Abstract: Fabricating a layer including lithium lanthanum zirconate (Li7La3Zr2O12) layer includes forming a slurry including lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) nanocrystals, a lithium precursor, and a lanthanum precursor in stoichiometric amounts to yield a dispersion including lithium, lanthanum, and zirconium. In some cases, the dispersion includes lithium, lanthanum, and zirconium in a molar ratio of 7:3:2. In certain cases, the slurry includes excess lithium. The slurry is dispensed onto a substrate and dried. The dried slurry is calcined to yield the layer including lithium lanthanum zirconate.

Abstract: Described herein are means for learning semantics-enriched representations via self-discovery, self-classification, and self-restoration in the context of medical imaging. Embodiments include the training of deep models to learn semantically enriched visual representation by self-discovery, self-classification, and self-restoration of the anatomy underneath medical images, resulting in a collection of semantics-enriched pre-trained models, called Semantic Genesis. Other related embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a geo-demographic zoning optimization engine are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are provided for estimating characteristics of a wireless communication channel between at least two passive radio frequency (RF) nodes. Backscatter channel state information (BCSI) is measured during communication between the at least two passive RF nodes using the wireless communication channel. An RF node aggregates the measured BCSI and the aggregated BSCI is analyzed to detect at least one activity of a plurality of activities.

Abstract: A reactor for water splitting or water treatment includes a first electrode, a second electrode electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a proton exchange membrane separating the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first optical fiber coated with a photocatalytic material.

Abstract: Assessing an interaction between solid particles and a thermoplastic material in which the solid particles are dispersed includes combining a thermoplastic material with a multiplicity of solid particles to yield a heterogeneous mixture, processing the heterogeneous mixture to yield an unconditioned sample, conditioning the unconditioned sample to yield a conditioned sample, subjecting the conditioned sample to a ramping shear rate from an initial shear rate to a final shear rate, assessing a viscosity of the conditioned sample at a plurality of shear rates between the initial shear rate and the final shear rate, and assessing a value of a slope of a shear-thinning region for the unconditioned sample using a power-law equation.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods for engineering wireframe architectures and scaffolds of increasing complexity by creating gridiron-like DNA structures (FIG. 1). A series of four-arm junctions are used as vertices within a network of double-helical DNA fragments. Deliberate distortion of the junctions from their most relaxed conformations ensures that a scaffold strand can traverse through individual vertices in multiple directions. DNA gridirons, ranging from two-dimensional arrays with reconfigurability to multilayer and three-dimensional structures and curved objects, can be assembled according the methods presented herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a computer-implemented system which learns textual representations while filtering out potentially personally identifying data and retaining semantic meaning within the textual representations are disclosed herein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved method, kits, and systems and for isolating and enriching spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from livestock animal testicular tissue. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for enriching SSCs from a population of testis-derived cells containing at least one SSC, where the method comprises contacting the population of testis-derived cells to a culture media comprising, or that is preconditioned with, endothelial feeder cells, and maintaining culture conditions suitable for SSC cell maintenance and enrichment. In some embodiments, the media and culture conditions comprise one or more growth factors selected from GDNF, FGF2, SDF-1a, CSF-1, FDGF, NGF, and TGF-?, in any combination. In exemplary embodiments, the SSCs are porcine or bovine SSCs.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a dry-type lubricant for use in a dry product hopper to help improve dry product flow and to improve anti-jamming properties of the dry product. The example lubricant can comprise a hydrophilic fiber, such as cellulose, having a width to length aspect ratio that provides a thin fiber. A plurality of hydrophobic particles are deposited on the surface of the fiber, resulting in a fiber surface exhibiting amphiphobic properties. Further, the fiber can operably absorb water, and then releases the absorbed water to the surface of the fiber under mechanical stress, such as when mixed with a product in a hopper. This can result in the water being disposed on the surface of the fiber, to provide lubrication to a product in a hopper to improve flow and anti-jamming characteristics of the product in the hopper.

Abstract: A system reconfigures a photovoltaic array used in solar energy based on observed shading conditions to determine an optimal topology of the photovoltaic array to maximize power output. Specifically, the system is designed to reconfigure a photovoltaic array when the photovoltaic array is partially shaded. The system uses a neural network model to determine a topology that maximizes power output of the photovoltaic array based on irradiance data obtained from the photovoltaic array.

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: 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: A polishing apparatus is provided. Another aspect pertains to a self-leveling polishing apparatus for smoothing diamonds. Yet another aspect of the present system uses a ball and swivel joint in a diamond polishing machine. A further aspect employs a polishing apparatus including a diamond-holder, an elongated arm using gravity to apply downward polishing pressure of the diamond workpiece against a polishing wheel, and a sweeping transmission to cause the holder to radially move across the rotating polishing wheel.

Abstract: A two-dimensional metal-organic framework (2D MOF) includes a first transition metal M1 and a second transition metal M2. The first transition metal and the second transition metal are different and are coupled by a linker group L to yield a two-dimensional metal-organic framework alloy having a formula M1xM21-xL, where 0<x<1. Each transition metal is dispersed uniformly throughout the 2D MOF. The 2D MOF is synthesized by combining a first transition metal precursor, a second transition metal precursor, and a linker; agitating the solution; and heating the solution to yield a crystalline two-dimensional metal-organic framework alloy.

Abstract: A binuclear Fe(III) fused porphyrin. Synthesizing the binuclear fused porphyrin includes combining free-base fused-porphyrin and a solvent to yield a solution, refluxing the solution, combining a metal salt with the solution, and removing the solvent from the solution.

Abstract: A photoreactor including a reservoir configured to hold water, the reservoir defining an inlet and an outlet, and a multiplicity of optical fiber assemblies positioned in the reservoir. Each optical fiber assembly includes one or more optical fibers coated with a composition comprising a photoresponsive polymer and a light source optically coupled to the one or more optical fibers. The photoresponsive polymer undergoes a change from an initial state to an irradiated state when irradiated with light from the light source, and photoresponsive polymer in the irradiated state is adapted to bind an ion from the water.

Abstract: Coated irregular surfaces, replicas made therefrom, and methods of making the same. A particle-coated substrate includes a coating including undercooled liquid metallic particles. The particles include a solid shell comprising a metal oxide, and a liquid metallic core that is below the melting point of the liquid metallic core. The particle-coated substrate also includes a substrate including an irregular surface, wherein the coating is on the irregular surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energy storage and energy recovery are provided. An electrical-to-electrical energy storage system includes a thermochemical energy storage device, a blower, a compressor, a turbine, and an electrical generator. The TCES device includes a vessel, a porous bed, and a heater. The porous bed is disposed within an interior volume of the vessel. The porous bed comprises a reactive material. The reactive material is configured to release oxygen upon being heated to a reduction temperature, and generate heat when exposed to oxygen. The heater is in thermal contact with the reactive material. The blower is configured to remove oxygen from the interior volume. The compressor is configured to flow oxygen into the interior volume. The turbine is configured to receive a heated, oxygen-depleted gas from the interior volume. The generator is configured to be powered by the turbine to generate electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for microneedle patches comprising diblock copolymer micelles designed for pH cascade and H2O2 triggered insulin delivery.