Abstract: A coprime microphone array (CMA) system, comprising: a CMA arrangement that includes a pair of uniform linear microphone subarrays that are coincident and have a coprime number of microphones; a computing system that processing signals from each microphone in the CMA arrangement and generates sound localization information.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon proton exchange membranes are disclosed that are composed of a material including a hydrophobic main chain, and acidic side chains. The main chain includes a polyaryl structure that is substantially free of ether linkages and also includes a fluoromethyl substituted carbon. The acidic side chains include a hydrocarbon tether terminated by a strongly acidic group, such as a fluoroalkyl sulfonate group. Chemical stability of the material is increased by removing the ether linkages from the main chain. The hydrophobic main chain and substantially hydrophilic side chains create a phase-separated morphology that affords enhanced transport of protons and water across the membrane even at low relative humidity levels. These materials are advantageous as membranes for use in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, water hydrolysis systems, sensors, electrochemical hydrogen compressors, actuators, water purifiers, gas separators, etc.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product are provided for estimating a circadian phase of a subject by: obtaining a sensed biological signal for the subject; and using, by one or more processors, adaptive frequency tracking to adaptively estimate the circadian phase of the subject from the sensed biological signal. Circadian phase estimation may be accelerated by providing a feedback loop for the adaptive frequency tracking, which utilizes, in part, a circadian phase model in automatically ascertaining a phase correction for the adaptive frequency tracking. The circadian phase estimation may be used in automatically constructing a light-based circadian rhythm model for the subject using a linear parameter-varying (LPV) formulation, and once constructed, the circadian rhythm model for the subject may be used to provide light-based circadian rhythm regulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to mixed mode chromatography media comprising a ligand directly attached to a solid support. In some aspects, the ligand has a chemical formula of The mixed mode chromatography media is useful for binding and purifying proteins from a solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a novel class of polymers with superior mechanical properties and chemical stability, as compared to known polymers. These polymers are particularly well suited for use in anion exchange membranes (AEMs), including those employed in fuel cells. Novel methods for the manufacture of these polymers are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and assemblies for cooling an electronic component are disclosed. A heat sink assembly includes first and second substrates. The first substrate is in thermal contact with the electronic component. A primary channel is formed in the second surface of the first substrate. The primary channel is configured to direct cooling fluid for cooling the electronic component. An array of primary cooling fluid fins is positioned within the primary channel. The array of primary cooling fluid fins includes upstream solid fins and downstream open fins each having an upstream opening and downstream sidewalls. The secondary channel is formed within the second surface of the second substrate and is configured to direct partially heated cooling fluid away from the electronic component. An array of secondary cooling fluid fins is positioned within the secondary channel downstream. An enclosing layer seals the secondary channel.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous methods and systems for performing spectral computed tomography are provided. An edge-on detector, such as a silicon strip detector, can be used to receive X-rays after passing through a sample to be imaged. An energy resolving process can be performed on the collected X-ray radiation. The CT scanner can have third-generation or fourth-generation geometry.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous methods and systems for performing computed tomography (CT) imaging are disclosed. Electrodes can be connected to appropriate surface sites of a detector element of a CT scanner to capture nearby electron-hole pairs generated by X-rays received on the detector element. This detection can be performed in current-integrating/energy-integrating mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an attenuation sinogram for a time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) scan using only TOF PET data, and including use of the total amount of tracer provided to the subject of the TOF PET scan, are provided. The total amount of injected tracer can be used to determine the otherwise unknown constant shift present when an attenuation sinogram is estimated using the gradient of the attenuation sinogram. The attenuation sinogram can therefore be accurately and stably determined without any additional knowledge on the attenuation sinogram or map.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a modified surface comprising an optically active monomer, a polymeric material having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. In one aspect, a membrane comprising an optically active monomer, a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. The present disclosure also relates to a method of modifying a surface, the method comprising applying sufficient energy to a surface to induce covalent bonding with an optically active monomer, and contacting the optically active monomer with the surface. In one aspect, a method of modifying a surface of a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane is disclosed. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing an optically active monomer is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of filtration of chiral compounds is disclosed.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product are provided for estimating a circadian phase of a subject by: obtaining a sensed biological signal for the subject; and using, by one or more processors, adaptive frequency tracking to adaptively estimate the circadian phase of the subject from the sensed biological signal. Circadian phase estimation may be accelerated by providing a feedback loop for the adaptive frequency tracking, which utilizes, in part, a circadian phase model in automatically ascertaining a phase correction for the adaptive frequency tracking. The circadian phase estimation may be used in automatically constructing a light-based circadian rhythm model for the subject using a linear parameter-varying (LPV) formulation, and once constructed, the circadian rhythm model for the subject may be used to provide light-based circadian rhythm regulation.

Abstract: An improved nanoparticle for transfecting cells is provided. The nanoparticle includes a core polyplex and a silica coating on the core polyplex and, optionally, a polymer attached to an outer surface of the silica coating, where the polyplex includes an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer, a cationic polypeptide, and a polynucleotide. Also provided is an improved method of modifying intracellular polynucleotides. The method includes contacting a cell with a nanoparticle that includes a core polyplex and a silica coating on the core polyplex and, optionally, a polymer attached to an outer surface of the silica coating, where the polyplex includes an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer, a cationic polypeptide, and a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to anion exchange membranes and, more particularly, to anion exchange membranes comprising a styrene block copolymer and methods for their manufacture. In one embodiment, the invention provides a polymer according to formula IV, wherein x and y are mol %, QA is or each of R1 and R2 is, independently, a linear alkyl chain or a cyclic alkyl chain, and Z is selected from a group consisting of: a linear alkyl chain, a cyclic alkyl chain, and an alkylene ether chain.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a light source, a wavelength-conversion material, and a reflector. The light source is configured to emit a first radiation, and has a front surface and a back surface. The wavelength-conversion material is arranged under the front surface and configured to convert the first radiation to a second radiation which has a first portion not able to reach the reflector and a second portion able to reach the reflector. The reflector is arranged over the back surface and configured to reflect the second portion away from the light source without passing through the wavelength-conversion material. The reflector has an end distant from the light source and is arranged in an elevation different from that of the wavelength-conversion material.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to monitoring for the presence or progression of amyloid diseases via detection of amyloid fibrils in a sample from an individual are disclosed. An individual, or sample from an individual, is treated with a reagent including a fluorescent protein. The fluorescent protein in the reagent binds to amyloid fibrils present in the sample. Detecting a signal from fluorescent protein bound to the treated sample indicates the presence of amyloid fibrils in the sample and possible diagnosis of an amyloid disease. The presence and progression of an amyloid disease is monitored by quantifying signal intensity from samples taken over time. Treatment with a reagent including a fluorescent protein inhibits amyloid fibril formation by providing the reagent to an environment including amyloid monomers. The fluorescent protein binds to amyloid oligomers during the lag phase and/or elongation phase of amyloid fibril formation, preventing formation of mature amyloid fibrils.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a framelet-based iterative algorithm for polychromatic CT which can reconstruct two components using a single scan. The algorithm can have various steps including a scaled-gradient descent step of constant or variant step sizes; a non-negativity step; a soft thresholding step; and a color reconstruction step.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and assemblies for cooling an electronic component are disclosed. A heat sink assembly includes first and second substrates. The first substrate is in thermal contact with the electronic component. A primary channel is formed in the second surface of the first substrate. The primary channel is configured to direct cooling fluid for cooling the electronic component. An array of primary cooling fluid fins is positioned within the primary channel. The array of primary cooling fluid fins includes upstream solid fins and downstream open fins each having an upstream opening and downstream sidewalls. The secondary channel is formed within the second surface of the second substrate and is configured to direct partially heated cooling fluid away from the electronic component. An array of secondary cooling fluid fins is positioned within the secondary channel downstream. An enclosing layer seals the secondary channel.

Abstract: A method for modifying a polymeric surface is disclosed. The polymeric surface is activated utilizing atmospheric pressure plasma. An atom transfer radical polymerization initiator is then coupled to the activated surface. A monomer is then polymerized on the activated surface utilizing an activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process. The method enables brush-modification of the polymeric surface, even if the polymeric surface is substantially chemically inert. By way of example, the method enables a chemically inert, substantially hydrophobic polymer surface to be functionalized with substantially hydrophilic polymer brushes. The methods of the present disclosure have general applicability to a myriad of implementations where tunable surface chemistry is advantageous, such as filtration membranes, marine surfaces, and medical devices seeking a biocompatible coating.