Abstract: A method and system for performing closed loop simulation of a computer model of a physical system and a hardware component of the physical system is provided. An input waveform for the component from the simulated model of the physical system using an initial waveform as a response waveform of the component is generated at a simulation processor. The input waveform is sent from the simulation processor through a network to a real-time playback and record device (RTPR). The RTPR plays back the input waveform in real time to the component and receives a response waveform of the component and provides the response waveform to the simulation processor. Waveform relaxation (WR) converging methods are utilized at the simulation processor to enable convergence of the generated waveforms affected by hardware induced distortions. A WR method with the generated waveforms are performed to provide a closed loop response of the component.

Abstract: Compositions for therapy of a diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy a subject in need thereof, the compositions comprising: an effective amount of a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist exemplified by pirenzepine, telenzepine, atropine, or derivatives thereof or salts thereof or analogs thereof or derivatives thereof, and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The composition may be injectable or alternatively, may be applied topically or alternatively, may be delivered orally. A suitable topical composition may comprise a lotion, a cream, a gel, or a viscous fluid. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist may be a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist salt or a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist derivative or a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist analog.

Abstract: A new passive wireless electric field sensor is disclosed. This sensor does not require direct attachment to a source of power which makes it passive. It is composed of a resonator loaded with varactors. The sensor is interrogated by a remotely located device transmitting and receiving the pulses of sine wave in the resonance frequency range of the sensor. Therefore, the sensor can be mounted in the vicinity of high voltage apparatus and interrogated from a safe distance.

Abstract: A method to predict the catalytic activity of a metal oxide of formula MxOy where x is a number from 1 to 3 and y is a number from 1 to 8 is provided. The metal of the metal oxide has redox coupled oxidation states wherein the redox transformation is between oxidation states selected from the group consisting of a diamagnetic oxidation state (Md+) and a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+), a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+) and a ferromagnetic oxidation state (Mf+), and a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+) and an antiferromagnetic oxidation state (Ma+)where d, p, f and a are independently numbers from 1 to 6 and one of the oxidation states (Md+), (Mp+), (Mf+), and (Ma+) is formed by reduction by the O2?. The magnetic susceptibility of the metal oxide as a sample in an oxygen environment at a specified temperature is correlated with a value of (Md+ or Mp+ or Mf+ or Ma+)/g (O2 rich).

Abstract: A method to predict the catalytic activity of a metal oxide of formula MxOy where x is a number from 1 to 3 and y is a number from 1 to 8 is provided. The metal of the metal oxide has redox coupled oxidation states wherein the redox transformation is between oxidation states selected from the group consisting of a diamagnetic oxidation state (Md+) and a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+), a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+) and a ferromagnetic oxidation state (Mf+), and a paramagnetic oxidation state (Mp+) and an antiferromagnetic oxidation state (Ma+)where d, p, f and a are independently numbers from 1 to 6 and one of the oxidation states (Md+), (Mp+), (Mf+), and (Ma+) is formed by reduction by the O2?. The magnetic susceptibility of the metal oxide as a sample in an oxygen environment at a specified temperature is correlated with a value of (Md+ or Mp+ or Mf+ or Ma+)/g (O2 rich).

Abstract: Textile fibers and textiles produced from Brassica plants retain properties that are favorable for textile manufacture. Also described are textiles manufactured from the textile fibers produced from the Brassica plants which exhibit properties that are favorable for apparel and domestic applications, as well as industrial applications. Methods for producing the textile fibers from Brassica plants are further described.

Abstract: A two-part aortic annular support system for supporting an aortic annulus during aortic valve repair procedures for prevention of further annular dilation. The first part comprises a composite annular ring that is positionable from within an aortic valve into the left ventricular outflow tract at the level of annular plane. The composite ring comprises a semi-rigid section and a resiliently deformable section. The semi-rigid section is shorter in length than the deformable section. The deformable section is extendible into a commissure of the aortic valve. The second part is a resilient band that is positionable external to the aortic root. The resilient band is securable to the composite ring through the aortic annulus by suturing. The present disclosure also relates to a use of the aortic annular support system and a method of inserting and securing the aortic annular support system during a surgical intervention.

Abstract: The Mito-Ob obese mouse model overexpresses the mitochondrial protein prohibitin (PHB). Mito-Ob male mice develop insulin resistance in addition to obesity and they do not develop overt diabetes. It has been discovered that these mice also spontaneously develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocarcinogenesis over time. Also described is a mutant Mito-Ob mouse that develops lymphadenopathy and histiocytosis.

Abstract: A reagent includes an element, formally in oxidation state zero, in complex with a hydride molecule and an incorporated ligand. The incorporated ligand typically has surface active properties. The reagent, termed a Ligated Anionic Element Reagent Complex, can be useful in synthesis of elemental nanoparticles. A method for synthesizing the aforementioned reagent includes a step of ball-milling a mixture containing an elemental powder, bulk hydride molecule, and bulk ligand. The components of the reagent, once complexed, have altered electronic structure and vibrational modes.

