Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring arterial properties, including systolic and diastolic pressure levels, of a subject is provided, in which a hardware processor receives and analyzes ballistocardiogram (BCG) data of the subject. A non-transient computer readable medium, accessible by the hardware processor, contains instructions that, when executed by the hardware processor, identify features of the BCG waveform and determine the arterial properties therefrom. For example, a diastolic pressure level may be determined from a time interval between the ‘I’ and ‘J’ peaks of the waveform and a systolic pressure level determined from the amplitude difference between the ‘J’ and ‘K’ peaks of the waveform in combination with the ‘I-J’ time interval or amplitude difference. A physical mechanism for the BCG data is disclosed that enables other arterial properties of the subject to be determined from the BCG data alone or from the BCG data in combination with other measurements.

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 system for generating an RFPWM signal comprises a delta sigma modulator having a plurality of outputs, a phase-locked loop comprising a plurality of phase quantization outputs, at least one multiplexer having a plurality of signal inputs, a plurality of selector inputs, and at least one output, the signal inputs communicatively connected to the phase quantization outputs of the phase-locked loop and the selector inputs electrically connected to the outputs of the delta sigma modulator, and a driver having an input communicatively connected to the output of the multiplexer and an output generating an RFPWM signal. A method of generating an RFPWM signal is also described.

Abstract: A method for making organo-metal material involves providing a metal ion source in a medium that removes metal ions from the source and forms 1D metal-containing coordination polymers that self-assemble and precipitate as at least one of a 2D and 3D coordination polymer material that can be thermally treated to produce a porous metal oxide material.

Abstract: Thermally activated delayed fluorescent compounds and uses thereof are described. The thermally activated delayed fluorescent compounds are an analogues of 9,10-dihydro-9,9-dimethylacridine compounds.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for projecting and sensing acoustic waves or sound in fluid is disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure and figures herein. The system includes a transducer array of a plurality of channels, each channel having an inlet and an outlet, and a reservoir containing a liquid solution. A first electrode is disposed proximate to the inlet and a second electrode is disposed proximate to the outlet. A voltage source, connected to the first and second electrodes, is configured to apply voltage across a length of the array of the channels to generate an electric field parallel to each channel. The electric field causes an electroosmotic flow of ions from the reservoir to the outlet, producing a plurality of acoustic waves or sound at the outlet. A method for projecting and sensing acoustic waves or sound in fluid using the acoustic transducer system is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of LC-MS/MS quantification of ?-carboxylated proteins in plasma, serum, or blood, including dried blood spots, are disclosed. The methods can be used to determine patient-specific dosing of anticoagulant drugs and diagnosis of liver diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: A slewing mitigation technique is presented where just the right amount of charge is provided at the switching instant to a switch capacitor circuit so that operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) does not need to provide high peak current. This eliminates slewing altogether and allows using OTAs with less static current for the same settling accuracy.

Abstract: A nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle includes a magnetic core including a magnetic nanocrystal, a fluorophore coupled to the magnetic core, at least one chelating compound coupled to the magnetic core, the at least one chelating compound being a compound that chelates copper-64 (64Cu), a compound that chelates technetium-99m (99mTc), or a combination thereof, and an iodine chelator coupled to the magnetic core. Methods of making the nanoparticle and of using the nanoparticle as a multi-modal contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to methods, compositions and kits for detecting modified adenosine in a target RNA molecule. Aspects relate to a method for detecting modified adenosine in a target ribonucleic acid (RNA) comprising contacting the target RNA with an adenosine deaminase enzyme (adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific) to generate a target RNA with deaminated adenosines and sequencing the target RNA with deaminated adenosines; wherein the modified adenosine is detected when the nucleotide sequence includes adenosine within a m6A motif.

Abstract: Systems (500, 1000) and methods (1700) for fabricating a soft tissue implant (100, 400). The methods generally involve: receiving implant data representative of the target implant; determining a planned weaving path for forming the soft tissue implant; and communicating the planned weaving path to an output device.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for use in reverse osmosis applications. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a polymeric matrix having functionalized cellulose nanofibers incorporated therein. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: Polymer hydrogels and methods for selective retrieval of microbial targets from microwells and other cell culture devices. The methods use semi-permeable, photodegradable hydrogel membranes that permit exchange of nutrients and waste products but seals motile bacteria and other microbes within microwells. Light exposure can be used to degrade the hydrogel membrane in a targeted manner and release the microbes from targeted microwells for further study.

Abstract: Various examples related to shifted fractional pitch wye-delta multilayer windings and their use in AC machines. In one example, a winding includes a first wye-delta winding with first wye and delta windings for each phase and a second wye-delta winding with second wye and delta windings for each phase. The first and second wye windings for each phase are connected in series and the first and second delta windings are connected in series, and formed wye and delta windings are connected in a wye-delta configuration thereby providing an electrical phase shift between the two windings. The windings are interdigitated to provide a physical shift between the first and second wye windings and the first and second delta windings. Such windings can be used in, e.g., permanent magnet synchronous machines, synchronous machines, reluctance machines, and induction machines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides nucleic acid compositions that incorporate one or more halouracil molecules. More specifically, the present disclosure reveals that the replacement of uracil nucleotides within a microRNA nucleotide sequence with a 5-halouracil increases the ability of the micro-RNA to inhibit cancer progression and tumorigenesis. As such, the present disclosure provides various nucleic acid (e.g., microRNA) compositions having 5-halouracil molecules incorporated in their nucleic acid sequences and methods for using the same. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified nucleic acid compositions, and methods for treating cancers using the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing a smart antenna system to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining spectral efficiency and signal integrity. In accordance with certain aspects of a particularly preferred embodiment, antenna beamforming may be optimized at a base station by combining a recursive least squares beamforming technique with Kaiser windowing functions to enable side lobe cancellation in the emitted beam, thus enhancing the capacity and service quality of smart antenna systems. With respect to further aspects of a particularly preferred embodiment, processing methods may be implemented at the base station of a cellular network to cluster mobile stations in a way that improves overall energy efficiency of a base station in the cellular network.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rhododendron plant named ‘NCRX8’ having prolific, bright cherry-red single flowers, cold hardy to USDA Zone 6b, consistent Fall reblooming, and a dense, compact habit. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rhododendron plant named ‘NCRX7’ having prolific, large, semi-double, deep pink flowers, a compact (mid-sized) habit, cold hardiness to USDA Zone 6b, and consistent Fall reblooming.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rhododendron plant named ‘NCRX6’ having a profusion of bright red/orange single flowers, cold-hardiness to USDA 6b, consistent Fall reblooming, a dense habit, and tetraploid cytotype. Plants exhibit mid-sized habit and propagate readily from stem cuttings. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.