Abstract: Provided herein are aptamers capable of inhibiting the activity of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these aptamers are also provided. Methods of preventing blood clot formation in a subject by administering the aptamers are provided and methods of treating a blood clot by administering a VWF-targeting agent are also provided.

Abstract: Parametric model based computer implemented methods for determining the stiffness of a bone, systems for estimating h the stiffness of a bone in vivo, and methods for determining the stiffness of a bone. The computer implemented methods include determining a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f) and independently fitting a parametric mathematical model to Y(f) and to H(f), and using a first measure of conformity and a second measure of conformity of the collected data to determine accuracy and repeatability of measurements. The systems include a device for measuring the stiffness of the bone in vivo and a data analyzer to determine a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f).

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive composite includes applying graphene oxide to at least one non-conductive porous substrate and then reducing the graphene oxide to graphene via an electrochemical reaction. An electro-chemical cell for causing a reaction that produces an electrically conductive composite includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an ion conductive medium, electrical current in communication with the first electrode, and an optional third electrode having a known electrode potential. The first electrode contains at least one layered electrocatalyst, which includes at least one non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide and at least a first and second active metal layer comprising a conductive metal in contact with the non-conductive porous substrate coated with graphene oxide.

Abstract: Methods and FSP27 compositions for treating and/or preventing metabolic disease and conditions associated insulin resistance, obesity, inflammation and dyslipidemia are described.

Abstract: A force-absorbing barrier includes a plurality of chambers at least partially filled with fluid. The walls defining the chambers are flexible. Fluid passages in the interior walls between chambers allow fluid flow between the chambers. Alternatively, the chambers are filled with structures instead of or in addition to a fluid. The fluid flow from chamber to chamber and/or the deformation of the structures will absorb energy from the impact a motor vehicle, preventing the vehicle from impacting the terminal of a guardrail.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for guiding vehicles. A vehicle control system detects obstacles and avoids contact between the vehicle, and the obstacles by solving a path planning problem using a four-phase system. In a parking scenario, switching control laws are used to drive the vehicle to a target line, and a forward path segment and a reverse path segment defined. The two path segments are connected along the target line to define a path for entering or exiting the parking space. Objects in a driving environment may be avoided by identifying an obstacle corner, defining an avoidance circle (62), (185) around the obstacle corner, and determining a path that allows the vehicle to avoid penetrating the avoidance circle. A line-of-sight guidance method may be used to follow the path by defining target points on the path at a lookout distance l, and steering the vehicle using the target points.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids into other chemicals and/or fuels, comprising at least one electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell reduces the endothermic load associated with electrochemical CO2 reduction, and a method for converting carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids into carbon monoxide and other chemicals and/or fuels, comprising converting CO2 into CO and converting C2H6 into C2H4 at a temperature in the range of 650° C.-750° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal-graphene composite includes coating metal components (10) with graphene (14) to form graphene-coated metal components, combining a plurality of the graphene-coated metal components to form a precursor workpiece (26), and working the precursor workpiece (26) into a bulk form (30) to form the metal-graphene composite. A metal-graphene composite includes graphene (14) in a metal matrix wherein the graphene (14) is single-atomic layer or multi-layer graphene (14) distributed throughout the metal matrix and primarily (but not exclusively) oriented with a plane horizontal to an axial direction of the metal-graphene composite.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the inhibiting human growth hormone (hGH), and treating or preventing hGH-mediated disorders, using a S1H peptide having the amino acid sequence of [SEQ ID NOs: 1-25], or a variant thereof, are described.

Abstract: FSP27 compositions and methods for treating cardiovascular diseases are described.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for reducing carbon dioxide and/or dehydrogenating a hydrocarbon to an olefin are provided. The electrochemical cell includes a cathode having a first conducting component that is active toward adsorption and reduction of an oxidizing agent such as CO2; and an anode having a second conducting component that is active toward adsorption and oxidation of a reducing agent such as a hydrocarbon. Additionally, a hydrophobic modifier is present on at least a portion of a surface of the second conducting component or both the first and second conducting components. The method includes exposing the cathode to a CO2-containing fluid; exposing the anode to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid; and applying a voltage between the cathode exposed to the CO2-containing fluid and the anode exposed to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid, wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the hydrocarbon via a dehydrogenation reaction and reduce the CO2.

Abstract: Methods for extending the shelf life of donor blood and/or red blood cells (RBC) with a cyclodextrin composition are described. The cyclodextrin composition contains at least one cyclodextrin complexed with at least one exogenous lipid. Also described are such treated donor blood and/or RBC.

Abstract: Methods and FSP27 compositions for treating and/or preventing metabolic disease and conditions associated insulin resistance, obesity, inflammation and dyslipidemia are described.

Abstract: pa In one embodiment, a method of monitoring fluid flow includes mounting at least one probe including at least two electrodes to a conduit having a mixture including at least oil and water flowing therethrough and exciting the at least two electrodes with an AC voltage and a predetermined frequency. The method also includes measuring an impedance between the at least two electrodes and detecting a water layer based on the measured impedance. The mixture may also include gas. In another embodiment, a method of detecting phase wetting in a pipe includes measuring a high frequency impedance response of a two concentric electrode probe flush mounted in the pipe.

Abstract: A hybrid composite discharge electrode (HCDE) (20) includes at least one metal layer (22) and at least one carbon fiber layer (26). The HCDE (20) improves the stability and uniformity of the corona while being corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and compact. Additionally, a method of making a HCDE (20) is provided. In another aspect, an electrostatic precipitator (60) is provided and includes a hybrid composite discharge electrode (62).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the inhibiting human growth hormone (hGH), and treating or preventing hGH-mediated disorders, using a S1H peptide having the amino acid sequence of [SEQ ID NOs: 1-25], or a variant thereof, are described.

Abstract: FSP27 compositions and methods for treating cancers are described.

Abstract: An air data probe (10) and associated method of method of measuring air data is disclosed. The air data probe includes a plurality of air pressure sensors, and a body (14) that encloses a hollow interior cavity (16), where the body (14) has a generally symmetrical airfoil profile. The body (14) includes a plurality of projections (20a-d) extending beyond the generally symmetrical airfoil profile, each of the plurality of projections (20a-d) including an pressure port (22a-d) at a distal end (24a-d) that is in communication with the hollow interior cavity. Each of the pressure ports (22a-d) receives a corresponding air pressure sensor (12a-d) that is configured to collect static and dynamic air pressure data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection and reporting of small targets to an operational area. Exemplary embodiments are presented to detect targets such as avian species, UAS, UAV, and drones, and transmit unique small target identifier information via data link, such as ADS-B, to an operational area.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the inhibiting human growth hormone (hGH), and treating or preventing hGH-mediated disorders, using a S1H peptide having the amino acid sequence of [SEQ ID NO: 1], or a variant thereof, are described.