Abstract: A system is disclosed which includes a chamber, one or more transmitters configured to emit EM radiation, one or more power harvesters, one or more EM stirrer, and a processing system configured to a) receive a measure of dimensional characteristics of the chamber b) control the one or more EM stirrers, c) evaluate statistical properties of the statistical EM environment, d) set a new criterion for acceptable statistical properties of the statistical EM environment, e) measure a lowest usable frequency of the chamber below which the statistical properties are not acceptable according to a predetermined criterion, f) determine an efficiency profile of the one or more power harvesters versus frequency, g) select an operating frequency that maximizes efficiencies of the one or more power harvesters, h) measure a collective efficiency of the chamber, and i) return to step d if the measured collective efficiency is below a predetermined efficiency threshold.

Abstract: The present invention presents 2-(acylamino)imidazoles with therapeutic activity, including selective activity against cancer cells, and compositions comprising them. Methods of using and preparing the 2-(acylamino)imidazoles are also presented.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for the characterization of a microtexture of a sample, component, or the like. The methods may include methods of determining a service life limiting region of a component, determining a treatment method for a component, and/or selecting components from a batch of components for use in production. The characterization may include calculating a microtexture level indicator from ultrasonic C-scan images for various samples, regions, components, or the like. The microtexture level indicator may include at least one of an average peak factor, a standard deviation of peak amplitude, and/or a baseband bandwidth.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel pyrazoloquinolinone compounds and method of using such compounds to treat disorders such as neuropsychiatric disorders with sensorimotor gating deficits, such as schizophrenia, tic disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, Huntington's disease and nocturnal enuresis; depression; temporomandibular myofascial pain; disorders of trigeminal nerve, such as trigeminal neuralgia and trigeminal neuropathy; migraine; and tinnitus.

Abstract: A technique to additively print onto a dissimilar material, especially ceramics and glasses (e.g., semiconductors, graphite, diamond, other metals) is disclosed herein. The technique enables manufacture of heat removal devices and other deposited structures, especially on heat sensitive substrates. It also enables novel composites through additive manufacturing. The process enables rapid bonding, orders-of-magnitude faster than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform and method are provided. The microfluidic platform includes a base having an outer surface and a plurality of wells formed in the outer surface thereof for receiving fluid therein. The plurality of wells are in fluid communication with each other. A lid includes a plurality of channels having corresponding inputs and outputs. The lid is moveable between a first position wherein the lid is disengaged from the base and a second position wherein the inputs of each channel communicate with corresponding wells in the base. The fluid in each well is drawn into corresponding channels through the inputs thereof by capillary action.

Abstract: A method for generating an energy usage profile for a software program executed in a computing device includes generating a call trace of an executed system call, identifying a first power consumption and duration of a first power state due to the first system call using a model, identifying a second power consumption and duration of a second power state based on the model, and generating an energy usage profile for the software program. The energy usage profile includes energy consumption of the computing device for the system call based on the first power consumption level multiplied by the first duration and the second power consumption level multiplied by the second duration associated an identifier for the call trace.

Abstract: Provided herein are protein contrast agents and targeted protein contrast agents, formulations thereof, and methods of use, including but not limited to, as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent.

Abstract: A system and method of scheduling tasks, comprising receiving activity and performance data from registers or storage locations maintained by hardware and an operating system; storing calibration coefficients associated with the activity and performance data; computing an energy dissipation rate based on at least the activity and performance data; and scheduling tasks under the operating system based on the computed energy dissipation rate.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.

Abstract: Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a hallmark of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), it is advantageous to target the cells and the mechanisms associated with this process. By targeting myofibroblasts (specialized contractile fibroblasts) that are key for the development of IPF with drugs conjugated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP), this technology helps minimize the production of extracellular matrix in the lungs and provides a new treatment option for patients diagnosed with IPF.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition can include an amount of amniotic fluid having a therapeutically effective amount of at least one protein, hyaluronic acid, or both. The therapeutic composition can be substantially free of lanugo, vernix, and cells harvested with the amniotic fluid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing methodology is disclosed for freeform fabrication of hydrophobic structures without the use of printed support structures. The build material is directly printed in and supported by a fumed silica-containing yield-stress support bath to form an intermediate article in the support bath material. The intermediate article may be liquid or only partially solidified after being printed into the support bath material. The intermediate article is then heated or irradiated with ultraviolet radiation to initiate cross-linking to solidify the printed intermediate article, forming a finished article.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for using electrical stimulation to treat a mammal having a proteinopathy (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases) or at risk of developing a proteinopathy are provided. For example, the present invention provides materials and methods for modulating glymphatic clearance (e.g., enhancing glymphatic clearance) of pathogenic proteins.

Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for round baling machines and methods that can provide weight estimations for round bales at the time of formation are described. Balers can include those that incorporate hydraulically actuated bale kicking or pushing assemblies as well as those that incorporate spring-loaded off ramps. Farm implements including baling machines and cotton module builders are encompassed. The system includes a sensor that can ascertain a physical parameter associated with ejection of a round bale from the farm implement. Physical parameters as may be ascertained can include pressures, velocities, accelerations, etc. associated with bale ejection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of inhibiting the aggregation of asphaltenes, as well as methods of identifying appropriate aggregation inhibitors for asphaltenes.

Abstract: A battery having a thermal protection arrangement is disclosed which includes a housing, a first electrode, a second electrode, a polymer porous separator positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, an electrolyte interspersed between the first electrode, the second electrode, and the polymer porous separator, at least one sensor holder having an electrode side and a housing side, with at least one cavity provided on the electrode side, the at least one sensor holder in firm contact with the first electrode or the second electrode, and at least one temperature sensor placed in the at least one cavity of the at least one sensor holder, the at least one cavity sized such that the outer surface of the temperature sensor being flush with remaining surface of the at least one sensor holder, and wherein the at least one temperature sensor has no contact with the polymer porous separator.

Abstract: Described are benzoimidazole indolyl methane compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and use of the compounds to inhibit PCSK9-mediated ailments.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter system for use within the human body and an ablation catheter for ablating a selected tissue region within the body of a subject. The percutaneous catheter system can include two catheters that are operatively coupled to one another by magnetic coupling through a tissue structure. The ablation catheter can include electrodes positioned within a central portion. The ablation catheter is positioned such that the central portion of a flexible shaft at least partially surrounds the selected tissue region. Each electrode of the ablation catheter can be activated independently to apply ablative energy to the selected tissue region. The ablation catheter can employ high impedance structures to change the current density at specific points. Methods of puncturing through a tissue structure using the percutaneous catheter system are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for ablating a selected tissue region using the ablation catheter.