Abstract: A space-based communications network (100) includes at least one central ground station (116) having a transceiver that is configured to communicate with satellites, such as cube satellites (110). The cube satellites (110) form an ad hoc network of orbital cube satellites, in which each of the cube satellites (110) communicate with each other. One of the cube satellites communicates with the ground station (116). A ground-based control system (1000) communicates with the central ground station (116). The control system (1000) continuously determines a configuration of the ad hoc network (100) and communicates network control information for the cube satellites (110) to maintain communications in the ad hoc network (100). The cube satellites (110) disseminate the network control to each other via the ad hoc network (100).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of treating cancer or viral infections comprising administering an effective amount of a VIP antagonist in combination with an immune check-point inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the immune check-point inhibitor is an anti-PD1 or anti-PDL1 antibody.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to microcapsule particles for targeted delivery of drugs. In certain embodiments, the particles comprise polyelectrolyte polymers, e.g., layers of anionic polymers and cationic polymers. In certain embodiments, the particles have a fibrinogen coating. In certain embodiments, the particles contain a polysaccharide core and/or a polysaccharide coating encapsulating drugs, proteins, clotting agents, coagulation factors, or anticoagulants. In certain embodiments, this disclosure contemplates methods of using particles disclosed herein to prevent or reduce onset of or duration of bleeding. In certain embodiments, this disclosure contemplates methods of using particles disclosed herein to prevent or reduce onset of blood clotting.

Abstract: In a joint (100) for a structure that includes at least one rod (104) and a plurality of cables (102), each cable (102) having an outside diameter, a rod end (160) is affixable to the rod (104) so that the rod has a rod (104) centerline that passes through the rod end (160). The rod end (160) includes a mechanism (166) that allows the rod end (160) to pivot about a center point that is on the rod centerline. A cable attachment device (150) is couplable to each cable (102) and to the rod end (160). The cable attachment device (150) holds each cable (102) coupled thereto in a relationship to the rod end (160) so that each cable (102) has a cable centerline that intersects the center point so as to minimize any moments from the rod (104) or the cables (102) on the joint (100).

Abstract: A dual-drive power amplifier (PA) where the PA core includes a differential pair of transistors M1 and M2 that are driven by a coupling network having two transmission-line couplers, where a first transmission line section of a coupler is configured to transmit an input signal Vin through to drive a gate of the opposite transistor, while the second transmission line section is grounded at one end and coupled with the first transmission line section such that a coupled portion ?Vin of the input signal Vin drives the source terminal of a corresponding transistor. The arrangement of the coupling network allows the source terminals to be driven below ground potential. Embodiments disclosed here further provide an input matching network, a driver, an inter-stage matching network, and an output network for practical implementation of the PA core.

Abstract: A leg mechanism includes an articulated leg system (100), a passive device (130) and a cable (134). The articulated leg system (100) has a leg portion (128). The passive device (130) is coupled to the articulated leg system and is configured to apply a first force to a portion thereof. The cable (134) is coupled to the articulated leg system (100) and is configured to apply a second force, in opposition to the first force, to a portion thereof. When the cable (134) is drawn away from the articulated leg system (100), the second force moves the leg portion (128) in a first direction. When tension is released from the cable (134), the passive device (130) exerts the first force so as to move the leg portion (128) a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A nasal tissue implant for reconstruction and tissue engineering of nasal tissue in a subject includes a tissue scaffold component comprising a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. The tissue scaffold component conforms to a portion of the subject's nasal region and defines at least a portion of the subject's nasal anatomy. A method of making an implantable nasal tissue implant for reconstructing a portion of a nasal anatomy of a human or other animal subject is also provided that includes laser sintering or three-dimensional (3D) printing a biocompatible polymeric material to form a tissue scaffold component comprising a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. Again, the tissue scaffold component substantially conforms to a nasal region specific to the human or other animal subject.

Abstract: Aspects relate to method of zinc-comprising nanowire fabrication, the method comprising forming a starting material comprising zinc metal or zinc metal alloy and at least one reactive metal, and exposing the starting material to one or more alcohols to obtain a reaction product comprising zinc-comprising nanowires, wherein the at least one reactive metal is more reactive than zinc to the one or more alcohols.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relates generally to methods of providing biomimetic superhydrophobic coatings to substrates, and more specifically to providing biomimetic inorganic silica or silane-based coatings that enable tunable hierarchical surface structures with high coating-to-substrate adhesion, resistance to various mechanical abradents, durability, shelf stability, and enhanced non-wettability or water-repellency.

