Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting electron spins using electron paramagnetic resonance are described. An excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal of varying amplitude and phase as compared to a reference signal may be present. A crossed-loop resonator configured to isolate a detection signal produced by the excitation signal exciting an object with a magnetic field may also be present. Further, a detection device configured to detect electron spins of the object using the detection signal isolated by the crossed-loop resonator may be present.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a crossed-loop electron paramagnetic resonance resonator comprising a first resonator having a first resonator axis; and a second resonator having a second resonator axis. The first resonator axis and the second resonator axis can be substantially perpendicular. Either or both the first resonator and the second resonator can be a ribbon resonator having a plurality of metallic ribbons formed in a loop. Each metallic ribbon can include a central axis. The plurality of metallic ribbons can be arranged parallel relative one to another.

Abstract: A mobile self-leveling landing platform vehicle is disclosed that includes a landing surface and one or more wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel, a control arm coupled with the wheel and the body of the landing platform vehicle, and an actuator coupled with the control arm and the body of the platform vehicle. Methods for self-leveling the landing platform vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are inexpensive devices and methods for obtaining emission or scattering spectra of multiple particles simultaneously and for characterizing the particles based on their emission or scattering spectra. The disclosed devices and methods are useful for analyzing multiple particles to determine one or more characteristics of the particles, such as size, type, elastic scattering, fluorescence and/or Raman characteristics, for distinguishing between biological and non-biological particles, and for biomedical assaying applications. Laboratory or research grade spectroscopic devices are described. Smartphone-based spectroscopic devices are also described, where various components of a smartphone are used for data collection and analysis purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include aerosol impactors comprising one or more micromechanical resonators. Impactors according to embodiments of the invention can provide size classification and/or concentration of aerosol particulate. Aerosol impactors can use an air flow device, such as a pump, to create a constant flow of air. Nozzles of varying diameters are used to separate particulate of varying sizes and the particles that pass through strike a measuring device. MEMS resonators can be integrated into arrays to provide mass sensitivity in a small, lightweight and cost effective package, which will effectively allow for the measurement of the mass of every micro/nanoscale particle landing on the surface.

Abstract: A RADAR apparatus may be used in target detection and/or avoidance. The RADAR apparatus may include a microwave front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, an analog signal conditioning module coupled with the microwave front end module that conditions RF signals received at the microwave front end module, and a digital signal processing module coupled with the analog signal conditioning module that detects presence and range of one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) radar apparatus may be used in aircraft detection and avoidance. The radar apparatus may include an RF front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, a filtering module coupled with the RF front end module that filters RF signals received at the RF front end module, and a target data processing module coupled with the filtering module that detects and identifies one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals. Avoidance procedures may be initiated based on the identification and detection of one or more targets.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed toward a robotic head that includes a head enclosure; a translucent face mask coupled with the head enclosure, having a front side and a rear side; a neck system coupled with the head enclosure and configured to move the head enclosure; and a projector coupled with the head enclosure and disposed to project images of a face onto the rear side of the face mask.

Abstract: Various arrangements for identifying and grading cancer in tissue samples are presented. A digital image of a stained tissue sample may be acquired. A Shearlet transform may be performed on the digital image of the stained tissue sample. Shearlet coefficients may be calculated based on the performed Shearlet transform of the normalized digital RGB image of the stained tissue sample. A trained neural network may be applied to create a plurality of feature maps using the digital image and Shearlet coefficients, wherein the trained neural network was trained using a plurality of images and Shearlet coefficients of a plurality of digital images. A classifier may be applied to an output of the trained neural network to identify whether cancer is present in the stained tissue sample. A notification may be output that is indicative of a grade of detected cancer in the sample.

Abstract: The genetically modified hemorrhagic fever virus of this invention possesses a viral ovarian tumor protease with decreased ability to remove ubiquitin (Ub) and ISG15 tags that the human organism uses to label proteins for removal. Unlike complete knockout strains, the modified virus retains enough activity for replication in a human cell line. This creates an immunogenic and non-pathogenic virus that can be used as an effective live vaccine agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of compounds that inhibit Class II fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), which is implicated in the pathogenic activity of a broad range of bacterial and parasitic agents. The compounds were identified by empirical testing, and provide a basis for further derivatization and optimization of 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid and related compounds. Crystal structure shows that the compounds don't bind directly to the catalytic site of the enzyme, and so are not defined simply as substrate analogs. Instead, they create a pocket by induced fit, resulting a powerful and specific inhibitory effect on FBA activity.

Abstract: A docking system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described that provides a stable landing and take-off area as well as, in some embodiments, refueling and/or data transfer capabilities. The docking system may be portable to provide a ready docking area for a UAV in areas that may not otherwise be suitable for UAV operation. The docking system may include a landing surface, an orientation mechanism that adjusts the landing surface to provide a level landing area, and an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface that moves a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface for automated refueling of the UAV. A latching mechanism may secure the UAV to the landing surface when the UAV is located at the predetermined location.

Abstract: This invention provides a family of compounds that inhibit Class II fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), which is implicated in the pathogenic activity of a broad range of bacterial and parasitic agents. The compounds were identified by empirical testing, and provide a basis for further derivatization and optimization of 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid and related compounds. Crystal structure shows that the compounds don't bind directly to the catalytic site of the enzyme, and so are not defined simply as substrate analogs. Instead, they create a pocket by induced fit, resulting a powerful and specific inhibitory effect on FBA activity.

Abstract: Provided is a photoamplified fluorescence turn-off assay where a masked photosensitizer is mixed with a fluorescent molecule. This mixture is brightly fluorescent because the masked photosensitizer is not capable of quenching the fluorophore. When the photosensitizer is released and amplified, the photosensitizer quenches the emission of fluorophores very efficiently.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) radar apparatus may be used in aircraft detection and avoidance. The radar apparatus may include an RF front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, a filtering module coupled with the RF front end module that filters RF signals received at the RF front end module, and a target data processing module coupled with the filtering module that detects and identifies one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals. Avoidance procedures may be initiated based on the identification and detection of one or more targets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the brain imager can provide motor cortex activation data using near infrared imaging techniques and EEG techniques among others. EEG and near infrared signals can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The brain imager provides motor cortex activation data by illuminating the motor cortex with near infrared light (NIR) and detecting the spectral changes of the NIR light as passes through the brain. These spectral changes can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting electron spins using electron paramagnetic resonance are described. An excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal of varying amplitude and phase as compared to a reference signal may be present. A crossed loop resonator configured to isolate a detection signal produced by the excitation signal exciting an object with a magnetic field may also be preset. Further, a detection device configured to detect electron spins of the object using the detection signal isolated by the crossed loop resonator may be present.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating overproduction of cortisol in a subject by administering to the subject a peptide that antagonizes adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to block the activation of melanocortin 2 receptors.