Abstract: A technology is described for identifying hydrometeors. A method includes receiving an image of a hydrometeor captured using a camera. The hydrometeor in the image can be identified and analyzed to determine characteristics associated with the hydrometeor. Environmental measurements recorded substantially contemporaneously with the image can be obtained from environmental sensors located in proximity to the camera. A feature vector can be constructed using the hydrometeor characteristics and the environmental measurements. The feature vector can be input to a classification model used to classify the hydrometeor, and the classification model can output a classification for the hydrometeor using the feature vector.

Abstract: The present technology provides compositions and methods for treating chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, or diabetic nephropathy. The compositions comprise a nitrated lipid and an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The methods comprise administering a nitrated lipid in combination with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to a subject in need thereof, in an amount effective to treat diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and/or end-stage renal disease. The use of a nitrated lipid with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system exhibits a synergistic effect in treating chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract: Digital filters for processing an input audio signal for extending the audio capabilities and reducing distortion of a loudspeaker. Such extension may include a general sound pressure level (SPL) extension or a more targeted low frequency (LF) extension. This may be accomplished by modifying an original frequency response of the loudspeaker to achieve a particular extension, and applying a digital linear filter based on the modified frequency response to the audio signal. A nonlinear digital filter may also be applied to the audio signal reduce nonlinear distortions of the loudspeaker. The nonlinear digital filter may be based on an inverse of an electro-mechanical model of the loudspeaker. In this manner, a loudspeaker may be driven close to its maximum theoretical power capability without increasing distortion in the loudspeaker output.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing Ataxin 2 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate Ataxin 2 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions. Such Ataxin 2 associated diseases include spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism. Provided are methods for reducing expression of Ataxin 2 (ATXN2) mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism by inhibiting expression of Ataxin 2 in an animal.

Abstract: Exemplary sheet and rod attachment apparatus and systems are described for providing composite reinforcement for one or more structures, such that one or more structures can be supported by different reinforcement mechanisms. The sheet and rod attachment apparatus includes an adaptor that couples the sheet to the rod in a manner that minimizes or substantially eliminates localized stress concentrations. The adaptor may include one or more wedge-shaped bodies contoured and configured to attach to at least a portion of a rod of a predetermined size and/or shape. A wedge-shaped body may include an interior surface for engaging the rod, and exterior surfaces extending radially from the interior surface. Example exterior surfaces are configured to engage a reinforcement sheet that extends axially from the rod.

Abstract: A method of optimizing scan parameters for LGE-MRI. At least one cardiac MRI TI scout scan is performed by applying an inversion pulse every predetermined heartbeat of a patient. An initial value of an inversion time TIinitial is determined by assessing a set of images generated from the scout scan. A first multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization is selected, and a relaxation time T1 is determined based on the initial value Tinitial and the first multiple of duration. An optimized inversion time TIoptimal for LGE-MRI is determined based on the relaxation time T1 and a second multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization. A correction factor is determined based on the optimized inversion time TIoptimal from the initial value of the inversion time TIinitial.

Abstract: A stent including a wire tube and at least one pressure sensor in electrical contact with the wire tube. The pressure sensor includes a diaphragm in communication with a reservoir of liquid, a channel in fluid communication with the reservoir of liquid, and at least one pair of electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the channel, wherein deflection of the diaphragm causes fluid to move from the reservoir into the channel.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining a Caucasian subject's susceptibility to having or developing a complement-mediated disease comprising determining in the Caucasian subject the identity of one or more haplotypes, wherein the presence of one or more of the haplotypes indicates the subject's susceptibility for having or developing a complement-mediated disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intraceptor that interacts with and decreases activity of with VEGF and/or a VEGFR for the treatment of angiogenesis-related conditions. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof for the treatment and prevention of an angiogenesis-related condition using said intraceptors. The invention further provides for nucleic acids encoding said intraceptors.

