Abstract: A multifunctional manifold for use with electrochemical devices having a spiral cross-section, such as spiral solid-oxide fuel cells, includes an interface that is configured to be placed in operative communication with such devices. The interface includes a fuel interface section and an oxidant interface section that are each configured as spirals. The spiral interface sections also include channels that are configured to be placed in operative communication with corresponding spiral channels of the electrochemical device to deliver operating gases, such as fuel gas and oxidant gas, thereto. In addition to delivering operating gases to the fuel cells, the multifunctional manifold is also configured to act as an electrical current collector and a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Selective recovery of C2 to C4 hydrocarbons is achieved through the use of a converging-diverging nozzle, or de Laval nozzle. The vapor stream comprising C2 to C4 hydrocarbons is fed into an inlet of a de Laval nozzle having a throat. The vapor stream may have an initial temperature of between 0° C. and 100° C., and an initial pressure of between 200 psig and 500 psig. In the de Laval nozzle, the vapor stream expands after passing through the throat of the de Laval nozzle, producing a vapor stream having reduced temperature and pressure. Then, C2 to C4 hydrocarbons condense from the reduced-temperature vapor stream as liquid droplets, which may be recovered. Fractionation of C2 to C4 hydrocarbons by means of a de Laval nozzle is possible; the technique allows selective recovery of propane from a mixture of propane and ethane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions and methods for treating or preventing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The compositions and methods include an immunogenic portion of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2-2 (COVID-19) spike protein. In at least particular cases, a mutated version of a portion of the RBD is utilized, such as a deglycosylated, or amino acid substituted mutant of the spike protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catalyst which comprises a silica core having an outer surface and a mesoporous silica shell having an outer surface and an inner surface with the inner surface being inside the outer surface of said mesoporous silica shell proximate to and surrounding the outer surface of said silica core. Wherein the outer surface of the mesoporous silica shell has openings leading to pores within the mesoporous silica shell which extend toward the outer surface of said silica core. The catalyst also includes catalytically active metal nanoparticles positioned within the pores proximate to said core, wherein the catalytic metal nanoparticles comprise about 0.0001 wt % to about 1.0 wt % of the catalyst. Also disclosed are methods of making the catalyst and using it to carry out a process for catalytically hydrogenolysizing a polyolefinic polymer.

Abstract: A sterilization system includes a controller, a transformer including a primary side in communication with the controller and secondary side, an ozone generator in communication with the secondary side of the transformer and the controller, and a power source in communication with the controller, wherein the ozone generator ionizes atmospheric oxygen through the application of corona discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specialized subpopulation of natural killer cells that have enhanced effector functions and the potential to kill malignant tumor cells or infected cells when the natural killer cells are exposed to an antibody bound to the tumor cells or the infected cells.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly, sustainable, and high-performance ultralight composite foams are disclosed. The composite foams are prepared from cellulose nanomaterial, polymeric material, and a crosslinking agent. The fabrication process is simple and uses only water. The composite foams exhibit an elastic strain exceeding the values reported for known nanocellulose-based foams with no reinforcement. The foams exhibit a thermal conductivity superior to that of traditional insulating materials and retain structural integrity after burning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of probiotic selection and use based on the capability of microbial biogenic amine uptake as a method for targeted clinical and veterinary applications, including promoting health and well-being and/or treating therapeutic conditions. The present invention utilizes a microbially-focused approach for the development of drug selection and/or probiotic administration in a variety of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A system for an engine to determine in situ under specified conditions the auto-ignition quality of the fuel used in a compression ignition engine is provided. The system may include an ion current sensor. The ion current sensor may access an engine cylinder for obtaining ion current data. A control unit may be in communication with the ion current sensor for receiving the ion current data. The control unit being configured to determine the auto-ignition quality of the fuel based on features of the ion current data.

Abstract: In an inflatable structure, a plurality of fibers is formed in a cavity of a flexible shell. When structure is inflated, the shell expands and the fibers are tensioned to constrain the flexible shell to have a fiber-constrained shape. When the structure is uninflated, the flexible shell is configured to collapse. The structure is formed by additive manufacturing. The fibers are fused to the shell and can run in various directions in relation to each other and the flexible shell. Fibers can extend obliquely to the shell when tensioned and at crosswise directions in relation to each other to form a nonwoven mesh.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic stimulation of a vagus nerve for post-stroke rehabilitation is disclosed. The system includes an application subsystem having an electrode positioned to stimulate the vagus nerve and coupled to a user outside of a surgical setting. The system also includes a waveform generator communicatively coupled to the electrode, and a triggering subsystem including a receiver configured to detect the presence of a tag. The triggering subsystem is communicatively coupled to waveform generator and is configured to automatically trigger the stimulation of the vagus nerve upon detecting the presence of the tag. The tag is located proximate a rehabilitation context such that the tag is detected when the user is using the rehabilitation context, resulting in the vagus nerve of the user being automatically stimulated by the electrode in response to the user's post-stroke rehabilitation training.

