Abstract: Provided are nanograting structures and methods of fabrication thereof that allow for stable, robust gratings and nanostructure embedded gratings that enhance electromagnetic field, fluorescence, and photothermal coupling through surface plasmon or, photonic resonance. The gratings produced exhibit long term stability of the grating structure and improved shelf life without degradation of the properties such as fluorescence enhancement. Embodiments of the invention build nanograting structures layer-by-layer to optimize structural and optical properties and to enhance durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether an individual with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis will suffer a relapse or respond to treatment for MS. A ratio of mRNA levels of Response Gene to Complement-32, FasL or IL-21 to L13 determined for an individual provides a normalized level which is compared to a cut-off value. A normalized level of Response Gene to Complement-32 greater than 2.52, a normalized level of FasL greater than 85.4 and a normalized level of IL-21 less than 11.9, respectively, indicates the individual will have or is having a relapse of multiple sclerosis. Also provided are methods for determining whether an individual will respond positively or is responding positively to glatiramer treatment and whether the individual is in a period of stable disease or is not at risk for relapse of multiple sclerosis by comparing normalized levels with the respective cut-off levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat energy-powered electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, and a solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte. The solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte includes between 1% and 50% metal polymer by weight as compared to total solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte weight and between 50% and 90% solid glass electrolyte by weight as compared to the total solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte weight. The solid glass electrolyte includes a working cation and an electric dipole. The heat energy-powered electrochemical cells may be used to capture heat from a variety of sources, including solar hear, waste heat, and body heat. The heat energy-powered electrochemical cells may be fabricated at large-area, thin cells.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of image measurement, and provides a motion measurement method and apparatus applied to a large multi-paddle wave simulation system. When the motion of the wave maker is measured, firstly site images are collected by the cameras; the mark point on each wave making paddle in the image processing boards is identified; and a central position is computed. Then, the central position is contrasted with the initial position to calculate displacement of the image plane and convert the displacement into the displacement on a physical space in combination with calibration parameters. Next, data is transmitted to the computer through the EtherCAT network, and coded identification is conducted on the data. Finally, comparative analysis is conducted on a measured value and a target value of the motion of the wave making paddle in the computer, thereby obtaining motion information of the wave maker.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a zeolite-based compound having a high crystallinity, a method for producing the zeolite-based compound, and a method for producing methyl acetate using the zeolite-based compound. The zeolite-based compound includes a zeolite-based core; and a surface-portion formed on at least a portion of a surface of the zeolite-based core and made of ferrierite.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods for preparation of intermediates useful for the preparation of terpenoid cores. In a further aspect, the disclosed methods pertain to the preparation of compounds comprising a terpenoid core or scaffold, such as 6/7/5 tricycloalkanes. The disclosed methods utilize abundant starting materials and simple reaction sequences that can be used to tunably and scalably assemble common terpenoid cores. In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to compounds prepared using the disclosed methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multivariate climate change forecasting are provided that obtain, from one or more climate model datasets, simulated historical and future climate model data, and from one or more climate observational datasets, historical observed climate data. A statistical distribution, using a Bayesian model, is provided of extremes or climate indices for one or more variable climate features using the simulated climate model data and the observed climate data. One or more metrics are determined, including a prediction of a future climate variable for a determined future time period, a confidence bound of the prediction of the future climate variable for the determined future time period, and a prediction bound for the future climate variable for the determined future time period. The metrics can be transmitted to a variety of applications in a variety of formats.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave extended interaction device, including: a device body; resonant cavities; electron beam tunnels; an output waveguide; and a coupling hole. The device body includes a shell and a core, and an annular coupling channel is disposed between the shell and the core. The resonant cavities are a set of ring-shaped cavities with a radial height of 2/5?, to 3/5?, parallel and equally spaced around an axis of the core. The electron beam tunnels are arranged at equal radian intervals and parallel to the axis of the core. The output waveguide is disposed in the middle of the shell and communicates with the annular coupling channel through a coupling hole. The core and the inner surface of the shell are sealed and fixed, and the output waveguide and the shell are sealed and fixed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patterned crystal structure for includes depositing an amorphous material. The amorphous material is modified such that a first portion of the amorphous thin-film layer has a first height/volume and a second portion of the amorphous thin-film layer has a second height/volume greater than the first portion. The amorphous material is annealed to induce crystallization, wherein crystallization is induced in the second portion first due to the greater height/volume of the second portion relative to the first portion to form patterned crystal structures.

