Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems for inhibiting NFAT and/or NFkB signaling to improve the function of CAR expressing immune cells, e.g., CAR T cells. The system enables generation of immune cells engineered to express a CAR or multiple combinations of CARs (multi-CAR) and inhibitors of NFAT and/or NFkB signaling.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered and multi-functional thermoplastic composite structure includes supplying a plurality of reinforcing layers including continuous reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin to an intermittent press; and supplying at least one functional layer to the intermittent press adjacent to the plurality of reinforcing layers. The at least one functional layer is selected from a group consisting of an electromagnetic shielding layer and a thermal runaway protection layer. The method includes heating and pressing the plurality of reinforcing layers and the at least one functional layer to form a composite laminate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to leucine zipper-based sorting systems adapted to facilitate the expression and coordination of polypeptide sequences capable of improving the function of CAR T cells. The systems enable the generation of T cells engineered to express multiple combinations of CARs (multi-CAR), safety-switches, switch receptors, and/or cytokines.

Abstract: The present application is directed to multiplex intein-based methods and compositions for the generation engineered cells expressing modular polypeptides, for example CARs and CCRs.

Abstract: The use of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) binding agents and luteinizing hormone (LH) agonists to enrich for primitive hematopoietic stem cell (pHSC) populations, to target pHSC for ablation, and/or to expand pHSC populations are described. The methods can be used to prepare therapeutic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations, to prepare patients for therapeutic HSC transplants, and/or to treat malignancies, such as those associated with hyperproliferative HSC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for optimizing air traffic control managing using a Quantum Annealing-based iterative path planning technique and algorithm that involves both classical and quantum computation components. The classical component can calculate the distances between aircraft and the target destination from a set of new, possible properties, such as aircraft location. The quantum component can select from the new, possible properties to minimize the distance of the aircraft to the target destination while ensuring adequate separation between aircraft. The algorithm can utilize qubits to represent maneuverability options for aircraft. The maneuverability options may be partitioned into a set of multiple qubits per aircraft. Each set may include a plurality of qubits that are representative of the sub options. The algorithm can utilize Quadratic Unconstrained Boolean Optimization (QUBO) to find the lowest cost-energy maneuverability option.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered and multi-functional thermoplastic composite structure includes supplying a plurality of reinforcing layers including continuous reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin to an intermittent press; and supplying at least one functional layer to the intermittent press adjacent to the plurality of reinforcing layers. The at least one functional layer is selected from a group consisting of an electromagnetic shielding layer and a thermal runaway protection layer. The method includes heating and pressing the plurality of reinforcing layers and the at least one functional layer to form a composite laminate.

Abstract: A multi-layer and multi-functional composite structure includes a structural reinforcing portion configured to provide structural support. The structural reinforcing portion includes reinforcing fibers consolidated in a thermoplastic resin. A protecting portion is arranged on one side of the structural reinforcing portion and configured to provide at least one of thermal blocking and fire resistance. A shielding portion is arranged on an opposite side of the structural reinforcing portion and configured to shield electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a battery system includes a reinforcing layer including reinforcing fibers, a shielding layer, and a thermal protection layer. At least one of the reinforcing fibers, the shielding layer, and the thermal protection layer is consolidated using a thermoplastic resin into one of a body and a cover of the battery enclosure. The shielding layer is arranged on one side of the one of the body and the cover and the thermal protection layer is arranged on opposite side of the one of the body and the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for path planning for UAVs. A set of UAVs is logically arranged into a plurality of swarms, each having a swarm-leader UAV. A first path planning algorithm is applied to determine navigation instructions to steer the swarm-leader UAVs towards respective destinations for the swarms and to deconflict the swarm-leader UAVs from one another. A set of second path planning algorithms is applied to determine navigation instructions to steer non-swarm-leader UAVs in each swarm toward their respective swarm leaders and to deconflict the UAVs from other UAVs in the swarm. Separate QUBO path planning algorithms may be used for the first path planning algorithm and the set of second path planning algorithms. If merging criteria for combining two swarms are met, a single QUBO may be used to control all non-swarm-leader UAVs in merged swarms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for optimizing air traffic control managing using a Quantum Annealing-based iterative path planning technique and algorithm that involves both classical and quantum computation components. The classical component can calculate the distances between aircraft and the target destination from a set of new, possible properties, such as aircraft location. The quantum component can select from the new, possible properties to minimize the distance of the aircraft to the target destination while ensuring adequate separation between aircraft. The algorithm can utilize qubits to represent maneuverability options for aircraft. The maneuverability options may be partitioned into a set of multiple qubits per aircraft. Each set may include a plurality of qubits that are representative of the sub options. The algorithm can utilize Quadratic Unconstrained Boolean Optimization (QUBO) to find the lowest cost-energy maneuverability option.

Abstract: A lift dolly assembly includes a lift dolly having a base plate, a handle, and a frame. The dolly includes one or more wheels to permit the frame and the base plate to carry an object or load by tilting the dolly backwards. The assembly also includes a track, a lift mechanism, and a lift plate. These components are configured to work in communication with the dolly to support and allow the elevating and orienting of an object or load. In general operation, an object is located on a base plate 105 and is secured to a lift plate. The object may then be selectively lifted and oriented to a non-vertical orientation to allow the base of the object to extend fully outward beyond the base plate.

Abstract: The use of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) binding agents and luteinizing hormone (LH) agonists to enrich for primitive hematopoietic stem cell (pHSC) populations, to target pHSC for ablation, and/or to expand pHSC populations are described. The methods can be used to prepare therapeutic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations, to prepare patients for therapeutic HSC transplants, and/or to treat malignancies, such as those associated with hyperproliferative HSC.

Abstract: The use of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) binding agents and luteinizing hormone (LH) agonists to enrich for primitive hematopoietic stem cell (pHSC) populations, to target pHSC for ablation, and/or to expand pHSC populations are described. The methods can be used to prepare therapeutic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations, to prepare patients for therapeutic HSC transplants, and/or to treat malignancies, such as those associated with hyperproliferative HSC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for path planning for UAVs. A set of UAVs is logically arranged into a plurality of swarms, each having a swarm-leader UAV. A first path planning algorithm is applied to determine navigation instructions to steer the swarm-leader UAVs towards respective destinations for the swarms and to deconflict the swarm-leader UAVs from one another. A set of second path planning algorithms is applied to determine navigation instructions to steer non-swarm-leader UAVs in each swarm toward their respective swarm leaders and to deconflict the UAVs from other UAVs in the swarm. Separate QUBO path planning algorithms may be used for the first path planning algorithm and the set of second path planning algorithms. If merging criteria for combining two swarms are met, a single QUBO may be used to control all non-swarm-leader UAVs in merged swarms.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed. In some cases, the device itself may be shipped or analyzed.

Abstract: A lift dolly assembly includes a lift dolly having a base plate, a handle, and a frame. The dolly includes one or more wheels to permit the frame and the base plate to carry an object or load by tilting the dolly backwards. The assembly also includes a track, a lift mechanism, and a lift plate. These components are configured to work in communication with the dolly to support and allow the elevating and orienting of an object or load. In general operation, an object is located on a base plate 105 and is secured to a lift plate. The object may then be selectively lifted and oriented to a non-vertical orientation to allow the base of the object to extend fully outward beyond the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed. In some cases, the device itself may be shipped or analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication.