Abstract: A metamaterial comprising, a plurality of acoustic vector field sensors, each configured to sense an acoustic vector field of a fluid within a fluid-filled space in response to fluid waves, and producing an electrical signal corresponding to the sensed acoustic vector field; a processor configured to perform a time and space transform on the electrical signal; and at least one phased array transducer, configured to emit fluid waves according to a produced acoustic vector field pattern dependent on a result of the time and space transform, a within a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of chimeric OspA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with the distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.

Abstract: A voltage conversion system including a source configured to supply a voltage and a switch capacitor circuit electrically coupled to the source. The switch capacitor circuit is configured to switch between a discharging state and a charging state. The switching between the discharging state and the charging state produces a boost to the supplied voltage. The voltage conversion system includes a capacitor in the switch capacitor circuit configured to store charge during the charging state and drain charge during the discharging state. The voltage conversion system includes a switching arrangement having a plurality of switch pairs configured to supply a converted voltage to a load. The switch capacitor circuit and the switching arrangement are interfaced to produce a unified circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensor materials and sensors prepared from thermoplastic polymers filled with 2D nanoparticles. The thermoplastic polymers filled with 2D nanoparticles are prepared by a method in which a thermoplastic polymer is melt-blended with at least one layered material under shear sufficient to exfoliate the layered material in the thermoplastic polymer until 2D nanoparticles are formed, to provide covalently linked 2D nanoparticle-filled thermoplastic polymers. Such filled thermoplastic polymers have utility for preparing various types of sensors which are useful in a variety of practical applications and devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including those employing machine learning, utilizing one or more algorithms for relating the structure of a molecule in a library to its function are described. Embodiments described herein relate structure to function by considering the covalent structure of the molecule, the components of that structure that are common to many molecules in the library, and the properties of those components as they relate to the function in question. Applications include, for example, enhancement and amplification of the diagnostic and prognostic signals provided by peptide arrays for use in analyzing the profile of antibodies in the blood produced in response to a disease, condition or treatment.

Abstract: This patent document discloses novel compounds and methods of preventing or treating diseases or conditions related to Keap1-Nrf2 interaction activity by use of the novel compounds. As direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction, the compounds disclosed herein are more specific and free of various undesirable effects than existing indirect inhibitors, and are potential dmg candidates of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases or conditions involving oxidative stress and/or inflammation, including but not limited to cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: Biomarkers tests which can be used to predict a positive or negative risk of preeclampsia are described. More specifically, a panel of biomarkers including MMP-7 and gpIIbIIIa, described. The test is useful to predict preeclampsia when a biological sample is obtained between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Prediction later in pregnancy can be achieved by a combination of Siglec-6, Activin A, ALCAM, and/or FCN2.

Abstract: A scheme for identifying wireless devices by capturing out-of-band information in addition to in-band information from wireless devices for enabling accurate classification of wireless devices. Both the in-band and out-of-band spectrum emissions of the received signal are used to capture hardware signatures and features. These hardware signatures are used to discriminate different wireless devices uniquely and efficiently, even when the devices have the same hardware with significantly reduced distortions. The out-of-band information can be extracted using radios with software defined capabilities. Deep learning-based device classification technique is applied that uses IQ samples collected from the RF signals to efficiently identify and classify high-performing transmitters that have the same, minimally distorted hardware components.

Abstract: A method comprising reacting an aluminum mineral polymorph or a gallium mineral polymorph with an acid at an aluminum metal to acid molar ratio or gallium metal to acid molar ratio sufficient to produce M13 nanoscale clusters, M nano-agglomerates, or a M13 slurry, wherein M is Al or Ga.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for colorimetric detection schemes for detecting a variety of biomolecules. The compositions and methods employ DNA hybridization chain reaction for catalytic aggregation of gold nanoparticles. In this catalytic aggregation scheme, a single target DNA strand triggers the formation of multiple inter-particle linkages in contrast to the single linkage formed in conventional direct aggregation schemes.

Abstract: In a method for capturing carbon, sulfur, and/or nitrogen from a target source, a matrix including activated metal dispersed in a metal activating agent is provided. The target source may be or include a carbon, sulfur, and/or nitrogen target compound. The target source is contacted with the matrix, wherein the activated metal reacts with the target source to produce elemental carbon, elemental sulfur, elemental nitrogen, and/or one or more compounds transformed from the target compound(s). The matrix may be produced by contacting a metal with the metal activating agent, and maintaining contact between the metal and the metal activating agent for a period of time sufficient for metal atoms from the solid metal to disperse in the metal activating agent. The reaction may also produce a metal compound. The activated metal may also be utilized in alkylation and other synthesis processes.

Abstract: A subsurface monitoring system and method is provided that includes a sensor array and a monitoring system in communication with the array. The sensor array may include several sensors, such as subsurface temperature sensors, water-level sensors, and oxidation reduction potential sensors may be disposed in a vertical and/or horizontal fence through the subsurface of the monitored site. The sensor array may measure, collect, and analyze the subsurface conditions and provide the measurements to a monitoring system. The monitoring system may provide access the measurements via a user interface for analysis of the measurements. In addition, the monitoring system may process the measurements to generate one or more graphs of information for better understanding of the conditions of the subsurface of the monitored site.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the response of prostate cancer to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using a gene signature of five genes (CSPG5, FKBP6, FOSB, STMN1, and TTC27) is provided. Also provided are sets containing specific binding molecules for each of CSPG5, FKBP6, FOSB, STMN1, and TTC27 and kits containing such sets.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular to design ankyrin repeat protein (DARPins) reagents that distinguish Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods of diagnosing, monitoring treatment efficacy and developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and PD are disclosed based upon the use of the AD or PD specific DARPins.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving plant yield, biomass accumulation and stress tolerance. A novel AP2-like transcription factor MPG1, which when modulated impacts grain yield, biomass and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance when compared to non-modulated plants. The invention further provides methods using recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants and breeding methods using the same.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments pertain to a distributed audit trail system for use in a connected system including: a master unit to control a first aspect of the connected system and to create a blockchain light client and a distributed hash table (DHT); a first node to control a second aspect of the connected system; a second node to control a third aspect of the connected system; and one or more remote servers to form a blockchain full node, where the master unit, the first node, and the second node electronically communicate with each other through the DHT in order to form a combined audit trail, where the master unit creates a meta-hash of the software version of the software in the master unit, the first node, and the second node, system identification data, system sensor data, and system hardware configuration.

Abstract: A system for and methods of analyzing a test sample through the use of a rotary apparatus that includes a microfluidic paper-based apparatus (mPAD). The apparatus includes two or more layers that are rotatable with respect to one another. A middle layer may comprise a microfluidic apparatus having one or more reagent channels. Each of the reagent channels may include reagent dried on the surface of the channel, and, together with an absorption pad, may be aligned vertically with a sample chamber. Male and female engagement surfaces on each of the middle layer, the top layer, and the bottom layer interlock to secure each layers in vertical alignment so that fluid flows through the apparatus to contact a test sample with a reagent and facilitate detection of a target analyte in the test sample in the sample chamber.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Fothergilla plant named ‘NCFI1’ with a compact plant habit, large, showy, fragrant white flowers and brilliant fall foliage colors. The new variety of Fothergilla is suitable for ornamental horticultural purposes.