Abstract: Methods and system for facilitating rapid radiation treatments are provided herein and relate in particular to radiation generation and delivery, power production and distribution, and electron source design. The methods and systems described herein are particularly advantageous when used with a compact high-gradient, very high energy electron (VHEE) accelerator and delivery system (and related processes) capable of treating patients from multiple beam directions with great speed, using all-electromagnetic or radiofrequency deflection steering is provided, that can deliver an entire dose or fraction of high-dose radiation therapy sufficiently fast to freeze physiologic motion, yet with a better degree of dose conformity or sculpting than conventional photon therapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing and using ceramic mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) enhanced transition metals and metal oxides in composite or core-shell forms are disclosed. The presently disclosed compositions are stable at high temperatures and can carry as much as about 20 weight % oxygen.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods which produce hydrolytically stable resin monomers, bioactive fillers, phosphorus coupling agent and surface coating method, which can be combined to produce new generation dental composites; compositions comprising the same, as well as methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: A structure includes an electronically controllable ferromagnetic oxide structure that includes at least three layers. The first layer comprises STO. The second layer has a thickness of at least about 3 unit cells, said thickness being in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interface between the first and second layers. The third layer is in contact with either the first layer or the second layer or both, and is capable of altering the charge carrier density at the interface between the first layer and the second layer. The interface between the first and second layers is capable of exhibiting electronically controlled ferromagnetism.

Abstract: Multi-resonant control of a 3 degree-of-freedom (heave-pitch-surge) wave energy converter enables energy capture that can be in the order of three times the energy capture of a heave-only wave energy converter. The invention uses a time domain feedback control strategy that is optimal based on the criteria of complex conjugate control. The multi-resonant control can also be used to shift the harvested energy from one of the coupled modes to another, enabling the elimination of one of the actuators otherwise required in a 3 degree-of-freedom wave energy converter. This feedback control strategy does not require wave prediction; it only requires the measurement of the buoy position and velocity.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based compositions for activating cellular immune responses are provided. The CNTs function as high surface area scaffolds for the attachment of T cell ligands and/or antigens. The CNT compositions function as artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) or as modular vaccines. The disclosed CNT aAPCs are efficient at activating T cells and may be used to activate T cells ex vivo or in vivo for adoptive or active immunotherapy.

Abstract: Sequences of novel adeno-associated virus capsids and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles. AAV-mediated delivery of therapeutic and immunogenic genes using the vectors of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for electrokinetic dewatering of e.g., phosphatic clay suspensions. In one example, among others, a system includes a separation chamber including an anode and a cathode extending ends of the separation chamber and a power supply configured to energize the anode and the cathode to establish an electric field. An inlet at one end of the separation chamber can supply a dilute feed suspension and an outlet at another end of the separation chamber can remove supernatant water. The electric field can consolidate solids in the dilute feed suspension. Consolidated solids may be removed by a removal mechanism. In another example, a method includes supplying a dilute feed suspension including suspended solids, establishing an electric field to consolidate solids, and removing supernatant water.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to methods for the harvesting of biomass, in particular algae, from dilute aqueous suspension. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: adjusting the pH of the dilute aqueous suspension to cause disruption of the algal cell walls and exposure of the hydrophobic tails of the algal lipid bilayer; adding at least one organic solvent to the dilute aqueous suspension; and mixing the dilute aqueous suspension. The method may also include the steps of: waiting for formation of an organic layer from the dilute aqueous suspension; and recovering the organic layer. The organic layer rises to the top of the dilute aqueous suspension, allowing for mechanical separation or decanting of the organic layer.

Abstract: A frequency divider includes a signal injection circuit and an oscillating circuit. The signal injection circuit includes a transistor of which a gate receives an input signal with an input frequency, a drain and a source cooperatively provide a first differential signal pair, and a body receives a biasing voltage. The two circuits cooperate to form a tank circuit having a free-running frequency and defining a frequency locking range which is around N times the free-running frequency and within which the input frequency falls. The tank circuit generates a second differential signal pair that is related to the first differential signal pair and that has an oscillating frequency which is one-Nth the input frequency.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the petroleum content of a rock sample includes at least three repetitions of heating a rock sample to a holding temperature, holding the rock sample at the holding temperature for a holding period, and collecting data about the rock sample during each holding period. The holding temperature for each subsequent holding period may be greater than or equal to a previous holding temperature. The data collected may be analyzed to determine the S1 parameter and calculated to determine the API gravity of the rock sample.