptide or multivalent polypeptide. In some aspects, the peptide or multivalent polypeptide enhances the efficacy of the anti-cancer agent, the targeting of the anti-cancer agent to the cancer cells, or both.

Abstract: A four-state joint brake module is provided to selectably stop or allow motion in both directions resulting in a mechanism that has four possible states: 1) allowing rotation only in a clockwise direction, 2) allowing rotation only in a counter-clockwise direction, 3) allowing free rotation in both directions, and 4) stopping motion in both directions. In robotic and other motion control applications the use of this four-state joint brake module in a multi-segmented linkage allows for position holding without continuous application of power and “fail safe” behavior. It further allows for the ability to toggle this useful state behavior independently in either direction and is relevant for robotic applications.

Abstract: The methods and compounds disclosed herein are useful in treating a subject having cancer or a viral infection by modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems typically by both inhibiting the function of inhibitory receptors and enhancing activity of activating receptors. Preferred therapeutic compositions comprise a carrier; at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: an anti-inflammatory agent, a cytotoxic T cell proliferation agent, or a NK cell proliferation agent; and a therapeutic peptide of the invention. In certain embodiments the compositions further include a second therapeutic peptide and/or an immunoglobulin admixed therewith in an amount sufficient to enhance passive immunoprotection in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and kits comprising a peptide that activate the immune response and methods of using the composition for immunotherapy and cancer treatments. The peptide comprises an active peptide sequence of VQATQSNQHTPR. In some embodiments, the peptide may be tetravalent. For example, the peptide has the structure [(VQATQSNQHTPRGGGS)2K]2K—NH2. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods are directed to the treatment of cancer and/or infections.

Abstract: Cable-actuated differential enabling N degrees of freedom provided by a plurality of pulleys and at least N+1 tensioning cables. The cable-actuated differential increases a dynamic force range by minimizing co-activation of the tensioning cables at any operating point. A cable-actuated differential having three cables provides motor based control of a 2 DOF joint that can be applied to robots or teleoperation. A cable-actuated mechanical differential having opposing bevel gears and a middle bevel gear meshed with the opposing gear allows an output connector to controllably and independently rotate about the x axis or y axis via three operational modes without backlash.

Abstract: A four-state joint brake module is provided to selectably stop or allow motion in both directions resulting in a mechanism that has four possible states: 1) allowing rotation only in a clockwise direction, 2) allowing rotation only in a counter-clockwise direction, 3) allowing free rotation in both directions, and 4) stopping motion in both directions. In robotic and other motion control applications the use of this four-state joint brake module in a multi-segmented linkage allows for position holding without continuous application of power and “fail safe” behavior. It further allows for the ability to toggle this useful state behavior independently in either direction is relevant for robotic applications.

Abstract: The methods and compounds disclosed herein are useful in treating a subject having cancer or a viral infection by modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems typically by both inhibiting the function of inhibitory receptors and enhancing activity of activating receptors. Preferred therapeutic compositions comprise a carrier; at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: an anti-inflammatory agent, a cytotoxic T cell proliferation agent, or a NK cell proliferation agent; and a therapeutic peptide of the invention. In certain embodiments the compositions further include a second therapeutic peptide and/or an immunoglobulin admixed therewith in an amount sufficient to enhance passive immunoprotection in the subject.

Abstract: The methods and compounds disclosed herein are useful in treating a subject having cancer or a viral infection by modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems typically by both inhibiting the function of inhibitory receptors and enhancing activity of activating receptors. Preferred therapeutic compositions comprise a carrier; at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: an anti-inflammatory agent, a cytotoxic T cell proliferation agent, or a NK cell proliferation agent; and a therapeutic peptide of the invention. In certain embodiments the compositions further include a second therapeutic peptide and/or an immunoglobulin admixed therewith in an amount sufficient to enhance passive immunoprotection in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and kits comprising a peptide that activate the immune response and methods of using the composition for immunotherapy and cancer treatments. The peptide comprises an active peptide sequence of VQATQSNQHTPR. In some embodiments, the peptide may be tetravalent. For example, the peptide has the structure [(VQATQSNQHTPRGGGS)2K]2K-NH2. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods are directed to the treatment of cancer and/or infections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient enable an image display device to provide an operator with auxiliary information related to the surgical procedure, in addition to providing an image of the surgical site itself. The systems and methods allow an operator to selectively access and reference auxiliary information on the image display device during the performance of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient enable an image display device to provide an operator with auxiliary information related to the surgical procedure, in addition to providing an image of the surgical site itself. The systems and methods allow an operator to selectively access and reference auxiliary information on the image display device during the performance of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An imaging probe manipulator for use during a medical procedure includes a first manipulator linkage having a connector configured to attach to an imaging probe, a second manipulator linkage coupled to the first manipulator linkage at a first joint a third manipulator linkage coupled to the first or second manipulator linkage at a second joint. The first joint or the second joint has a degree of freedom. The imaging probe manipulator includes a force control transmission linked to the degree of freedom. The force control transmission component is configured to maintain a pre-determined force on the imaging probe when the imaging probe is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: This present invention is directed to peptides, compositions, and methods for modulating endogenous cytokine expression in a subject. More specifically, the invention provides peptides useful in regulating the release of a specific pattern of cytokines that promote angiogenesis and/or can be used to modulate the immune system of a subject.