Abstract: A distributed wireless radio frequency-based charging system includes hardware and software platforms. The hardware platform includes adaptive energy harvesters and programmable energy transmitters. The software platform manages the hardware profiles, resources (e.g., energy waveforms and transmission powers), schedules the beams of the energy transmitters, and switches between modes of wireless charging and data access point. This allows the energy transmitters to be configured adaptively based on the ambient energy availability, energy needs and number of energy-requesting devices in the network. Under the software control, the energy transmitters can cooperatively form focused beams of energy and power for transmission to energy harvesters in the energy-receiving devices, such as sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled appliances, and mobile/wearable equipment.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices and methods of the invention are capable of autonomously isolating individual microbial cells using constrictive channels and growing monocultures of the cells for automated characterization of their biochemical properties and interactions with mammalian cells. Single microbial cells, such as bacterial cells, are isolated directly from environmental sources and cultured using chemical factors from their native environment.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data ultrasonically through biological tissue employs a network of a plurality of nodes, at least a portion of the nodes implantable within the biological tissue. At least one implanted node includes a transmitter having an orthogonal frequency division multiplex signal generator to encode an ultrasonic signal for transmission through the biological tissue to an ultrasonic receiver at another node.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in the form of a method or corresponding apparatus for receiving or transmitting network communications carried at acoustic wavelengths via an acoustic medium. The corresponding method or apparatus may include a gate-level digital hardware module communicatively coupled to a communications module and define therein logic blocks configured to perform respective primitive processing functions, sequences of the logic blocks being capable of processing data units in accordance with any of the multiple communications protocols on a data unit-by-data unit basis without reconfiguring.

Abstract: The invention provides a nitrogen-functionalized platinum-transition metal catalyst having the formula Pt-M-NX/C (where M is a transition element such as Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, Ta, Ir, Rh, or Ru) for use at the hydrogen electrode of a hydrogen/bromine redox flow battery. The new catalyst possesses excellent activity and durability in the HBr/Br2 environment, showing superior resistance to halide poisoning than conventional Pt/C or Pt-M/C catalysts.

Abstract: A glucose sensor suitable for measuring glucose levels in human saliva is provided. Systems containing the glucose sensor and methods for making and using the sensor are also provided. The glucose sensor is highly sensitive and can detect glucose levels at least down to 5 ppm. Fabrication of the sensor involves depositing single-walled carbon nanotubes onto the surface of a working electrode in a 3 electrode electrochemical detector and functionalizing the nanotubes by depositing layers of polymers, metallic nanoparticles, and glucose oxidase enzyme onto the nanotubes. The sensor can be used as a disposable, single-use device or as part of an analytical system, such as a microfluidics system, for the analysis of multiple analytes. The sensor enables the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes to be performed without pain or the need for finger pricks in a home or clinical setting.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to detect, analyze and digitally remove makeup from an image of a face. An autoencoder-based framework is provided to extract attractiveness-aware features to perform an assessment of facial beauty.

Abstract: Platform technology involving aqueous microdroplet reaction vessels created, arrayed, and characterized by imaging microscopy in a microfluidic device are applied to a wide variety of bioassays involving the detection and phenotypic characterization of single cells. The bioassays include the rapid and automated detection of microbial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity from patient samples as well as the characterization of immune responses using a patient's own cells, including the killing of tumor cells.

Abstract: Compact and power efficient acoustically actuated magnetoelectric antennas for transmitting and receiving very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic waves utilize magnetoelectric coupling in a magnetic/piezoelectric heterostructure to provide voltage control of magnetization in transmission mode and magnetic control of electric polarization in receiving mode. The magnetoelectric antennas provide a power efficiency enhanced by orders of magnitude compared to magnetically or mechanically switching the magnetization. The antennas can be used in groups or arrays and can be combined to form VLF communication systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite part are provided to enable composite parts to be assembled with precise control over the orientation and spatial distribution of reinforcing or other particles within a matrix material. The method and apparatus use magnetic fields applied during various additive manufacturing processes to achieve complex particles orientations within each layer of the part. The composite parts can achieve enhanced properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is filtering article, comprising: powders comprising bundles of nanotubes, each bundle comprising hollow titania nanotubes. Embodiments of the methods of making and using the filtering articles are also provided.

