Abstract: Existing methods of producing high quality graphene/graphite oxides are generally accomplished by exfoliating graphite into flakes and oxidizing the graphite flakes with strong oxidizers under extreme conditions and require careful purification. The oxidizers are typically strong acids used in high concentrations at elevated temperatures requiring complicated purification processes to yield oxidized graphene/sheets. The existing processes can cost up to $12,000/gram. This invention uses a mild oxidant combined with mechanical processing where the sole products are oxidized graphite/graphene and water without the need for further purification.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis using swabs. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a probe having a conductive proximal portion coupled to a porous material at a distal portion of the probe that is configured to retain a portion of a sample that has contacted the porous material, and a mass spectrometer having an inlet. The system is configured such that the porous material at a distal portion of the probe is aligned over the inlet of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: This document provides materials and methods related to bacterial compositions containing at least one bacterial organism having tryptophan decarboxylase activity. For example, bacterial compositions containing at least one bacterial organism having tryptophan decarboxylase activity and methods for using such bacterial compositions to improve gastrointestinal epithelial function and/or to treat gastrointestinal disorders are provided.

Abstract: A plasmonic phase modulator is provided. The modulator has a conductive layer, and a dielectric layer disposed on the conductive layer. A plasmonic layer is disposed on the dielectric layer. A plasmonic layer is disposed on the dielectric layer. The plasmonic layer is conductive to surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves. The plasmonic layer may be, for example, a graphene sheet. A voltage signal source is operatively connected between the conductive layer and the plasmonic layer for modulating a propagation speed of an SPP wave propagating on the plasmonic layer.

Abstract: A high throughput rheology machine measures transient response to a material subject to the decaying oscillation to determine nonlinear characteristics of the material with a single test cycle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed herein to deliver and anchor nanoscale drug carriers into the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, such as degenerating cartilage or tumor margins, and to provide local and sustained release of drugs.

Abstract: With regard to image data processing, a method of obtaining a focus term by using periodicity of the focus term is provided. The focus term may be used in a plurality of operation processes for processing image data.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods in assessing and treating mammals (e.g., humans) with precursor plasma cell (PC) disorders. Materials and methods for determining if a mammal (e.g., a mammal having a precursor plasma cell disorder) has an elevated level of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) that can be used to identify the precursor plasma cell disorder as likely to progress to a PC cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma) are provided. Materials and methods for treating a mammal having a precursor PC disorder at high risk of progressing to a PC cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Implantable infusion devices and methods that provide closed loop control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image encoding and decoding technique, and more particularly, to an image encoder and decoder using unidirectional prediction. The image encoder includes a dividing unit to divide a macro block into a plurality of sub-blocks, a unidirectional application determining unit to determine whether an identical prediction mode is applied to each of the plurality of sub-blocks, and a prediction mode determining unit to determine a prediction mode with respect to each of the plurality of sub-blocks based on a determined result of the unidirectional application determining unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wheat plants having grain with high ?-glucan content, methods for constructing said wheat plants, grain therefrom and uses thereof. Wheat lines homozygous for the HvCslF6 gene from barley having five times the fiber content and an increased ?-glucan content of TA5790, TA5792, and TA5795 are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes an on/off seat-type main valve with two ports having a displaceable poppet for opening and closing the main flow channel; an on/off seat-type pilot valve with three ports, with a magnetomotive force producing coil, a magnetic circuit, and an anchor movable with the magnetomotive force produced by the coil; and a frame with required channels and spaces for the poppet and for the anchor. Closing the inlet channel displaces the poppet and opens the main flow channel. Opening the inlet channel forces the poppet to close the main channel. The anchor includes a frame with a first sealing element for closing the low-pressure outlet channel of the pilot valve and with a second sealing element for securing the closing of the high-pressure inlet channel of the pilot valve. The sealing surface of the second sealing element is movable in relation to the frame of the anchor.

Abstract: A motor driven power steering system includes: a power source for generating a steering assistance force assisting the steering of a vehicle; a transfer gear positioned between a power source and a column for transferring the steering assistance force generated by the power source to the column; a parameter estimation unit for estimating a friction parameter of a dynamic friction model based on the actual friction torque actually generated in the transfer gear; and a state estimation unit for calculating a state variable of the dynamic friction model based on a contact surface moving speed of the transfer gear and for estimating expected friction torque according to the dynamic friction model by using the calculated state variable and the friction parameter of the dynamic friction model estimated by the parameter estimation unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic controlled soft gripper includes a chamber having a negative-pressure action space defined therein and having an opening communicating with the negative-pressure action space; a sucker extending radially outwardly from the opening of the chamber and having an annular contact surface; an expandable and contractible protuberance protruding from a top face of the negative-pressure action space opposite to the opening, wherein the protuberance is received in the negative-pressure action space, and has a gas pocket defined therein; and a gas channel extending from an outer face of the chamber into the gas pocket, wherein gas flows into and out of the gas pocket through the gas channel.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system are disclosed that include at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode comprises a carbon material, a glassy carbon material or a combination thereof. Contemplated systems are suitable for ?-ECoG arrays. Additional microelectromechanical systems are disclosed that include at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode comprises a carbon material, a glassy carbon material or a combination thereof; at least one substrate, surface, layer or a combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof is disposed on, coupled with or otherwise layered on the at least one substrate, surface, layer or a combination thereof; and at least one bump pad, wherein the at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof is coupled with the at least one bump pad via at least one conductive metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microneedle including: a needle part including a plurality of tips formed from a liquid formulation formed with a medicinal solution and capable of penetrating the skin; and a base for supporting the plurality of tips; and a guide part configured to guide the needle part to penetrate the skin, wherein the needle part is provided with separation guides formed between the tips and the base to separate the tips from the base. According to such a configuration, the tips rapidly penetrate the skin and are rapidly separated therefrom, which allows quantitative drug delivery.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides recombinant polynucleotides. In some embodiments, the recombinant polynucleotides comprise a cytomegalovirus (CMV) genome, or a portion thereof, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen, wherein the CMV genome or portion thereof comprises a mutation within a interleukin-10-like gene sequence. Methods for preventing and treating diseases such as infectious diseases and cancer are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a solid electrolyte for an all-solid battery. The method may include preparing a solvent admixture comprising a first polar organic solvent containing a cyano group and a second polar organic solvent containing a hydroxyl group, preparing an electrolyte admixture by dissolving Li2S, P2S5 and LiCl in the solvent admixture, and preparing a solid electrolyte by stirring the electrolyte admixture. The method may further include precipitating the solid electrolyte by evaporating the solvent admixture, and heat treating the precipitated solid electrolyte. In particular, the solvent admixture may include the second polar organic solvent in an amount of about 0.01 to 0.03 wt % based on the total weight of the first polar organic solvent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring uterus contraction activity and progress of labor. The system of the subject invention can comprises (1) a plurality of sensors; (2) an amplifying/filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, progress of labor, prediction and monitoring of preterm labor, and intrauterine pressure prediction. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis as well as delivery strategy.

Abstract: ‘FLR12-11’ is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) variety distinguished by a low chilling requirement, semi-upright growth habit, and large, firm fruit that are aromatic with a small, dry picking scar.