Abstract: A data-driven PMU bad data detection algorithm based on spectral clustering using single PMU data is described. The described algorithm does not require the system topology and parameters. First, a data identification method based on a decision tree is described to distinguish event data and bad data by using the slope feature of each set of data. Then, a bad data detection method based on spectral clustering is described. By analyzing the weighted relationships among all the data, this method can detect the bad data that has a small deviation.

Abstract: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a public health threat that results in 14,000 annual deaths in the United States. Challenges involve the production of CDI spores that can remain dormant for years and the production of toxins that damage the gut. Current therapies for CDI include vancomycin and metronidazole, but neither inhibits spore or toxin production. Thus, recurrence of infection occurs in 25% of patients and there are no antibiotics that are effective for multiple recurrences. We describe oxadiazoles with activity against C. difficile, including the highly virulent NAP1/027 strain with increased production of toxins A and B, as well as the additional binary toxin. Oxadiazole 2 is poorly absorbed, thus advantageously achieving high concentrations in the gut. The compound targets peptidoglycan synthesis and inhibits vegetative cells, spores, and toxin production.

Abstract: A liquid crystal mixture and a temperature-responsive infrared reflection device made by using the liquid crystal mixture containing potassium laurate. Infrared light can pass through the device within a non-working temperature range, and a chiral dopant enables potassium laurate to form a cholesteric phase within a working temperature range. The birefringence value of the potassium laurate gradually increases with the increase of temperature between 12.5° C. and 26° C., so that the infrared reflection bandwidth of the device constantly increases. The birefringence value of the potassium laurate gradually decreases with the increase of temperature between 26° C. and 54.5° C., so that the infrared reflection bandwidth of the device constantly decreases. The infrared reflection bandwidth of the infrared reflection device can vary with temperature by adjusting the proportions of the ingredients of the liquid crystal mixture containing potassium laurate.

Abstract: Improved temperature measurement and correction is provided for magnetoresistive sensor arrays. A linear coefficient of resistance vs. temperature is determined from one or more reference sensors in the array by measuring resistance of the reference sensors at known temperatures, which enables resistance measurements to be used to determine unknown temperatures in all sensors of the array. Double modulation leads to MR sensor outputs having center tones which can be used to correct temperature dependence in side tone MR signals. This correction can be according to a linear fit or a polynomial fit. Applications include biological assays requiring accurate temperature data, such as accurate determination of DNA melting curves.

Abstract: A small-gap device system, preferably including two or more electrodes and one or more spacers maintaining a gap between two or more of the electrodes. A spacer for a small-gap device system, preferably including a plurality of legs defining a mesh structure. A method of spacer and/or small-gap device fabrication, preferably including: defining lateral features, depositing spacer material, selectively removing spacer material, separating the spacer from a fabrication substrate, and/or assembling the small-gap device.

Abstract: Full color displays that include optical thin film layers with a controllable reflectance are provided. The layers allow for the overall transparency and display properties of each side of the display to be controlled, allowing for augmented reality displays virtual reality displays, two-sided signage, and the like.

Abstract: The invention involves producing discontinuous, flake-shaped particles of a soft magnetic material, coating the flake-shaped particles with an electrically insulating coating, and consolidating the coated flaked-shaped particles to form a soft magnetic bulk shape. The consolidated bulk shape can comprise a layer or a simple or complex 3D magnet part shape, which has a consolidated layered microstructure that includes laminated soft magnetic regions that are substantially encapsulated by an electrical insulating layer to increase the resistivity of soft magnetic material, especially when used in silicon iron magnet parts.

Abstract: A variable PET apparatus allows structural changes of detector modules in transversal and longitudinal directions to correspond to various imaging purposes and a cross-sectional diameter of a subject while maintaining an arrangement of the detector modules to be close to a true circle. The variable PET apparatus includes: a gantry having an opening on a longitudinal axis; and detector modules supported on the gantry and arranged a predetermined distance apart from each other such that a detection ring is configured with a diameter in a circumferential direction, wherein the gantry is driven by a gantry drive member, and the detector modules are driven by a detector module drive member. According to the present invention, structural changes of the detector modules in the PET apparatus is possible to correspond to a cross-sectional diameter of a subject without additional devices, thereby improving the spatial resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract: A system to deliver current to an area of interest of a subject is described that includes a power source, a controller electrically coupled to the power source, at least one first electrode electrically coupled to the controller, and at least one second electrode electrically coupled to one of the power source and the controller, with the area of interest positioned between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. A method of stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control within an area of interest of a patient is described that includes inserting first and second electrode spaced at a predetermined distance, and further includes directing an electric current between the first and second electrodes so that at least a portion of the electric current passes through the area of interest positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for determining strain within a material includes a magnetostrictive sensor configured to be embedded within the material, a sensing unit configured to apply an excitation magnetic field to the material and the embedded sensor and to receive a response magnetic field that has passed through the material and the embedded sensor, wherein the sensing unit does not contact the material, and a device configured to determine a difference between the excitation magnetic field and the response magnetic field and to determine the strain within the material based upon that difference.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for treating obesity, diabetes, and/or cancer with a combination of ursolic acid and resveratrol.

