Abstract: A cytokine-based multi-epitope protein for binding to CC-chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7)-positive cells, including immunomodulatory molecules. The immunomodulatory molecules include a truncated granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), truncated chemokines, a truncated interleukin 1 beta (IL-1?), and a chemokine secretory signal peptide. The truncated chemokines include a truncated CC-chemokine ligand-19 (CCL19) and a truncated CC-chemokine ligand-21 (CCL21). Each of the truncated chemokines includes a respective DCCL motif, a respective putative receptor binding cleft, and a respective putative glycosaminoglycan binding site.

Abstract: A circuit for power transmission through a single conductive element. The circuit includes an oscillator, a single conductive element, and a load. The oscillator is configured to generate a periodic voltage. The single conductive element is connected in series with the oscillator. The load is connected in series with the single conductive element. The load includes a first diode, a first resistor, and a first inductor. The first diode is connected in series with the single conductive element. The first resistor is connected in series with the first diode. The first inductor is connected between the first diode and the single conductive element. The first inductor is connected in series with the first resistor.

Abstract: An improved method of clustering wireless sensor networks includes selecting cluster heads in the network based on a score calculated for each node. The score is calculated based on one or more predetermined criteria of each node and determines which node is selected as a cluster head among one or more nodes in the vicinity of each other. As a result, the score of each cluster head node at the time of its selection is higher than or the same as its cluster node members. Moreover, the cluster heads may be selected such that they are not located in close proximity to each other and are fairly distributed in the environment. The duration of this decentralized clustering process is finite and predetermined and does not depend on the number of nodes and the size of the network.

Abstract: An improved method of clustering wireless sensor networks includes selecting cluster heads in the network based on a score calculated for each node. The score is calculated based on one or more predetermined criteria of each node and determines which node is selected as a cluster head among one or more nodes in the vicinity of each other. As a result, the score of each cluster head node at the time of its selection is higher than or the same as its cluster node members. Moreover, the cluster heads may be selected such that they are not located in close proximity to each other and are fairly distributed in the environment. The duration of this decentralized clustering process is finite and predetermined and does not depend on the number of nodes and the size of the network.

Abstract: An improved method of dynamically scheduling clustering operations in a network includes determining if one or more conditions for reclustering are met before deciding to perform the next reclustering operation. Therefore, to achieve load balancing for a network, the method of dynamically scheduling clustering operations schedules reclustering operations only at required times. This may be based on various factors such as remaining node energy, node movements, the number of nodes in the clusters, and/or other conditions of the nodes in the network. Therefore, by, tuning the reclustering time dynamically, the method effectively controls the clustering overhead throughout the network lifetime and handles the mobility of nodes.

Abstract: A method for squalene extraction from a seed oil includes converting fatty acids of the seed oil into soap by subjecting the seed oil to a saponification reaction to obtain a saponified product, and adsorbing the fatty acids of the seed oil on surfaces of iron oxide nanoparticles to obtain iron oxide nanoparticles coated with fatty acids. The method may further include washing the iron oxide nanoparticles coated with fatty acids with a polar solvent to obtain a third mixture including a polar phase and the iron oxide nanoparticles coated with fatty acids, separating the iron oxide nanoparticles coated with fatty acids from the third mixture by a magnetic field, mixing the polar phase with a non-polar solvent and distilled water to obtain a two-phase solution, the two-phase solution including a non-polar phase and an aqueous phase, and separating and drying the non-polar phase to obtain squalene.

Abstract: A method for measuring angular displacement is disclosed. The method includes preparing a sensor, where the sensor includes a first semi-cylindrical dielectric rotatable relative to a rotation axis, a second semi-cylindrical dielectric fixed relative to the rotation axis, and a transmission line that is located between the first semi-cylindrical dielectric and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric. The first semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a first plurality of periodic air-gaps and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a second plurality of periodic air-gaps.

Abstract: A method for alignment of high aspect ratio materials (HARMs) within a liquid matrix by means of magnetic particles. The application of an external magnetic field creates a forced motion of the magnetic particles. This in turn leads to a laminar flow within the matrix which imposes a drag force on the HARMs, aligning the HARMs across the matrix. The used magnetic particles eventually accumulate at one end side of the matrix container and can be removed either by an incision or an extraction process. Unlike the previously proposed methods, there is no need for the magnetic particles to be attached either physically or chemically to the HARMs. Thus, the ultimate aligned HARMs are mostly pure and free of any magnetic particles. Once the matrix is a polymeric solution, the mentioned method is capable of synthesis of aligned HARMs-polymer composites, which exhibit improved mechanical and electrical properties.

Abstract: A method for alignment of high aspect ratio materials (HARMs) within a liquid matrix by means of magnetic particles. The application of an external magnetic field creates a forced motion of the magnetic particles. This in turn leads to a laminar flow within the matrix which imposes a drag force on the HARMs, aligning the HARMs across the matrix. The used magnetic particles eventually accumulate at one end side of the matrix container and can be removed either by an incision or an extraction process. Unlike the previously proposed methods, there is no need for the magnetic particles to be attached either physically or chemically to the HARMs. Thus, the ultimate aligned HARMs are mostly pure and free of any magnetic particles. Once the matrix is a polymeric solution, the mentioned method is capable of synthesis of aligned HARMs-polymer composites, which exhibit improved mechanical and electrical properties.