Abstract: The present invention provides devices for treating functional mitral regurgitation and methods of use thereof. The devices translocate a subject's mitral valve in an apical direction. The devices thereby treat mitral regurgitation while preserving a subject's original mitral valve and chordae tendinae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous solid state electrolytes that comprise a fluoride additive to stabilize the interface between the anode and aqueous electrolyte. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the solid state electrolyte materials and methods of using the solid state electrolyte materials in batteries and other electrochemical technologies.

Abstract: Devices and methods for multi-parameter hemodynamic monitoring are provided. Determining a cardiac output of a patient using a cuff device includes measuring a cuff pressure waveform of a subject during inflation and/or deflation of the cuff device, computing systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the cuff pressure waveform using the cuff device, constructing a blood pressure waveform from the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cuff pressure waveform using the cuff device, computing brachial artery compliance from the cuff pressure waveform, and computing the cardiac output from the blood pressure waveform and/or brachial artery compliance using the cuff device.

Abstract: Zinc electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) batteries including a high performing flexible chitosan-based gel electrolyte with poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) additives were prepared. The Zn-EMD batteries were constructed using an optimized assembly technique employed to achieve good interfacial contact between the layers. Attaining energy densities between 150-250 Wh/kg (w.r.t cathode mass) is possible for these batteries, encouraging their use in wearable or flexible electronics. Using the chitosan-based gel electrolyte and limited voltage window testing, the prepared Zn-EMD alkaline batteries are among the best reported polymer-based alkaline electrolyte Zn rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A quantum Hall resistance apparatus is to improve resistance standards and includes a substrate, a graphene epitaxially grown on the substrate and having a plurality of first contact patterns at edges of the graphene, a plurality of contacts, each including a second contact pattern and configured to connect to a corresponding first contact pattern, and a protective layer configured to protect the graphene and to increase adherence between the first contact patterns and the second contact patterns. The contacts become a superconductor at a temperature lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature and under up to a predetermined magnetic flux density.

Abstract: Energy harvesters (EH) which can effectively harvest wasted vibrational/kinematic energy and convert it into electrical energy for battery-free sensor operation are described herein. The target application of the energy harvesters includes powering wireless sensors used for wind turbine blade structural monitoring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a viral vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, protein or small RNA, into a host or otherwise treating a host. The vector may include an exogenous RNA segment with a hairpin-like structure or having two or more base-paired regions separated by one or more non-base-paired regions. The exogenous RNA segment may have a secondary structure, minimum free energy, average positional entropy or other attributes within specified ranges, or with values similar to one or more hairpin-like structures of a reference wild type virus. Optionally, the RNA vector may be derived from the reference wild type virus or a relative of the reference wild type virus. In some examples, the vector is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within a host plant. In some examples, the reference wild type virus is an umbravirus-like associated RNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a viral vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, protein or small RNA, into a host or otherwise treating a host. The vector may include an exogenous RNA segment with a hairpin-like structure or having two or more base-paired regions separated by one or more non-base-paired regions. The exogenous RNA segment may have a secondary structure, minimum free energy, average positional entropy or other attributes within specified ranges, or with values similar to one or more hairpin-like structures of a reference wild type virus. Optionally, the RNA vector may be derived from the reference wild type virus or a relative of the reference wild type virus. In some examples, the vector is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within a host plant. In some examples, the reference wild type virus is an umbravirus-like associated RNA.

Abstract: An optical cavity includes a ring defining an internal boundary and an external boundary, at least one of which is periodically modulated to define a gear-shaped configuration including a plurality of teeth, thereby enabling a plurality of slow-light modes. At least one physical defect may be defined within the periodically modulated internal boundary and/or external boundary to thereby enable at least one localized mode. At least one waveguide is coupled to the ring.

