Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering power to the gate-drivers used in switching power conversion devices. In a bootstrapping network gate drivers are cascaded between a high-side and a low-side. Each gate driver controls a bidirectional active switch along a synchronous bootstrapping power path. The bootstrapping power path contains at least two bias voltage supplies to provide for bidirectional charge flow to the gate drivers, so that balanced delivery of charge can be maintained. A bias voltage supply on the high-side is line-referenced and provides charge to the bootstrapping network in a downward flowing direction.

Abstract: A hybrid active controller for practically asymptotically stabilizing the DC-DC boost converter under parameter uncertainty. The controller uses an estimation algorithm that identifies the input voltage and output load of the converter in finite time. Using these estimates, the control algorithm “unites” global and local control schemes. The global control scheme induces practical asymptotic stability of a desired output voltage and corresponding current, and the local control scheme maintains industry-standard PWM behavior during steady state. Stability properties for the resulting hybrid closed-loop system are established and simulation results illustrating the main results are provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating small size light emitting diodes (LEDs) on high-quality epitaxial crystal layers. III-nitride epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) layers are grown on a substrate using a growth restrict mask. III-nitride device layers are grown on wings of the III-nitride ELO layers, to form island-like III-nitride semiconductor layers. The wings of the III-nitride ELO layers have at least an order of magnitude smaller defect density than the substrate, resulting in superior characteristics for the devices made thereon. Light emitting mesas are etched from the island-like III-nitride semiconductor layers, wherein each of the light emitting mesas corresponds to a device; and a device unit pattern is etched from the island-like III-nitride semiconductor layers, wherein the device unit pattern is comprised of one or more of the light emitting mesas. The device unit pattern including the island-like III-nitride semiconductor layers is then transferred to display panel or a carrier.

Abstract: A transtibial prosthetic device comprises a pylon configured as a unitary truss structure formed of a plurality of elongated supports interconnected at nodes and having open spaces between supports of the plurality of elongated supports. The unitary truss structure comprises a polymer. A foot-ankle complex extends from a base of the pylon. The foot-ankle complex comprises an s-shaped posterior portion, an s-shaped anterior portion, and a sole portion. The s-shaped posterior portion and the s-shaped anterior portion both extend from the sole portion, have upper portions with curvatures that are concentric with each other, and are separated from each other by a gap.

Abstract: A composition includes tungsten (W); at least one element selected form the group of elements consisting of boron (B), beryllium (Be) and silicon (Si); and at least one element selected from the group of elements consisting of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo), ruthenium (Ru), hafnium (fi), tantalum (Ta), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al). The composition satisfies the formula W1-xMxXy wherein X is one of B, Be and Si; M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta, Re, Os, Ir, Li and Al; x is at least 0.001 and less than 0.999; and y is at least 4.0. A tool is made from or coated with this composition.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of condition associated with bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein activity are disclosed. The methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a piperazine BET protein inhibitor or a piperidine BET protein inhibitor to a subject in need thereof. Piperazine BET protein inhibitors, piperidine BET protein inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the BET proteins inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying foodstuff such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables above ground with natural airflow that is typical during the drying season. The apparatus can be configured for placement with a container or integrated into the interior of a container, such as stationary containers, moveable containers, trailer containers, above-ground containers, and containers with sidewalls through which air can flow.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to an all-solid-state battery including a solid electrolyte. In one aspect, a device includes a first layer of an ionically conducting oxide, a second layer of the ionically conducting oxide disposed on the first layer, and an anode disposed on the second layer of the ionically conducting oxide. The first layer defines through pores having a tortuosity of about 1. The first layer includes transition metal oxide particles and an ionically conducting solid disposed in the through pores. The transition metal oxide particles are a cathode. The first layer and the ionically conducting solid are an electrolyte. The second layer does not define any through pores. The second layer is a separator.

Abstract: A method for moisture testing of a fully assembled photovoltaic (PV) module. An assembled PV module is probed with short wave IR probe energy in the range of 1700-2000 nm. Energy reflected from the assembled PV module is collected and directed to a sensor. Noise is removed from a signal of the sensor with reference to the probe energy. Absorption is of the probe energy is determined. The absorption is correlated to moisture in the PV module. A preferred system that carries out the method provides a signal-to-noise ratio (as defined by standard deviation/mean of measured reflectance) of at least 3800.

