Abstract: An energy harvester having a plurality of bimorph beams and a plurality of piezoelectric devices, wherein at least two of the piezoelectric devices are mounted to each of the plurality of bimorph beams. A plurality of rigid beams interconnect adjacent ends of the bimorph beams to define a stacked, fan-folded shape having a first end of one of the bimorph beams mounted to a structure. A tip mass is disposed on a free end of another of the plurality of bimorph beams. Upon movement of the energy harvester, the plurality of bimorph beams is caused to deflect and thereby output electrical power from the plurality of piezoelectric devices.

Abstract: An always-on telepresence device for permanently connecting two distinct locations in a way that allows for “incidental contact” between people at the distinct locations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to determine building thermal performance parameters through empirical testing is described. Three building-specific parameters, thermal conductivity, thermal mass, and effective window area, are empirically derived. Thermal conductivity is evaluated through an empirical test conducted in the absence of solar gain with constant indoor temperature and no HVAC. Thermal mass is evaluated through a second empirical test conducted in the absence of solar gain and no HVAC. Effective window area is evaluated through a third empirical test conducted in the presence of solar gain and no HVAC. Thermal HVAC system power rating and conversion and delivery efficiency are also parametrized. The parameters are estimated using short duration tests that last at most several days. The parameters and estimated HVAC system efficiency can be used to simulate a time series of indoor building temperature, annual fuel consumption, or maximum indoor temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A first feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. A second feedback path determines a power correction term. An open loop path determines a feedforward power term, as well as timing, for the MEC input signal, based on various engine conditions. The feedforward power term is corrected with the power correction term.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a macromolecular chemotherapeutic. A non-limiting example of the macromolecular chemotherapeutic includes a block copolymer. The block copolymer can include a water-soluble block, a cationic block, and a linker, wherein the linker is connected to the water-soluble bock and the charged block.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a radio communication method may be provided. The radio communication method may include: determining in a cell at least one first subframe; determining in the cell at least one second subframe; allocating downlink user traffic in the cell during the first subframe with a low priority; and transmitting a handover command to a user equipment based on the second subframe.

Abstract: An asymmetric 3D shells k-space trajectory design with partial Fourier acceleration is described. A non-iterative homodyne reconstruction framework is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of embryonic hematopoietic stem cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGF? pathway. Also provided herein are methods for expanding embryonic hematopoietic stem cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGF? pathway. The embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include cells derived from an embryo (e.g., aorta-gonad-mesonephros region of the embryo), embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or reprogrammed cells of other types.

Abstract: Provided herein are monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL) occupancy probes comprising a MGLL inhibitor containing a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer radionuclide. Also provided are methods of assessing MGLL enzyme occupancy of a MGLL inhibitor using the radiolabeled occupancy probes described herein.

Abstract: A method and corresponding composition to inhibit outgrowth of C. difficile spores and/or to inhibit growth of C. difficile vegetative cells in a mammal in which an amount of a nylon-3 polymer or nylon-3 copolymer or a pharmaceutically suitable salt thereof is administered to the subject.

Abstract: A computer-implemented tool having a collection of content management subsystems allows the content creator to construct a web-based behavioral modification site without the need for computer programming skills. The content delivery system constructed with this tool employs a lesson manager that delivers lesson content based on a tree structure; a virtual educator manager that presents different graphical images of an educator character, complete with different facial expressions and gestures designed to facilitate learning; a link manager that supplements lesson content with links to supplemental material and automatically suppresses dead links; and an impact manager that automatically administers a stage-of-change questionnaire a predefined time interval after the lesson was completed.

Abstract: Provided are multiply functional telodendrimers. The telodendrimers can be used for combination drug delivery. The telodendrimers may have one or more crosslinking groups (e.g., reversible photocrosslinking groups). The telodendrimers can aggregate to form nanocarriers. Cargo such as combinations of drugs, imaging probes, and other materials may be sequestered in the core of the aggregates via non-covalent or covalent interactions with the telodendrimers. Such nanocarriers may be used in drug delivery applications and imaging applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an asphalt binder composition to a roadway during construction or repair of an asphalt pavement which apparatus include: a mobile vehicle having a chassis extending in a longitudinal direction which longitudinal direction is aligned with a forward/rearward direction of travel of said mobile vehicle; at least one storage tank supported on the chassis containing an asphalt binder composition; and at least one spray nozzle configured to dispense the asphalt binder composition from the at least one storage tank in a longitudinal strip or band having a width that is no greater that a width of the asphalt binder composition dispensed by one of the at least one spray nozzle. The at least one spray nozzle can include a plurality of spray nozzles that are coupled to a common spray bar. According to one embodiment the asphalt binder composition is a void reducing asphalt membrane composition that is provided between adjacent asphalt pavement passes.

Abstract: Crosslinkable random copolymers comprising atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiators and crosslinked copolymer films formed from the copolymers are provided. The random copolymers, which are polymerized from one or more alkyl halide functional inimers and one or more monomers having a crosslinkable functionality, are characterized by pendant ATRP initiating groups and pendant crosslinkable groups.

Abstract: Provided is a method of increasing an amount of coke-oven gas, including the step of: introducing steam into a gas way of a carbonization chamber of a coke oven such that a water-gas reaction is conducted at 500° C. or higher during a process of carbonizing coal in the carbonization chamber of the coke oven, wherein the starting point of steam into the gas way is moved up prior to a time point at which an amount of generation of coke-oven gas is maximized, so as to increase the steam introduction time, thereby maximizing a reaction of steam with carbon existing in the carbonization chamber of the coke oven.

Abstract: In a process for upgrading an ethane-containing C5- paraffin stream, the paraffin stream is contacted with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a selective oxidation catalyst under conditions to selectively oxidize at least part of the ethane in the paraffin stream and produce a first product stream comprising ethylene. At least part of the first product stream is then with an oligomerization catalyst under conditions to oligomerize at least part of the ethylene and produce a second product stream comprising gasoline and/or distillate boiling range hydrocarbons. Gasoline and/or distillate boiling range hydrocarbons are then recovered from the second product stream and at least a part of any residual C5- paraffin stream is recycled to the selective oxidation step.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: This document relates to adenovirus vectors and methods and materials related to using adenovirus vectors. For example, viruses, nucleic acid molecules encoding viruses, cell lines containing viral vectors, and methods for using viruses to deliver nucleic acid to cells in vitro or in vivo are provided. Methods and materials for using adenovirus vectors to induce immune responses and to treat cancer also are provided.

Abstract: A new variety of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named ‘Tift PA5’ produces a reduced number of seeds, making it less invasive.