Abstract: A system for sensing a target in a region of interest (ROI) includes a coded compressive antenna (CCA) to generate an EM field codified in multiple dimensions. One or more receivers receives EM energy reflected by the target, and produces reflection information corresponding to the reflected energy. A compressive sensing imaging processor analyzes reflection information to generate an image representing the target. The CCA may use a distorted reflector, a vortex lens, and/or meta-materials to codify the EM field in multiple dimensions. The system may evaluate a sensing matrix that characterizes the transmission channel and the codified EM field. The system configures the CCA to produce a coded EM field enhances certain sensing matrix singular values, with respect to an EM field produced by a non-codified antenna. The sensing system provides increased target sensitivity while reducing false detections.

Abstract: A method for calorimetry includes flowing a first fluid through a co-flow reactor microchannel having plural inlets and an outlet, the first fluid flowing through each of the inlets, and measuring transmission of light through a Nano Hole Array (NHA) sensor to obtain a baseline extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) measurement. The flow of the first fluid is stopped, the microchannel is emptied of the first fluid, and the first fluid and a second fluid are passed through the microchannel such that a reaction occurs, the first fluid flowing through a first of the inlets and the second fluid flowing through a second of the inlets. While flowing the first and second fluids, transmission of light through the NHA sensor is measured to obtain a reaction EOT measurement. A calorimetry measurement, indicative of energy released during the reaction, is calculated as a function of the baseline and reaction EOT measurements.

Abstract: The use of magnetic fields in the production of porous articles is generally described. Certain embodiments are related to methods of producing porous articles in which magnetic fields are applied to an emulsion to align emulsion droplets. In some embodiments, after the emulsion droplets have been aligned, the emulsion droplets and/or the medium surrounding the emulsion droplets can be removed to leave behind a porous article. According to certain embodiments, polyvinyl alcohol can be used, for example, to stabilize the emulsion droplets and/or bind together components of the porous article. In some embodiments, water-soluble liquid alcohol can be used, for example, to stabilize the suspension of electronically conductive material within a phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical resonant circulator device is providing, having a substrate, and at least three electrical ports supported on the substrate. At least three electromechanical resonator elements are connected with associated switch elements and an associated port. The switch elements are operative to provide commutation over time of the electromechanical resonator elements.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a recovery sequence for a network from a state of disruption to a state of partial or complete functionality are provided. The method and system can measure the response of a network to one or multiple hazards and can generate and compare the effectiveness of multiple recovery strategies in a quantitative and generalizable manner, providing a user with practical tools to implement an efficient restoration of the network.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a platform for liquid droplet generation and isolation for biochemical sensing and testing. An embodiment includes generator, fluid-exchange, and manipulator structures that are vertically aligned on a substrate to form a collection chamber. The generator structure is configured to form liquid droplets from a stream of liquid using gas. The fluid-exchange structure is connected to the generator structure to receive the liquid droplets in a carrier liquid held in the collection chamber. The manipulator structure is connected to receive the liquid droplets in the carrier liquid via an inlet. The manipulator structure defines a manipulator chamber connected to the inlet and has a first outlet and a second outlet and a filter capable of filtering the liquid droplets from the carrier liquid. The first outlet enables removal of the liquid droplets filtered and the second outlet enables removal of the carrier liquid.

Abstract: Bonded surfaces are formed by adhering first nanorods and second nanorods to respective first and second surfaces. The first shell is formed on the first nanorods and the second shell is formed on the second nanorods, wherein at least one of the first nanorods and second nanorods, and the first shell and the second shell are formed of distinct metals. The surfaces are then exposed to at least one condition that causes the distinct metals to form an alloy, such as eutectic alloy having a melting point below the temperature at which the alloy is formed, thereby bonding the surfaces upon which solidification of the alloy.

Abstract: Inter-allotropic transformations of carbon are provided using moderate conditions including alternating voltage pulses and modest temperature elevation. By controlling the pulse magnitude, small-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes are transformed into larger-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes of different morphologies, and multi-layered graphene nanoribbons.

Abstract: A zero-power plasmonic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is capable of specifically sensing electromagnetic radiation and performing signal processing operations. Such devices are highly sensitive relays that consume no more than 10 nW of power, utilizing the energy in detected electromagnetic radiation to detect and discriminate a target without the need of any additional power source. The devices can continuously monitor an environment and wake up an electronic circuit upon detection of a specific trigger signature of electromagnetic radiation, such as vehicular exhaust, gunfire, an explosion, a fire, a human or animal, and a variety of sources of radiation from the ultraviolet to visible light, to infrared, to terahertz radiation.