Abstract: The present invention provides fine grain structures for rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) and their production in a manner to significantly enhance flexural strength and fracture toughness of the magnets with no or little sacrifice in the hard magnetic properties. The tough REPMs can have either homogeneous or heterogeneous refined grain microstructural architectures achieved by introducing a small amount of additive particle materials into the magnet matrix, such as fine-sized, insoluble, chemically stable, and non-reactive with the magnet matrix. These additive materials can act effectively as both heterogeneous nuclei sites and grain growth inhibitors during the heat treatment processes, which in turn resulting in refined grain structures of the REPMs. Alternatively, the fine grain structures were also achieved by using magnet alloy feedstock powders with finer particle sizes.

Abstract: This document discloses a hybrid and multifunctional biosensing technology consisting of a dual gate thin-film transistor (DGTFT) biosensor with an extended gate covered with magnesium zinc oxide nanostructures (MZOnano) and an MZOnano modified bulk acoustic wave resonator (MZOnano BAW). The technology is used for the full-scale dynamic monitoring of bacterial biofilm formation from its early stage to the maturation stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modifications of berberine bridge enzyme-like nucleic acids and their use in modulation of nicotine biosynthesis in plants.

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: For model predictive control for a spacecraft formation, a method calculates a virtual point that represents a plurality of spacecraft orbiting in a spacecraft formation. The method calculates an outer polytope boundary and an inner polytope boundary relative to the virtual point for a given spacecraft of the plurality of spacecraft. The method maneuvers the given spacecraft to within the inner polytope boundary using model predictive control (MPC) to minimize fuel consumption.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with small molecule modulators of KLF15 signaling useful for treating various disorders such as, for example, kidney disease (e.g., chronic kidney disease), heart disease, obesity, or a neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, Huntington's disease, mental retardation, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)). This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

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 and systems for dynamically providing routes to users of vehicles. In some examples, a method includes determining a first traffic flow model for uninformed drivers of vehicles and determining a second traffic flow model for informed drivers of vehicles. Each of the informed drivers makes driving decisions based on receiving dynamic routes from a traffic routing system. The method includes iteratively updating the second traffic flow model using the first traffic flow model until a convergence criterion is met. The method includes sending, to at least one informed driver, a first dynamic route from a first origin to a first destination using the second traffic flow model.

Abstract: A method of testing an impedance-sensitive system with a switching device, wherein the method comprises: switching the disconnecting device into the on-state configured to permit transmission of energy via the coil; implementing a first measurement with the impedance-sensitive system; switching the disconnecting device into the off-state configured to permit damping of the external positioning signal that couples into the coil so as to reduce the undesirable oscillations of the coil; implementing a second measurement with the impedance-sensitive system; performing a comparison of the first measurement and the second measurement; performing a verification of the comparison with a target specification; and displaying a correct function and/or a malfunction depending on the verification.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

Abstract: A tiltable near-vertical bifacial (TNVBF) solar panel assembly comprising one or more BF solar panels configured to be positioned in a first (AM) tilt position to improve energy conversion of morning sunlight incident upon a first side of the one or more BF solar panels, and to be positioned in a second (PM) tilt position to improve energy conversion of afternoon sunlight incident upon a second side of the one or more BF solar panels.

Abstract: Sensors employing elastomers enhanced with electrically conductive 2D nanoparticles are provided. The nanoparticles are formed by applying shear to layered materials present in elastomer precursors (e.g., elastomeric monomer(s) and/or curing agent(s)). Subsequent exfoliation of the layers occurs directly within the precursor and/or curing agent. The cured elastomer nanocomposites can be employed for electrochemical sensing, flexible touchpads, pressure sensors, and wireless sensors, amongst other applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new modular approach for the generation of genetically modified cells, particularly immune cells and iPSCs, enabling the simultaneous precise editing of defined nucleic acid targets (knock-out) and the introduction of an exogenous sequence of choice at a desired locus (knock-in) using a common Cas9 element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing orientation data to a user during a medical procedure performed on a subject are provided. The system can include a medical device, an electrical component and a display device. The medical device is configured to engage a portion the subject and includes a handle. The electrical component is disposed within the handle and is configured to generate data related to an orientation of the medical device during the medical procedure. The display device is physically separate from the medical device and in communication the electrical component. The display device also includes a processor configured to receive and process the data related to the orientation of the medical device, and display information related to the orientation of the medical device to the user based on the data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of inhibiting biofilm formation, increasing bacteriocidal activity within a biofilm, treating bacteria within a biofilm, or remediating a biofilm in or on a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound according to Formula I: wherein R1-5 are defined herein.

Abstract: Provided is a particle detection device and method of fabrication thereof. The particle detection device includes a scintillator array that includes a plurality of scintillator crystals; a plurality of detectors provided on a bottom end of the scintillator array; and a plurality of prismatoids provided on a top end of the scintillator array. Prismatoids of the plurality of prismatoids are configured to redirect particles between top ends of crystals of the scintillator array. Bottom ends of a first group of crystals of the scintillator array are configured to direct particles to a first detector of the plurality of detectors and bottom ends of a second group of crystals of the scintillator array are configured to direct particles to a second detector substantially adjacent to the first detector.

Abstract: This invention is directed to recombinant Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) arrays and recombinant nucleic acid constructs encoding Type 1-E CASCADE complexes, plasmids, retroviruses and bacteriophage comprising the same, and methods of use thereof for modifying genomes and expression. Further disclosed are methods of modifying (editing) the genome of target organisms using the constructs.

Abstract: A protective covering can protect a surface of a composite article from lightning strikes, wherein the surface includes at least one grounding connection. The covering includes a conductive sheet formed from electrically conductive material configured to be affixed to the composite article over a portion of the surface adjacent the grounding connection; and a perforated overlaminate sheet comprising a dielectric material configured to be affixed to the composite article over the conductive sheet. The perforated overlaminate sheet distributes electrical current of the lighting strikes over an area of the protective covering.

Abstract: A material for separating and pumping oxygen is disclosed. The material is a zeolite doped with a chemical element having an electron density of between 30 kJ/mol and 150 kJ/mol. The material is configured for controllable oxygen desorption between 150° C. and 300° C. and pumping the released oxygen into an area having an ambient pressure of less than 100 pascals.