Abstract: A method for increasing the temperature-resiliency of a neural network, the method comprising loading a neural network model into a resistive nonvolatile in-memory-computing chip, training the deep neural network model using a progressive knowledge distillation algorithm as a function of a teacher model, the algorithm comprising injecting, using a clean model as the teacher model, low-temperature noise values into a student model and changing, now using the student model as the teacher model, the low-temperature noises to high-temperature noises, and training the deep neural network model using a batch normalization adaptation algorithm, wherein the batch normalization adaptation algorithm includes training a plurality of batch normalization parameters with respect to a plurality of thermal variations.

Abstract: A consensus-based decentralized multi-robot approach is presented for reconstructing a discrete distribution of features, modeled as an occupancy grid map, that represent information contained in a bounded planar 2D environment, such as visual cues used for navigation or semantic labels associated with object detection. The robots explore the environment according to a random walk modeled by a discrete-time discrete-state (DTDS) Markov chain and estimate the feature distribution from their own measurements and the estimates communicated by neighboring robots, using a distributed Chernoff fusion protocol. Under this decentralized fusion protocol, each robot's feature distribution converges to the ground truth distribution in an almost sure sense.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wearable “exo-shell” to improve the gait of elderly people during obstacle avoidance tasks are disclosed. With payload and energy expenditure as a main focus of this design, the present system leverages switchable, passive systems, in combination with lightweight materials that minimize additional metabolic costs, while remaining as “transparent” to the user as possible when inactive.

Abstract: Composite material can include a matrix material, a fiber dispersed in the matrix material, and an ultraviolet (UV)-light sensitive mechanophore grafted to a surface of the fiber. A method for making a fiber-reinforced polymer composite can include contacting a fiber in a first solution, rinsing and then drying intermediate fiber, contacting dried fiber in a third solution, rinsing, and then drying the rinsed fiber thereby generating functionalized fiber that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The functionalized fiber can be combined with a polymer matrix material, cured, and irradiated, thereby generating a fiber-reinforced polymer composite.

Abstract: Multi-stage distributed beamforming for distributed mosaic wireless networks is provided. Embodiments described herein present systems, devices, and methods that provide increased range, data rate, and robustness to interference and jamming. A distributed mosaic wireless network includes a transmitter, a receiver, and one or more distributed clusters of radios referred to herein as mosaics or relay mosaics. Each mosaic consists of several distributed, cooperative radio transceivers (e.g., mosaic nodes) that relay a signal sent by the transmitter towards the receiver. In some embodiments, a single-stage beamforming technique is implemented whereby the transmitter sends a signal to a first mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to the receiver. In some embodiments, a multi-stage beamforming technique is implemented whereby the transmitter sends a signal to a first mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to a second mosaic, which then relays this signal by beamforming to the receiver.

Abstract: The performance of quantum key distribution by systems and methods that use wavelength division multiplexing and encode information using both wavelength and polarization of photons of two or more wavelengths. Multi-wavelength polarization state encoding schemes allow ternary-coded digits, quaternary-coded digits and higher-radix digits to be represented by single photons. Information expressed in a first radix can be encoded in a higher radix and combined with a string of key values to produce a datastream having all allowed digit values of that radix in a manner that allows eavesdropping to be detected without requiring the sender and receiver to exchange additional information after transmission of the information.

Abstract: Systems for physical unclonable function (“PUF”) generation, PUF devices, and methods for manufacturing PUF devices. In one implementation, the system includes a plurality of PUF devices and an electronic controller. Each of the plurality of PUF devices include a first electrochemically-inactive electrode, a second electrochemically-inactive electrode, and a layer of silicon suboxide. The layer of silicon suboxide is positioned directly between the first electrochemically-inactive electrode and the second electrochemically-inactive electrode. The electronic controller is communicably coupled to the plurality of PUF devices. The electronic controller is configured to read binary values associated with the plurality of PUF devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including those employing machine learning, utilizing one or more algorithms for relating the structure of a molecule in a library to its function are described. Embodiments described herein relate structure to function by considering the covalent structure of the molecule, the components of that structure that are common to many molecules in the library, and the properties of those components as they relate to the function in question. Applications include, for example, enhancement and amplification of the diagnostic and prognostic signals provided by peptide arrays for use in analyzing the profile of antibodies in the blood produced in response to a disease, condition or treatment.

