Abstract: Dropout and pruned neural networks for fault classification in photovoltaic (PV) arrays are provided. Automatic detection of solar array faults leads to reduced maintenance costs and increased efficiencies. Embodiments described herein address the problem of fault detection, localization, and classification in utility-scale PV arrays. More specifically, neural networks are developed for fault classification, which have been trained using dropout regularizers. These neural networks are examined and assessed, then compared with other classification algorithms. In order to classify a wide variety of faults, a set of unique features are extracted from PV array measurements and used as inputs to a neural network. Example approaches to neural network pruning are described, illustrating trade-offs between model accuracy and complexity. This approach promises to improve the accuracy of fault classification and elevate the efficiency of PV arrays.

Abstract: Elastomer-based soft-robotic micro-tentacles capable of winding around and holding microscale objects and methods of fabricating same are provided. To realize the thin, highly deformable microtubes, a fabrication technique based on in situ thermal solidification of PDMS dip-coated around a cylindrical template and direct peeling of the cured structure is presented. This process is capable to asymmetrize the microtube's cross-sectional shape and enable the microtube to bend up to a single turn. To amplify the bending into a life-like, multi-turn spiraling motion, a semi-analytical model to shape-engineer the microtube and turn it into a micro-tentacle was produced. As a result, a hump is added to the microtube to enable the multi-turn spiraling motion.

Abstract: The described invention is directed to hydrogel-based transparent soils that can provide heterogeneous, aeration, and porous condition for plant growth. The hydrogel beads are highly tailorable in size and porosity providing an environment that is closer to natural soil. Index-matching allows the beads to appear transparent, facilitating the use of imaging and microscopy of the plant root system in vivo.

Abstract: A method for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing by tracking sub-micron scale motion of single bacterial cells including obtaining a biological sample from a subject including live bacteria. Different doses of antibiotic are added to a multi-well glass slide and adding portions of the biological sample to the wells. Bacterial cells are tethered onto the surface. The tethered bacterial cells are imaged and tracked. Bacterial sub-micron motion of tethered cells is measured at the different doses. A processor performs statistical analysis on a population of cells for each antibiotic dose to generate an antibiotic dose curve proportional to the motion changes, where the antibiotic dose curve plots data including a decrease in movement over time indicating a proportional effectiveness of an antibiotic applied to a well.

Abstract: A slow releasing fertilizer system comprising polysaccharide-based hydrogel beads, and methods of making and using the same, are described.

Abstract: A device and method for directing a cannula toward a target location under a patient's skin. The device is handheld and the device operations may be automated. The device includes an imaging probe for imaging the target location, a positioning unit for manipulating a cannula towards the target location, and a processor. The processor receives imaging data from the imaging probe, cannula pose data from at least one cannula position sensor, and device pose data from at least one device position sensor. The target location is identified from the imaging data, and a trajectory for manipulating the cannula towards the target location is determined based on the imaging data, the cannula pose data, and the device pose data. The processor may determine that the trajectory becomes misaligned with the target position, and may update to a corrected trajectory based on the imaging data, cannula pose data, and the device pose data.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus and method remove a polarized molecule in a fluid. In another aspect, a non-uniform electric field is created between an anode and a cathode, the fluid flows within a gap between the cathode and the anode, and the polarized molecule is driven by an electrostatic force to and adsorbed on the anode without experiencing a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and associated methods for a rapidly manufacturable face mask assembly are disclosed herein. The face mask assembly can be fabricated using methods and materials that are easily accessible and more quickly produced than traditional manufacturing methods. The main mask body is intended to be efficiently 3D printed, with the addition of a removable face seal made of silicone or other soft and flexible polymers. The mask body includes anchor points for various strap options, as well as a custom filter retainer that can be customized to accommodate the use of numerous different filter materials, while the face seal restricts airflow to intake only through the attached filter.

Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treating one of an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) associated condition and an ACE2 associated pre-condition patient comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutically therapeutic dose of a therapeutic, wherein the therapeutic includes either a Sigmar1 antagonist or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof, or a Sigmar1 enhancer, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof. A method of treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutically therapeutic dose of a therapeutic, wherein the therapeutic includes a Sigmar1 enhancer, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: A closed-loop insulin delivery system is described. More particularly, the presently disclosed insulin delivery system can comprise glucose-responsive vesicles that release insulin in response to hypoxia triggered by enzymatic reduction of glucose. In addition or as an alternative to insulin, the delivery system can release other diabetes treatment agents, such as non-insulin-based diabetes treatment agents. The vesicles can be prepared from a hypoxia sensitive polymer, such as a hypoxia-sensitive hyaluronic acid (HS-HA). The HS-HA can comprise hydrophobic groups that can be reduced in hypoxic environments to form hydrophilic groups. The vesicles can be loaded into microneedles and microneedle array patches for use in the treatment of diabetes or to otherwise regulate blood glucose levels in subjects in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A method for controlling a data center, comprising a plurality of server systems, each associated with a cooling system and a thermal constraint, comprising: a concurrent physical condition of a first server system; predicting a future physical condition based on a set of future states of the first server system; dynamically controlling the cooling system in response to at least the input and the predicted future physical condition, to selectively cool the first server system sufficient to meet the predetermined thermal constraint; and controlling an allocation of tasks between the plurality of server systems to selectively load the first server system within the predetermined thermal constraint and selectively idle a second server system, wherein the idle second server system can be recruited to accept tasks when allocated to it, and wherein the cooling system associated with the idle second server system is selectively operated in a low power consumption state.

Abstract: A method of supervised machine learning-based spectrum analysis information, using a neural network trained with spectrum information, to identify a specified feature of a given material, a system for supervised machine learning-based spectrum analysis, and a method of training a neural network to analyze spectrum data. The method of supervised machine learning-base spectrum analysis comprises inputting into the neural network spectrum data obtained from a sample of the given material; and the neural network processing the spectrum data, in accordance with the training of the neural network, and outputting one or more values for the specified feature of the sample of the material. In an embodiment, the training set of data includes x-ray absorption spectroscopy data for the given material. In an embodiment, the training set of data includes electron energy loss spectra (EELS) data.

Abstract: Molecular probes for detecting and imaging pancreatic cancer are disclosed. The probes are modified benzoxanthene fluorophores, which are selectively taken up by pancreatic cancer cells, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Embodiments of the disclosed probes are useful for pancreatic cancer detection, therapeutic monitoring, and/or image-guided surgery.

Abstract: Novel cell penetrating agents for intracellular delivery of desired cargo, including proteins. Use of cell penetrating agents to deliver cargos to the interior of cells and cellular compartments and organelles is transformative for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research processes.

Abstract: This invention features new compositions and methods that are useful in treating a host with a Gram-negative bacterial infection. Combination therapies comprising an aminocoumarin compound and a polymyxin compound are disclosed, including certain combinations that exhibit synergistic effects. Furthermore, aminocoumarin compounds are described having altered inhibition of DNA gyrase in Gram-negative bacteria and/or the ability to target the transport proteins responsible for assembling lipopolysaccharide in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to semiconductor topologies and devices that can be used for soft starting and active fault protection of power converters. In one example, an active switch device includes an active switch having a gating control input; and a thyristor having a gating control input. The thyristor is coupled in parallel with the active switch. The active switch can be an IGBT, MOSFET, or other appropriate device. In another example, a power converter can include the active switch devices and switching control circuitry coupled to gating control inputs of the active switch devices.

Abstract: Inferring product activity includes providing a first product having an attached first harmonic tag; directing, at a first area in which the first product is located, a first transmitted signal of a first frequency; and receiving a first return signal of a first return frequency from the first harmonic tag, wherein the first harmonic tag, upon receiving the first transmitted signal, radiates the first return signal, such that the first return frequency is a harmonic of the first frequency. A computer can then infer, based on the first return signal, a first activity in which the first product is being used.

Abstract: The invention is both a product and a method for the safe, harmless and effective remediation of oil spills on water and on land. The oil can then be successfully recovered from the product for use. The invention also allows for the reuse of two waste products—post consumer plastics and coal combustion product—into a material that is used for the clean-up of oil spills and for site remediation. Furthermore, the used product can be reprocessed post use into more usable product.

Abstract: A self-powered voltage ramp for photovoltaic module testing provides a robust circuit for the measurement of current-voltage curves. A resistor and capacitor form a timer circuit to control a gate of a power transistor and give a linear voltage sweep from a short circuit (e.g., zero volts) to an open circuit voltage VOC. The sweep rate can be varied by adjusting the resistor value. Additional enhancements prevent oscillations within the circuit, maintain a voltage of the power transistor within its design specifications, and allow for the measurement of single cell mini-modules. Additional circuitry can characterize the photovoltaic module based on the measurement data. Measurement accuracy is within 1% of a laboratory supply for measurements of maximum power, short circuit current, and open circuit voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible conjugate for treating a disease or an injury. The conjugate contains a polymer covalently linked to one or more moieties each containing a polymerizable functional group. The conjugate forms a cross-linked polymer network after being exposed to an elevated level of free radicals associated with the disease or injury.