Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring velocity perturbation in a fluid include one or more sensor vehicle adapted to be deployed in the fluid and a device that obtains position and acceleration data of each sensor vehicle. A physical model of the one or more sensor vehicle behaviour is used to transform the obtained data into a velocity field of the fluid, and output a map of the velocity field in the fluid. Sensor vehicles may be adapted to move passively through the fluid and/or to be transported by the fluid. The apparatus and methods may be used in liquid and gaseous environments, and the velocity field map may be used to track movement of species and particulate matter of interest in the fluid in real time.

Abstract: A recombinant von Willebrand Factor (VWF) protein comprising one or more mutations and uses thereof are described. A recombinant protein complex comprising a von Willebrand factor sequence and one artificial Factor VIII sequence is described. A recombinant protein complex comprising a Factor VIII sequence and one artificial von Willebrand sequence is described. A recombinant protein complex is described that includes one artificial von Willebrand factor sequence and one artificial Factor VIII sequence. Also described are nucleic acid sequences and a vector encoding a VWF sequence and a pharmaceutical composition for inducing blood clotting that includes a VWF protein.

Abstract: A portable power station (PPS) unit includes a controller that receives AC current information of AC input current at an AC input port and produces a control signal that is used to control the PPS unit to operate as a voltage source or a current source, and to control an AC output current at substantially the same magnitude, frequency, and phase as the AC input current. A PPS apparatus includes two or more PPS units connected together such that the AC output power of one PPS unit is connected to the AC input port of a next PPS unit; wherein a first PPS unit is a voltage source and each of the second or more PPS units is a current source, and a total AC output power of the PPS apparatus is substantially a sum of the AC output power produced by the two or more PPS units.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for detecting a tumour that can be applied to cell-free samples, to cell-free detect circulating tumour DNA. The method utilizes detection of adjacent methylation signals within a single sequencing read as the basic positive tumour signal, thereby decreasing false positives. The method comprises extracting DNA from a cell-free sample obtained from a subject, bisulphite converting the DNA, amplifying regions methylated in cancer (CpG islands, CpG shores, and/or CpG shelves), generating sequencing reads, and detecting tumour signals. To increase sensitivity, biased primers designed based on bisulphite converted methylated sequences can be used. Target methylated regions can be selected from a pre-validated set according to the specific aim of the test. Absolute number, proportion, and/or distribution of tumour signals may be used for tumour detection or classification.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for detecting a tumour that can be applied to cell-free samples, to cell-free detect circulating tumour DNA. The method utilizes detection of adjacent methylation signals within a single sequencing read as the basic positive tumour signal, thereby decreasing false positives. The method comprises extracting DNA from a cell-free sample obtained from a subject, bisulphite converting the DNA, amplifying regions methylated in cancer (CpG islands, CpG shores, and/or CpG shelves), generating sequencing reads, and detecting tumour signals. To increase sensitivity, biased primers designed based on bisulphite converted methylated sequences can be used. Target methylated regions can be selected from a pre-validated set according to the specific aim of the test. Absolute number, proportion, and/or distribution of tumour signals may be used for tumour detection or classification.

Abstract: A method of beamforming by which a signal can be received into an array of channels, each of which is split into a real-part sub-channel and an imaginary part sub-channel. In each sub-channel, optical waves are used to carry the signal via waveguides. Each channel includes a real-part sub-channel where an optical wave is scaled by the real part of a complex number, and an imaginary part sub-channel, where a complementary optical wave is scaled by the complex part of the same complex number. When the complementary optical waves are received at the channel's output, they can be shifted by the phase of the complex number having defined their scaling. By processing a signal with a system operative to perform such method, the application of a different phase to each channel can result in a beamforming of the signal.

Abstract: A method for remediating PFAS-contaminated soil comprises measuring the initial moisture content of the PFAS-contaminated soil, optionally drying the PFAS-contaminated soil, and ball milling the PFAS-contaminated soil with or without the use of milling additives.

Abstract: A control circuit for an isolated power converter includes a first sensing circuit that senses a secondary side output voltage and produces a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to a value of the secondary side output voltage. The PWM is transferred a cross the converter isolation barrier to the primary side, and a primary side circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a control signal. A controller determines the value of the secondary side output voltage from the control signal and uses the value to control primary side power switching devices of the isolated power converter to regulate the secondary side output voltage at a selected value.

Abstract: Methods, probe sets, kits, and compositions for gene deletion assays are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods relate to preparing probes for a deletion assay, performing a deletion assay, or optimizing a deletion assay. In some embodiments, the methods and probe sets can provide reduced artifactual deletion frequency, for example, when analyzing samples subject to truncation artifacts. In some embodiments, the methods and probe sets can distinguish between small and large deletions.

