Abstract: This document discloses novel cystine analogs, methods of making cystine analogs, compositions containing cystine analogs and methods of using such analogs for inhibiting cystine stone formation and treatment of cystinuria.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite (G-PMC) is disclosed. The packaging material has improved barrier resistance to gas and liquid permeants. Also disclosed is a method of improving barrier resistance of a polymer to a permeant, the method comprising forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite within the polymer. The packaging material may be used for packaging food, drug, perfume, etc. and to make various containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel markers of treatment response in a subject infected with Mycobacterium, which allow for quantifying treatment impact on the physiologic state of the Mycobacterium.

Abstract: Methods of real-time emoji and emoticon production are disclosed that include: determining, by a computing device, at least one first emotional state of a user from information, wherein the at least one first emotional state is a presently-identified emotional state of the user; providing an emoji or emoticon production template system, wherein the template system includes at least one physical attribute of the user; and utilizing the emoji or emoticon production template system to: analyze the presently-identified emotional state of the user; determine a suitable map of the presently-identified state of the user; map the presently-identified state of the user on an emoji or emoticon production template; produce at least one unique emoji or emoticon based on the map; provide the at least one unique emoji or emoticon to the user, wherein the user selects the at least one unique emoji or emoticon and includes the at least one unique emoji or emoticon in a text message, a direct message, an electronic mail messa

Abstract: Described herein are methods of increasing meat quantity and/or improving meat quality of domesticated meat animals using treatments of nicotinamide riboside. The nicotinamide riboside may be in the form of a chloride salt mixed or dissolved in a biologically-acceptable carrier. The treatments may be provided as an in ovo injection or orally administered to the live domesticated meat animal. The methods described herein advantageously increase the size and weight of the domesticated meat animals, reduce the incidences of transportation fatigue, and decrease meat discoloration over time.

Abstract: A dynamic wireless power transfer base pad can include a housing, a first conductor, a second conductor, and a third conductor. The first conductor can be disposed within the housing substantially along a circumference and can be configured to conduct a first current to produce a first magnetic field. The second conductor can be disposed at a first end within the housing and can be configured to conduct a second current to produce a second magnetic field. A magnetic field at the first end can include a constructive superimposition of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field. The third conductor can be disposed at a second end within the housing and can be configured to conduct a third current to produce a third magnetic field. A magnetic field at the second end can include a constructive superimposition of the first magnetic field with the third magnetic field.

Abstract: Devices that may couple two or more apparatuses, such as an organ-on-a-chip device and a microfluidic device. Devices that include an organ-on-a-chip device, a microfluidic device, and a cap that couples the organ-on-a-chip device and the microfluidic device. Systems that include the devices and a detection unit. Methods for quantitation of insulin.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus providing a dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is configured to have only a small number of its antennas active in each channel use. Probing waveforms are of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) type. OFDM carriers are divided into two groups, one group that is used by the active antennas in a shared fashion, and another group where each subcarrier is assigned to an active antenna in an exclusive fashion (e.g., private subcarriers). Target estimation is carried out based on the received and transmitted symbols. The system communicates information via the transmitted OFDM data symbols and the pattern of active antennas in a generalized spatial modulation (GSM) fashion. A multi-antenna communication receiver can identify the indices of active antennas via sparse signal recovery methods.

Abstract: Foundry casting elements and methods of forming the same, the methods including: forming an aqueous slurry including an inorganic binder precursor, shaping the slurry using a pattern, curing the shaped slurry using a low temperature solidification process to form a casting element, and removing the pattern from the casting element.

Abstract: A transparent luminescent solar concentrator (TLSC) is provided. The TLSC includes a luminophore and a waveguide that guides light emitted from the luminophore. The TLSC has a light utilization efficiency (LUE) of greater than or equal to about 1.

Abstract: Terahertz wave plethysmography provides a new principle of radar-based vital sign detection. This disclosure presents new applications at terahertz (THz) frequency band for non-contact cardiac sensing. For the first time, cardiac pulse information is shown to be simultaneously extracted based on two established principles using unique THz waves. A novel concept of Terahertz-Wave-Plethysmography (TPG) is introduced, which detects blood volume changes in the upper dermis tissue layer by measuring the reflectance of THz waves, similar to the existing remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) principle. A detailed analysis of pulse measurement using THz is provided. The TPG principle is justified by scientific deduction and carefully designed experimental demonstrations. Additionally, pulse measurements from various peripheral body regions of interest (ROIs), including palm, inner elbow, temple, fingertip, and forehead, are demonstrated using a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) THz sensing system.

