Abstract: A delta sigma modulator includes a summation circuit, at least one integrator, a multi-bit quantizer and a negative feedback circuit. The summation circuit is configured to produce a difference signal between a unipolar or bipolar analog input signal and an analog feedback signal. The integrator is operatively coupled to the summation circuit to integrate the difference signal. The multi-bit quantizer is operatively coupled to the integrator to digitize the integrated signal to generate an N-bit digital output signal, N being an integer greater than 1. The negative feedback circuit operatively couples the multi-bit quantizer to the summation circuit. The negative feedback circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter arrangement for receiving the N-bit digital output signal and providing the analog feedback signal such that digital values of the N-bit digital output signal and values of the analog feedback encoded by the digital values have a non-linear relationship to one another.

Abstract: An optical device includes first and second 45° Faraday rotators. A 45° polarizer is located between the first and second Faraday rotators such that light in a prescribed polarization state that is incident on the first 45° Faraday rotator traverses the first 45° Faraday rotator as well as the 45° polarizer and the second 45° Faraday rotator. In one implementation the optical device is operable to receive a light beam traveling in a first direction and output a light beam that is in a predetermined polarization state. Likewise, the optical device is operable to receive an unpolarized light beam traveling in a second direction opposite the first direction and outputs a light beam that is in a predetermined polarization state. The polarization state in which the two output beams are arranged may be the same or orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: Provided are methods for replication (copying) of volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) using a master hologram in optical contact with a prism, wherein the master hologram comprises distinct object and reference beam coupling elements, and wherein in the replication process light is coupled from one face of the prism and transmitted through another face of the prism using the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements. Methods for making the master hologram by sequentially forming the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements therein are provided. Further methods for encoding aperture functions directly to the master hologram are provided. Yet further methods provide for forming a copy HOE in an array configuration using a step-and-repeat method wherein the copy HOE is translated laterally by a specified distance before the next exposure is made.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified stem cells (SCs) and use of the SCs to treat disease.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator comprises: an optical source; an optical path having a first end and a second end, the optical path coupled to the optical source at the first end; an optical resonator disposed along a side of the optical path between the first and second ends, the optical resonator coupled to the optical path through an evanescent field to excite an optical whispering-gallery mode; an optical receiver coupled to the second end of the optical path; and a digital data processor configured to communicate with the optical receiver and the optical source, wherein the digital data processor comprises a frequency locking system and a data acquisition system, wherein the frequency locking system tunes the frequency of the optical source to the optical whispering-gallery mode of the optical resonator, and wherein the resonator weighs less than 15 kg and is containable within a volume less than 30 liters.

Abstract: A diffractive multifocal lens is disclosed, comprising an optical element having at least one diffractive surface, the surface profile comprising a plurality of annular concentric zones. The optical thickness of the surface profile changes monotonically with radius within each zone, while a distinct step in optical thickness at the junction between adjacent zones defines a step height. The step heights for respective zones may differ from one zone to another periodically so as to tailor diffraction order efficiencies of the optical element, in one example of a trifocal lens, step heights alternate between two values, the even-numbered step heights being lower than the odd-numbered step heights.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to genotyping one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to stratify cancer risk and/or prognosis.

Abstract: A lung function analysis system includes motion sensing devices each including accelerometers, gyros, battery, processor, and ireless transmitter, the processor configured to read motion data from the accelerometers and gyros and transmit the motion data over the wireless transmitter. The system includes a data collection device receiving the motion data and recording the motion data in a database; and a computing device with a lung function data analysis routine adapted to analyze the motion data to provide information useful in treating pulmonary disease. In embodiments, the lung function analysis routine includes a classifier trained on a database of motion data and diagnoses. In embodiments, the accelerometers and gyros are three-axis and/or the devices include electromyographic sensors. In embodiments, the system includes remote sensors such as a stereo camera with or without markers, millimeter-wave radar, or an ultrasonic echolocation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain polymeric materials, precursors thereof as well as the preparation and uses thereof.

Abstract: A versatile space telescope for quantum key distribution and adapted for interfacing with a spacecraft and an instrument module. The telescope includes diamond turned aluminum mirrors at its entrance and exit, adjacent the spacecraft and instrument module, respectively.