Abstract: Predictive modeling of peptide binding motifs of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) is employed through the application of a predictive machine learning (ML) model. The predictive ML model can utilize structural and biophysical data obtained by modeling the physical structure of the binding pocket of the MHC-I and generating an electrostatic potential distribution of the binding pocket structural model. By utilizing the structural an biophysical data of the binding pocket of the MHC-I, the predictive ML model predicts the amino acid sequence of the peptide binding motif of the MHC-I.

Abstract: A bioorthogonal catalytic patch integrates TiO2 nanosheets populated with metallic nanoparticles into polyvinyl alcohol-based microneedles arranged in an array. This bioorthogonal patch-based device is robust, removable and can effectively mediate the conversion of caged substrates into their active states once placed at the site of application. The capacity of the patch in executing bioorthogonal catalysis in high-level living systems was demonstrated by localized dealkylation of a caged doxorubicin prodrug at the melanoma tumor site and restoration of its pharmacological properties for cancer therapy. This in situ applied patch facilitated to enhance the local treatment efficacy and eliminate off-targeted prodrug activation or dose-dependent side effect towards healthy organs or tissues located away from the application site.

Abstract: Hybrid in-situ and signal of opportunity (SoOP) calibration for antenna arrays is provided. Deployment of aircraft antennae is redesigned to support multiple services with shared physical elements that conform to the exterior of an aircraft to mitigate drag. Conformal arrays are, however, susceptible to structural changes in the fuselage that manifest as pointing errors and side lobe degradation. Embodiments provide an online calibration algorithm that leverages cooperative satellites in direct line-of-sight of a radio frequency (RF) device with an antenna array (e.g., an aircraft with a conformal antenna array) to optimally steer beams. These external calibration sources supplement an in-situ source mounted on a common platform with the antenna array (e.g., placed on the aircraft's tail). Models are established for potential sources of mismatch and the hybrid calibration method is demonstrated via simulations.

Abstract: Systems & methods for sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using an iDEP-based sorting device. The device includes an inlet channel with a constriction and the inlet channel splits into multiple different channels after the constriction—the multiple channels includes a center channel and at least one side channel. A sample is introduced into the iDEP sorting device containing a plurality of SWNTs of different lengths suspended in a fluid. An electrical field is applied to the sample between a first electrode in the center channel and a second electrodes at a proximal end of the inlet channel. The applied electrical field causes longer SWNTs to move towards the side channels while the shorter SWNTs move towards the center channel. Accordingly, a first plurality of shorter SWNTs is then collected from the center channel and a second plurality of longer SWNTs is collected from the at least one side channel.

Abstract: Handheld, broadband terahertz (THz) scanners, housings therefor and imaging systems are provided. The scanner may comprise a 2-Dimensional (2D) gimbaled mirror for beam steering. The 2D gimbaled mirror may comprise a single mirror mounted in a frame, a first motor and a second motor. The first motor and the second motor may be coupled to the frame. The mirror may be rotatable in a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation to scan light on a target in two dimensions. The first motor corresponds to the first axis and the second motor corresponding to the second axis. The 2D gimbaled mirror may be positioned within the housing such that the single mirror is positioned at a focus of a focusing lens. The focusing lens may be fixed within a housing. The scanner may also comprise a terahertz emitter and detector.

Abstract: A robotic ankle system provides an assistive force for the heel-up portion of a user gait. Energy is stored in a spring responsive to a heel-on portion of the gait, and then released as the heel-up portion begins. In this manner, the gait of a user is assisted. The systems and methods are of particular use for those affected by stroke or in connection with rehabilitation activities.

Abstract: A micro-colorimetric sensor for sensing target chemicals using edge tracking includes a substrate. A plurality of parallel linear channels of porous media is entrenched into the substrate and each linear channel includes a sensing material adapted to sense one of several specific target chemicals in air. The plurality of parallel linear channels is separated by barrier material from the adjacent parallel linear channel where the barrier material blocks diffusion of chemicals from one linear channel to another. A plate is affixed over the substrate top to cover the plurality of parallel linear channels. An air sample is diffused along the micro-colorimetric sensor and color images are captured. An intensity profile is derived from the plurality of color images to determine a maximum and a minimum intensity value along the sensor. A plurality of positions along the sensor is tracked to determine an edge position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting both the occurrence and type of driver distraction experienced by a driver, determined through evaluation of sensed vehicle conditions or activities, such as steering, braking, lane changing, etc. as detected by one or more sensors on or associated with the vehicle. That detection of the occurrence and type of driver distraction may then be used to initiate another action, including initiating an audible or visual alert to the driver, taking measures to interfere with or stop operation of the device that is causing the distraction, log the occurrence and type of distraction that occurred, and report the occurrence and type of distraction to an outside monitoring computer (such as one associated with a guardian of the driver, an insurer of the vehicle, a law enforcement authority, or the like).