Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated sensor network are described. In one embodiment, sensor data may be accessed from a plurality of motion sensors and a bed sensor deployed in a living unit for a first time period. An activity pattern for the first time period may be identified based on at least a portion of sensor data associated with the first time period. The activity pattern may represent a physical and cognitive health condition of a person residing in the living unit. Additional sensor data may be accessed from the motion sensors and the bed sensor deployed for a second time period. A determination of whether a deviation of the activity pattern of the first time period has occurred for the second time period may be performed. An alert may be generated based on a determination that the derivation has occurred. In some embodiments, user feedback is captured on the significance of the alerts, and the alert method is customized based on this feedback. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and low-cost detection method for screening a biological sample for one or more desired bacterial species. The inventive method employs a two-step multiplex real-time PCR assay that comprises an internal amplification control and specific primer sets to detect and discriminate bacterial species based the unique melting temperatures of specific DNA sequences of each strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method for the synthesis and purification of 1) the polyhedral borane decahydrodecaborate and dodecahydrododecaborate anions and their salts and 2) amines and amine boranes. The organoammonium halide is combined with alkali metal tetrahydroborate to form organoammonium tetrahydroborate, which upon pyrolysis provides organoammonium decahydrodecaborate and organoammonium dodecahydrododecaborate.

Abstract: A thruster operable in a chemical mode or in an electrospray mode using the same liquid monopropellant for operation in both modes is described having a multiplicity of a microthrusters made of a catalytic material having a bore therethrough, where, when operated in the chemical mode, the microthrusters are heated to decompose the monopropellant the monopropellant flows therethrough to generate relatively high thrust. An extractor is positioned downstream of the outlet ends of the microthrusters, such that when the system is operated in its electrospray mode the flowrate of the monopropellant through the microthrusters is substantially lower than in the chemical mode and the extractor is energized with an electric field so that ions and droplets are discharged from the microthrusters and accelerated so as to yield a relatively high specific impulse.

Abstract: A switchable radiation source device includes a primary source assembly that emits primary radiation, and a target assembly in which, upon irradiation of the target assembly by the primary radiation, secondary radiation or radioactivity is produced. An alignment, proximity or exposure of the primary source assembly to the target assembly is adjustable to control irradiation of the target assembly by the primary radiation and thereby control the production of secondary radiation or radioactivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to 3D printed zeolite scaffolds. The zeolite scaffolds can be used as a catalyst for methanol to olefin (MTO) conversion and hydrocarbon cracking processes.

Abstract: Novel photocleavable drug conjugates for forming drug depots comprise drugs attached to photocleavable groups. In one embodiment, the drug is linked via photocleavable group(s) to a polymer chain to form a photocleavable drug-polymer conjugate that generally forms the depot matrix. In another embodiment, the drug is crosslinked via photocleavable group(s) to themselves to form a photocleavable drug conjugate that generally forms the depot.

Abstract: Media, kits, and methods for cultivation of mammalian embryos from fertilized oocyte stage to blastocyst stage in the presence of N-benzyl-3,5-dicarbethoxy-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine. The use of this supplement improves the early embryonic development, in particular the quality of zygotes and the blastocyst formation. The supplemented media can be used with pigs, humans, or other mammals N-benzyl-3,5-dicarbethoxy-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine may be added to known media, and used for with vitro fertilization methods.

Abstract: Catalysts and processing useful in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) are provided. Catalyst are composed of nickel (Ni) nanoparticles supported on a hollow fiber substrate, such as an ?-Al2O3 hollow fiber. The nickel (Ni) nanoparticles can be deposited onto the hollow fiber substrate support by atomic layer deposition. If desired, one or more layers of an overcoat of a promoter can be applied to increase catalyst performance such as in the reforming of methane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved therapy for the treatment of cancer, which comprises the step of altering cell membrane lipid composition by treating a cancer cell with an enzyme inhibitor which inhibits enzymes regulating the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. One preferred protein target in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway to inhibit is oxidosqualene cyclase. In some forms, inhibitors of one or more pathways are combined with an existing chemotherapeutic agent to combat drug resistance and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of conventional therapy.

Abstract: A reaction cell for a flow battery having flow channels positioned within a recess of a non-porous and non-brittle housing that is also a dielectric. Positioning the flow channels within the recess eliminates the need for end plates, gaskets, and insulators of conventional designs. A current collector and an electrode within the recess have areas approximately equal to the area of the recess such that they fit within the recess and maximize the contact area between them.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and using polypeptides that target hepatic stellate cells are described. Embodiments include a targeting composition that may include one or more polypeptides including an amino acid sequence that binds to an insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor. Other embodiments relate to targeting systems that may include a one or more polypeptides including an amino acid sequence that binds to an insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor of hepatic stellate cells. Further embodiments relate to methods for treating health disorders in which the methods include the targeting composition or targeting systems as well as an agent capable of treating the disorder.

Abstract: High-resolution 3D optical polarization tractography (OPT) images of the internal fiber structure of a target tissue. Manipulation of dual-angle imaging data of the fiber orientation inside a target tissue leads to the determination of 3D imaging properties of the target tissue, allowing transmission of the 3D image properties of the target tissue to an OPT processor to produce high-resolution 3D images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to manufacture nanowires. In various embodiments, a method is provided for producing an oxidized non-zinc metal layer as a heterogeneous seed layer on arbitrary substrate for controlled nanowire growth is disclosed which comprises depositing a metal layer at low temperature on a substrate, oxidizing the metal layer in air ambient or in oxidizing agent, and growing nanowires at low temperatures on oxidized metal layers on virtually any substrate.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low noise thermoelectric dehumidifier that includes a heat pipe array, a condensing heat sink, an air intake duct, and a thermoelectric cooler. A first air flow is directed over the condensing heat sink that is cooled by the thermoelectric cool such that the first air flow is dehumidified by the cooled condensing heat sink. Heat is removed from a hot side of the thermoelectric cooler via the heat pipe array. A second air flow is directed over the heat pipe array such that the heat extracted from the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler is extracted and circulated back into the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a porous material, at least compris-ing the steps of providing a mixture (I) comprising a composition (A) at least comprising at least one polyfunctional isocyanate as component (ai) and at least one mineral acid (aa), and a sol-vent (B), reacting the components in the composition (A) obtaining an organic gel, and drying of the gel obtained. The invention further relates to the porous materials which can be obtained in this way and the use of the porous materials as thermal insulation material and as catalysts.

Abstract: A thermally driven heat pump includes a low temperature evaporator for evaporating cooling fluid to remove heat A first heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a first ejector receives a flow of primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the first ejector for condensing a portion of the cooling fluid vapor An absorber located in the first heat exchanger absorbs cooling fluid vapor into an absorbing fluid to reduce the pressure in the first heat exchanger A second heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a second ejector receives primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the second ejector for condensing the cooling fluid vapor and the primary fluid vapor A separator in communication with the second ejector, the low temperature evaporator and the primary fluid evaporator separates the primary fluid from the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Provided are nanograting structures and methods of fabrication thereof that allow for stable, robust gratings and nanostructure embedded gratings that enhance electromagnetic field, fluorescence, and photothermal coupling through surface plasmon or, photonic resonance. The gratings produced exhibit long term stability of the grating structure and improved shelf life without degradation of the properties such as fluorescence enhancement. Embodiments of the invention build nanograting structures layer-by-layer to optimize structural and optical properties and to enhance durability.

Abstract: Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Abstract: A method for separating an amount of osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided. In particular, method for forming and trapping OsO4 to separate the osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided.