Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel anti-microbial peptides with inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis and streptococcus bacteria. Additionally, a method for designing novel anti-microbial peptides is disclosed.

Abstract: A second order neuron for machine learning is described. The second order neuron includes a first dot product circuitry and a second dot product circuitry. The first dot product circuitry is configured to determine a first dot product of an intermediate vector and an input vector. The intermediate vector corresponds to a product of the input vector and a first weight vector or the input vector and a weight matrix. The second dot product circuitry is configured to determine a second dot product of the input vector and a second weight vector. The input vector, the intermediate vector, the first weight vector and the second weight vector each contain a number, n, elements.

Abstract: Tomographic/tomosynthetic image reconstruction systems and methods in the framework of machine learning, such as deep learning, are provided. A machine learning algorithm can be used to obtain an improved tomographic image from raw data, processed data, or a preliminarily reconstructed intermediate image for biomedical imaging or any other imaging purpose. In certain cases, a single, conventional, non-deep-learning algorithm can be used on raw imaging data to obtain an initial image, and then a deep learning algorithm can be used on the initial image to obtain a final reconstructed image. All machine learning methods and systems for tomographic image reconstruction are covered, except for use of a single shallow network (three layers or less) for image reconstruction.

Abstract: Light-emitting diode (LED) driver systems that are scalable and can be used for N-color LED systems are provided. An LED system having N LED strings of different color can be efficiently driven with independently controllable constant current sources for each string from a single power source. The driver system can include a power converter having an inductor.

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: 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: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Methods and devices including a light display transceiver device are disclosed. Disclosed methods and devices include a light source array including at least one pixel unit, the at least one pixel unit including one of a single pixel, a plurality of groups of cooperating single pixels, a combination of singles pixels and groups of cooperating single pixels, and a single group of cooperating single pixels. Control wires are joined with each of the at least one pixel units. A controller is joined with the control wires for controlling each of the at least one pixel unit. The light source array is configured to operate in at least one of three modes, a full-space-division-duplex (FSDD) mode, a half-space-division-duplex (HSDD) mode, and a time-division-duplex (TDD) mode. The controller causes the light source array to operate in one of the three modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting power and information using acoustic energy produced by transducers are provided. The systems have particular application for powering and communication with electronics through drilling and pipe systems. Pairs of acoustic wedges holding transducers are provided for sending energy and information through a substrate which may be a steel pipe. Each wedge has an angled transducer which can be used to produce shear waves. The waves propagate through the substrate and are received by a second acoustic wedge. The shear waves, on reaching the second acoustic wedge, are converted back into electrical signals by a second transducer. Tangential shear waves, high, shallow wave transmission angles, and direct steel-steel bonding between wedges and substrates may be used.

Abstract: Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Abstract: Methods and systems for stationary computed tomography are disclosed. The methods and systems include a gantry having alternating x-ray sources and x-ray detectors that are stationary during operation of the system. The gantry and pairs of x-ray sources and detectors substantially surrounds an object positioned inside the gantry during operation of the system. Dynamically adjustable collimators are positioned between the x-ray sources and the object. Each of the x-ray sources projects an x-ray beam through the collimators and through the object and the x-ray detectors receive the x-ray beam. The x-ray detectors include means for converting the x-ray beam to raw image data. One or more microprocessors control the x-ray sources and the process raw image data. A data storage device stores instructions, which upon execution by the microprocessor, control the x-ray sources and process the raw image data by converting the raw image data to a digital image.

Abstract: Resolution of a pathological condition is promoted via the application, e.g., via injection, of a potassium osmolyte such as hyperosmolar potassium gluconate, potassium aspartate, another potassium-based salt, or combinations thereof to the condition site. The application of the potassium osmolyte increases the extracellular concentration of potassium ions, reducing the membrane potential of the cells at the condition site and including immune cell quiescence. As a result, the inflammatory response in the patient to the pathological condition is reduced or eliminated. Reducing the inflammatory response is useful in treatment of myriad conditions including arthritis, auto-immune conditions, inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, tissue breakdown, etc.

Abstract: Advantageous machines, such as flux-switching machines (FSMs) are provided. An FSM can be yokeless and can have two rotors, which can be displaced from one another (e.g., by half a pole pitch). An FSM can be a flux-switching permanent magnet machine (FSPMM), and all magnets can be magnetized in the same circumferential direction. FSMs of the subject invention are cost-effective, have high torque density, and can operate well even under fault conditions.

Abstract: Light-emitting diode (LED) driver systems that are scalable and can be used for N-color LED systems are provided. An LED system having N LED strings of different color can be efficiently driven with independently controllable constant current sources for each string from a single power source. The driver system can include a power converter having an inductor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for preparation of oxetane polymers, wherein an epoxide accelerant is reacted with one or more equivalents of a 3-monosubstituted oxetane or a 3,3-disubstituted oxetane, wherein the epoxide accelerant is selected from the group consisting of 2,2-substituted epoxide, 2,2,3-substituted epoxide, 2,2,3,3-substituted epoxide, and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are oxetane polymers prepared by the processes of the invention.

Abstract: A system for providing a solar harvesting building envelope is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of solar harvesting apparatus configured to be installed as or on a building envelope in manner like that of traditional shingles or siding. The apparatus includes a frame having a photovoltaic end wall, as well as reflective base and side walls. A translucent, wedge-shaped body layer is positioned on the frame. A luminescent species film is positioned at and substantially parallel to a base of the wedge-shaped body layer, such that the luminescent species film is positioned at an angle relative to the photovoltaic end wall. Light incident on the wedge-shaped body layer is concentrated towards the photovoltaic end wall, such as through absorption and re-emission along with scattering by the luminescent species film and internal reflection by the wedge-shaped body layer and the reflective base and side walls of the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to synthesis of heparin, which may be bioequivalent to porcine USP Heparin Sodium. The synthesis may involve three intermediates starting from heparosan.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel anti-microbial peptides with inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis and streptococcus bacteria. Additionally, a method for designing novel anti-microbial peptides is disclosed.

Abstract: Cell culture devices, and related methods and kits, for modeling isotropic-to-anisotropic cellular transitions are provided. The devices can include a substrate having an isotropic film surface with one or more regions of aligned fibers dispersed thereon.

Abstract: Cell culture devices, and related methods and kits, for modeling isotropic-to-anisotropic cellular transitions are provided. The devices can include a substrate having an isotropic film surface with one or more regions of aligned fibers dispersed thereon.