Abstract: Described is a Doppler-based non-invasive computational diagnostic method for personalized cardiology of subjects (e.g., patients with valvular diseases in both pre and post intervention status). The method may be performed for determining dynamic behavior of an aortic valve of the subject, the aortic valve having multiple asymmetric valve leaflets.

Abstract: Aspects of the presently disclosed technology may be implemented to provide systems and methods for incentive-based vehicle routing. For example, a method may include determining a suggested route for a vehicle based on a location of a congested area of a road network to decrease congestion of the road network. The method may include determining an individualized incentive for an occupant of the vehicle to incentivize the occupant to follow the suggested route. The method may include transmitting, to the vehicle or to a device of the occupant, a message indicating the suggested route and the individualized incentive for following the suggested route, with the message providing an option for the occupant to accept the suggested route. The method may include, upon the occupant accepting the suggested route, updating an original route of the vehicle to the suggested route thereby directing the vehicle along the suggested route.

Abstract: An LLC resonant converter is provided. The LLC resonant converter includes a primary sub-circuit coupled to a direct-current (DC) input voltage and a first secondary sub-circuit and a second secondary sub-circuit. The primary sub-circuit includes a resonant tank, that includes a combination of a resonant inductor, a resonant capacitor and a magnetizing inductor. The LLC resonant converter also includes a first transformer isolating the primary sub-circuit from the first secondary sub-circuit and a second transformer isolating the primary sub-circuit from the second secondary sub-circuit. The first and the second secondary sub-circuits are configurable in a series mode and a parallel mode by switching configurations of a plurality of transition switches, and the first and the second secondary sub-circuits provide an output charging voltage and an output charging current for charging an external device.

Abstract: Described herein are superabsorbent polymers that are made of copolymers of charged monomer and neutral monomers, where the neutral monomers are alkyl or aryl end-capped neutral and hydrophilic monomers that lack free hydroxyl groups and have a water solubility of at least 200 mg/mL. The copolymer-based superabsorbent polymers have significantly improved absorbency under load. The compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating a microorganism's response to an antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting the microorganism with an antimicrobial agent and bicarbonate. In one embodiment, provided herein are methods for treating a microbial infection comprising administering to a subject in need an effective amount of (i) bicarbonate and (ii) an antimicrobial agent. Also provided herein are methods of screening for antimicrobial compounds.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to DNA aptamers that bind eosinophil peroxidase, including uses thereof, such as in eosinophil peroxidase detection assays. Also provided is a method for detecting the presence of eosinophil peroxidase in a sample, using the DNA aptamers that bind eosinophil peroxidase. Further provided is a kit for detecting the presence of eosinophil peroxidase in a sample, using the DNA aptamers that bind eosinophil peroxidase.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to catalytic nucleic acid probes, biosensors and lateral flow biosensor systems and methods and kits of using the probes, biosensors and lateral flow biosensor systems for detecting microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: A narrow linewidth mid infrared laser, including a pumping laser diode with a fast-axis compressor and a pumping wavelength ?o; and an optical resonator arranged to receive the pumping wavelength ?o, the optical resonator including a laser crystal with a lasing wavelength ?p, a dichroic mirror, and a nonlinear crystal to generate an idler wavelength ?i.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a silver sintered molybdenum (SSM) packaging for power semiconductor devices and a method of manufacturing thereof. The SSM packaging comprises a substrate; a MOSFET die comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is bonded to the substrate using nano silver sintering; and at least two leads connected, at a respective first end, to the substrate and, at a respective second end, to the second side of the MOSFET die, wherein nano silver sintering is used to bond the first and second ends of the at least two leads, and wherein each of the substrate and at least two leads is formed of pure molybdenum.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to DNAzymes and biosensors for detecting pathogenic bacteria, and in particular, for detecting Legionella pneumophila. This disclosure also provides a method for detecting the presence of Legionella pneumophila in a test sample, comprising: a) contacting said test sample with the DNAzyme or biosensor described herein, wherein the DNAzyme comprises a detectable label; b) allowing cleavage of the DNAzyme if a target is present, thereby releasing the detectable label; and c) measuring a detectable signal if the portion of the DNAzyme comprising the detectable label is released, wherein the RNA cleavage activity of the DNAzyme is activated by a target from Legionella pneumophila.

