Abstract: A system and method are described for assessing muscle parameters (e.g., force(s) exerted, force dynamics, strength, voluntary muscle movement, etc.) in a diagnostic or therapeutic environment. The muscle parameter assessment system includes a force-gauging device and a computing device. The force-gauging device includes at least one pressure-sensing component (e.g., transducer, pressure sensor, etc.) configured to respond to a force applied by a subject and produce one or more output signals. The force-gauging device can further include electronic circuitry configured to convert the output signals into data indicative of a muscle parameter. The computing device is configured to build a muscle assessment protocol based on one or more patient characteristics and/or user input. The computing device is further configured to execute one or more muscle assessments via the force-gauging device, receive data from the force-gauging device, and determine one or more muscle measurements for a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions useful for localized and sustained release of therapeutic agents, and more particularly to functionalized liposomes embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer. Methods of preparing the compositions, methods of treating diseases, devices, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for rapid amplification of nucleic acids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mixing a reaction solution during amplification of nucleic acids and to methods for amplifying nucleic acids. Also disclosed are methods for lysing cells in a sample and amplifying nucleic acids.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing reactive lignin and for preparing a bio-based adhesive are described herein.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is provided herein, and methods of making and using the non-naturally occurring PRRSV also are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for treating a mammal having a Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be configured for fire suppression and ignition. In some examples, the UAV includes an aerial propulsion system, an ignition system, and a control system. The ignition system includes a container of delayed-ignition balls and a dropper configured, by virtue of one or more motors, to actuate and drop the delayed-ignition balls. The control system is configured to cause the UAV to fly to a site of a prescribed burn and, while flying over the site of the prescribed burn, actuate one or more of the delayed-ignition balls. After actuating the one or more delayed-ignition balls, the UAV drops the actuated one or more delayed-ignition balls from the UAV onto the site of the prescribed burn.

Abstract: A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure configure to contact each of a material in a liquid phase and a material in a vapor phase, the solid structure including a plurality of microstructures protruding at angles relative to a horizontal plane; and a layer of nanoparticles positioned on the plurality of microstructures, the layer of nanoparticles having a composition that is at least one of a same material as the plurality of microstructures and an oxide of the same material as the plurality of microstructures, the plurality of microstructures defining one or more valleys, each of the one or more valleys positioned between the layer of nanoparticles of adjacent microstructures of the plurality of microstructures, the one or more valleys configured to govern at least one of a size and a shape of a bubble of the material in the vapor phase.

Abstract: In an example, a conductive concrete structure disclosed. The conductive concrete can include a plurality of conductive side structures defining an interior of the conductive concrete structure and a plurality of conductive concrete partitions disposed within the interior of the conductive concrete structure. The plurality of conductive concrete partitions are arranged to define a labyrinth within the conductive concrete structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining fast, spin-polarized electrons from an edge or tip or cusp of a target material, e.g., a sharp GaAs crystal edge or tip, or a cusp, which naturally incorporates optical reversibility. A source of fast spin-polarized electrons may include a target material including a sharp tip or tip portion or a sharp edge or a cusp, the tip or tip portion including at least two intersecting edges, and a pulsed light source configured to emit one or more light pulses focused on the sharp tip or tip portion or the sharp edge or the cusp to thereby induce emission of spin-polarized electrons from the sharp tip or tip portion or the sharp edge or the cusp of the target material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating tunable x-ray emissions including a tunable x-ray source that includes a driver, such as a laser, configured to generate one or more driver pulses, such as one or more laser pulses, and a target source configured to emit a target material. The target source is arranged so that the emitted target material intersects a propagation axis of the driver pulse(s) and the target source may be configured so that the emitted target material has a tailored density profile along the propagation axis of the driver pulse(s), the tailored density profile along the propagation axis having a first density peak region followed by a lower density region followed by a second density peak region, e.g., in an “M” shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA vaccine or immunogenic composition expressing consensus hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HEF) protein (FluD-Vax) and a protein-based vaccine utilizing the HEF consensus protein. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided herein.

Abstract: A wind energy to compressed fluid conversion system has a compressor to compress fluid when the wind energy exceeds a capacity limit of the generator. Instead of trimming blades to create mechanical spillage, excess energy is converted and stored, and can furnish power when the generator experiences a capacity vacancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining plants that exhibit useful traits by transient suppression of the MSH1 gene of the plants. Methods for identifying genetic loci that provide for useful traits in plants and plants produced with those loci are also provided. In addition, plants that exhibit the useful traits, parts of the plants including seeds, and products of the plants are provided as well as methods of using the plants.

Abstract: Perovskite single crystal X-ray and gamma-ray radiation detector devices include an X-ray and gamma-ray wavelength responsive active layer including a perovskite single crystal. The perovskite single crystal is a perovskite single crystal having a structure of ABX3, wherein A is methylammonium (CH3NH3+), CS+, formamidinum (H2NCHNH2+), or Rb+ or a mixture thereof, B is Pb2+ which can be partially or completely replaced by other ions including Bi3+, Sb3+, Sn2+ or a mixture thereof, and X is a halide anion, thiocyanate (SCN?) or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel acyltransferases and methods of using such novel acyltransferases in making medium-chain fatty acids.

Abstract: A wind turbine generator fault detection method is described. The method includes obtaining a first signal from a generator of a wind turbine and a second signal from a vibration sensor coupled to the wind turbine, the first signal representing an output current of the generator, and the second signal being a time-sampled signal representing vibrations of a bearing in the wind turbine. Determining a shaft rotation frequency signal from the first signal, the shaft rotation frequency signal representing a time-varying rotational speed of a shaft of the wind turbine. Resampling an envelope of the second signal based on the shaft rotation frequency signal to provide a third signal, the third signal being an angular sampled signal. Detecting, by the at least one processor, a fault in the bearing of the wind turbine by identifying a characteristic signature of a bearing fault in the third signal.

Abstract: Perovskite-based photoactive devices, such as solar cells, include an insulating tunneling layer inserted between the perovskite photoactive material and the electron collection layer to reduce charge recombination and concomitantly provide water resistant properties to the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to hair styling compositions and processes, and more particularly to compositions for disentangling or crosslinking hair that are useful in hair styling processes.

Abstract: A device includes a capacitive sensor having a hydrogel structure that includes a first surface and a second surface. A first electrode is provided at the first surface of the hydrogel structure, the first electrode including a network of conductive nanoparticles extending into the hydrogel structure. A second electrode is provided at the second surface of the hydrogel structure.