Abstract: Systems, methods, tangible non-transitory computer-readable media, and devices for detecting objects are provided. For example, the disclosed technology can obtain a representation of sensor data associated with an environment surrounding a vehicle. Further, the sensor data can include sensor data points. A point classification and point property estimation can be determined for each of the sensor data points and a portion of the sensor data points can be clustered into an object instance based on the point classification and point property estimation for each of the sensor data points. A collection of point classifications and point property estimations can be determined for the portion of the sensor data points clustered into the object instance. Furthermore, object instance property estimations for the object instance can be determined based on the collection of point classifications and point property estimations for the portion of the sensor data points clustered into the object instance.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for using a non-spherical biomimetic artificial cell comprising a three-dimensional microparticle or nanoparticle having an asymmetrical shape and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The non-spherical biomimetic artificial cells can be used in cell biomimicry and for active targeting mediated drug delivery.

Abstract: Latency in a node-based compute-near-memory system can be problematic. A solution to the problem can include or use a dedicated software-based cache at each node. The cache can be configured to store information received from each of the other nodes in the system. In an example, the cache can be populated during a breadth first search algorithm to store frontier information from each of the other nodes.

Abstract: The present invention is a new controlled drug system that can be used for targeting non-invasive neuromodulation enabled by focused ultrasound gated release of one or more small molecule neuromodulatory agents.

Abstract: Biodegradable particles for interacting with immune cells to generate an immunosuppressive effect are disclosed. The biodegradable particle comprises a polyester or polyester blend with at least one soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle and at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof, which can be used to induce targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs). The at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof include a “Signal 1” protein that binds to an immune cell and a “Signal 2” protein that acts as a co-stimulatory molecule to immune cells. The encapsulated protein can be an interleukin and/or a cytokine. Methods of their use for treating a disease or condition, including an autoimmune disease, are disclosed.

Abstract: Latency in a node-based compute-near-memory system can be problematic. A solution to the problem can include or use a dedicated software-based cache at each node. The cache can be configured to store information received from each of the other nodes in the system. In an example, the cache can be populated during a breadth first search algorithm to store frontier information from each of the other nodes.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a biomimetic particle platform that can be used to simulate natural cells found throughout the body. The particle comprises a polymeric core of defined shape, size, and mechanical properties and a surface comprising naturally derived cell membranes, such as red blood cells or platelets. Together these features enable a level of biomimicry that can be appropriated for various drug delivery applications and cell engineering applications.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.

Abstract: Synthetic, biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating at least one of a signal 1 protein, a signal 2 protein, and/or a signal 3 protein are disclosed, which, when transfected into one or more a cancer cells, reprogram the one or more cancer cells into “tumor-derived APCs” in vivo to activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells for systemic tumor rejection. The NPs can be used for treating cancers, in particular metastatic cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides shelf adjustment systems and methods that may be used in merchandiser display cases and other applications to accommodate changes in product offering, giving the user increased flexibility in the use of merchandiser display cases. The shelf adjustment systems of embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for coordinating shelf adjustment, such that adjusting the display angle of one shelf of the invention causes the display angle of another shelf or shelves to also be adjusted by the same amount as the adjusted shelf.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a biomimetic particle platform that can be used to simulate natural cells found throughout the body. The particle comprises a polymeric core of defined shape, size, and mechanical properties and a surface comprising naturally derived cell membranes, such as red blood cells or platelets. Together these features enable a level of biomimicry that can be appropriated for various drug delivery applications and cell engineering applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable, biomimetic particles for interacting with cells, including immune cells. In various embodiments, the particles comprise a polymer blend comprising a polyester, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a polyamine, such as poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE). The particles further comprise, on their surface, one or more ligands for one or more cell surface receptor(s) or cell surface molecule(s). In some embodiments, the cell surface receptor or cell surface molecule is on an immune cell, such as a lymphocyte (T cell or B cell), natural killer cell, dendritic cell, or other cell of the immune system or tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising shape memory particles that can be used for delivering a drug and/or treating a disease or disorder in a patient. Specifically, shape changes in the presently disclosed shape memory particles can be used to control drug delivery spatially and/or temporally in a patient. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits comprising nanoparticles and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors with or without chemotherapeutic agents for inhibiting HIF activity in a patient and/or treating a hypoxia-associated disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention is a new controlled drug system that can be used for targeting non-invasive neuromodulation enabled by focused ultrasound gated release of one or more small molecule neuromodulatory agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides shelf adjustment systems and methods that may be used in merchandiser display cases and other applications to accommodate changes in product offering, giving the user increased flexibility in the use of merchandiser display cases. The shelf adjustment systems of embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for coordinating shelf adjustment, such that adjusting the display angle of one shelf of the invention causes the display angle of another shelf or shelves to also be adjusted by the same amount as the adjusted shelf.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for using a non-spherical biomimetic artificial cell comprising a three-dimensional microparticle or nanoparticle having an asymmetrical shape and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The non-spherical biomimetic artificial cells can be used in cell biomimicry and for active targeting mediated drug delivery.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising shape memory particles that can be used for delivering a drug and/or treating a disease or disorder in a patient. Specifically, shape changes in the presently disclosed shape memory particles can be used to control drug delivery spatially and/or temporally in a patient. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits comprising nanoparticles and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors with or without chemotherapeutic agents for inhibiting HIF activity in a patient and/or treating a hypoxia-associated disease or disorder.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a self-enclosed tube, sized and shaped to fit within and engage a human or animal body cavity, the tube comprising an inner surface defining an enclosed region and an outer surface that turns outward to engage the body cavity and turns inward to encompass a central region defining a concentric longitudinal path, wherein the tube is powerable to provide relative movement of the tube relative to the cavity in at least one of a forward or reverse direction with respect to the longitudinal path, and a compressible structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the tube outward to engage the body cavity at a first outer diameter, the compressible structure being deformable inward in response to a compressive force to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating that a water heater has ceased to produce water at a temperature useful for sanitizing procedures. A temperature sensor is deployed at or near the water heater, such as adjacent a water line extending from the water heater. The temperature sensor provides a signal having at least one parameter that relates to the temperature of the water exiting the water heater. In the event that the temperature falls below a level useful for sanitizing procedures, an alarm is activated. The alarm may be located locally or remote.