Abstract: Methods of vulcanization using a high content sulfur polymer, instead of elemental sulfur, have been developed. These high sulfur content polymers are referred to as Chalcogenide Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Polymers (CHIP) materials and have good polymer compatibility in that they are soluble in a number of polymers. Furthermore, CHIP materials may have weaker bonds than the S—S bonds of elemental sulfur and thus provide for a higher crosslinking efficiency vulcanization.

Abstract: Methods for identifying animals that are genetically superior, drugs, nutritional strategies, or physiological manipulations that improve feed efficiency or productivity of animals, e.g., selecting animals that are genetically superior for feed efficiency or productivity based on metabolic rates of particular tissues, wherein metabolic rates of certain tissues such as skeletal muscle are inversely proportional to feed efficiency, while metabolic rates of other tissues such as mammary gland are directly proportional to milk production. Thus, animals with low skeletal muscle metabolic rates are generally more feed efficient, e.g., gain more weight per unit of food. The methods herein may be used to improve the genetics, nutrition, and handling or animals more efficiently produced animal products, e.g., meat production, milk, production, egg production, wool production, etc. The methods herein may also be used to determine estimated breeding values of animals for feed efficiency, growth, or production.

Abstract: An optical device is provided that comprises a multi-order diffractive Fresnel lens (MOD-DFL) and an achromatizing compensation mechanism that reduces refractive dispersion created by the MOD-DFL, thereby reducing the focal range of the MOD-DFL. A method is also provided of using the optical device in an image processing system to obtain images of an object and processing the images to perform image enhancement.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. In particular, provided herein are dry powder formulations of TMP for delivery to the lung.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and method for measuring cell stiffness. In particular, provided herein are microelectrode configuration and systems for measuring platelet deformation and stiffness.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to determination of contact angle of sessile drops. In one example, a method includes determining a volume of a sessile drop of fluid disposed on a test surface; determining a height of the sessile drop of fluid; and determining a contact angle of the sessile drop of fluid based upon the volume and the height of the sessile drop. In another example, a system includes a volume sensing, a height sensing, and computing that can determine a volume and height of a sessile drop using volume and height data from the sensing, and determine a contact angle of the sessile drop with the volume and the height. The contact angle and surface tension can be determined with at least three of volume, a height, a footprint radius, a radius of maximum horizontal extent, and/or an apex radius of curvature of the drop.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting RNA and sequencing RNA in a wide range of samples such as samples with low concentrations of nucleic acid, samples with degraded nucleic acid, samples that would not otherwise be amenable to conventional sequencing or RNA detection methods, poor quality samples, high quality samples in which rare mutations are sought, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, blood samples, etc. The methods of the present invention may use paired, large panels of primers to amplify many short fragments that overlap between but not within each panel. Each panel's amplicon set may fill the gaps between those of the opposing panel, thereby providing complete gene or genomic coverage. A preliminary, multiplex amplification step amplifies target nucleic acid for all downstream reactions such as Sanger sequencing, cloning, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Abstract: Patterned polarizers with reduced transition regions are formed using a directional etch. Multiple layers can be combined to produce filters for polarization cameras and displays as well as achromatic filters.

Abstract: Metallopolymers composed of polymers and catalytically active diiron-disulfide ([2Fe-2S]) complexes are described herein. [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics have been synthesized and used to initiate polymerization of various monomers to generate metallopolymers containing active [2Fe-2S] sites which serve as catalysts for a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Vinylic monomers with polar groups provided water solubility relevant for large scale hydrogen production, leveraging the supramolecular architecture to improve catalysis. Metallopolymeric electrocatalysts displayed high turnover frequency and low overpotential in aqueous media as well as aerobic stability. Metallopolymeric photocatalysts incorporated P3HT ligands to serve as a photosensitizer to promote photoinduced electron transfer to the active complex.

Abstract: A method for measuring distorted illumination patterns and correcting image artifacts in structured illumination microscopy. The method includes the steps of generating an illumination pattern by interfering multiple beams, modulating a scanning speed or an intensity of a scanning laser, or projecting a mask onto an object; taking multiple exposures of the object with the illumination pattern shifting in phase; and applying Fourier transform to the multiple exposures to produce multiple raw images. Thereafter, the multiple raw images are used to form and then solve a linear equation set to obtain multiple portions of a Fourier space image of the object. A circular 2-D low pass filter and a Fourier Transform are then applied to the portions. A pattern distortion phase map is calculated and then corrected by making a coefficient matrix of the linear equation set varying in phase, which is solved in the spatial domain.