Abstract: A cloud communication architecture addresses shortcomings of traditional security protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS) in cloud computing, providing security for data-in-transit and authenticity of cloud users (CUs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). The architecture also protects the communication channel against attacks such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) (including eavesdropping, sniffing, identity spoofing, data tampering), sensitive information disclosure, replay, compromised-key, repudiation and session hijacking attacks. The architecture includes a high-performance cloud-focussed security protocol. The protocol efficiently utilizes the strength and speed of features such as symmetric block encryption with Galois/Counter mode (GCM), cryptographic hash, public key cryptography, and ephemeral key-exchange, and provides faster reconnection facility for supporting frequent connectivity and dealing with connection trade-offs. Embodiments have enhanced security against the above-noted attacks, and are superior to TLSv1.

Abstract: A method for generating a propagation and velocity maps for cardiac wavefront propagation including cardiac arrhythmia, sinus rhythm, and paced rhythm. Activation time information is generated in the absence of any time alignment reference, wherein an estimated activation time is a weighted summation of potentially nonlinear and nonorthogonal candidate functions (CFs) selected from a bank of CFs. Time alignments between sequential recordings may be done by including binary level functions among selected CFs. Embodiments are applicable to single catheter mapping and sequential mapping, and are robust as confirmed by the ability to generate propagation maps and conduction velocity in the presence of multiple colliding wavefronts. The propagation and conduction velocity maps may be used for one or more of diagnosing cardiac arrhythmia, localizing cardiac arrhythmia, guiding catheter ablation therapy of cardiac arrhythmia, and guiding cardiac pacing therapy.

Abstract: A photonic device configured to perform matrix vector multiplication operations at high frequencies is provided. The vector being multiplied by the matrix is defined by vector components at specific wavelengths. The device includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A series of tunable microring resonators (MRRs) are coupled to the first waveguide and to a respective series of passive delay rings (PDRs), which are coupled to the second waveguide. Each MRR/PDR pair defines a tunable matrix component (tunable weight) for a respective wavelength component of the vector. A series of controllable delay elements (CDEs) such as all-pass filters are coupled to the first waveguide, upstream from the tunable MRRs. Any tuning dependent group delay caused by the MRR/PDR pairs can be compensated by controlling the CDEs such that each wavelength components has substantially a same delay as the other wavelength components.

Abstract: A biobased additive is provided that is both a nucleating and a reinforcing agent when added to thermoplastic polyester (e.g., biopolyesters). A composite material, which is an additive-reinforced biopolyester, was prepared and improved thermo-mechanical properties were quantified. This composite material is a new class of biobased material that offers a sustainable, environmentally-friendly solution for packaging and other applications.

Abstract: An etchant is described that includes an N-heterocyclic carbene and optionally an appropriate solvent. The etchant was effective at etching a metallic surface having, for example, a metal oxide and/or metal, in both solution phase and vapour-phase. The etchant has been shown to effectively etch oxidized copper and tungsten.

Abstract: Anionic switchable hydrophilicity solvents (ASHS) that can be reversibly converted between hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms are described. The ASHS comprise a carboxylic acid, a water-soluble base, water, and addition and removal of an acidic gas (CO2) effects the conversion between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms. A system and method for forming the ASHS are described, as well as applications utilizing the ASHS, including a method for separating a selected substance from a mixture, a method of removing gas from polymeric foam, and a method of extracting a hydrophobic material from a solid that is at least partially coated by the hydrophobic material.

Abstract: The present application provides stable, carbene-functionalized composite materials, and methods and uses thereof. These carbene-functionalized composite materials comprise a material having a metal surface, and a carbene monolayer that is uniform, contaminant-free (metal oxide, etc), and more stable than thiol-functionalized monolayers. Uses of such carbene-functionalized composite materials include semi-conducting materials, microelectronic devices, drug delivery or sensing applications.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage device has at least two half cells, wherein each half cell includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive high surface area material incorporating an electrolyte comprising a dissolved species that can exist in more than two redox states, and at least one separator that separates the at least two half cells and allows transfer of selected charge carriers between the half cells. After an initial charging, a redox pair of one half cell is different from the redox pair of the other half cell. The hybrid energy storage device operates as a battery for low power applications, and as a supercapacitor for high power applications. The hybrid energy storage device may be flexible.

Abstract: Compounds that are inhibitors of retinoic acid inducible P450 (CYP26) enzymes. The compounds have retinoid activity, are resistant to CYP26-mediated catabolism, act as inhibitors of CYP26B1, and are used for treating diseases that are responsive to retinoids.

Abstract: A method of exfoliating layered, shearable material is described. Examples are provided including exfoliation of graphite to form graphene nanoplatelets. Also described is a machine for preparing nanoplatelets that includes a chamber whose volume can be increased by pressure exerted by the exfoliated product. Composites of graphene nanoplatelets and polyamide exhibited improved flexural modulus compared to that of graphite composites while impact strength was unaffected.

Abstract: A control circuit for an isolated power converter includes a first sensing circuit that senses a secondary side output voltage and produces a pulse wave modulation (PWM) signal having a duty cycle that is proportional to a value of the secondary side output voltage. The PWM is transferred across the converter isolation barrier to the primary side, and a primary side circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a control signal. A controller determines the value of the secondary side output voltage from the control signal and uses the value to control primary side power switching devices of the isolated power converter to regulate the secondary side output voltage at a selected value.