Abstract: An implantable biosensor may be placed subcutaneously to monitor the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. The biosensor may include an electrochemical cell and an antenna. The components of the biosensor, including the electrochemical cell and the antenna, may be disposed on a same substrate. The electrochemical cell may include multiple electrodes for performing electrochemical measurements that include a first measurement of the analyte concentration in the body fluid, a second measurement of a background interference present in the body fluid, and a third measurement of a pH level within the body fluid. The antenna may receive, from a transceiver, radio frequency (RF) waves for wirelessly powering the implantable biosensor. The antenna may further transmit, back to the transceiver, a backscatter signal encoding a result of the electrochemical measurements.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable devices configured to emit an electrical pulse. An exemplary implantable device includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves that power the implantable device and encode a trigger signal; a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in electrical communication with a tissue and emit an electrical pulse to the tissue in response to the trigger signal; and an integrated circuit comprising an energy storage circuit. Also described are systems that include one or more implantable device and an interrogator configured to operate the one or more implantable devices. Further described is a closed loop system that includes a first device configured to detect a signal, an interrogator configured to emit a trigger signal in response to the detected signal, and an implantable device configured to emit an electrical pulse in response to receiving the trigger signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that utilize metal nanostructures that are synthesized in situ along the internal surfaces of a microfluidic device. The nanostructures are formed by initial deposition of metallic seeds followed by flowing growth and reducing agent solutions into the capillaries/microfluidic channels to grow the nanostars. The nanostructures may optionally be functionalized with a capture ligand. The capture ligand may be used to selectively bind to certain cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). The cells may be removed by a beam of light (e.g., laser beam) that induces localized heating at the surface location(s) containing the nanostructures. The plasmonic nature of the nanostructures can be used to heat the nanostructure(s) locally for the selective removal of one or certain cells. The nanostructures may be used to acquire Raman spectra of molecules or other small objects that are bound thereto for identification and quantification.

Abstract: Provided are VHH or nanobodies that specifically bind to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitory factor (Cif), and uses thereof for diagnosis and treatment of Pseudomonas infection.

Abstract: Wirelessly powered receiver system and sensors are described. In an embodiment, the power receiver system, includes an inductive coil that receives wireless power from an external transmitter, a capacitor bank that optimizes power transfer to an energy harvesting device, and a power-receiving frontend RF-DC rectifier with a periodically enabled closed feedback loop that adapts settings of the capacitor bank in real-time to adapt to changes on the inductive coil to maximize power transfer efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating cyanide, sulfide, or methane-thiol exposure in a subject. The compositions may include one or more cobinamide compounds, such as an amino-tetrazole-cobinamide and/or a di-(amino-tetrazole)-cobinamide.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to boron nitride nanomaterials. In one aspect, a method includes generating a directed flow of plasma. A boron-containing species is introduced to the directed flow of the plasma. Boron nitride nanostructures are formed in a chamber. In another aspect, a method includes generating a directed flow of plasma using nitrogen gas. A boron-containing species is introduced to the directed flow of the plasma. The boron-containing species can consist of boron powder, boron nitride powder, and/or boron oxide powder. Boron nitride nanostructures are formed in a chamber, with a pressure in the chamber being about 3 atmospheres or greater.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes sequence controlling circuitry and processing circuitry. The sequence controlling circuitry acquires a first piece of data by executing a first pulse sequence having a first Echo Time (TE) value, to acquire a second piece of data by executing a second pulse sequence having a second TE value different from the first TE value, and to acquire a third piece of data by executing a third pulse sequence having a third TE value different from the first and the second TE values. The processing circuitry extracts a signal related to water, a signal related to a first fat, and a signal related to a second fat, on the basis of the first piece of data, the second piece of data, and the third piece of data.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices and applications for learning noise distribution on information from any data processing method. In an embodiment of the described technology, a method includes determining an amount of shredding used in a shredding operation by which source data is converted into shredded data, and transferring the shredded data over an external network to a remote server for a data processing task. The shredding reduces the information content and incurs a limited degradation to an accuracy of the data processing task due to the shredding operation.

Abstract: A system for deforming and analyzing a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet; and a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for prevention or treatment of hearing loss. In some examples, a composition for preventing or treating hearing loss comprises at least one compound that activates AMPK in at least one hair cell.