Abstract: A tidal current energy converter including an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) control system and a hybrid vertical axis wind (or water) turbine (VAWTs) apparatus. The hybrid VAWT apparatus includes a modified-Savonius (MS) rotor in the central region and a straight bladed H-type Darrieus rotor in the surrounding annular region. The IVT control system includes a nonlinear closed-loop control combined with an integral time-delay feedback control to adjust a speed ratio of the IVT. A speed ratio control for an IVT system involves a forward speed controller and/or a crank length controller for different speed ranges. The time-delay control is designed to reduce speed fluctuations of the output speed of an IVT with an accurate speed ratio. The speed ratio of an IVT with the disclosed control strategy can achieve an excellent tracking response for the desired constant output speed and reduce speed fluctuations of the output speed of an IVT by the time-delay feedback control.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for recognizing human emotion in images or video. A method for recognizing perceived human emotion may include receiving a raw input. The raw input may be processed to generate input data corresponding to at least one context. Features from the raw input data may be extracted to obtain a plurality of feature vectors and inputs. The plurality of feature vectors and the inputs may be transmitted to a respective neural network. At least some of the plurality of feature vectors may be fused to obtain a feature encoding. Additional feature encodings may be computed from the plurality of feature vectors via the respective neural network. A multi-label emotion classification of a primary agent may be performed in the raw input based on the feature encoding and the additional feature encodings.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a microfluidic chip includes a capillary is disposed between upper and lower substrates, where the capillary includes a porous monolithic structure disposed within the capillary, and a clamp structure is defined within the channel and engages with the capillary. The clamp structure comprises a thermoplastic material that, when heated to a selected temperature, deforms around the capillary to secure the capillary in alignment with the channel. In another embodiment, a microfluidic chip includes a porous monolithic brick disposed between first and second substrates, where each of the first and second substrates includes a channel extending through the substrate to the brick structure to provide a fluid flow path through the each of the first substrate, the second substrate and the brick structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid flow device. The device includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length therebetween, at least one source fluid inflow port, at least one waste fluid outflow port, at least one well inlet port positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, at least one well outlet port positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, at least one conduit connecting the at least one source fluid inflow port to the at least one well inlet port, and at least one conduit connecting the at least one waste fluid outflow port to the at least one well outlet port.

Abstract: A vehicle can comprise a battery cell, a monitoring device, and a controller. The monitoring device can comprise an ultrasound source and an ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound source can direct ultrasound at the battery cell, and the ultrasound sensor can detect ultrasound transmitted through or reflected from at least a portion of an interior of the battery cell. The ultrasound sensor can generate one or more signals responsive to the detected ultrasound. The controller can process the one or more signals from the ultrasound sensor and can output an indication of an internal state of the first battery cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrochemical biosensing systems and methods that can be adapted to accurately and rapidly detect a target gene in clinical samples, using anti-sense oligonucleotides for selective detection of biological pathogens.

Abstract: Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium fluoride based composites are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Composites of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the composite materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are provided. Electrodes containing the lithium fluoride based composites are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic coil system for use during transcranial or transdermal stimulation procedures, in which an electrically conductive coil wraps around a magnetic core at an oblique wrapping angle to provide a more directed focal spot size at a given depth inside of, for example, a patient's body. In certain configurations, the electrically conductive coil may be adjustable with respect to the magnetic core, such that the wrapping angle of the electrically conductive coil may be modified to, in turn, adjust the focal spot size of the induced electric field generated by the system as may desired to concentrate the field at a particularly desired location.

Abstract: Electrodes for a solid-state lithium-ion battery are provided. The electrodes have an active material layer containing or coated with electrolytes of lithium phosphate derivative compounds which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Materials of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the composite materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the electrodes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for recombinant Endo-S2 mutants (named Endo-S2 glycosynthases) that exhibit reduced hydrolysis activity and increased transglycosylation activity for the synthesis of glycoproteins wherein a desired sugar chain is added to a fucosylated or nonfucosylated GlcNAc-IgG acceptor. As such, the present invention allows for the synthesis and remodeling of therapeutic antibodies thereby providing for certain biological activities, such as, prolonged half-life time in vivo, less immunogenicity, enhanced in vivo activity, increased targeting ability, and/or ability to deliver a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Seroprotection analysis systems, kits, and techniques are described for testing oral fluid for the presence of protective levels of antibodies of interest. In one aspect, the presence of protective levels of target antibodies indicates a test subject has achieved a target seroprotection level, such as but not limited to a target seroprotection level following vaccination. A collection kit can include a swab that enables collection of oral fluid containing antibodies from both dentulous and edentulous individuals, a container that can be pre-filled with an extraction solution, and a nozzle that can be coupled to the container to form a fluid-tight device. A user can use the nozzle to seal the swab in the container and to compress the swab within the container.