Abstract: Collapsible branched anastomosis devices allow for the formation of percutaneous vascular anastomoses using a Seldinger wire technique. This minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for a large surgical incision and also avoids the use of time consuming hand-suturing. The devices collapse to a fraction of their expanded volume and are configured to fit within a delivery sheath for over the wire delivery through a small incision in a blood vessel.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to compositions comprising an encapsulated spheroid, and methods of making and using the same. A composition may comprise a spheroid comprising a plurality of cells and aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads, wherein the spheroid is encapsulated by the aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads to form an encapsulated spheroid. A method may comprise administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Another method may comprise administering a compound to the encapsulated spheroid. A method of creating an encapsulated spheroid may comprise coating a surface with an aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel, culturing a plurality of cells on the surface, thereby creating a spheroid, and encapsulating the spheroid with a plurality of aminoglycoside antibiotic-derived hydrogel beads.

Abstract: Methods for light-induced electroplating of aluminum are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods may comprise preparing an ionic liquid comprising aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and an organic halide, placing the silicon substrate into the ionic liquid, illuminating the silicon substrate, the illumination passing through the ionic liquid, and depositing aluminum onto the silicon substrate via a light-induced electroplating process, wherein the light-induced electroplating process utilizes an applied current that does not exceed a photo-generated current generated by the illumination.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and associated method for generating a valid mapping for a computational loop on a CGRA are disclosed herein. In particular, the method includes generating randomized schedules within particular constraints to explore greater mapping spaces than previous approaches. Further, the system and related method employs a feasibility test to test validity of each schedule such that mappings are only generated from valid schedules.

Abstract: Assessing a thermal conductivity of a viscoelastic material in a steady state using a conduction method includes i) allowing a sample of the viscoelastic material to reach thermal equilibrium in a liquid at a first temperature, ii) assessing a heat flow of the sample at the first temperature, iii) repeating i) and ii) at one or more additional temperatures, and iv) assessing the thermal conductivity of the viscoelastic material based on the heat flow of the sample at the first temperature and the one or more additional temperatures, a cross-sectional area of the sample, and a temperature-thickness gradient of the sample at thermal equilibrium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for screening therapeutic compositions for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or for the prevention of progression of AMD, wherein retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE) are cultured and the level of hypoxia-induced exosome release from the RPE cells is subsequently measured. In the present invention, the level of hypoxia-induced exosome release can be correlated with AMD onset and severity.

Abstract: A phosphorescent emitter or delayed fluorescent and phosphorescent emitters represented by Formula I or Formula II, where M is platinum or palladium.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a transparent organic light emitting device and a quarter-wave plate. The transparent organic light emitting device includes a chiral complex emitter and produces circularly polarized light, and the quarter-wave plate converts the circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light. Generating linearly polarized light includes generating circularly polarized light via a transparent organic light emitting device including a chiral complex emitter, and passing the circularly polarized light through a quarter-wave plate to yield linearly polarized light.

Abstract: A two-step thermochemical reactor and method are disclosed. The reactor includes a housing and a reactor cavity formed within, and surrounded by, thermal insulation within the housing. The reactor cavity includes at least one unit cell, each cell having an electric heat source and a reactive material. The reactor also includes a feedstock inlet and a product outlet in fluid communication with the reactor cavity. The reactor also includes a reducing configuration, with the inlet being closed and the electric heat source of each unit cell being driven to thermally reduce the reactive material at a first temperature, releasing oxygen into the cavity. The reactor also has a splitting configuration where the reactive material is at a second temperature that is lower than the first, the feedstock inlet open and introducing feedstock gas into the cavity to reoxidize the reactive material and split into a product gas.

Abstract: A system for failure detection tools is disclosed. The system may include at least one user device, an application server, and a failure detection system, each of which may be in communication with one or more of the others via at least one network. The failure detection system may receive first data from a data source, process the first data to generate second data, apply a statistical modeling algorithm to make a prediction relating to the first data or the second data, and communicate data relating to the prediction and/or a trend related to the first data or the second data to the user device for displaying at least a portion of the data relating to the prediction and/or the trend on a display of the user device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and methods for audio source separation via multi-scale feature learning are disclosed.

Abstract: A safety-guaranteed control system for automated vehicles (AVs) considers both vehicle and tire stabilities on varying road conditions. Conventional AV control systems may not be sufficient to adequately handle control-dependent and time-varying safety constraints. The system integrates control-dependent barrier functions (CDBF) and time-varying CBFs (TCBFs) with control Lyapunov functions (CLFs) in a quadratic programming problem.