Abstract: Perovskite films are known to be useful in many different technologies, including solar panels and memristors. Most perovskites contain lead which is undesirable for many reasons. It has been found that bismuth can be used in place of lead in preparing perovskite thin films. Additionally, when chemical vapor deposition is used to prepare the films instead of traditional solution phase methods, the films show greatly improved performance in electronic applications. Additionally, the present disclosure is directed to the use of perovskites in memory devices.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage (TES) system includes a plurality of closely packed TES modules, each TES module having a shell enclosing a plurality of sealed tubes that each contain a TES media. A computer-controlled flow control system includes a flow distributor, for example a flow distributor having a plenum configured to receive a heat transfer fluid (HTF), and a plurality of control valves controlled by the computer to controllably distribute the HTF from the plenum to the plurality of TES modules. Sensor data from the TES modules, for example temperature, pressure, and/or flow data, is provided to the computer. In some embodiments the plenum includes two or more compartments with separate HTF flow ports, which may be provided to the controller at different temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of gene delivery using capsid-modified recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) particles. Exemplary methods are provided employing rAAV particles that have altered affinity for heparin or heparin sulfate. Also provided by the disclosure are methods employing the rAAV vector-based compositions, virus particles, host cells, and pharmaceutical formulations in the expression of selected therapeutic genes, proteins, polypeptides, peptides, antisense oligonucleotides, and/or ribozymes in selected mammals, including organs, tissues, and human host cells.

Abstract: A superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surface including a substrate and a superhydrophobic layer. The superhydrophobic layer having a reacted form of octadecyltrichlorosilane. The octadecyltrichlorosilane is disposed on and crosslinked to a surface of the substrate via surface hydroxyl groups. The surface exhibits a rms roughness of 40 nm to 60 nm, a water contact angle of 155° to 180°, and a contact angle hysteresis of less than 15°. A method of preparing the substrate with a superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surface including treating a substrate with a plasma treatment, contacting the substrate with water or an alcohol to form an hydroxylated substrate, contacting the hydroxylated substrate with a solution of octadecyltrichlorosilane in an alkane solvent at a concentration in the range of 0.05 M to 0.3 M, and drying the solution on to the substrate under ambient air to form the superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surface on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with elevated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. Moreover, the invention provides methods for testing a candidate compound for a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase modifying activity by calculating the level of relocalization of an SMN complex component from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of a cell. Additionally, the invention provides a kit and a system for calculating the same.

Abstract: A tumor cell detection method includes an analysis step of determining whether or not a cell contained in a sample is a tumor cell by a statistical technique, machine learning, or pattern recognition on the basis of a spectroscopic spectrum of the cell obtained by measuring the cell contained in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition of matter comprising: Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-fluorenone-co-methylbenzoic ester) (PFM), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and sulfur particles nanocomposite, wherein the nanocomposite is porous. The present invention also provides for an electrode comprising: Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-fluorenone-co-methylbenzoic ester) (PFM), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and sulfur particles nanocomposite, wherein the nanocomposite is porous. The present invention also provides for a lithium sulfur (Li—S) battery comprising: an electrode comprising Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-fluorenone-co-methylbenzoic ester) (PFM), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and sulfur particles nanocomposite, wherein the nanocomposite is porous.

Abstract: A wearable reminder device is provided using two different types of gestures obtained from two different types of sensors. The device outputs audio to a user but does not have a display, a keypad, or speech recognition software, therewith significantly reducing size, storage requirements and power consumption. Hence the device is suitable for use by the blind, persons with a speech impediment, visually impaired persons, and others who are unable to read small fonts.

Abstract: Microcin MccPDI and bacteria harboring the mcpM gene which encodes MccPDI limit growth of and/or kill pathogenic bacteria such as pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and/or Shigella bacteria via proximity-dependent inhibition (PDI).

Abstract: A current-mode PUF circuit based on a reference current source comprises an input register, the reference current source, a deviation current comparator and a timing controller. The input register is used for ensuring synchronization of the input challenges to avoid influences of asynchronous challenges on output responses. The reference current source generates a reference current for temperature and voltage compensation. A deviation current source array generates two paths of deviation currents under the control of the input challenges. The deviation current comparator generates and outputs a judgement according to the magnitude of the current provided by the deviation current source array. The timing controller is used for generating timing information for operation of the PUF circuit. The invention has the following advantages: the deviation current source array outputs deviation currents with high robustness and high reliability.

