Abstract: Microfluidic oscillator circuits and pumps for microfluidic devices are provided. The microfluidic pump may include a plurality of fluid valves and a microfluidic oscillator circuit having an oscillation frequency. The fluid valves may be configured to move fluids. Each fluid valve may be connected to a node of the microfluidic oscillator circuit. The pumps may be driven by the oscillator circuits such that fluid movement is accomplished entirely by circuits on a microfluidic chip, without the need for off-chip controls.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of treating a traumatic brain injury with an agent. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of treating a traumatic brain injury using an agent such as (±)-[3-(9H-carbazol-4-yloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl][2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amine or an isomer, a tautomer, or a prodrug thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt each of these.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus securely save data by receiving a file from a user device, wherein the file contains an encrypted data and has a file name. The encrypted data is then split into two or more encrypted data chunks having a specified size. A chunk number is assigned to each of the two or more encrypted data chunks. Each of the two or more encrypted data chunks is saved in a chunk file having a chunk file name comprising a combination of the file name and the chunk number. Each chunk file name is then encrypted, and each chunk file having the encrypted chunk file name is sent to the data storage. The process is essentially reversed to retrieve the data.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of inducing psychosis in animals using light-responsive opsins and methods of identifying or screening compounds that may be useful in treating psychosis.

Abstract: A multi-channel hemispherical ultrasonic wave transmit and receive detection system and method, wherein, a transmit control system transmits out a plurality of detection signals through an energy converter, a receive system receives the reflected signals reflected from an obstacle, in determining a channel used by said transmit control system to control a multiplexer to select a channel to switch to and then amplify said reflected signals. Then, said receive system performs high speed analog-to-digital sampling, and high speed transmission through USB for said reflected signals amplified. Finally, a Graphic User Interface (GUI) of a computer performs smooth-out processing for said reflected signals and displays its waveforms, in determining distance to said obstacle.

Abstract: Spherical gradient index (GRIN) lens that can achieve perfect imaging and maximum concentration is provided. Various refractive index profiles for the GRIN lens allow the lens to be manufactured by the currently available materials and fabrication techniques. Systems and methods for photovoltaic solar concentration are provided in which the optic tracks the sun and the photovoltaic cell remains stationary. The optic of such systems and methods can include perfect imaging spherical GRIN lens to provide high flux concentration.

Abstract: A region of a device is provided that includes a first material and a second material. The first and second materials may be co-dopants of an emissive material or region. The first material may have an energy gap of not more than about 100 meV between the first excited singlet state and the first excited triplet state. Excitons that transition to the T1 state can be activated to the S1 state due to the relatively small energy gap. This thermal activation process is fast enough that non-radiative decay from the T1 state to the S0 state is minimal or negligible, thus allowing for sensitization up to and including 100%. The second material may be a phosphorescent-capable material, and may act as a sensitizer to the first material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, kicking training is provided to a kicker in real time by collecting data while the kicker kicks a ball toward a display screen, determining the trajectory of the ball from the collected data, and displaying to the kicker on the display screen a simulation of the flight of the ball within a virtual world.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a likelihood of a degree of allergic reaction or a severity thereof using a threshold value rather than the binding activity number between the immunoglobulin of the subject and a test composition comprising a marker protein moiety of the allergy inducing material. In one particular embodiment of the invention, methods are provided for determining a likelihood of a degree of allergic reaction severity of a subject to peanuts using a threshold value of binding between immunoglobulin E (IgE) of the subject and Ara h 2 moiety and Ara h 6 moiety.

Abstract: A method that estimates the coordinates of the calibration points in the projector image plane using local homographies obtained from the imaging camera. First, a dense set of correspondences between projector and camera pixels is found by projecting onto the calibration object an identical pattern sequence as the one later projected when scanning the target, reusing most of the software components written for the scanning application. Second, the set of correspondences is used to compute a group of local homographies that allow projection back of any of the points in the calibration object onto the projector image plane with sub-pixel precision. In the end, the data projector is then calibrated as a normal camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection, diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (e.g., mast cell markers (e.g., tryptase)), and/or inhibition of mast cell function (e.g. inhibition of MCP-1 and/or MIP-1?) to treat or prevent chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal insulation construction comprising a support and a thermal insulation layer thereon, wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises an extract from a plant material obtainable from Aloe Vera, a method for the preparation thereof and its use, in particular, for thermal insulating a vehicle interior.

Abstract: This invention offers an effective method of inhibiting the expression of apolipoprotein E by mammalian cells. Apolipoprotein E is a protein that plays a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's Disease in humans. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a triarylmethyl amine compound having the general formula: wherein the R1 group may comprise acyclic amines and aliphatic amines. The R2 group may comprise one of three aryl varieties: aryl, substituted aryl, or heterocycle. Triarylamine compounds inhibit apolipoprotein E expression in mammalian cells. In one aspect of the invention the mammalian cells may be human cells, and more specifically may be human brain cells.

Abstract: A deep brain magnetic stimulator is disclosed that is placed within a vessel of the body to provide targeted location specific application of a magnetic field within the brain. The deep brain magnetic stimulator has a stimulation coil affixed to an expandable device core where the device core has a lumen to allow the passage of blood. A source of electrical energy is provided as well as related control circuitry to govern the activation of the stimulation coil and also govern such parameters as magnetic field strength, duration, waveform, and the like.

Abstract: A series of mono- and di-substituted quinazoline and pyrimidine derivatives based on the skeleton of erlotinib (an EGFR inhibitor) were synthesized and their bioactivities against hepatocellular carcinoma and human lung adenocarcinoma were evaluated.

Abstract: Fluorescence based sensing systems and methods that exploit xerogels are provided. Embodiments of the invention encompass a sensing system that includes: an optical excitation source emitting over a first predetermined wavelength range and capable of analog modulation over a predetermined frequency range; a sensor including a gel substrate incorporating within its matrix a receptor for molecular recognition of an analyte and a luminophore for signaling a recognition event relating to the analyte, the luminophore emitting an optical signal over a second predetermined wavelength range; a detection circuit including an optical detector for receiving the optical signal emitted by the luminophore and generating a photocurrent in dependence thereof; an excitation circuit that generates an analog signal for modulating the optical excitation source in dependence upon a digital control; and a read circuit for receiving the photocurrent and generating a digital output.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are operable to produce biochar from a biomass or to dry a biomass through controlled heating. While prior art technologies are stationary enclosures, the embodiments provided herein are based on a portable, flexible laminated blanket that is draped over a biomass (e.g., a wood slash pile). In this way, the blanket functions as a portable and reusable kiln for pyrolyzing biomass into biochar or drying biomass.

Abstract: A system 120 for reflecting or redirecting incident light, microwave or sound energy includes a first substrate 144 configured to support an array of reflective elements 130 that can be angularly displaced through a range of substantially 90 degrees in response to a reflector angle control signal and a controller programmed to generate the reflector angle control signal to achieve desired incident energy beam or wavefront re-direction. The reflective elements 130 preferably comprise MEMS micro-reflector elements hingedly or movably attached to the first substrate 130 and define a reflective surface that is aimed at the source of incident light, microwave or sound energy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating asthma in subjects in need thereof but can be applied to other conditions where abnormal electrophysiology underlies dysfunctional organ contractility.

Abstract: Substituted metalloporphyrin compounds are described, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of use thereof in protecting cells from oxidant-induced toxicity and pathological conditions such as inflammatory lung disease, neurodegenerative conditions, radiation injury, cancer, diabetes, cardiac conditions and sickle cell disease. Mn(III) porphyrins bearing oxygen atoms within side chains are particularly described.