Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for prioritizing video slices of H.264 video bitstream comprising: a memory storage and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage, wherein the processing unit operates to execute a low complexity scheme to predict the expected cumulative mean squared error (CMSE) contributed by the loss of a slice of H.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating and preventing an infection or disease, and for directly killing microorganisms, using carboxy-terminal C5a analogs, are provided.

Abstract: A synthetic jet for a stationary vane for a turbo-machine is disclosed. The synthetic jet includes a backside cavity and a jet cavity. The jet cavity includes a frontside cavity adjoining the backside cavity and a jet passage extending from a fluid stream interfacing surface of the airfoil towards the frontside cavity. The jet passage is in flow communication with the frontside cavity. The synthetic jet also includes a disk located between the backside cavity and the frontside cavity. The disk includes a cylindrical disk and a coating on each side of the cylindrical disk. The coating is a piezo electric ceramic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a novel photovoltaic cell that uses unique micro-architectural and multi-layer functional designs. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a 3-dimensional electrode. Disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a novel electroluminescent cell that uses unique micro-architectural and multi-layer functional designs. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a 3-dimensional diode.

Abstract: In this application, a set of orthogonal functions is introduced whose power spectral densities are all rectangular shape. To find the orthogonal function set, it was considered that their spectrums (Fourier transforms of the functions) are either real-valued or imaginary-valued, which are corresponding to even and odd real-valued time domain signals, respectively. The time domain functions are all considered real-valued because they are actually physical signals. The shape of the power spectral densities of the signals are rectangular thus, the Haar orthogonal function set can be employed in the frequency domain to decompose them to several orthogonal functions. Based on the inverse Fourier transform of the Haar orthogonal functions, the time domain functions with rectangular power spectral densities can be determined. This is equivalent to finding the time-domain functions by taking the inverse Fourier transform of the frequency domain Walsh functions.

Abstract: Seismic displacement demands for design of a bridge frame structure are typically determined from linear-elastic analysis (LEA), which are often incorrect, and compared to displacement capacity from a nonlinear pushover analysis. Nonlinear time-history analysis (NTHA) provides the most realistic assessment of displacement demands because it properly models the physics of the dynamic problem, wherein stiffness of the bridge varies over time. However, using NTHA to determine a bridge response from multiple earthquake motions based on the stiffness method requires excessive time. A unique approach for determining the nonlinear time-history response of a bridge frame is disclosed that is thousands of times faster than the stiffness method while providing the same results. Computational efficiency allows bridge design engineers to use NTHA for the seismic design of bridge structures by producing multiple determinations in less than one second.