Abstract: An oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for acidic media comprises a metal oxide structure comprising a pyrochlore phase of chemical formula A2B2On, wherein A comprises one or more A-site metals, B comprises one or more B-site metals, and 6.0?n?7.3. The metal oxide structure exhibits a mass current density of at least about 20 A/g at an over-potential of 0.22 V in 0.1 M HClO4. According to another embodiment, an electrocatalyst for acidic media comprises a porous metal oxide structure having particulate walls separating a plurality of pores, where each particulate wall comprises interconnected primary particles. The porous metal oxide structure comprises a pyrochlore phase of chemical formula A2B2On, wherein A comprises one or more A-site metals, B comprises one or more B-site metals, and 6.0?n?7.3.

Abstract: A radar system may comprise a trigger, driver, switching circuit, and antenna for generating an ultra-short impulse without utilizing an oscillator. A radar imaging system for imaging a formation or a cross section of a pipeline may include at least one radar sensor. The system may transmit a high-frequency, short impulse signal to a formation or pipeline and measure a reflected signal. A high speed impulse generator may allow the short impulse signals to be generated. This impulse generator may utilize a switching circuit and digital driver to provide the short impulse signals. The images provide useful information about complex permittivity of the formation, the geometry of the pipeline, deposition thickness of asphaltenes and wax, velocity of the fluid, as well as size, type, concentration of gas bubbles, water, or solid particles in the flow, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Continuous pressure sensing is important for patients with several different conditions. We provide an implantable sensor, based on microfluidic principles, which in one example has 1 mmHg limit of detection, high sensitivity and excellent reproducibility. This sensor has an optical interface, which enables pressure to be read with, for example, a cell phone camera. The design and fabrication, along with the option of self-monitoring are promising steps toward better patient care and treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting, screening, quantifying or localizing the etiology for reduced or impaired cranial nerve function or conduction or associated cranial nucleus or supranuclear input, useful for detecting, diagnosing or screening for increased intracranial pressure, or useful for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring progression of or screening for a disease or condition featuring increased intracranial pressure by tracking eye movement of the subject. The methods may be performed by a) analyzing eye movement of the subject; b) comparing eye movement of the subject to eye movement of a control or the subject's own baseline eye movement; and c) identifying the subject as having eye movement significantly different from the control or the subject's own baseline eye movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diabetes mellitus. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating diabetes. In another embodiment, a method for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus or pre-diabetes in a patient comprises administering to the patient an effective amount of inhibitor of kisspeptin 1 and/or proteolytic derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a semiconductor element, an insulating layer and a third electrode. The semiconductor element is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode is insulated from the semiconductor structure, the first electrode and the second electrode through the insulating layer. The semiconductor element includes a semiconductor structure, a carbon nanotube and a conductive film. The semiconductor structure includes a P-type semiconductor layer and an N-type semiconductor layer and defines a first surface and a second surface. The carbon nanotube is located on the first surface of the semiconductor. The conductive film is located on the second surface of the semiconductor. The conductive film is formed on the second surface by a depositing method or a coating method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to Mer Tyrosine Kinase (MERTK) (e.g., human MERTK, or both human and mouse MERTK) and compositions comprising such antibodies, wherein said antibody agonizes MERTK signaling on endothelial cells. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating cancer, by administering an antibody that specifically binds to MERTK and agonizes MERTK signaling on endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro method for producing isolated mammalian primitive retinal stem cells (pRSCs) comprising: (a) culturing isolated embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from a mammal in a cell culture medium that is free of feeder cells, feeder-conditioned medium or serum so as to produce and grow a culture of the isolated ESCs; and (b) contacting the culture of the isolated ESCs so grown with one or more of an inhibitor for Wnt or TGF-?/BMP signaling so as to differentiate the isolated ESCs of (a) into primitive retinal stem cells thereby producing isolated mammalian pRSCs.

Abstract: The synthesis of various pyrazino[1?,2?:1,5]pyrrolo[2,3-b]-indole-1,4-dione analogs has been successfully implemented in the present application. From these efforts, compounds having the structure of Formula I-c: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4-R8, R3?, R6?, and n are as defined herein, are provided. These biologically active derivatives have been further used to prepare cell-specific drug conjugates effective in treating various diseases including cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Also disclosed are various medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a surgical robotic device having an elongate device body, a right robotic arm coupled to a right shoulder assembly, and a left robotic arm coupled to a left shoulder assembly.