Abstract: System for quantum energy storage can include a quantum information engine including topological insulator having at least one edge. A coherence capacitor can include nuclei of atoms within the topological insulator, and each nucleus can have a spin direction. An energy source can be electrically connected to the topological insulator and configured to supply a current along the at least one edge of the topological insulator. The current can interact with at least one nucleus of the nuclei to flip a spin direction of the at least one nucleus. Methods for quantum energy storage, systems and methods for storing and using quantum energy, quantum information engines, and quantum heat engines are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing tolerance to abiotic stresses in plants are provided. One embodiment provides a method for increasing salt tolerance in a plant by treating the plant with an amount of 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid (KMBA) effective to increase salt tolerance in the plant relative to an untreated plant. Typically KMBA is in an aqueous solution used to irrigate the plant, seed, or seedling. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution is a salt solution, including but not limited to seawater. The KMBA is typically present in the aqueous solution at 1.0 to 250 nM, preferably at least 100 nM.

Abstract: Nanoporous selective sol-gel ceramic membranes, selective-membrane structures, and related methods are described. Representative ceramic selective membranes include ion-conductive membranes (e.g., proton-conducting membranes) and gas selective membranes. Representative uses for the membranes include incorporation into fuel cells and redox flow batteries (RFB) as ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: Non-oxidative direct methane conversion (NDMC) to value-added products, such as H2, C2 hydrocarbons, and aromatics, occurs within a reactor heated to an elevated temperature. The reactor can have a first volume, where a feed gas including methane is provided, separated from a second volume, where a sweep gas is provided, by a dense thin film membrane supported on a porous wall. The thin film membrane is a mixed ionic-electronic permeable membrane that allows H2 generated in the first volume to be transported to the second volume for removal by (or reaction with) the sweep gas. A catalyst can be provided in or adjacent to the first volume. For example, the catalyst can be a metal doped quartz material (e.g., Fe(c)SiO2) or a metal/zeolite material (e.g., Mo/ZSM5). Methane conversion and/or product selectivity in the reactor can be manipulated by control of gas flow rates, reaction temperatures, and/or feed and sweep gas compositions.

Abstract: A method of producing a fusion protein is provided. The method includes: a) contacting a first protein with a second protein under conditions that enable the formation of an isopeptide bond between said proteins to form a linked protein; and b) contacting the linked protein from (a) with a third protein under conditions that enable the formation of an isopeptide bond between said third protein and said linked protein to form a fusion protein. Peptide linkers and the use of orthogonal pairs of said linkers in the synthesis of fusion proteins are also provided. Recombinant proteins comprising said linkers, nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and linkers, vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules and host cells comprising said vectors and nucleic acid molecules are also contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surfactant compounds, that are surface active, liquid, chiral, and micelle forming. Also disclose herein are ionic liquids and compsitions comprising the surfactant compounds.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method of producing a three-dimensional porous tissue in-growth structure. The method includes the steps of depositing a first layer of metal powder and scanning the first layer of metal powder with a laser beam to form a portion of a plurality of predetermined unit cells. Depositing at least one additional layer of metal powder onto a previous layer and repeating the step of scanning a laser beam for at least one of the additional layers in order to continuing forming the predetermined unit cells. The method further includes continuing the depositing and scanning steps to form a medical implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for at least one optical aberration in a vision system of a viewer viewing a display. Image data for an image to be displayed is received, at least one parameter related to at least one optical aberration in the vision system of a viewer is received and an aberration compensated image to be displayed is computed based on the at least one received parameter related to the vision system of a viewer and on at least one characteristic of the light field element. The aberration compensated image is displayed on the display medium, such that when a viewer whose vision system has the at least one optical aberration views the aberration compensated image displayed on the display medium through a light field element, the aberration compensated image appears to the viewer with the at least one aberration reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for eliciting information to sensitive questions and reliably detecting whether one is being deceptive, concealing information, or experiencing a heightened emotional response to the question. In particular, the system and the method of the invention are based on analyzing the user behavioral biometric of using one or more input device(s).