Abstract: Methods of making a poly(propylenimine) (PPI) sorbent, a PPI sorbent, structures including the PPI sorbent, methods of separating CO2 using the PPI sorbent, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the separation of hydrogen isotopes from one another are described. Methods include utilization of a hydrogen isotope selective separation membrane that includes a hydrogen isotope selective layer (e.g., graphene) and a hydrogen ion conductive supporting layer. An electronic driving force encourages passage of isotopes selectively across the membrane at an elevated separation temperature to enrich the product in a selected hydrogen isotope.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure can include a nanocarrier for delivering a cargo to a cell comprising: a bundle domain and a binding domain, the binding domain configured to bind to the cargo. An embodiment of the present disclosure can include a method for delivering a cargo to a cell comprising: introducing an amino-acid based nanocarrier to the cell, the nanocarrier can comprise an alpha-helical protein bundle domain and a binding domain, the cargo can bound to the binding domain and the cargo can be therapeutic cargo.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, selecting a first video service model according to a server hostname determined according to transport layer security (TLS) transaction data associated with a video session transmitted over a network, calculating a plurality of data delivery statistics from the TLS transaction data according to the first video service model, where the plurality of data delivery statistics includes session-level statistics over the video session, transaction-level statistics over each transaction, and temporal feature statistics over intervals of the video session, determining a quality of experience (QoE) metric for the video session from the plurality of data delivery statistics according to a course-grained data QoE model, and adjusting a first network element of the network responsive to the determining the QoE metric for the video session. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods of reshaping and recycling thermoset polymers and composites containing thermoset polymers are provided. The methods involve the bond exchange reaction of exchangeable covalent bonds in the polymer matrix with a suitable small molecule solvent in the presence of a catalyst. In some aspects, the methods are applied to a carbon fiber reinforced polymer or a thermoset polymer where the thermoset polymer matrix includes a plurality of ester bonds. Using a small molecule alcohol, the methods provide for recycling one or both of the carbon fiber and the polymer, for welding two surfaces, or for repairing a damaged surface in the materials.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein can generally include electrical contacts for high voltage, high current, and/or fast acting electromechanical switches and methods for manufacturing the same. The electrical contacts can be optimized for high voltage blocking capabilities with minimal gap spacing in the open state and low electrical resistance when in contact in the closed state. Electrical contacts can have a geometry to produce a low peak electric field between the contacts when in the open state, have a high contact surface area when in the closed state, and a low mass. The geometry of the contacts can be based on geometries traditionally utilized for uniform field electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are protease-based biological circuits for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and disorders characterized by aberrant protease signaling. An exemplary method of treating disease in a subject includes administering to the subject a plurality of therapeutic agent loaded-liposomes, wherein each of the liposomes comprises a different density of peptides surrounding the core and a different dose of the therapeutic agent, wherein the peptides comprise a cleavage site for a protease of interest, and wherein cleavage of the peptides open the liposome and release the therapeutic agent from within the liposome.

Abstract: In a method making a flexible electrical conductor, a mask layer (216) is applied to a substrate (210). A portion of the mask layer (216) is removed to expose the substrate (210) in an exposed shape (220) corresponding to the conductor. A liquid phase conductor (232) is applied to the portion of the substrate (210). The mask layer (216) is dissolved with a solvent (238) to leave a shaped liquid phase conductor (234) corresponding to the exposed shape on the substrate (210). A primary elastomer layer (240) is applied onto the substrate (210) and the shaped liquid phase conductor (234). The primary elastomer layer (240) and the shaped liquid phase conductor (234) are removed from the substrate (210). A secondary elastomer layer (242) is applied to the shaped liquid phase conductor (234) and the primary elastomer layer (240) to seal the shaped liquid phase conductor (234) therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes semiconductor packages and, more particularly, chip-embedded semiconductor packages. The packages include core panels with apertures extending through the core panel. Semiconductor chips are embedded within chip apertures. A molding compound can be positioned along one side of the core panel. In some examples, the semiconductor chips are embedded within the molding compound. In other examples, the semiconductor chips are adhered to the molding compound. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values of the core panels described herein can be tailored to decrease warpage of the package as the semiconductor chip heats during use.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including: a plurality of sensors configured to generate, in response to a first contact with a body of a user in a vicinity of the portable electronic device, one or more first input signals; a microprocessor; and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, control the microprocessor to execute, in response to an analysis of the one or more first input signals indicating that the first contact corresponds to a first gesture, and by the microprocessor, a first command corresponding to the first gesture.