Abstract: A print head comprising nested chambers for in-situ reactant formation is disclosed. The print head comprises a first chamber nested within a second chamber. The first chamber comprises a first nozzle, the second chamber comprises a second nozzle. The first nozzle is substantially coaxial with the second nozzle. A susceptor to convert electromagnetic energy to heat is within the first chamber. The susceptor comprises one or more openings extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The susceptor may be heated by induction heating or by optical heating to vaporize a precursor substance within the first chamber. The vapor may react with a reactive gas flowing through the first chamber or expand through a nozzle into a second chamber where the vapor may react with the reactive gas, forming nanoparticles. Patterned films may be written onto a two-dimensional or three-dimensional surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are stem cell biomimetic microparticles comprised of at least one stem cell-derived paracrine polypeptide or growth factor embedded in a polymer core particle that further comprises an outer layer of at least one fragment of a cell membrane of a stem cell disposed on the core particle. The polymer core may be constituted of any biocompatible and biodegradable polymer or copolymer, or a combination thereof that allows the embedding of the paracrine factors and their prolonged release from the core. The core and hence the microparticles can be biodegradable, allowing eventual elimination from the recipient animal or human subject. The core particles are sized to allow both transport through blood vessels and extravasation from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. The core particle may further include at least one polypeptide or peptide growth factor to induce the generation and proliferation of a population of stem cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a computing device, a system, and method for performing a spreadsheet recalculation algorithm. In one embodiment, the computing device includes an electronic processor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor. The memory includes Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) data having a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes having at least one of a constant value or one or more inputs, and program instructions. The program instructions, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to change the plurality of nodes, and update one or more affected nodes of the plurality of nodes based on the change to the plurality of nodes, the one or more affected nodes being less than all of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: A computer implemented scheme for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system where point cloud feature extraction and segmentation by efficiently is achieved by: (1) data structuring; (2) edge detection; and (3) region growing.

Abstract: A microwave microstrip resonator apparatus including a housing; a resonator within the housing; an output conductor within the housing and spaced apart from the resonator so as to define a capacitive gap therebetween; a reaction vessel configured to reside with the capacitive gap; and a power supply coupled to the resonator whereby contents within the reaction vessel are heated when energy is supplied to the resonator by the power supply. A mass spectrometer may also be coupled to an outlet end of the reaction vessel such that the contents within the reaction vessel are, simultaneously, delivered to the mass spectrometer for analysis.

Abstract: The present technology addresses the problem of quickly and safely improving policies in online reinforcement learning domains. As its solution, an exploration strategy comprising diverse exploration (DE) is employed, which learns and deploys a diverse set of safe policies to explore the environment. DE theory explains why diversity in behavior policies enables effective exploration without sacrificing exploitation. An empirical study shows that an online policy improvement algorithm framework implementing the DE strategy can achieve both fast policy improvement and safe online performance.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of halogenides (oxyhalides) of zirconium and hafnium (M) with values of ?=X/M near one, for X=Cl, Br and I form amorphous solids or glasses, designated as M,X, in contrast to important crystalline oxyhalide end members with ?=2 (designated as MOX). The present disclosure describes methods for producing amorphous thin films comprising halogenides upon evaporation, and provides some measured physical properties, with attention to compositions for ?<2. The value of a below which only glasses are formed is about one for oxychlorides and oxybromides of both Zr and Hf. The chemical formulas for all the halogenide thin films prepared as noted above can be written as a function of the single parameter ?, according to M(OH)4-?X?.(4?-1)H2O. This is valid for e.g., crystalline zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, and for the glassy solids found for ?<2 and down to the onset of hydrolysis, ??0.5.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for a fast power network simulator. A system configured per this disclosure can use identify a power network, the power network comprising generators, transmission lines, and loads, and receive a model of the power network. The model of the power network can include: models of the generators modeled as differential equations, and models of the transmission lines and the loads modeled as algebraic equations. The system can convert, via a processor, the algebraic equations of the models of the transmission lines and the loads to additional differential equations, then combine, via the processor, the differential equations and the additional differential equations, to yield combined differential equations. The system can then iteratively solve linear equations, via the processor, associated with the combined differential equations, to yield solutions, and output the solutions as part of a power simulation of the power network.

Abstract: An integrated method for assessing metabolic rate and maintaining indoor air quality and efficient ventilation energy use. A physical sensor assesses room occupancy. An actuated ventilation system is set to a constant CO2 level in a predetermined healthy range, where the actuated ventilation system includes a CO2 sensor. The actuated ventilation system sets a first air ventilation rate and the sensor measures a first CO2 level. The system determines whether CO2 level is in a healthy range, if not then the CO2 level is adjusted by setting a subsequent air ventilation rate. A subsequent CO2 level is measured. If the CO2 level is determined to meet a predetermined healthy range, then an assessment of change of air ventilation rate (? ACH) is determined. The determination of air change rate can be further augmented by a physical pressure based measurement. The overall metabolic rate is generated.