Abstract: A system and methods for screening patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a sound detection device configured for detecting tracheal respiratory sound signals of a patient and a Sao2 detection device for detecting SaO2 signals of the patient. The system also has a head position detection device for detecting the head positions of the patient during testing, and a processing module for receiving and analyzing the tracheal respiratory sound signals to extract sound data and the Sao2 signals to extract blood oxygen saturation data. The processing module further receives and analyzes the head position signals captured by the head position detection device to generate head position data. The system may further include a display for displaying information about the various data generated by the processing module.

Abstract: Compositions and kits for modulating expression of scleraxis and/or collagen synthesis in mammalian cells and tissues. The compositions and kits comprise a protein comprising an amino acid sequence that shares at least 75% homology with SEQ ID NO:11. Proteins comprising amino acid sequences that share at least 75% homology with SEQ ID NO: 11 are expressed by mutants of scleraxis gene wherein a nucleotide sequence comprising a basic DNA binding domain has been deleted. Such mutants are exemplified by basic domain deletion Scx?BD mutants that comprise nucleotide sequences sharing at least 75% homology with SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO: 10. Methods for modulating fibrosis in a subject comprising administration of a composition comprising at least one physiologically effective dosage of a protein comprising a polypeptide molecule comprising an amino acid sequence that shares at least 75% homology with SEQ ID NO: 11.

Abstract: A solid state sensor may be used to down-convert microwave signal into a low-frequency voltage or current signal, where its phase still carries the information of a measured continuous wave (CW) microwave phase. Two CW microwaves may be mixed and a solid state sensor used to rectify the mixed microwave into a direct voltage or current signal. The measurement system may include an input node for receiving a microwave signal from a source from which the output microwave is coherently split into two parts by a microwave power divider. Each part may travel in a separate path and couple at the solid state sensor. A lock-in amplifier coupled to the solid state sensor may be used to determine simultaneously a magnitude and phase of the microwave signals received from the microwave source.

Abstract: A system and methods using tracheal sound intensity variations to screen patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea during wakefulness. The system includes a mechanism positioning the patient and a sound input device attached to a recording device to receive breathing sound signals. A signal conditioning component amplifies and filters the breathing sound signals, and an analog to digital component digitizes the signals. A detecting component detects onsets of respiratory phases, and a separating component separates inspiratory sound signals and expiratory sound signals from the breathing sound signals. A segmenting component segments the inspiratory and expiratory phase signals into a short duration of overlapping windows, and a collection characteristic extraction component obtains characteristics from each window.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) having at least two deflectable membranes. The membranes are spaced from each other, and the membranes contribute to and/or are responsive to receive or transmit an ultrasonic signal. Spacing between the at least two deflectable membranes is adjustable through application of a voltage to cause deflection of at least one of the deflectable membranes, to affect the receive/transmit properties of the CMUT.

Abstract: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect of the diaphragm, causing abdominal viscera to herniate into the thorax. A common genetic cause for CDH and the associated abnormal lung development has not been identified. We have found that human fetal hypoplastic CDH lungs have a specific microRNA miR-200/miR-10a signature, which changes in response to fetal therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides uses and methods for using compositions comprising a tetrabrachion protein from Staphylothermus marinus or a fragment thereof for detecting and/or recovering a chemical element from a solution or a suspension. The fragment of the tetrabrachion protein includes the right handed coiled coil (RHCC).

Abstract: Gentisic acid sodium salt is shown to be useful as a treatment to improve systemic hemodynamics, hepatic mitochondrial function and lactic acidemia in patients with septic shock.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing ferromagnetic manganese-bismuth (MnBi) nanoparticles, and the MnBi nanoparticles so synthesized, are provided. The method makes use of a novel reagent termed a manganese-based Anionic Element Reagent Complex (Mn-LAERC). A process for forming a bulk MnBi magnet from the synthesized MnBi nanoparticles is also provided. The process involves simultaneous application of elevated temperature and pressure to the nanoparticles.

Abstract: An obese mouse model was developed by overexpressing the mitochondrial protein prohibitin (PHB) in white adipose tissue (WAT) specific manner driven by adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) promoter. These mice begin to develop obesity as a result of mitochondrial remodeling (upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and function) in WAT.

Abstract: There are provided processes for treating wastewater. The processes can comprise treating a mixture comprising the wastewater and an activated sludge, in a single reactor, with an electric current having a density of less than about 55 A/m2, by means of at least one anode and at least one cathode that define therebetween an electrical zone for treating the mixture; exposing the mixture to an intermittent ON/OFF electrical exposure mode to the electric current in which an OFF period of time is about 1 to about 10 times longer than an ON period of time; and maintaining an adequate oxidation-reduction potential in the single reactor. Such processes allow for substantial removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater in the single reactor of various forms and for obtaining another mixture comprising a treated wastewater and solids.