Abstract: An intervention for sleep disorders comprises collagen, a gelatin peptide, or the amino acid glycine; L-theanine; lactucopicrin, deoxylactucopicrin, or another lactucopicrin derivative; hyaluronic acid; epigallocatechin gallate; and quinic acid. The intervention helps regulate pro-inflammatory biomarkers that are often associated with insomnia development and progression. These biomarkers include cytokines and enzymes associated with tryptophan degradation. Inhibition of these enzymes and cytokines improves tryptophan availability and sleep quality, and allows individuals to sleep better with fewer side effects. The novel composition promotes high-quality, deep sleep.

Abstract: A method for impulse noise detection and removal in color images based on Moran's I statistic using Moran's I vector median filter (MIVMF) which comprises detection and removal components. The detection module determines if a pixel is noise or is noise-free. If it is a noise pixel, the vector median filter (VMF) will be used to remove the noise. This detection capability meets the so-called “switching” mechanism, which only selects noisy pixels for suppression. The inventive filter expedites processing time with the reduced number of vector calculations due to this new detection function, achieved with Moran's I index and the indication of 1-D Laplacian kernels. Compared to other vector-type median filters, the inventive MIVMF was faster in the filtering process and efficient in removing random impulse noise with different noise levels in color images. The MIVMF demonstrated a promising de-noising result based on the criteria of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM).

Abstract: Provided herein is a method, a programmed computer and an article of manufacture for predicting a prenatal, neonatal, obstetric or childhood clinical event, disease or disorder, as well as a method for generating in-utero fetal and placental growth curves, using a continuous recursive algorithm housed in a computer and data periodically collected during pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to a method of producing an improved asphalt. This method includes providing an asphalt binder and providing a compound of formula (I): as described herein. The asphalt binder is mixed with the compound of formula (I) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt. Also disclosed are an asphalt product and a method of making asphalt material.

Abstract: The application describes stabilized WRINKLED1 transcription factors, as well as nucleic acids, and expression cassettes that encode and express such stabilized WRINKLED1 transcription factors and that are useful for increasing production of oils in plants and seeds.

Abstract: This document generally describes a safe-passage guidance strategy developed in a relative velocity framework to enable a generic aerial robot execute a precision three-dimensional maneuver through a narrow orifice in a wall. The relative sizes of the robot and the orifice can be such that the orifice is only slightly larger than the robot. The orifice can be approximated as an elliptical shape, and analytical nonlinear guidance laws incorporating state-based switching can be derived. Guidance laws can be used to maneuver the robot through both fixed and moving orifices as well as in scenarios when the orifice is closing with time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for estimating the remaining life of a structure being monitored by a sensor. The method includes: receiving data from a sensor, where the data is indicative of strain experienced by a structure and is reported as a plurality of cumulative distribution functions; extracting a probability density function from the data received from the sensor; computing a damage index for the structure from parameters of the probability density function, where the damage index is indicative of damage to the structure accumulated over time; and estimating a remaining life of the structure using the damage index.

Abstract: A new and distinct Pyracomeles cultivar named ‘NCXP1’ is disclosed, characterized by thornless shoots and a compact, dense, spreading plant habit. Plants are non-flowering after 8 years of observation. The new cultivar is a Pyracomeles, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: A system and a method for hybrid brain computer interface for controlling a robotic swarm are disclosed. The system comprises: a control interface for defining a plurality of electrodes configured for accessing a plurality of brain signals associated with a plurality of channels located over a sensorimotor cortex; a processor, in operative communication with the control interface, configured to: train a machine learning model to associate a brain state with data defining a brain signal, decode a control signal of the plurality of brain signals to generate control data, apply the control data to the machine learning model to identify the brain state, and transmit instructions to a plurality of robotic devices to modify a density of the plurality of robotic devices based on the brain state; and an input device, in operable communication with the processor, for generating input data, the input data utilized by the processor to modify a position of the plurality of robotic devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms lacking Photosystem II (PSII) function using externally supplied electrons shuttled into the organism using redox mediators to improve photosynthetic output and to produce and recover chemicals of interest. By removing PSII, all PAR photons are funneled toward Photosystem I, thereby significantly increasing the theoretical photon utilization efficiency for CO2 fixation, energy storage and the capacity to synthesize valuable chemicals. Additional genetic modification can be performed to insert or enhance specific metabolic pathways to generate products of commercial interest.