Abstract: Osmolarity-responsive hydrogel sensors, particularly biosensors, containing quaternary ammonium functionality, which are useful for, inter alia, continuous osmolarity monitoring with no pH interference, are disclosed. Methods of using the osmolarity-responsive hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elongate member, reinforcement system and associated methods is disclosed. The system can include an elongate member, a structure associated with an end of the elongate member, a support member coupled to the structure and laterally offset from the elongate member extending about an end portion of the elongate member, a support layer surrounding the end portion of the elongate member such that at least a portion of the support member is between the support layer and the elongate member, and a structural filler disposed between the support layer and the elongate member. A load tending to cause relative movement of the end portion of the elongate member and the structure can be transferred through the structural filler and the support member to provide support for the elongate member.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize spread spectrum sensing on live circuits to obtain information regarding a circuit under test are provided. In some embodiments S/SSTDR testing may be utilized to obtain R, L, C and Z measurements from circuit components. In yet further embodiments, these measurements may be utilized to monitor the output of sensors on a circuit.

Abstract: A display backlight can include a light source and a parabolic waveguide. The parabolic waveguide can have a light inlet to receive the light from the light source, a parabolic reflective surface adapted to change a direction of the light emitted from the light source by a predetermined angle, and a light outlet configured to emit the light at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A urinary catheter generally includes a core lumen, a bladder retention mechanism, and a stent. The core lumen is insertable into a urethra, and defines an inlet end and an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The bladder retention mechanism is coupled to the inlet end of the core lumen for hingedly moving between a release position and a retention position. The stent is coaxially mounted on the core lumen adjacent the bladder retention mechanism, and defines a stent inlet configured to receive a fluid from the bladder, and a stent outlet configured to discharge the fluid around the core lumen and into the urethra.

Abstract: Technology for relative timing characterization enabling use of clocked electronic design automation (EDA) tool flows is disclosed. In an example, a method can include a EDA tool identifying a relative timing constraint (RTC) of a cell in a circuit model between a point of divergence (pod) event and two point of convergence (poc) events, wherein the two poc events include a first poc event (poc0) and a second poc event (poc1). The EDA tool can generate a maximum target delay for a first poc event path between the pod event and the first poc event. The EDA tool can generate a minimum target delay for a second poc event path between the pod event and the second poc event. The EDA tool can then optimize the circuit model using the maximum target delay and the minimum target delay.

Abstract: A concept and synthesis technology for a composite nanoparticle material which can be used to develop nanocomposite films and suspension with 1) dynamic refractive index control across a wide temperature and wavelength of light, and specified refractive index range, or 2) magnetic susceptibility or electronic conductivity over a wide temperature, magnetic field and electric field range. Core-shell nanoparticles can be made from two or more materials whose temperature dependent, electric field dependent or magnetic field dependent properties compensate one another will dynamically maintain a targeted refractive index, electronic conductivity or magnetic susceptibility over a specified temperature, electric and/or magnetic field range. Mixtures of composite nanoparticles with complementary behavior can optionally be used to widen the operational range of the nanocomposite material further or dampen temperature dependency in a controlled manner, e.g.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a formulation of branched chain amino acids and arginine for treatment of diseases for which the pathological mechanism includes autophagy. The formulation includes defined ratios of the branched chain amino acids Isoleucine, Leucine, and Valine along with Arginine. These disease indications include congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and ischemia reperfusion injury. Diseases of other organs that involve autophagy are also disclosed. Additionally, methods of using the disclosed formulation to treat these disease indications are provided. The disclosure also describes a kit that includes a lyophilized form of the formulation, a solvent for reconstitution, and instructions directing reconstitution.

Abstract: A chemoembolic agent is disclosed that includes an injectable, recombinantly synthesized silk-elastin like protein copolymer and one or more chemotherapeutic agents. Upon injection, the chemoembolic agent blocks the tumor vasculature, including the capillary bed, and may optionally release chemotherapeutic agents. The chemoembolic agent may be used to treat cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fast nucleic acid amplification in which concentrations of primers and polymerase are increased.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.