Abstract: A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a wearer's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the wearer substantially close to the wearer's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the wearer bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the wearer's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the wearer's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an immobilized metalloporphyrin catalyst and its utilization in maleic acid preparation, belonging to the technical field of metalloporphyrin catalytic application. The immobilized metalloporphyrin catalyst is used for catalyzing furfural to prepare maleic acid and is good in catalytic effect, mild in reaction conditions and capable of greatly reducing the energy consumption required in the prior art. The catalyst disclosed by the present disclosure can provide a good microenvironment for a reaction, so that the yield and selectivity of maleic acid are increased; and according to a method disclosed by the present disclosure, the conversion ratio of furfural is 20.4%-95.6%, the yield of maleic acid is 10%-56.1%, and the selectivity is 43.6%-76.1%. Meanwhile, the catalyst is easy to separate and environmentally friendly and may be recycled for many times.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use in the conduct of patella reconstruction surgery. The accessory comprises an elongate datum limb for abutment in use with the superior pole of a patella preferably through the skin. An elongate guide limb for abutment by a side edge of a patella extends transversely relative to the datum limb has guide holes passing through it or an insert carried by it at positions selected to direct a drill or other surgical tool at an edge of the patella to enable holes or tunnels to be formed in the patella at required positions for the attachment or reception of reconstructive ligaments to the patella. Attachment limbs enable the accessory to be secured in an operative position relative to a patella. There may be slots formed by anchor bars integral with the guide limb and attachment limb to strap the accessory to a patient's knee.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ultra-flat metal surface involves providing a layer of a crystalline metallic material on an ultra-flat substrate surface that is relatively harder than the metallic material layer and then impinging the metallic material layer with incoming metal atoms that are deposited as an additive crystalline layer thereon, wherein at least a lattice constant of the additive crystalline layer is different enough from a lattice constant of the crystalline metallic material layer resulting in a reduction of roughness of the surface of the metallic material layer adjacent to the substrate surface. The metallic material layer having an ultra-flat surface then is separated by template stripping or other technique from the substrate surface for further use of the ultra-flat surface.

Abstract: One embodiment includes forming surface-modifying phases on a surface of a functional electrode via atomic layer deposition and controlling the chemistry of constituent phases, the crystalline nature of the constituent phases and the thickness of the surface-modifying phase via the atomic layer deposition such that the thickness is between about 2 nm to about 200 nm. The surface-modifying phases enhances the performance of electrocatalytic activity of the functional electrode and the device.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing plant growth and resistance to adverse abiotic conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: A time-to-voltage converter (TVC) including a 555 timer integrated circuit (IC), and a charging circuit including a constant current source and a capacitor connected in series. The capacitor can be connected to a discharge pin of the 555 timer IC. The TVC can further include a trigger circuit and a reset circuit to receive a start signal and a stop signal, respectively, from an input line, and accordingly generate a trigger signal or a reset signal to trigger or reset the 555 timer IC. A switch can be configured to, under control of an output signal of the 555 timer IC, connect the input line with the reset circuit. A voltage across the capacitor when the 555 timer IC is reset indicates a time interval corresponding to the start and stop signals.

Abstract: A non-limit multi-function viscoelastic support structure group, relating to a field of aerospace structural design, includes a basic structure, a supported structure and multiple viscoelastic support structure units. The multiple viscoelastic support structure units form a circular discontinuous group and are arranged between the basic structure and the supported structure. The viscoelastic support structure units are connected with the basic structure and the supported structure respectively in ways of pre-pressing and surface contact, and no fixed constrained relationship exists. The present invention absorbs a vibration energy through a viscoelastic effect of own structural material and forms a spring-oscillator vibration attenuation system with the supported structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods related to purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) particles.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an MSE-type zeolite production method such that an MSE-type zeolite can be produced in a comparatively short heating time by using inexpensive tetraethylammonium ion. The production method of the present invention comprises steps of: (1) mixing a silica source, an alumina source, an alkali source, tetraethylammonium ion, and water in such a manner as to yield a reaction mixture of the composition represented by the molar ratios indicated below: SiO2/Al2O3=between 10 and 100 inclusive (Na2O+K2O)/SiO2=between 0.15 and 0.50 inclusive K2O/(Na2O+K2O)=between 0.05 and 0.7 inclusive TEA2O/SiO2=between 0.08 and 0.20 inclusive H2O/SiO2=between 5 and 50 inclusive; (2) using the MSE-type zeolite as a seed crystal, and adding this seed crystal to the mixture at a proportion of 5 to 30% by mass with respect to the silica component in the reaction mixture; and (3) heating, under hermetic seal at a temperature of 100 to 200° C.

Abstract: Circuits comprising: digital-to-amplitude converter (DAC), comprising: binary weighted switching transistors (BWSTs), each having gate coupled to amplitude control bit ACB, and wherein the drain of each of the BWSTs are connected together and wherein the source of each of the BWSTs are connected together; transistor M1 having gate coupled to input signal and first bias voltage BV1 and source coupled to the drains of the BWSTs; transistor M2 having gate coupled to BV2 and source coupled to the drain of M1; transistor M3 having gate coupled to BV3 and source coupled to the drain of M2; transistor having gate coupled to BV4, source coupled to the drain of M3; and inverter having input coupled to another ACB and having output coupled to the output of the DAC and the drain of M4.