Abstract: Provided are a clip system and method for joining plates using the system of clips, with each clip including a base, a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a first pair of fingers, and a second pair of fingers, with the first protrusion and the second protrusion extending in opposite directions away from the base.

Abstract: An air sampling system configured to detect an air quality metric for a plurality of volumetric regions is disclosed. The system comprises an air sample return unit, an air flow controller, and at least one sensor. The air sample return unit is configured to independently transfer air from the plurality of regions as a plurality of air samples. The air flow controller is configured to receive each of the plurality of air samples and selectively direct a selected sample to a sensor supply line and the remainder of the samples to a sample purge line. The at least one sensor is configured to measure an air quality metric of the selected sample and communicate the air quality metric to a controller. The remainder of the air samples are directed to the air sample return unit throughout operation.

Abstract: A series of solid solutions AlFe2_xMnxB2 have been synthesized by arc-melting and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. All the compounds adopt the parent AlFe2B2-type structure, in which infinite zigzag chains of B atoms are connected by Fe atoms into [Fe2B2] slabs that alternate with layers of Al atoms along the b axis. The parent AlFe2B2 is a ferromagnet with Tc=282 K. A systematic investigation of solid solutions AlFe2_xMnx.B2 showed a non-linear change in the structural and magnetic behavior. The ferromagnetic ordering temperature is gradually decreased as the Mn content (x) increases. The substitution of Mn for Fe offers a convenient method for the adjustment of the ferromagnetic ordering temperature of AlFe2B2.

Abstract: Using processes disclosed herein, materials and structures are created and used. For example, processes can include melting boron nitride or amorphous carbon into an undercooled state followed by quenching. Exemplary new materials disclosed herein can be ferromagnetic and/or harder than diamond. Materials disclosed herein may include dopants in concentrations exceeding thermodynamic solubility limits. A novel phase of solid carbon has structure different than diamond and graphite.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for mineral precipitation and/or cementation of permeable or fractured non-porous materials using isolated urease.

Abstract: A nanodevice composition including N-acetyl cysteine linked to a dendrimer, such as a PAMAM dendrimer or a multiarm PEG polymer, is provided. Also provided is a nanodevice for targeted delivery of a compound to a location in need of treatment. The nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer, linked to the compound via a disulfide bond. There is provided a nanodevice composition for localizing and delivering therapeutically active agents, the nanodevice includes a PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer and at least one therapeutically active agent attached to the PAMAM dendrimer or multiarm PEG polymer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for effecting the transfer of the CMS trait in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip-based setup for detection of different ions in buffer solution. The device is able to differentiate ions in, e.g., real soil or other solutions, and to detect concentration of a specific ion in the solution. Fabrication of the electrophoresis chip can use a soft lithography based molding process. The chip can be made out of PDMS on a glass substrate where on-chip valves were used to control timing of injecting sample and buffer solutions. Detection electrodes are used to detect the presence of ions over a period of several minutes. A controllable high voltage power supply system and related signal acquisition, processing and detection setup can be implemented with the sensor in a system. A microfluidic system for automated collection of soil sample through a porous ceramic and using vacuum suction can be used.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of energy storage devices, and especially electrochemical energy storage devices including electrolytes comprising an ionic liquid, one or more solvents, and one or more salts of a Group 2 element. Effects on electrochemical performance of the electrolyte of each of the components of the electrolyte were systematically determined. In addition, interactions between the electrolytes and separator films were dissected to optimize electrochemical performance of coin cell batteries.