Abstract: A control circuit for an isolated power converter includes a first sensing circuit that senses a secondary side output voltage and produces a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to a value of the secondary side output voltage. The PWM is transferred a cross the converter isolation barrier to the primary side, and a primary side circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a control signal. A controller determines the value of the secondary side output voltage from the control signal and uses the value to control primary side power switching devices of the isolated power converter to regulate the secondary side output voltage at a selected value.

Abstract: Methods of preparing nicotinamide riboside and derivatives thereof, are described. In an aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a compound of formula (II), or a salt, or solvate thereof: wherein n is 0 or 1; Y is O or S; m is 1; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted primary or secondary amino, and substituted or unsubstituted azido; and R2-R5 are each H.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of biomarker LRG1 as a biomarker for preeclampsia for use from the first trimester. Elevated levels of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) can predict risk for the future development of preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The predictive test will comprise the measurement of LRG1 protein, peptide fragment, DNA or RNA, from either blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva or amniotic fluid. The invention provides a method and a test kit to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant woman. The method or test can utilise antibodies to measure levels of LGR1 in a sample.

Abstract: Methods, probe sets, kits, and compositions for gene deletion assays are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods relate to preparing probes for a deletion assay, performing a deletion assay, or optimizing a deletion assay. In some embodiments, the methods and probe sets can provide reduced artifactual deletion frequency, for example, when analyzing samples subject to truncation artifacts. In some embodiments, the methods and probe sets can distinguish between small and large deletions.

Abstract: A cloud communication architecture addresses shortcomings of traditional security protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS) in cloud computing, providing security for data-in-transit and authenticity of cloud users (CUs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). The architecture also protects the communication channel against attacks such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) (including eavesdropping, sniffing, identity spoofing, data tampering), sensitive information disclosure, replay, compromised-key, repudiation and session hijacking attacks. The architecture includes a high-performance cloud-focussed security protocol. The protocol efficiently utilizes the strength and speed of features such as symmetric block encryption with Galois/Counter mode (GCM), cryptographic hash, public key cryptography, and ephemeral key-exchange, and provides faster reconnection facility for supporting frequent connectivity and dealing with connection trade-offs. Embodiments have enhanced security against the above-noted attacks, and are superior to TLSv1.

Abstract: A method for generating a propagation and velocity maps for cardiac wavefront propagation including cardiac arrhythmia, sinus rhythm, and paced rhythm. Activation time information is generated in the absence of any time alignment reference, wherein an estimated activation time is a weighted summation of potentially nonlinear and nonorthogonal candidate functions (CFs) selected from a bank of CFs. Time alignments between sequential recordings may be done by including binary level functions among selected CFs. Embodiments are applicable to single catheter mapping and sequential mapping, and are robust as confirmed by the ability to generate propagation maps and conduction velocity in the presence of multiple colliding wavefronts. The propagation and conduction velocity maps may be used for one or more of diagnosing cardiac arrhythmia, localizing cardiac arrhythmia, guiding catheter ablation therapy of cardiac arrhythmia, and guiding cardiac pacing therapy.

Abstract: A photonic device configured to perform matrix vector multiplication operations at high frequencies is provided. The vector being multiplied by the matrix is defined by vector components at specific wavelengths. The device includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A series of tunable microring resonators (MRRs) are coupled to the first waveguide and to a respective series of passive delay rings (PDRs), which are coupled to the second waveguide. Each MRR/PDR pair defines a tunable matrix component (tunable weight) for a respective wavelength component of the vector. A series of controllable delay elements (CDEs) such as all-pass filters are coupled to the first waveguide, upstream from the tunable MRRs. Any tuning dependent group delay caused by the MRR/PDR pairs can be compensated by controlling the CDEs such that each wavelength components has substantially a same delay as the other wavelength components.

Abstract: A biobased additive is provided that is both a nucleating and a reinforcing agent when added to thermoplastic polyester (e.g., biopolyesters). A composite material, which is an additive-reinforced biopolyester, was prepared and improved thermo-mechanical properties were quantified. This composite material is a new class of biobased material that offers a sustainable, environmentally-friendly solution for packaging and other applications.

Abstract: An antenna for a body-centric wireless communication system comprises first and second radiating structures between which is located a ground plane and a feed structure. The feed structure comprises a feed line extending between the first radiating structure and the ground plane, and a slot formed in the ground plane. A pair of shorting posts connects the first radiating structure to the ground plane. The antenna is capable of simultaneously generating in-body radiation, on-body radiation and off-body radiation in the same frequency band.

