Abstract: A photonic waveform generator and a method of generating an electrical waveform based on a photonic signal are disclosed. The generator includes an input port for receiving an optical signal, a pulse shaper coupled to the input port and configured to Fourier transform the optical signal and apply a pre-distort waveform onto optical spectrum of the optical signal, a dispersive pulse stretcher coupled to the pulse shaper, an optical-to-electrical converter coupled to the dispersive pulse stretcher, and an output port coupled to the optical-to-electrical converter, the pre-distortion removes distortion of the electrical signal that exists in the absence of the pre-distortion caused by violation of far field limitation between the optical signal and the electrical signal.

Abstract: A bio-modifier for asphalt is provided that comprises non-wood bio-char. In some embodiments, the bio-char comprises pyrolyzed biomass from a bio-fuel crop and/or comprises pyrolyzed grass. The asphalt modifier can improve the performance of asphalt compositions such as asphalt binder compositions and compositions comprising asphalt binder and aggregate. For example, the bio-modifier can improve the temperature susceptibility of asphalt binder compositions and increase the rutting resistance, moisture and cracking resistance of hot mix asphalt compositions. In addition, methods of preparing the bio-modifier composition, methods of preparing modified asphalts comprising the bio-modifier, and modified asphalt compositions are provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to using multimeric DNA aptamers to treat demyelinating diseases are provided herein.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein pertain generally to an electrochemical reduction method of carbon dioxide under a solution condition containing potassium sulfate.

Abstract: A method of recognizing a contactless fingerprint is provided. The method includes displaying a guide screen for recognizing the contactless fingerprint on a display, receiving an input image of a target object positioned according to the guide screen by using a camera, and determining whether the received input image is suitable for fingerprint recognition.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of cancers associated with overexpression of a BCL2 gene and/or gene product in a subject, and methods and compositions for the improvement of anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Also provided are methods for determining the efficacy of a cancer therapy in a subject, methods for diagnosing cancer, methods for assessing patient prognosis, and methods for inducing apoptosis of a cell.

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed having a frame system, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The frame system may include a lightweight supportive material, and may be configured to receive a user's foot. The first actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and develop push of the forefoot of the user's foot during a walking step. The second actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and raise a user's toes.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes methods and devices for diagnosing, prognosing, and treating brain damage in a subject, including brain damage caused by stroke or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The methods can comprise providing a sample obtained from the subject, exposing the sample to an antibody selective for a visinin-like protein, detecting the presence of a complex that includes the antibody and the visinin-like protein, and diagnosing and/or prognosing the subject as having brain damage if there is the presence of the complex. Embodied methods can also comprise administering a treatment for brain damage if the subject includes the presence of the visinin-like protein.

Abstract: A laser projection system including one or more pluralities of laser sources, each plurality of laser sources emitting light having substantially a different predetermined wavelength in the visible range, a fiber optic laser beam combiner combining outputs of at least one of the pluralities of laser sources into one optical fiber, a fiber-optic delivery component coupled to the one optical fiber and one or more spatial light modulators, and one or more homogenizing optical elements, and one or more optical lens system for projecting the associated images on a screen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel formulations and methods for the improved delivery and administration of hydrophobic therapeutic compounds that are substantially insoluble and/or susceptible to precipitation in aqueous solution at physiological pH, including, e.g., growth and differentiation factor-5 and related proteins. Many therapeutic compounds are hydrophobic at physiological pH levels.

Abstract: Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation.

Abstract: A removable apparatus is provided for temporary implantation in a pulmonary vein for ablating atrial tissue surrounding the antrum of the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation in a subject. The apparatus comprises an electrically-insulated expandable support member and a retrieval mechanism. The support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion extending between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes at least one annularly disposed wing member, and has a free end defined by oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. The at least one wing member includes at least one ablation element located at the free end thereof. The retrieval mechanism is for removing the support member and for energizing the at least one ablation element. The retrieval mechanism includes at least one electrically-conductive wire, which is separately connected to the at least one wing member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting traffic lanes in real time are disclosed. The disclosed real-time lane detection apparatus may include: a candidate area establisher unit configured to establish as a candidate area for lane detection an area having an intensity value which corresponds to the intensity of a traffic lane marking from among the intensity values in a color space of a color image; and a lane-marking determiner unit configured to determine a traffic lane marking from the established candidate area by using a line component of the candidate area. According to the present invention, traffic lanes can be detected accurately and quickly, even in environments where the lighting conditions of the road vary.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include a combined catheter-based optical coherence tomography-two-photon luminescence (OCT-TPL) imaging system. Exemplary embodiments further include methods to detect, and further characterize the distribution of cellular components (e.g., macrophage, collagen/elastin fiber, lipid droplet) in thin-cap fibroatheromas with high spatial resolution in vivo.

Abstract: There are provided a method for producing an electroconductive polymer which can be operated at a low temperature such as the human body temperature, is safe to the human body, and is flexible and useful as a thermoelectric material, and a thermoelectric element including a thin film of an electroconductive polymer produced by the production method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing particles in an aerosol are disclosed. A system includes a collection container that utilizes the principles of elutriation to collect particles of selected aerodynamic diameter ranges within a measurement region. A particle detector is used to detect and characterize particles that have settled into the measurement region.

Abstract: A back support device is provided herein. The device is configured to support a portion of a burden or load that would otherwise be borne by a user's spinal column and abdomen. The device includes an upper component that is dimensioned to be worn around the torso of the user, and a lower component that is dimensioned to be worn around the user's hips and waistline. The device further comprises a plurality of medial elements. Each medial element is operatively connected to the upper and lower components so that each medial element may support a portion of the burden, thereby transferring the burden from the upper component to the lower component. The medial elements provide support and simultaneous freedom of movement by providing a lifting distraction support upon the spinal column and abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods related to the discovery that tumor secreted miR-21 and miR-29a can function by binding as ligands to receptors of the Tolllike receptor family, murine TLR7 and human TLR8, in immune cells, triggering a TLR-mediated prometastatic inflammatory response, which leads to tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, by acting as paracrine agonists of TLRs, secreted miRNAs are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment. This mechanism of action of miRNAs is important in the tumor-immune system communication, in tumor growth and spread, and in cancer treatment.

Abstract: A system includes a pre-sized prosthetic chordae, a papillary penetration member, and a female securing member. The pre-sized prosthetic chordae is directly connected to an attachment member. The papillary penetration member extends through both the chordae and the attachment member. The female securing member receives the penetration member. The penetration member is an axis about which the chordae pivot.

Abstract: ‘FL98-423’ is a new and distinct southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) variety distinguished by a very low chilling requirement, upright growth habit, and fruit that are large, firm, sweet, with a small, dry picking scar.