Abstract: This application relates to compounds such as compounds of Formula (I) that block SREBP2-induced hepatic PCSK9 expression, compositions comprising these compounds and methods of use thereof; for example, for treating diseases, disorders or conditions treatable by blocking SREBP2 activation and/or PCSK9 gene expression.

Abstract: Described herein is a hybrid biological membrane comprising an endogenous bilayer doped with one or more synthetic lipid molecules. Also described herein is a method of preparing a hybrid biological membrane, the method comprising doping an endogenous bilayer with one or more synthetic lipid molecules.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing or monitoring endometriosis in a mammal are provided. The methods include the steps of determining the expression levels of BDNF, glycodelin and optionally ZAG, in a biological sample from the mammal, and determining that the mammal has endometriosis when the biomarker expression levels in the sample are elevated.

Abstract: Multivalent trident aptamers comprising the general formula [A-SA]2 or 3-L-[SB-B] in which a central branched linker molecule (L) possesses 2 or 3 variable arms ([A-SA]2 or 3), and a root ([SB-B]), connected by a central carbon atom, to provide enhanced affinity and/or avidity with a target are described, as well as methods of making and using the multivalent trident aptamers are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to novel CD133-binding agents. The disclosure is also directed to uses of novel CD133-binding agents for detecting CD133-expressing cells and/or quantitating levels of cellular CD133 expression, for targeting CD133-expressing cells, for decreasing levels of CD133 in CD133-expressing cells and for treating or preventing cancer.

Abstract: A cutting tool, comprising a substrate having a cutting surface and a coating adhered to the cutting surface in a solid state, wherein the coating includes a soft metal and is capable of melting and functioning as an in-situ liquid lubricant when the cutting tool is applied in a machining operation. Also, a method of applying a coating to a cutting tool, comprising receiving a premachining workpiece, the premachining workpiece formed of a coating material including a soft metal; and machining the premachining workpiece with the cutting tool such that a layer of the coating material adheres to a cutting surface of the cutting tool in a solid state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing cognitive function are described that use tracked electrical activity of the brain of the individuals in response to a specific sequence of stimuli in generating data sets, which, for example, can be encapsulated as a data structure. The data sets can include tracked specific response types, at different times and amplitudes, including, but not limited to, event related potential signal components. Brainwave features including, event related potentials, are tracked in relation to both pre-attentive brain responses and consciously controlled attention responses.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to implementing cooperative management strategies. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a severity score and a risk area. The method may then determine whether vehicles should belong to a first vehicle set, which may perform a cooperative vehicle response action, or a second vehicle set, in which individual response actions may be performed. The method may then generate a cooperative response action or an individual response action corresponding to the cooperative or individual vehicle sets, provided such vehicle sets are not empty.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in subjects is provided based on the determination of metabolites in urine samples, such as serine, hypoxanthine, kynurenine, threonine, dimethylglycine, tryptophan, indoxylsulfate, phenylacetylglutamine, sialic acid, 5-hydroxy-6-indolyl-o-sulfate, 5-(?-carboxybutyl) homocysteine, and/or an anion having m/z:RMT:polarity of 345.1553:0.770:n, or determination of metabolites in stool samples, such as ketodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, choline, tryptophan, trimethyllysine, serine, butyric acid, lactic acid, hypoxanthine and/or guanine.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a DC-DC power converter comprises a primary circuit coupled to a DC input voltage, a secondary circuit coupled to a DC output voltage, and a transformer isolating the primary from the secondary circuit. The primary circuit comprises a first and second circuit branch. The first circuit branch comprises a plurality of switches, a diode, and a reconfiguration switch. The second circuit branch comprises a plurality of switches, and a plurality of diodes. The reconfiguration switch is operable to switch the primary circuit between a first mode and a second mode, wherein the primary circuit operates as a full-bridge circuit in the first mode and the primary circuit operates as a half-bridge circuit in the second mode.