Abstract: A method for achieving a target joint preload includes identifying a thread pitch of a first fastener element used to secure two components together. The first fastener element is passed through the two components and a second fastener element is threaded onto the first fastener element. A tightening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial tightening torque. A loosening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial removal torque. A required tightening torque that is required to be applied to the second fastener element to achieve the target joint preload is calculated using only the thread pitch, the trial tightening torque, the trial removal torque, and the target joint preload.

Abstract: Described herein are cell-selective mRNA constructs that can contain a RNA of interest and one or more miRNA targets. The cell-selective mRNA constructs described herein can be used to express an RNA of interest to a cell in a cell-selective manner.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to polyacrylate homopolymers produced from acrylolated drug monomers. The homopolymers can be produced in the form of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprising the homopolymers can be produced via a free radical-induced emulsion polymerization of the acrylolated drug monomers to produce an aqueous emulsion of uniformly sized nanoparticles. The homopolymers of the invention containing acrylolated antibiotic monomers can be active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Accordingly, methods are provided of treating a disease, for example, an infection, by administering to a subject the homopolymers, homopolymeric nanoparticles, or emulsions containing homopolymeric nanoparticles of the invention.

Abstract: A method of predicting the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in lung transplant patients using N-myc-interactor (NMI) as a biomarker and associated treatment thereof is presented. Also presented is a method of reducing the risk of CLAD by administering a therapeutic agent capable of increasing NMI in the patient. NMI is a critical regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and an important precursor to development of CLAD. NMI expression is reduced in CLAD patients and can be used as an early diagnostic biomarker to predict the development of CLAD. NMI can also be used as a drug target for a therapeutic to increase expression of NMI and treat chronic lung disease such as CLAD. Therapeutics comprising NMI protein or NMI gene can be used as potential treatments for chronic lung diseases such as CLAD.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bone fusion and/or securing one or more bones, such as adjacent vertebra, are disclosed. The screws include a threaded tip connected to a main shaft and a threaded outer sleeve that rotates relative to the outer shaft until locked down. Independent rotation of the threaded outer sleeve relative to the threaded distal tip allows compression or distraction to modify the gap between the vertebral bodies. The screws are passed from the inferior to superior vertebra or superior to inferior, for example, through a trans-pedicular route to avoid neurological compromise. At the same time, the path of screw insertion is oriented to reach superior or inferior vertebra. An intervertebral cage of the system is configured for lateral expansion from a nearly straight configuration to form a large footprint in the disc space. The screws and cage may be combined for improved fixation with minimal invasiveness.

Abstract: Structures of a particle containing a core and at least one shell, a metal oxide material of which is necessarily doped to ensure protection of a material of the core from photodegradation. The core can include any of a thermochromic material, a phase-change material, and a judiciously defined auxiliary material that in turn contains organic and/or polymeric material. Derivative products utilizing a plurality of such particles. Methodologies for producing such particles and derivative products.

Abstract: A breathing system for removing harmful contaminants, such as microbes and volatile organic compounds, is provided. The breathing system includes a face mask, an inhalation limb, and a plasmonic device. As a contaminated gas flows through an internal chamber of the plasmonic device, the contaminates are oxidized. Specifically, the internal chamber includes a source of photons spaced apart from the nanostructure. The nanostructure is coated in a plasmonic layer, including noble metal nanoparticles. The plasmonic layer is protected from oxidation through a photocatalyst layer disposed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for inducing, promoting, or enhancing an immune response in a subject. For example, the disclosed compositions and methods can be used prophylactically to prevent viral/microbial infections or therapeutically to treat acute infections. In some embodiments, the disclosed method involves administering to the subject a composition comprising in vitro transcribed (IVT) RNA comprising short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), such as Alu repeats. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions and methods can be used to induce, promote, or enhance any immune response in a subject, including an anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, or anti-parasite response. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions can be administered to any mucosal barrier, such as lungs or intestines, e.g. to enhance an innate immune response against a virus or pathogen.

Abstract: Provided herein are formulations that can contain an effective amount of a PKC? inhibitor. Also provided herein are methods of inhibiting a PKC? in a subject in need thereof, that can include the step of administering an effective amount of a compound that is capable of inhibiting a PKC?.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for integrated diffuse correlation spectroscopy. A first control signal can be sent to a switch to cause an integrator to integrate a current from a photodiode. An integrated current can be received from the integrator, and a data signal can be sent to a computing device based at least in part on the integrated current. A second control signal can be sent to a switch to cause the integrator to cease integrating the current from the photodiode.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator includes a piezoelectric stack including a piezoelectric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top electrode layer disposed above the top surface, and a bottom electrode layer disposed below the bottom surface. A number of acoustic wave reflectors are disposed on a side of the bottom electrode layer opposite the piezoelectric layer. Each acoustic wave reflector includes a high acoustic impedance layer and may include a low acoustic impedance layer. The acoustic resonator may include a tether that extends laterally to a stacking direction of the layers of the piezoelectric stack. A supporting structure may be coupled to the tether opposite the acoustic resonator for anchoring the acoustic resonator. A mirror, one or more phononic crystals, or both may be positioned on proximate the tether opposite the acoustic resonator to avoid resonant waves from exiting the acoustic resonator in use.

