Abstract: A thermal image-forming attachment for a sighting apparatus has a combiner for overlaying a generated thermal image from a display against a visible scene defined along an optical axis of the sighting apparatus, wherein the combiner intersects the optical axis between an objective lens and the visible scene. A first IR camera has a first field of view aligned with the sighting apparatus optical axis; a second IR camera has a second field of view narrower than the first field of view, aligned with the sighting apparatus optical axis. An image processor generates the thermal image on the display, wherein IR image content rendered from the second IR camera is centered within IR image content from the first IR camera. Collimating optics project the thermal image from the display toward the combiner as collimated light aligned with collimated light from the visible scene.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for selective depletion of target molecules using a recyclable CDP-receptor-binding mediated complex to elicit endocytosis and cellular degradation of the target. Exemplary compositions containing a peptide, such as a CDP peptide, that bind a transferrin receptor can be linked to a peptide that binds a target molecule. Such compositions can be used to selectively recruit the target molecule to endosomes via transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis of the composition and the bound target molecule. Once inside the endosome, the acidic pH can lead to release of the target molecule from the composition due to pH-dependent binding of the composition for the target molecule, and the transferrin receptor portion is recycled back to the cell surface for “reloading”. The target molecule can then be trafficked into lysosomes wherein it is degraded.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing variables of a kiln are provided (e.g., to determine a kiln output product state of a kiln and to manage a mode of operation of the kiln apparatus or an associated subsystem based on the determined kiln output product state). Any suitable kiln model(s) may be trained and utilized in conjunction with any suitable kiln apparatus monitoring data that may be indicative of any suitable characteristic(s) of any suitable kiln apparatus(es) and/or any suitable kiln material monitoring data that may be indicative of any suitable characteristic(s) of any suitable kiln material(s) of the kiln apparatus(es) and/or any suitable external environment monitoring data that may be indicative of any suitable characteristic(s) of any suitable environment(s) external to the kiln apparatus(es) in order to predict or otherwise determine automatically a kiln output product state of a kiln in a particular environment.

Abstract: A thermal image-forming attachment for a sighting apparatus has a combiner for overlaying a generated thermal image from a display against a visible scene defined along an optical axis of the sighting apparatus, wherein the combiner intersects the optical axis between an objective lens and the visible scene. A first IR camera has a first field of view aligned with the sighting apparatus optical axis; a second IR camera has a second field of view narrower than the first field of view, aligned with the sighting apparatus optical axis. An image processor generates the thermal image on the display, wherein IR image content rendered from the second IR camera is centered within IR image content from the first IR camera. Collimating optics project the thermal image from the display toward the combiner as collimated light aligned with collimated light from the visible scene.

Abstract: Described herein are cystine-dense peptides capable of binding to PD-L1. Such peptides may function as PD-L1 inhibitors by binding to the PD-1-binding interface of PD-L1 and inhibiting interactions between PD-L1 and PD-1. Methods of using PD-L1-binding peptides to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions are also described herein. Such methods include delivering active agents complexed with a PD-L1-binding peptide to a PD-L1 positive cell or using a bispecific immune cell engager to recruit immune cells to PD-L1 positive cells. Also described herein are chimeric antigen receptors comprising PD-L1-binding peptides.

Abstract: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are described herein. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine antigens can be presented on a circular tandem repeat protein (cTRP) scaffold as trimers or tetramers. The vaccines can be used to treat and/or reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to treat and/or reduce the risk of side effects associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms, syndromes, and complications.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or binds to the cartilage of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or binds to the cartilage of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an immunotherapy delivery hydrogel system. The immunotherapy delivery hydrogel system can be degradable and can release therapeutic agents at a tunable rate, and in a controlled manner. The immunotherapy delivery hydrogel system includes a hydrogel matrix and cancer therapeutic agent(s) associated with the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel system can further include tumor cell-attractant(s) conjugated to the hydrogel matrix. The tumor cell-attractant(s) and the cancer therapeutic agent(s) act synergistically to treat cancer.

Abstract: A holographic sight comprises a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a body with a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. A laser diode may be received within opposing walls formed by the first receptacle. A mirror may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the second receptacle. A collimating optic may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the third receptacle. A grating may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fourth receptacle. A hologram image may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fifth receptacle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment of malignancies are provided. The methods utilize implantation of engineered, programmable hydrogel depots capable of long-term molecule release into close proximity of the tumor. By providing gradients of immune cell chemokines and releasing immune checkpoint inhibitors, the hydrogel implants are effective at elimination of tumor cells via immune cell-mediated cell death.

Abstract: Described herein are peptides and variants thereof as well as peptide constructs comprising peptides conjugated to, linked to, or fused to agents, wherein the peptides and peptide constructs are capable of binding TfR. Binding of a peptide or peptide construct as described herein to TfR can enable transcytosis across an endothelial layer, e.g., the blood brain barrier, or the crossing of a cell membrane. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses of peptides and peptide constructs, as well as methods of designing and manufacturing such peptides and peptide constructs, to treat a disease or condition are also described herein.

Abstract: A connector block that permits simultaneous and continuous interconnection of the three leads of the epicardial pacing wires, the pacemaker, and the ECG monitor on clear separately labeled connectors is provided. Circuitry is provided that allows the display of epicardial signals on the telemetry unit, while still preserving the ability to pace the heart from the pacemaker. When pacing the connector block prevents excessive loading of the pacer signals by the ECG monitor and/or damage to the monitor by the high-voltage pacer signals. The connector block may be used universally on all monitors without the need for sophisticated understanding of the electrical characteristics of the ECG monitor or concern for damage or improper signal loading.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or binds to the cartilage of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: Compositions such as pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptide-drug conjugates are disclosed. Such compositions can deliver a drug, a peptide, or a conjugate thereof to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in cartilage.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or binds to the cartilage of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: A holographic sight comprises a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a body with a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. A laser diode may be received within opposing walls formed by the first receptacle. A mirror may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the second receptacle. A collimating optic may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the third receptacle. A grating may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fourth receptacle. A hologram image may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fifth receptacle.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and processes for optimizing the performance of a consolidated full backup of a restored virtual machine are disclosed. Changed data and metadata associated with the changed data is received from a hypervisor at a backup module. The hypervisor supports a virtual machine, and the virtual machine employs virtual disks. A confirmation is sent to the hypervisor from the backup module indicating that a full backup of the virtual disks has been created.

Abstract: Peptide-antibody complexes, including fusions and conjugates, that target or accumulate in target cells, such as tumors and diseased cells, or enhance the immune system are disclosed. In some embodiments, such complexes function as platforms for attaching and targeting one or more therapeutic agents or detectable agents, including radioisotopes, detectable labels, and/or cytotoxic agents, to target cells in the central nervous system or across the blood brain barrier, cancerous cells, or target cells recognized by the antibody in such complexes. In some complexes, the peptide serves as the targeting mechanism, while other embodiments contemplate the antibody as the targeting mechanism. Peptides and/or antibodies can be engineered to deliver various effector functions in various embodiments. Peptide-antibody complexes that function as immunotherapies and enhance a body's immune system in detecting and/or destroying diseased cells or pathogens are also disclosed.