Abstract: A method for abnormality detection in an energy unit includes passively detecting an abnormality in an energy unit by detecting electromagnetic radiation generated by the abnormality, the energy unit comprising at least one of an electrical energy unit and an electrochemical energy unit. A method for detecting an abnormality in an energy unit includes (a) applying a signal to the energy unit, (b) performing a plurality of measurements, at a respective plurality of different locations within the energy unit, of a response of the energy unit to the signal, and (c) processing the plurality of measurements to identify the abnormality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting data using various Modulation on Zeros schemes are described. In many embodiments, a communication system is utilized that includes a transmitter having a modulator that modulates a plurality of information bits to encode the bits in the zeros of the z-transform of a discrete-time baseband signal. In addition, the communication system includes a receiver having a decoder configured to decode a plurality of bits of information from the samples of a received signal by: determining a plurality of zeros of a z-transform of a received discrete-time baseband signal based upon samples from a received continuous-time signal, identifying zeros that encode the plurality of information bits, and outputting a plurality of decoded information bits based upon the identified zeros.

Abstract: A set of antenna geometries for use in integrated arrays at terahertz frequencies are described. Two fabrication techniques to construct such antennas are presented. The first technique uses an advanced laser micro-fabrication, allowing fabricating advanced 3D geometries. The second technique uses photolithographic processes, allowing the fabrication of arrays on a single wafer in parallel.

Abstract: A method of forming graphene on a flexible substrate includes providing a polymer substrate including a metal structure and providing a carbon source and a carrier gas. The method also includes subjecting the polymer substrate to a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process and growing a graphene layer on the copper structure.

Abstract: A shielded bridge for a coplanar waveguide (CPW) includes a signal bridge extending from a first terminal of the CPW to a second terminal of the CPW. The signal bridge has a raised central portion that extends over a separate signal conductor. The shielded bridge for the CPW also includes a ground bridge extending from a first ground plane on a first side of the separate signal conductor to a second ground plane on a second side of the separate signal conductor. The ground bridge is positioned between the signal bridge and the separate signal conductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the invention perform lossless source coding. Nested code structures are utilized to perform Random Access Source Coding (RASC), where the number of active encoders is initially unknown. Decoders can attempt to source decode using a number of Slepian-Wolf decoders corresponding to an estimated number of sources. Multiple source encoders are configured to receive start messages and transmit portions of codewords, selected by source encoding data from sources to remove redundancy, until an end of epoch message is received.

Abstract: Disclosed herein include methods, compositions, and kits suitable for robust and tunable control of payload gene expression. Some embodiments provide rationally designed circuits, including miRNA-level and/or protein-level incoherent feed-forward loop circuits, that maintain the expression of a payload at an efficacious level. The circuit can comprise a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein comprising a payload protein, a protease, and one or more self-cleaving peptide sequences. The payload protein can comprise a degron and a cut site the protease is capable of cutting to expose the degron. The circuit can comprise a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide comprising a payload gene, a silencer effector cassette, and one or more silencer effector binding sequences.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for interfering with viability of bacteria and related compounds and compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample. Also provided herein are biosensor arrays, systems and methods for affinity based assays that are able to simultaneously obtain high quality measurements of the binding characteristics of multiple analytes, and that are able to determine the amounts of those analytes in solution. The invention also provides a fully integrated bioarray for detecting real-time characteristics of affinity based assays.

Abstract: The invention provides broadly neutralizing antibodies directed to epitopes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. The invention further provides compositions containing HIV antibodies used for prophylaxis, and methods for diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: A method and system provide for on-board localization in a unmanned aerial system (UAS). A map image if generated (using previously acquired images) of an area that the UAS is overflying. The map image is then processed by orthorectifying, referencing the map image in a global reference frame, and generating an abstract map by detecting features and locating the features in the global reference frame. The UAS is then localized by acquiring camera images during flight, selecting a subset of the camera images as localization images, detecting on-board image features (in the localization images), mapping features from the detected on-board image features to the abstract map, deleting outliers to determine an estimated 3D pose, and refining the 3D pose. The localized UAS then used to autonomously navigate the UAS.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing and measuring local pH, pOH, and other protonic species using reversible excited-state photoacids and photobases are described. Various reversible excited-state photoacids and/or photobases are described that through a dynamic sensing mechanism exhibit varied fluorescence or phosphorescence intensity based on local activity of protonic species. Photoacids and photobases can be used in combination with confocal fluorescent microscopy for quantifying local activity of protonic species.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to characterization of semiconductor structures, and more particularly to optical characterization of high-k dielectric materials. A method includes providing a semiconductor structure comprising a semiconductor and a high-k dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor, wherein the dielectric layer has electron traps formed therein. The method additionally includes at least partially transmitting an incident light having an incident energy through the high-k dielectric layer and at least partially absorbing the incident light in the semiconductor. The method additionally includes measuring a nonlinear optical spectrum resulting from the light having the energy different from the incident energy, the nonlinear optical spectrum having a first region and a second region, wherein the first region changes at a different rate in intensity compared to the second region.

