Abstract: Dual-band antenna systems and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. A tunable dual-polarization (left-hand circular polarized (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarized (RHCP)) antenna can be used both for L-band (1.215 gigahertz (GHz)-1.85 GHz) and Ka-band (32.3 GHz-34.2 GHz) operation. The antenna system can be an embedded antenna system, which can be used for 3U CubeSats, with full polarization diversity able to operate in two widely spaced frequency bands (L-band and Ka-band) of the spectrum. The antenna system can include three layers, including a top substrate, a bottom substrate, and a ground plane disposed between the top substrate and the bottom substrate.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a completely new pile splicing system called Grouted Sleeve Coupler Splice (GSCS) for Precast Concrete Piles (PCPs) as an innovative alternative splicing method for connecting driven PCP segments. The provided splicing method is applicable for preplanned situations and provides a durable, labor-friendly, rapid, and economical foundation construction method. In this system, to improve the structural performance, the entire sleeve coupler and a portion of the dowels are partially debonded in short lengths from surrounding concrete. This connection system is novel in conjunction with PCPs and for connecting separate precast pile segments. The provided system offers a completely unique and new method of connecting and splicing PCP segments and other prismatic prefabricated piles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to simulate, approximate, or replicate conditions similar to concrete elements being placed under pressures equivalent to several hundred feet of ocean water and to provide information useful to assess relative durability of concrete without coring or other destructive actions. The quality of concrete can be assessed by measuring the pressure drop of water or other liquid to ingress through the concrete surface under high pressure over time. A rapid assessment of quality of existing concrete is provided. Systems and methods can efficiently assess long term durability of existing concrete elements such as those used in midrise buildings, parking garages, bridge decks, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time continuous monitoring of fuel cell membrane degradation are provided. At least one microsensor can be used as an inline sensor integrated at the cathode exhaust and/or the anode exhaust of a fuel cell, such as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)). The microsensor can monitor the PEMFC degradation status by sensing the emission of fluoride.

Abstract: Ultra-high temperature carbide (UHTC) foams and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. The UHTC foams are produced in a three-step process, including UHTC slurry preparation, freeze-drying, and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The fabrication methods allow for the production of any kind of single- or multi-component UHTC foam, while also providing flexibility in the shape and size of the UHTC foams to produce near-net-shape components.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a non-living biological product. Particularly, exosomes derived from stem cells can help restore heart function. According to certain embodiments, a fluid-induced shear stress mechanical stimulation process of stem cells is used to augmented quantity and quality of exosomes produced from stem cells. These exosomes serve as a therapeutic agent for the regenerative repair of diseases, such as diseased heart tissues. Therefore, compositions comprising the exosomes derived from stem cells and methods of treating a degenerative disease by administering the exosomes isolated from stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: High-entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics (HE-UHTC) coatings deposited on substrates, as well methods for depositing the HE-UHTC coatings on the substrates, are provided. An HE-UHTC electrode can be fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) and then a thin coating of the HE-UHTC can be deposited in a precision-controlled manner on a substrate via an electro-spark deposition process.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for intracellular deliver of molecules and/or therapeutic agents. The subject invention also provides methods for synthesizing polymeric systems and nanomaterials that enhance or assist the passage of molecules and/or therapeutic agents across biological membranes. The compound, polymer or nanoparticle of the subject invention comprises a modified guanidine moiety in a plurality of repeating units of a polymer or on the surface of a nanoparticle where the guanidine moiety comprises, for example, a carbamoyl or thiourea modification. The polymer or nanoparticle can be used in a cancer treatment formulation.

Abstract: The subject invention provides synthetic compounds, and compound complexes having catalytic activities towards oxidation or oxygenation, and/or dehydrogenation of various substrates comprising C?H bonds. The catalysts of the subject invention comprise a dinuclear Cu(I)/Cu(II) center that can convert between a resting state and a reactive species. The subject invention also provides methods of using such catalysts for the oxidation of substrates comprising C?H bonds, e.g., hydrocarbons, to synthesize chemicals for use as pharmaceuticals and industrial feedstock.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for fabricating electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors with enhanced sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratios, LOD, and improved stability and reproducibility. The subject invention also provides methods for aptamer immobilization on the surface of the electrode, which favors sufficient spacing between aptamers at the microscale to achieve optimal target recognition, folding, and signal transduction. The E-AB sensors of the subject invention provide superior sensing regardless of the sequence or structure of the bound aptamers or the physiochemical properties of the target.