Abstract: Provided herein is a prosthetic device in patients with ventricular assist device (VAD) support and a closed off aortic valve orifice, which reestablishes the formation of normal fluid flow patterns in the aortic root. The prosthesis includes a circular body having a first surface and a second surface and a projection disposed on the first surface of the body, wherein the projection includes a plurality of walls extending away from the first surface of the body, each wall being positioned such that a first side edge contacts a center of the body, thereby forming a plurality of intercepted arcs, each located between adjacent walls; and a plurality of concave parabolic surfaces, each disposed within an intercepted arc. Also provided are methods of using the prosthetic device to reduce thrombosis formation in patients with VAD support.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing remotely sensed imagery in order to achieve precise spatial co-registration (e.g., matched alignment) between multi-temporal image sets is presented. Such precise alignment or spatial co-registration of imagery can be used for change detection, image fusion, and temporal analysis/modeling. Further, images collected in this manner may be further processed in such a way that image frames or line arrays from corresponding photo stations are matched, co-aligned and if desired merged into a single image and/or subjected to the same processing sequence. A second methodology for automated detection of moving objects within a scene using a time series of remotely sensed imagery is also presented. Specialized image collection and preprocessing procedures are utilized to obtain precise spatial co-registration (image registration) between multitemporal image frame sets.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device for proximity-based social and professional networking which features electronics and software for the passive automated local wireless exchange of personal and/or business information with other electronic devices is disclosed. In some embodiments, an electronic device includes a controller having an operations unit; a communication unit configured to receive and/or transmit data from a first external source; and a memory unit configured to communicate with the controller and receive and/or transmit data from the controller. The operations unit may be configured to determine if received data from the first external source meets a set threshold and wherein the operations unit may be configured to instruct communication unit to accept data that meets or exceeds said threshold. The communication unit may receive and transmit data from the first external source provided the external source is within a predetermined proximity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a novel photovoltaic cell that uses unique microarchitectural and multi-layer functional designs. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a 3-dimensional electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of depositing a polymer onto a surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises using a high electric field and a high frequency vibratory motion to deposit a polymer solution onto the surface. Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of manufacturing an electrode or diode. In some embodiments, the method comprises using a high electric field and a high frequency vibratory motion to deposit a polymer onto a surface. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is an electrode manufactured by any method disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, is a diode manufactured by any method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and system of managing a residential or commercial energy system is described. The method includes predicting power consumption of a building, scheduling one or more appliances sufficient to optimize a consumer's energy usage, collecting usage profiles and demand and re-calculating the predicting of power consumption of a building.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating patients with an anxiety disorder are disclosed. The systems comprise a screen for displaying sets of stimuli, a computer to control the display of stimuli onto the screen during at least one treatment session and the ability for the patient to interact with the screen in response to the displayed stimuli. The interaction of the patient with the system during the treatment session is capable of treating patient anxiety associated with an anxiety disorder, such as social anxiety. Also provided are computer programs capable of being used in the systems and methods of the present invention for treating anxiety.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising nucleic acids encoding the serine/threonine kinase PIM-1, and methods for making and using them; including methods for inducing cellular proliferation, and protecting cardiac cells from hypoxia and cellular apoptosis. The invention provides compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising nucleic acids encoding PIM-1, and methods for enhancing the regenerative potential of stem cells in the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of asthma and bronchial inflammation, e.g., as induced by an allergen or toxin. In one aspect, the invention provides inhibitors of “Inducible T Cell Kinase” (ITK) polypeptides and methods of making and using them, e.g., as agents and pharmaceutical compositions to treat asthma. In one aspect, the invention is directed to ITK protein expression and/or activity inhibitors. In one aspect, these ITK protein expression and/or activity inhibitors are used with targeting agents. In one aspect, the ITK protein inhibitors of the invention are used to treat asthma. In one aspect, the invention is directed to ITK protein inhibitors as chimeric proteins comprising fragments or altered or truncated forms of ITK protein, or equivalent. In other aspects ITK protein is joined or fused to another moiety (e.g., a targeting domain) or to an antibiotic.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., kits) and methods for determine the number of bacteria and other microbes in samples having low concentrations of microbes, for use, e.g., in biological warfare defense, microbe detection and agricultural and environmental sciences.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine, radiographic imaging, material composition analysis, high energy physics, container inspection, mine detection and astronomy. The invention provides detection systems employing one or more detector modules (102) comprising edge-on scintillator detectors (101) with sub-aperture resolution (SAR) capability employed, e.g., in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy. The invention also provides edge-on imaging probe detectors for use in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, or for use in nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy.

Abstract: The invention provides novel macrocyclic peptides and methods for their preparation. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods to treat, prevent or ameliorate a cell proliferative disease or conditions. e.g., a cancer. in a subject in need thereof, including but not limited to a colon cancer, such as MSS or MSI colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This invention provides for the synthesis and development of novel anticancer agents that are based on the core structure Sansalvamide A (San A).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine, radiopaphic imaging, material composition analysis, high energy physics, container inspection, mine detection and astronomy. The invention provides detection systems employing one or more detector modules (102) comprising edge-on scintillator detectors (101) with sub-aperture resolution (SAR) capability employed, e.g., in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy. The invention also provides edge-on imaging probe detectors for use in nuclear medicine, such as radiation therapy portal imaging, or for use in nuclear remediation, mine detection, container inspection, and high energy physics and astronomy.