Abstract: Biocomposites and related fabrication methods and systems are described, the biocomposites comprising compacted plants and/or algae cells having a water content of less than 15 wt %, and a minimized pore presence and/or dimensions, in which the compacted cells are in a lamellar stacked configuration with a plurality of lamellae arranged one above the other, each lamella independently having a thickness of 20 nm to 5 ?m and comprising a semi-crystalline structure formed by biopolymers of cell walls of the compacted plant and/or algae cells.

Abstract: A highly efficient, Z-selective ring-closing metathesis system for the formation of macrocycles using a stereoretentive, ruthenium-based catalyst supported by a dithiolate ligand is reported. This catalyst is demonstrated to be remarkably active as observed in initiation experiments showing complete catalyst initiation at ?20° C. within 10 min. Using easily accessible diene starting materials bearing a Z-olefin moiety, macrocyclization reactions generated products with significantly higher Z-selectivity in appreciably shorter reaction times, in higher yield, and with much lower catalyst loadings than in previously reported systems. Macrocyclic lactones ranging in size from twelve-membered to seventeen-membered rings are synthesized in moderate to high yields (68-79% yield) with excellent Z-selectivity (95%-99% Z).

Abstract: In an aspect, an electrochemical cell comprises: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a solid state electrolyte in ionic communication with the positive electrode and the negative electrode; wherein: the electrolyte is characterized by formula (FX1): MPS3 (FX1); wherein M is one or more metal cations and optionally metal cation vacancies; and wherein at least one of said one or more metal cations is a divalent cation; the electrolyte is characterized by a divalent ion conductivity; and the electrolyte is electrically insulating. The solid state electrolyte is optionally not an electrocatalyst material or does not function as an electrocatalyst in the electrochemical cell during operation (e.g., charging and/or discharging) of the electrochemical cell. The solid state electrolyte is optionally not an electrode or does not function as an electrode in the electrochemical cell during operation (e.g., charging and/or discharging) of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A device may include a mold body defining a mold cavity. A device may include at least one porosity channel in fluid communication with the mold cavity; and wherein the at least one porosity channel has a sufficiently high porosity to vent entrapped gases from the mold cavity during the manufacture of an output part.

Abstract: Novel monolithic reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometers (SHS) interferometer systems are presented. Monolithic systems in accordance with the invention have a single supporting structure wherein input optics, output optics, a flat mirror, a roof mirror, and a symmetric grating are affixed. Embodiments of the invention contain only fixed parts, and the optics do not move in relation to the supporting structure. Embodiments of the present invention enables smaller, lighter, and more robust reflective SHS systems as compared to conventional interferometry. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention require less time and skill for construction and maintenance, and is a better economic option. Additional embodiments can include multiple interferometer systems in a single supporting structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously herding birds in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an autonomous flock herding system, including a bird location sensor, a drone; and a control system, including a processor, and a memory, the memory containing a flock herding application, where the application directs the processor to obtain bird position data from the at least one bird location sensor, where the bird position data describes the location of birds in a flock of birds, determine if the flock of birds will enter a protected zone, generate a set of waypoints using a flock dynamics model, instruct the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate to at least one waypoint in the set of waypoints such that the flock of birds will, in response to the presence of the unmanned aerial vehicle at the at least one waypoint, change trajectory away from the protected zone.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for creating and measuring states of an entangled system, comprising a pair of interacting multi-level systems, each of systems comprising a state |g>, a state |r>, and state |r*>. One or more first electromagnetic fields excite a first transition between the ground state |g> and the state |r> to create an entangled system. One or more second electromagnetic fields are tuned between the state |r> and the intermediate state |r*> so that any population of the systems in |r*> are dark to a subsequent detection of a population in the systems in |g>, providing a means to distinguish the entangled system in the state |g> and the entangled system in the state |r>. In one or more examples, the systems comprise neutral Rydberg atoms.