Abstract: Systems, architectures, devices, and methods for matching experimentally acquired mass spectrometry data with a peptide database are provided. The system architecture can include a host central processing unit (CPU) system, a bridge connecting the CPU system with a core control register (or registers), a plurality of processing elements (PEs), and a bus arbiter. The PEs can execute the computations in a parallel and asynchronous manner. The bus arbiter can be a first-come first-serve (FCFS)-based bus arbiter (i.e., can utilize an FCFS-based arbitration scheme).

Abstract: Systems, devices, machines, and methods for granular material laying are provided. A granular material laying machine can include at least one small storage bin that moves with a distribution head to temporarily store granular material. The at least one small storage bin can be filled when the distribution head brings it in front of an exit hole of a main storage bin (separate from the at least one small storage bin). While the distribution head discharges the granular material at the desired locations, the small temporary storage bin(s) provide(s) the material.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for decalcifying aortic valves and/or other valves, blood vessels, and/or cardiac tissues in a mammalian (e.g., a human) patient (e.g., a patient having or suspected of having calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)). A transcatheter (aortic) valve decalcification system/method can include applying one or more pulsed magnetic fields to the calcium deposit(s) within a valve or other vessel or tissue within the patient. The system can include a catheter having pulsed magnetic field ribbons disposed therein, and the catheter can be provided to the patient.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating high-strength aluminum-boron nitride nanotube (Al—BNNT) wires or wire feedstock from Al—BNNT composite raw materials by mechanical deformation using wire drawing and extrusion are provided, as well as large-scale, high-strength Al—BNNT composite components (e.g., with a length on the order of meters (m) and/or a mass on the order of hundreds of kilograms (kg)). The large-scale, high-strength Al—BNNT composite components can be made via wire-based additive manufacturing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for quantifying the duration of S1 and/or S2 heart sounds, in order to identify markers of heart failure and/or lung failure, are provided. Cardiac cycles containing S1 and S2 sound can be identified in a phonocardiogram and normalized. In order to quantify S1 and S2 sound length, the envelope of the absolute value of the signal can be obtained for each cycle. The sound waves of two components can be separated using the identified single sound wave. These features can be correlated to measures of heart failure and/or lung failure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and frameworks for detecting cryptocurrency wallet artifacts in a file system of a device are provided. The cryptocurrency wallet artifacts can be automatically detected and can include: (i) cryptocurrency wallet application folders; (ii) images containing cryptocurrency artifacts (e.g., mnemonics phrases and/or transactions information); and/or (iii) web browsers artifacts (e.g., cache data, credentials, cookies, and/or bookmarks). This information can be analyzed and extracted using machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), a convolution neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), and/or a string search algorithm.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for additive manufacturing (AM), including three dimensional printing (3DP) using Digital Light Processing (DLP), of Lunar regolith and Lunar regolith simulants including Greenland Anorthosite Lunar Regolith (GALR) with a photocurable thermosetting polymer. Certain embodiments provide a high solid content of regolith, for example, about 60 wt. % GALR; together with a lower content of additives, for example, about 40 wt. % of a photocurable thermosetting polymer. Embodiments of the provided recipe and processing method can produce parts with low shrinkage, high strength, and favorable thermal properties. Parts have been produced with less than about 6% shrinkage in multiple directions of measurement.

Abstract: Connection systems and methods for connecting cross-frames to girders in skewed structure. A Tee section can be welded to a girder, and cross-frame members can be welded to the flange of the Tee section. The flange of the Tee section can have main cut-outs to separate the web of the Tee section from the flange of the girder. The flange of the Tee section can optionally have edge cut-outs for providing airflow, such as in humid regions with high potential for corrosion.

Abstract: Power controllers (e.g., inductive power transfer (IPT) power controllers) and methods of making and using the same are provided. An IPT power controller can be implemented on direct alternating current (AC)-AC converters and can use only current and voltage measurements to produce multi-power level IPT controller and design switching logic. Using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR, Not) applied on a resonant current signal, varying positive energy injections (e.g., 1 to 16 pulses), and varying negative energy injections (e.g., 1 to 16 pulses), up to 32 different active states can be designed.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a non-living biological product. Particularly, exosomes derived from stem cells can help restore heart function. According to certain embodiments, a fluid-induced shear stress mechanical stimulation process of stem cells is used to augmented quantity and quality of exosomes produced from stem cells. These exosomes serve as a therapeutic agent for the regenerative repair of diseases, such as diseased heart tissues. Therefore, compositions comprising the exosomes derived from stem cells and methods of treating a degenerative disease by administering the exosomes isolated from stem cells are also provided.