Abstract: A method for operating a secure device having a plurality of mutually exclusive circuit zones, including a first circuit zone having a first level of security and a second circuit zone having a second level of security less than the first level of security, the method including unpacking a key exchange package including receiving a key exchange package in the second circuit zone, the key exchange package including encrypted key data and processing the encrypted key data using a content key in the first circuit zone to generate decrypted key data and storing the decrypted key data in the first circuit zone without disclosing the decrypted key data into the second circuit zone.

Abstract: Fabrication and arrangement of nanoparticles into one-dimensional linear chains is achieved by successive chemical reactions, each reaction adding one or more nanoparticles by building onto exposed, unprotected linker functionalities. Optionally, protecting groups may be used to control and organize growth. Nanoparticle spheres are functionalized in a controlled manner in order to enable covalent linkages. Functionalization of nanoparticles is accomplished by either ligand exchange or chemical modification of the terminal functional groups of the capping ligand. Nanoparticle chains are obtained by a variety of connectivity modes such as direct coupling, use of linker molecules, and use of linear polymeric templates. In particular, a versatile building block system is obtained through controlled monofunctionalization of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which the flow of fluid is electrically driven, including electrospinning and electrospraying systems and methods, are generally described.

Abstract: In a radio network having a plurality of first users on channel (FUOCs) and one or more second users on channel (SUOCs), a method and apparatus for a SUOC to select a channel to co-occupy based in part upon the expected impact on the FUOC. The FUOC collects signal parameters associated with the FUOC, such as actual rate, bandwidth, received signal power, and noise power, and uses the signal parameters to calculate the expected impact. In some embodiments, the expected impact is proportional to the ratio of the FUOC's actual rate and the FUOC's possible code rate.

Abstract: Coherent electronic current is generated by generating and transmitting an electron bunch along a longitudinal axis. The electron bunch is then directed onto a target, wherein the target imparts a transverse spatial modulation to the electron bunch via diffraction contrast or phase contrast. The transverse spatial modulation of the electron bunch is then transferred to the longitudinal axis via an emittance exchange beamline, creating a periodically modulated distribution of coherent electronic current.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency or the engine.

Abstract: Systems and processes for performing solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Solid phase peptide synthesis is a known process in which amino acid residues are added to peptides that have been immobilized on a solid support. In certain embodiments, the inventive systems and methods can be used to perform solid phase peptide synthesis quickly while maintaining high yields. Certain embodiments relate to processes and systems that may be used to heat, transport, and/or mix reagents in ways that reduce the amount of time required to perform solid phase peptide synthesis.

Abstract: Described herein is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that incorporates sensor data to statistically minimize the time to autonomously locate a target on the ground. The system uses a two-stage approach to finding the RF target: 1) randomized flight, such as Lévy fight, to search the ground space and, 2) a geo-localization process, such as a simplex minimization process, to home in on the target.

Abstract: Described herein are novel biological converter switches that utilize modular components, such as genetic toggle switches and single invertase memory modules (SIMMs), for converting analog inputs to digital outputs, and digital inputs to analog outputs, in cells and cellular systems. Flexibility in these biological converter switches is provided by combining individual modular components, i.e., SIMMs and genetic toggle switches, together. These biological converter switches can be combined in a variety of network topologies to create circuits that act, for example, as switchboards, and regulate the production of an output product(s) based on the combination and nature of input signals received.

Abstract: Digital flexural materials are kits of discrete parts that can be assembled into a lattice structure to produce functionally useful assemblies. Digital flexural materials enable design of materials with many small and inexpensive flexures that combine in a lattice geometry that permits deformation without compromising the strength of the assembly. The number of types of parts in a kit is small compared to the total number of parts. A product constructed from digital flexural materials comprises a set of discrete units that are assembled into the structure according to a lattice geometry, with a majority of the units being reversibly connected to at least two other units in the set according to the lattice geometry, and wherein, in response to loading of the structure, a reversible deformation of at least part of the structure occurs. An automated process may be employed for constructing a product from digital flexural materials.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are directed to high-throughput phage-engineering methods and recombinant bacteriophages with tunable host ranges for controlling phage specificity.

Abstract: Some aspects provide engineered microbes for oil production. Methods for microbe engineering and for use of engineered microbes are also provided herein. Such engineered microbes exhibit greatly enhanced conversion yields and TAG synthesis and storage properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.

Abstract: Condensation can be an important process in both emerging and traditional power generation and water desalination technologies. Superhydrophobic nanostructures can promise enhanced condensation heat transfer by reducing the characteristic size of departing droplets via a surface-tension-driven mechanism. A superhydrophobic surface can include a heterogeneous surface.

Abstract: A digital material skin is made of a set of discrete units with a finite set of parts and joints. The discrete units are assembled into a layer according to a regular geometry, with each of the discrete units being reversibly connected to at least one other unit in the set. The reversibly connected set of units forms an exterior structure surface that is larger than the individual discrete units. Digital material skins may be used to construct any shape or interior volume, whether regular or amorphous. The skin surface may be enclosed or open. The skin may rely on an interior digital material structure for support or may be self-supported. The skin may be part of a larger assembly or apparatus, enclosing an interior volume or structure.

Abstract: The invention features methods for regulating vascular properties by controlling the membrane properties of endothelial cells using optogenetics and light. The invention features methods to transport therapeutics across the vascular barrier into tissues such as the brain and the lung, with high spatial and temporal precision, and for controlling vascular properties such as vascular tone, arterial diameter, and vascular growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising metal complexes, and related methods. In some embodiments, metal complexes of the invention may be useful as catalysts for chemical reactions, including metathesis reactions, wherein the catalysts exhibit enhanced activity and stereoselectivity. In some embodiments, the invention may advantageously provide metal complexes comprising a stereogenic metal atom. Such metal complexes may be useful in enantioselective catalysis.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining rates and other parameters for users associated with a multiple access channel (MAC). In at least one embodiment, a rate determination tool having a GUI interface is provided.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a display screen and speakers present an audiovisual display of an animated character to a human user during a conversational period of a coaching session. The virtual character asks questions, listens to the user, and engages in mirroring and backchanneling. A camera and microphone gather audiovisual data regarding behavior of the user. After the conversational period, the display screen and speakers display feedback to the user regarding the user's behavior. For example, the feedback may include a plot of the user's smiles over time, or information regarding prosody of the user's speech. The feedback may also include playing a video of the user that was recorded during the conversational period. The feedback may also include a timeline of the human user's behavior. The virtual coaching may be provided over the Internet.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, recombinase-based systems that provide for integrated logic and memory in living cells.