Abstract: We have recently developed a novel DC-targeting vaccine platform using Ebola glycoprotein (EboGP) DC-targeting domain-based fusion protein technology. Here, we will use this technology to generate universal vaccines against Influenza A by fusing a DC-targeting/activation domain (EboGPAM), derived from EboGP to I) a tetrameric conserved extracellular domain of M2 (M2e) of Influenza A strains from human, birds, and swine; 2) the conserved stalk regions (HAcs) of HA and an M2 polypeptide from H5N1 strain; and 3) the HA head regions polypeptides (HAH5-1-3) derived from H5N1, H1 N1 and H3N2 strains.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for mixing unequal amounts of two reagents to produce a detectable reaction in a microfluidic chip. In one example, there is a fluorescent microfluidic urinary albumin chip (UAL-Chip) that exploits the nonimmunological fluorescent assay. In this chip, we constructed a passive and continuous mixing module, in which the loading process requires only an inexpensive dropper, and the signal is stable over time, as discussed below. We applied a pressure-balancing strategy based on the immiscible oil coverage which highly improves the precision in controlling the mixing ratio of sample and dye. The UAL-Chip has achieved an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 8.4 ?g/ml using albumin standards, which is below the 30 ?g albumin per ml urine level considered to be indicative of kidney damage.

Abstract: A system for detecting human entry into a container using electromagnetic imaging to generate image maps of the container. The system includes a door monitor configured to detect an entry door open event associated with the container. The system uses one or more processors and a memory with instructions to generate a baseline image map of the container, detect an entry door open event with the door monitor associated with the container, generate a post entry door open event image map of the container, and compare the baseline image map generated before the entry door open event with image map generated after the entry door open event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating anti-noise using an anti-noise generator to suppress noise from a noise source in an environment comprises processing a sound signal, which is representative of ambient sound including noise, anti-noise and propagation noise from the environment, using a deep learning algorithm configured to generate an anti-noise signal to form anti-noise. The deep learning algorithm comprises a convolution layer; after the convolution layer, a series of atrous scaled convolution modules, wherein each of the atrous scaled convolution modules comprises an atrous convolution, a nonlinear activation function after the atrous convolution, and a pointwise convolution after the nonlinear activation function; after the series of atrous scaled convolution modules, a recurrent neural network; and after the recurrent neural network, a plurality of fully connected layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to new metal complexes, including derivatives thereof, methods of making the metal complexes, and uses thereof, including uses, for example, as photosensitizers and as photocatalysts. In an embodiment, a metal complex having the structure of Formula (I): a salt, hydrate, solvate, tautomer, optical isomer, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for electrically connecting a direct current (DC) microgrid to a DC bus of an electrical power network, which is operating at a higher voltage than the microgrid, comprises a pair of electrical port each configured for connection with either the DC bus or the microgrid; a DC-DC power converter operatively interconnecting the electrical ports for power transmission therebetween from a first voltage at the port connected to the DC bus to a lower second voltage at the port connected to the DC microgrid; a DC circuit breaker connected between the DC-DC power converter and one of the electrical ports for selectively conducting current therebetween; and a controller which is configured to communicate with constituent devices in the DC microgrid as well as a control center representative of the electrical power network in order to exchange information about electrical energy consumption in the DC microgrid and the larger network.

Abstract: Herein, we describe the development of non-?-lactam-based potentiator molecules that synergize with ?-lactam antibiotics and ?-lactam-?-lactamase inhibitor combinations against MDR/XDR P. aeruginosa phenotypes. The compound comprises a chemical structure or chemical formula of Formula (A) or a suitable salt form thereof, wherein “n” is a carbon tether having a length of between about 2-18 carbons.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or more faulted conductors in a power transmission system having at least two power-transmitting conductors and a method for determining fault location each include steps of monitoring current signals which are representative of currents in the conductors at a generally common location within the power transmission system; filtering the current signals; determining a maximum rate of change of each filtered current signal within a predetermined time interval after the fault event has commenced; and calculating a ratio of a pair of the maximum rates of change of the filtered current signals. For fault classification, the ratio is compared against a discrimination factor to identify the one or more faulted conductors. For fault location, the calculated ratio is compared against the calibration data to determine the distance from the connection terminal of the faulted conductor to the fault location.

Abstract: A device for unidirectional propagation of microwaves comprises a resonant microwave structure arranged to transmit microwaves between two ports and a magnetic source arranged to provide a generally static magnetic field and to have a resonant frequency distinct from that of the microwave structure, which is disposed adjacent the microwave structure so as to be located in presence of electromagnetic fields emanating from the transmitted microwaves such that the magnetic field interacts with the electromagnetic fields of the microwaves so as to form a set of hybridized resonant frequencies at which zero intrinsic damping exists, one of the set of hybridized resonant frequencies being a real eigenvalue providing the unidirectional propagation from one of the first and second ports to the other. A related method comprises arranging the magnetic source at a prescribed position where the real eigenvalue matches the frequency of an input signal applied at a selected port.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and method of using these compounds are disclosed for treating a disease or disorder in which it is desirable to inhibit BAX, such as a cardiovascular disease or disorder.

Abstract: Treatments for therapy of a diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy a subject in need thereof. The treatments includes administration of compositions comprising: an effective amount of a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist exemplified by pirenzepine, telenzepine, atropine, or derivatives thereof or salts thereof or analogs thereof or derivatives thereof, and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The composition may be injectable or alternatively, may be applied topically or alternatively, may be delivered orally. A suitable topical composition may comprise a lotion, a cream, a gel, or a viscous fluid. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist may be a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist salt or a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist derivative or a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist analog.