Abstract: An etchant is described that includes an N-heterocyclic carbene and optionally an appropriate solvent. The etchant was effective at etching a metallic surface having, for example, a metal oxide and/or metal, in both solution phase and vapour-phase. The etchant has been shown to effectively etch oxidized copper and tungsten.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making nicotinoyl riboside compounds or derivatives of formula (I): wherein X?, Z1, Z2, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 are described herein, reduced analogs thereof, modified derivatives thereof, phosphorylated analogs thereof, and adenylyl dinucleotide conjugates thereof, or salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof, and novel crystalline forms thereof.

Abstract: Anionic switchable hydrophilicity solvents (ASHS) that can be reversibly converted between hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms are described. The ASHS comprise a carboxylic acid, a water-soluble base, water, and addition and removal of an acidic gas (CO2) effects the conversion between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms. A system and method for forming the ASHS are described, as well as applications utilizing the ASHS, including a method for separating a selected substance from a mixture, a method of removing gas from polymeric foam, and a method of extracting a hydrophobic material from a solid that is at least partially coated by the hydrophobic material.

Abstract: The present application provides stable, carbene-functionalized composite materials, and methods and uses thereof. These carbene-functionalized composite materials comprise a material having a metal surface, and a carbene monolayer that is uniform, contaminant-free (metal oxide, etc), and more stable than thiol-functionalized monolayers. Uses of such carbene-functionalized composite materials include semi-conducting materials, microelectronic devices, drug delivery or sensing applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting desired Mycobacterium species in a sample, the method comprising the steps of: a) mixing mycobacteriophage-coupled paramagnetic particles with the sample to form a reaction mixture under conditions suitable to allow the mycobacteriophage to bind to any mycobacteriophage-sensitive Mycobacterium species present in the sample; b) applying a magnetic field to the sample to collect, and separate, mycobacteriophage-coupled paramagnetic particles with bound desired Mycobacterium species; c) incubating a suspension of the separated paramagnetic particles with bound Mycobacterium species under conditions to allow the mycobacteriophage to replicate inside viable Mycobacterium species cells and to lyse the viable Mycobacterium species cells; d) recovering, from the incubated suspension, nucleotide, optionally DNA, of lysed Mycobacterium species DNA; and e) analysing the nucleotide, optionally DNA, released from the lysed Mycobacterium species to identify a signature nucleoti

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage device has at least two half cells, wherein each half cell includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive high surface area material incorporating an electrolyte comprising a dissolved species that can exist in more than two redox states, and at least one separator that separates the at least two half cells and allows transfer of selected charge carriers between the half cells. After an initial charging, a redox pair of one half cell is different from the redox pair of the other half cell. The hybrid energy storage device operates as a battery for low power applications, and as a supercapacitor for high power applications. The hybrid energy storage device may be flexible.

Abstract: Compounds that are inhibitors of retinoic acid inducible P450 (CYP26) enzymes. The compounds have retinoid activity, are resistant to CYP26-mediated catabolism, act as inhibitors of CYP26B1, and are used for treating diseases that are responsive to retinoids.

Abstract: A method of exfoliating layered, shearable material is described. Examples are provided including exfoliation of graphite to form graphene nanoplatelets. Also described is a machine for preparing nanoplatelets that includes a chamber whose volume can be increased by pressure exerted by the exfoliated product. Composites of graphene nanoplatelets and polyamide exhibited improved flexural modulus compared to that of graphite composites while impact strength was unaffected.

Abstract: A method for simulating a deep-brain stimulation in a computer-assisted platform that includes providing to a neurosurgeon, through a man-machine interface, visual information of a pre-operative situation, including a representation of a brain. The method also includes monitoring inputs of said neurosurgeon on the man-machine interface, until a trajectory is determined between an entry point and a target for the placement of an electrode. The method further includes comparing said trajectory to a set of previously-established trajectories for the pre-operative situation, so as to determine an overall measurement representative of a quality of the trajectory compared to the previously-established trajectories.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making nicotinoyl riboside compounds or derivatives of formula (I): wherein X?, Z1, Z2, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 are described herein, reduced analogs thereof, modified derivatives thereof, phosphorylated analogs thereof, and adenylyl dinucleotide conjugates thereof, or salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof; and novel crystalline forms thereof.

Abstract: A control circuit for an isolated power converter includes a first sensing circuit that senses a secondary side output voltage and produces a pulse wave modulation (PWM) signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to a value of the secondary side output voltage. The PWM is transferred across the converter isolation barrier to the primary side, and a primary side circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a control signal. A controller determines the value of the secondary side output voltage from the control signal and uses the value to control primary side power switching devices of the isolated power converter to regulate the secondary side output voltage at a selected value.