Abstract: A herbal composition with significant potent therapeutic effects for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting both amyloid-? (A?) and tau-associated neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is provided.

Abstract: Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of the Prolactin receptor, pharmaceutical compositions of the SMIs, and methods for treating patients suffering from disorders characterized increased expression or excitation of the Prolactin receptor, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and nociceptive pain disorders such as migraine headache, by administering pharmaceutical compositions of SMIs are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A test apparatus used for simulating debonding between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete in a CFRP-strengthened structure consists of a primary structural block, a secondary structural block, an adjustable hanger, a receiving slot, an attachment mechanism, a pull-off disk, a connecting plate having a plurality of rods. The adjustable hanger and the secondary structural block are slidably positioned into the receiving slot that traverses into a structural body of the primary structural block. The adjustable hanger is mainly used during double-shearing tests and mixed-mode tests, wherein both shearing and peeling is analyzed in mixed-mode tests. The secondary structural block is used in double-shear tests, mixed-mode tests, single-shear tests, tension pull-off tests, and beam-bend tests. The attachment mechanism, which holds the primary structural block, the secondary structural block, and the adjustable hanger together, is also used during single-shear tests and beam-bend tests.

Abstract: Rubber composites with regions doped with conductive material, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and patterned regions doped with both conductive material and semiconductive material, e.g., carbon nanotubes and polycrystalline silicon are created with rubbing-in technology. The composites provide for a deformable and elastic composite which maintains semiconductor operations under stress, and can be used for filtering, determining compressive force, and a variety of other applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a phase-lock-loop, which includes a phase detector (PD), a charge pump (CP), a sampled lowpass filter structure, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) structure. The PD is configured to receive a RF output signal from the VCO structure and a reference signal, and generate detection signals, which indicate a phase relationship between the RF output signal and the reference signal. The CP is configured to receive the detection signals and generate a CP current. Herein, the CP current flows into or out of the sampled lowpass filter structure based on the detection signals. The sampled lowpass filter is configured to provide an oscillator control voltage, which remains constant within a cycle of the reference signal, to the VCO structure based on the CP current. Based on the oscillator control voltage, the VCO structure is configured to tune the RF output signal.

Abstract: Devices (dot blot boxes) for use in immunoblotting are described. The dot blot boxes can include a series of hooks, clips or the like on opposite sides of a container for retaining a test strip there between. The dot blot boxes can be sized to retain a plurality of test strips generally parallel to one another such that they do not contact one another and do not contact the base of the container. A container can hold a fluid, e.g., a blocking buffer solution or antibody solution, and the test strips can be submerged in the fluid while retained in the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated device for hair follicle extraction and implanting, comprising a body mechanism and a connecting mechanism, the body mechanism comprising a body supporting frame, a first motor, a transmission frame, a second motor, a clamping component, a transmission mechanism and a pushing needle, the connecting mechanism comprises a connecting head, a fixing head and a cutter head, wherein the first motor of the body mechanism controls the up and down movement of the cutter head through the cooperation of the transmission frame and the transmission mechanism, and the second motor controls the pushing needle by the rotary motion of the clamping unit, simultaneously controls the rotational movement of the cutter head through the transmission mechanism. Compared with the prior art, the invention realizes the integrated operation of hair follicle extracting and implanting, and makes the operation of hair follicle implanting more convenient.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modifying the production levels of alkaloids in plants are provided. Alkaloid production can be genetically controlled by modulating the transcriptional activation of PMT genes mediated by members of the ERF family and/or Myc family of transcription factors. Novel nucleotide sequences encoding the Myc family of transcription factors are also provided.