Abstract: Bacteria-responsive core-shell nanofibers and a process for the preparation thereof are described. The nanofibers release of an antibacterial agent in response to the presence of bacteria. The core of the nanofiber comprises a biocompatible polymer together with an antibacterial agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound, for example benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BTAC). Surrounding the core is shell comprised of a bacterially degradable polymer, which is susceptible to break-down by bacterial enzymes such as lipase, or to acidic pH conditions. The shell may comprise, for example, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene succinate) (PES). The nanofibers may be incorporated into wound dressings.

Abstract: An enzymatic method is provided for restructuring an affinity ligand bound heterogenous glycoform antibody sample to a substantially homogenous single desired glycoform antibody sample for therapeutic uses and kits for performing the methods. A method for enzymatically altering the Fc region of an affinity ligand bound antibody from a heterogenous glycoform to a substantially homogenous single glycoform comprises: contacting the affinity ligand bound heterogeneous glycoform antibody with a reaction buffer designed for a particular glycoform modification for a time sufficient and under conditions to modify the glycoform of the Fc region to a substantially homogeneous single form; optionally adding one or more nucleotide sugars and/or cofactors; and releasing the substantially homogeneous single glycoform antibody sample from said affinity ligand.

Abstract: Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is an energy efficient and compact biological wastewater treatment process. There is only one commercially available AGS technology which utilizes sequencing batch reactors (SBR). Many existing wastewater treatment facilities consist of long, continuous flow reactors that would not be readily suitable for retrofit to SBR. Therefore, a continuous flow process is preferred for municipalities that cannot economically invest in the only commercially available SBR technology (i.e., Nere-da®). Lab- and pilot-scale experimentation has demonstrated that stable granulation can be achieved in a continuous flow configuration GT suitable for retrofit into existing infrastructure. An anoxic/anaerobic/aerobic configuration can be designed and stably operated for conversion of flocculent biomass to AGS Preliminary pilot-scale results on primary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment facility indicated that granules of 0.2-0.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing technique and a signal interpretation method based on a spectral element multiphase poromechanical approach overcomes critical gaps in permafrost, frozen soil, and saturated soil characterization. Ultrasonic sensing produces high-quality response signals that are sensitive to the soil properties. A transfer function denoting a ratio of induced displacement and applied force in the frequency domain, is independent of the distribution of the stress force applied by the transducer to the sample, and allows interpretation of the measured electrical signal using a theoretical transfer function relation to efficiently determine the most probable properties from response signals using an inverse spectral element multiphase poromechanical approach. This ultrasonic sensing technique enables rapid characterization of soil samples in terms of both physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatuses for the rapid assessment of cell permeability by a drug. More particularly, described herein a method of determining membrane permeability (influx and/or efflux) of a cell to a drug, the method including: (a) obtaining a biological sample; (b) dispersing at least one cell from the biological sample to a discrete location; (c) exposing the at least one cell to one member of a drug panel in a drug solution, wherein the drug panel is composed of drugs of a given concentration; (d) incubating the at least one cell from the biological sample in the drug for a given time; (e) obtaining at least one electro-analytical measurement of the discrete location adjacent the at least one cell.

Abstract: A dual light source lens-free dielectrophoresis (DEP) flow cytometer for massively parallel single cell analysis. Each cells dielectric is inferred from measuring their altitude and subsequently velocity change due to DEP actuation in a microfluidic channel. Dual LED sources facilitate velocity measurement by producing two shadows for each cell passing through the channel. These shadows are detected using a linear optical array detector. Massively parallel analysis is possible as each pixel of the detector can independently analyze the passing cells. The DEP cytometer is composed of simple modular components and has the potential to be scaled to achieve a significantly high throughput label-free single-cell analyzer.

Abstract: Determination of transport phenomena properties in porous media is one major objective of core analysis studies in petrophysics, reservoir engineering, and groundwater hydrology. Porosity measurement may be considered as a key factor to identify the hydraulic performance of a low permeable porous medium (e.g. rock or concrete). Additionally, the rate of absorption under pressure depends on the permeability, which is related to the connectivity between the existing pores within the porous structure. An alternative Gas Expansion Induced Water Intrusion Porosimetry (GEIWIP) method and apparatus is useful to measure the total porosity and pore size distribution, using a gas/water intrusion apparatus for water tight materials.

Abstract: A two-part aortic annular support system for supporting an aortic annulus during aortic valve repair procedures for prevention of further annular dilation. The first part comprises a composite annular ring that is positionable from within an aortic valve into the left ventricular outflow tract at the level of annular plane. The composite ring comprises a semi-rigid section and a resiliently deformable section. The semi-rigid section is shorter in length than the deformable section. The deformable section is extendible into a commissure of the aortic valve. The second part is a resilient band that is positionable external to the aortic root. The resilient band is securable to the composite ring through the aortic annulus by suturing. The present disclosure also relates to a use of the aortic annular support system and a method of inserting and securing the aortic annular support system during a surgical intervention.

Abstract: Novel microwave devices capable of monitoring pest activity or moisture content in grain. A planar active microwave resonator with a regenerative element is placed in proximity to the grain to be tested, for example by immersion within in a bulk grain store to monitor moisture levels or pest activity therein, mounting within a sample container to monitor moisture levels or pest activity in a smaller volume of grain sampled from a grain store or shipment, or exposure to individual sample kernels for detecting internal pests therein.