Abstract: A wireless power transfer system including a transmitting antenna with a first conductive helix wound about a first helical axis, and a first ground plane positioned adjacent to and angled orthogonally with the first helical axis. The wireless power transfer system additionally includes a receiving antenna with a second conductive helix wound about a second helical axis, and a second ground plane positioned adjacent to and angled orthogonally with the second helical axis. Furthermore, the wireless power transfer system further includes a conductive material connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane.

Abstract: The invention generally related to a method for preparing a layer of graphene directly on the surface of a substrate, such as a semiconductor substrate. The layer of graphene may be formed in direct contact with the surface of the substrate, or an intervening layer of a material may be formed between the substrate surface and the graphene layer.

Abstract: A method for maintaining an index in multi-tier data structure includes providing a plurality of a storage devices forming the multi-tier data structure, caching an index of key-value pairs across the multi-tier data structure, wherein each of the key-value pairs includes a key, and one of a data value and a data pointer, the key-value pairs stored in the multi-tier data structure, providing a journal for interfacing with the multi-tier data structure, providing a plurality of zone allocators recording which zones of the multi-tier data structure are in used, and providing a plurality of zone managers for controlling access to cache lines of the multi-tier data structure through the journal and zone allocators, wherein each zone manager maintains a header object pointing to data to be stored in an allocated zone.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes a graphene oxide. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for a secure mobile cloud framework (referred to as MobiCloud) for mobile computing and communication are disclosed. Embodiments of MobiCloud transfer each mobile node from a traditional strictly layer-structured communication node into a service node (SN). Each SN may be used as a service provider or a service broker according its capability. Each SN may be incorporated as a virtualized component of the MobiCloud. In some embodiments, MobiCloud mirrors an SN to one or multiple virtual images in the Cloud for addressing communication and computation deficiencies of mobile devices. Virtual images can create a visualized MANET routing and communication layer that can maximally assist the mobile nodes to enable pervasive computing services for each mobile device owner. A secure data processing framework is disclosed for the MobiCloud.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to threshold logic elements for integrated circuits (ICs). In one embodiment, a threshold logic element has a first input gate network, a second input gate network, a differential sense amplifier, and a resistive network. The first input gate network is configured to receive a first set of logical signals, while the second input gate network configured to receive a second set of logical signals. The differential sense amplifier is operably associated with the first input gate network and the second input gate network such that the differential sense amplifier is configured to generate a differential output in accordance with a threshold logic function. The resistive network is coupled between the differential sense amplifier and the first input gate network and between the differential sense amplifier and the second input gate network. The resistive network makes the threshold logic element less susceptible to process variations.

Abstract: An article comprising a polyelectrolyte complex comprising an interpenetrating network of at least one predominantly positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer and at least one predominantly negatively charged polyelectrolyte polymer, the polyelectrolyte complex further comprising a plurality of closed-shell pores, the plurality of pores having at least one average transverse dimension between about 100 nanometer and about 1000 micrometers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of zirconium based bulk metallic glass with hafnium are described herein. In one embodiment, an alloy composition includes zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), at least one element from a group consisting of niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti), and at least one element from a group consisting of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co).

Abstract: Amino, amido, and heterocyclic compounds are disclosed. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, diabetes complications, inflammation, and neurodegeneration, obesity, cancer, ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiovascular disease and other diseases related to RAGE activity.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for methods of preventing, removing or inhibiting microbial biofilm formation or microbial infection in a plant or plant part thereof, including applying thereto a treatment effective amount of an active compound as described herein, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Methods of enhancing a microbicide (e.g., including a copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator are also provided, including applying an active compound as described herein. Compositions comprising an active compound as described herein in an agriculturally acceptable carrier are also provided, and in some embodiments the compositions further include a microbicide (e.g., including copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator.

Abstract: With the rapid increase in the price of fossil fuels and growing concerns over climate change, the demand for renewable energy sources continues to increase. Densified biomass fuels are an alternative, renewable energy source that is becoming increasingly popular. A densified biomass with increased and controllable energy density is needed. Various embodiments of densified biomass and process to manufacture are taught herein.

Abstract: An X ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X ray tube generating X rays, a first detector detecting the X rays, at least one second detector arranged in front of a first detection surface of the first detector and including a second detection surface narrower than the first detection surface and indicator points provided on a rear surface of the second detection surface, a projection data generation unit generating first projection data based on an output from the first detector, and a positional shift detection unit detecting a positional shift of the second detector relative to the first detector in accordance with an imaging direction by using the first projection data and a predetermined positional relationship between the points and detection elements in the second detector.

Abstract: To address the inefficiency and unfairness issues in channel bonding, a dynamic channel bonding protocol is presented in which a node is allowed to start a transmission as long as a narrow channel is available and gradually increase channel width during transmission whenever a new narrow channel becomes available. The protocol aggregates all available narrow channels as one wide channel, removing the need of setting guard bands between contiguous narrow channels. A challenge in dynamic channel bonding is the communication over uncertain channels. To enable fast spectrum agreement between transmitter and receiver, a partial spectrum correlation method is introduced. When new channels become available, multiple nodes may contend for them. A compound preamble is designed to make collisions detectable in the frequency domain and a parallel bitwise arbitration mechanism is used to quickly resolve the collisions in the time domain.

Abstract: Catalysts useful in transforming biomass to bio-oil are disclosed, as are methods for making such catalysts, and methods of transforming biomass to bio-oil. The catalysts are especially useful for, but are not limited to, microwave- and induction-heating based pyrolysis of biomass, solid waste, and other carbon containing materials into bio-oil. The catalysts can also be used for upgrading the bio-oil to enhance fuel quality.

Abstract: The methods, system, and apparatus of the invention provide processes using electrostatic methods for separating fiber from grains and grain products into fiber-enriched grain material fractions and enriched fiber-reduced grain material fractions.

Abstract: A new cranberry variety distinguished by early mid-season ripening period, precocious cropping, high productivity, and moderate-to-high fruit anthocyanin development, as compared to the currently cultivated commercial varieties.

Abstract: A new cranberry variety distinguished by mid-season ripening, round to ovate fruit, high productivity, and moderate fruit anthocyanin development, as compared to the currently cultivated commercial varieties.

Abstract: A compound includes the structure of general Formula (II), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or solvates thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, are independently selected from the group consisting of null, hydroxy, alkoxy, and halo, or R1 and R2 taken together form a cyclic boronate ester and R3 is null; wherein when four bonds to boron are present, boron bears a formal negative charge and the structure further comprises a countercation that is potassium or sodium, X1, X2, X3, and X4 are independently selected from the group consisting of O, CH, and N, with the proviso that no more than two of combined O and N are selected, and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halogen, any of which may be optionally substituted. Such compounds can increase glucose uptake by cells and preferably do not substantially increase adipogenesis.

Abstract: Electronic components, including a transceiver (220) for two-way wireless communications, are carried by a freely roaming animal (190) such as a rat. Electrodes are implanted in the brain of the animal to provide cues and rewards to the animal to achieved desired behaviors, including controlling the direction and speed of movement of the animal, and training the animal to recognize odors. Network interface components (265) allow a network of the animals to work together. Sensors (225, 230, 235, 245, 255, 260) carried by the animal provide information to a remote base station regarding, e.g., heading and location. Chemical or gas sensors, along with a video camera and a microphone provide information regarding an environment of the animal. The animal can search for people buried in rubble piles, and detect explosives, chemicals or other dangerous materials. A vehicle (500) for deploying the animal is also provided.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Ribes sanguineum, ‘Oregon Snowflake’, characterized by its compact and densely branched growth habit and highly dissected leaves.