Abstract: A method for generating three dimensional indicators for the visually impaired. The method includes selecting one or more pre-designed symbols from a plurality of pre-designed symbols. The pre-designed symbols represent standard building layout features and are sized to be readable via a physical touch. The method further includes inserting the one or more selected symbols into a two dimensional digital layout, and generating one or more of an orientation object and a legend object into the two dimensional digital layout. The method further includes converting the two dimensional digital layout into a three dimensional digital model, and generating an output file including the three dimensional model in a format compatible with a three dimensional printing device.

Abstract: A method and device to collect and convert thermal energy from the surrounding environments to produce usable electric power. The device includes a rectenna that is preferably a narrow bandwidth rectenna. In an embodiment, the rectenna comprises a rectenna complex, which is, in sequence, a high gain antenna, optional matching circuits, an optional narrow bandpass filter, and one or more rectifying diodes. An embodiment may include multiple arrays of linked nanoscale rectenna complexes. When linked in arrays using preselected bandwidths in the infrared and near infrared spectral regions, the rectenna complex acts as a thermally responsive collector capable of extracting heat energy from its surrounding environment to produce usable electric power.

Abstract: The present invention includes substituted chromenones that are useful to inhibit the IRE1/XBP-1 pathway. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention inhibit IRE1's RNase activity. In other embodiments, the compounds of the invention are useful to treat or prevent a cancer that involve activation of the ER stress response. The invention also relates, in certain aspects, to the discovery that secretory IgM (sIgM) can orchestrate an immunosuppressive microenvironment by recruiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into different tumor models, such as but not limited to solid tumors (such as but not limited to lung cancer) and tumors that have high levels of secreted IgM. In certain embodiments, sIgM produced by B cells or CLL cells can contribute to the accumulation of MDSCs in a tumor. In other embodiments, inhibition of the IRE1/XBP-1 pathway can ablate, minimize, or reduce MDSC levels in a tumor.

Abstract: Disclose herein is a portable platform based on a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) is investigated for the orthogonal SAW sensor, integrating signal synthesis, gain control, phase/amplitude measurement, and data processing in a small, portable electronic system. The disclosed platform allows for simultaneous removal of non-specific binding proteins, and mixing, as well as improved incubation time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochromic device includes a single active layer configured to be alternately placed in a light-transmitting state in which relatively large amounts of light can be transmitted through the active layer and a light-blocking state in which relatively small amounts of light can be transmitted through the active layer, wherein the device comprises no other layers of material that contribute to transitioning between the two states.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that can prevent and treat C. difficile by inhibiting sporulation. Also disclosed herein are compositions and formulations comprising the compound disclosed herein. Methods of preventing and treating C. difficile comprising administering the compounds described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Education curricula materials include encoded indicia such as a QR code that contains information related to identifying requested augmented reality image data from a server over a network. By scanning the QR code, a computer uses its decoding software to create a data set for transmitting to the server. The data set may include an identifier for selected augmented reality image data associated with the user's curriculum, information about the curriculum at issue, the academic level of the user, and any other data necessary to ensure that the most appropriate augmented reality image data is transmitted back to the computer. The server transmits comprehensive augmented reality image data back to the computer for viewing on a computerized display accessible by a student. Part of the content may include an interactive pedagogical agent that helps the student with a part of the instruction related to a portion of the curriculum.

Abstract: A fluid flow conditioning apparatus having self-adjusting tab members that reduce flow losses within a conduit. A plurality of tabular members is affixed to an insertion plate-type flow conditioner. Tabular members are cojoined in pairs at their leading edges. When the cojoined pair of the first tabular member and the second tabular member are placed into a fluid flow, an angle between the first tabular member and the second tabular member is configured to decrease in response to static and dynamic pressure exerted onto the outer surfaces of the tabular members by the fluid flow. The tabular members may be made of a hyperplastic material configured to undergo an elastic deformation and exhibit flapping due to the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow. Tabular members maybe cojoined by a hinge configured to partially close in response to pressure exerted by the fluid flow, decreasing the angle between the tabular members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for measuring the ionic strengths of the natural water sources. Also disclosed herein are systems used to measure an ionic strength of the natural water sources. More specifically disclosed herein are methods and systems utilizing spectroscopic pH measurements and calculations of the ionic strength as a function of the measured pH.