Abstract: A digital signal synthesizer for generating a frequency and/or phase modified digital signal output comprises an input buffer, a transform module, a processing module, and an output buffer. The input buffer receives a digital input that is represented in a frequency domain representation. The transform module stores a fractional order control system that models a desired frequency and/or phase response defined by an assembly of at least one filter component. Each filter component is defined by a Laplace function that is modified to include a non-integer control order having a variable fractional scaling exponent. The processing module multiplies or divides the digital input with the fractional order control system stored in the transform module. Moreover, the output buffer stores a synthesized output of the input, which is modified in the frequency domain, the phase domain, or both according to the desired frequency and/or phase response by the processing module.

Abstract: Peptide-based molecules for modulating expression or accessibility to the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) are disclosed. Cell-permeable peptide-based molecules having a PDZ-decoy domain or PDZ-binding domain are used to modulate the expression or accessibility of CAR molecules, thereby affecting the ability of viral molecules, or molecules containing viral sequences or proteins able to bind CAR, to enter host cells.

Abstract: A hydration sensor is provided that includes a circulator having a plurality of ports, an amplitude-modulated coherent source connected to a first port of the circulator, a rectifier or other power sensor connected to a second port of the circulator followed by an RF baseband low-noise amplifier, a coupling structure connected to the third port of the circulator, and a demodulator connected to the output of the rectifier. The hydration sensor can include an RF low noise amplifier between the circulator and rectifier, and/or a second amplitude modulator between the circulator and the coupling structure. The coupling structure can be either a guided-wave near-field structure or an interfacial capacitive or inductive element. In the former case, the hydration is determined by measuring the reflectivity of the guided-wave radiation, and in the latter case it is determined by measuring the change of reflectivity (through change of impedance) of the interfacial element.

Abstract: A multiscale hierarchical scaffold with the complexity of extracellular matrix (ECM) is disclosed. The multiscale hierarchical scaffold may be a carbon-based scaffold with hierarchical nanoscale and microscale architecture with controlled physicochemical properties. More specifically, multiscale hierarchy is built by growing carbon nanotube carpets on two types of scaffolds, namely, interconnected microporous carbon foams and aligned carbon fiber mats.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more processing devices includes conducting a plurality of tests of a manufacturing process. Each test is conducted at a different combination of at least a first process variable and a second process variable, and each test comprises locally heating a region of a structure, where the local heating results in formation of a thermal field in the structure, and assessing a temperature derivative of the thermal field. Based on results of the plurality of tests, a process map of the temperature derivative of the thermal field is generated, with the temperature derivative based on a function of the first process variable and the second process variable.

Abstract: A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: Methods for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The methods include administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activator or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of ALS, including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one SK channel activator, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and at least one excipient, adjuvant, or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Generation of standardized noise signals that provide mathematically correct noise with no errors and no loss of data, and can generate the noise of specific environments based on the transfer function of that environment are discussed. Various embodiments can generate synthetic data sets based on natural data sets that have similar scaling behavior. Fractional scaling digital filters, containing the fractional scaling characteristics of one or more of the eleven fundamental forms of basic building block transfer functions which incorporate the scaling exponent, can be encoded on FPGA devices or DSP chips for use in digital signal processing. Fractional Scaling Digital Filters allow fractional calculus, and thus fractional filtering (e.g.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system is disclosed that includes an endoscope having a first channel and a second channel, a high-power, multi-wavelength LED array, a digital micro-mirror device that receives light directed from the high-power, multi-wavelength LED array and generates spatial frequency patterns, and dichroic mirror that separates reflectance and fluorescence images.

Abstract: A phase frequency detector with two stages of operation; each stage containing two D flip-flops. Each D flip-flop is interconnected to eliminate detection dead zone while avoiding glitches and incorrect output conditions for fast phase locked loop convergence and wide-band applications.

Abstract: A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducer arrays enhanced with flexoelectric effects and a method thereof is disclosed. The array can include an ultrathin piezoelectric ring that includes embedded rings. Adjacent ring transducers can be completely separated from each other on a supporting substrate. The supporting substrate can have cavities to support the transducer array. Additionally, such an array can include electrodes attached to the rings.

Abstract: A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with clear nesting material for animals. According to one embodiment, the clear nesting material comprises a clear polymer material such that an animal inside of a nest constructed of the clear nesting material is visible.

Abstract: A phase frequency detector with two stages of operation; each stage containing two D flip-flops. Each D flip-flop is interconnected to eliminate detection dead zone while avoiding glitches and incorrect output conditions for fast phase locked loop convergence and wide-band applications.

Abstract: Terahertz (THz) distributed detectors, and arrays of detectors that utilize structured surface plasmonic effects for more efficient coupling to free space are discussed. One example distributed detector includes a detector junction comprising a Schottky or tunneling interface between a semiconductor and a detector metal, an ohmic junction comprising an ohmic interface between the semiconductor and an ohmic metal, and a gap that separates the detector junction from the ohmic junction. Structured surface plasmons concentrate an electric field in the gap when the distributed detector is exposed to THz radiation polarized perpendicular to the gap.

Abstract: A composition and method for the treatment of neurodegeneration and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The composition and method comprising providing fluoxetine, simvastatin, and optionally, an antioxidant.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide transmission line for use in detecting biomolecules and bioparticles is provided that includes a signal conductor disposed on a top surface of the dielectric substrate, a ground conductor disposed on the top surface of the dielectric substrate on each side of the signal conductor, a continuous gap defined between the signal conductor and each of the ground conductors, micro-channels disposed below a top surface of the dielectric substrate, and reservoirs disposed below the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for wirelessly detecting movement of a target. The system comprises a reference oscillator, a transmitter, a receiver, a demodulator, and a processor, wherein: the reference oscillator generates references frequencies for the transmitter, the receiver, and the demodulator; the transmitter generates a continuous-wave signal at a frequency based on the transmitter reference frequency and wirelessly transmits it to the target; the receiver wirelessly receives a reflected signal from the target having a phase angle corresponding to movement of the target and converts the reflected signal into an intermediate frequency signal based on the receiver reference frequency; the demodulator demodulates the intermediate frequency signal into an in-phase component and a quadrature component; and the processor converts the in-phase component and the quadrature component into a movement signal corresponding to movement of the target.

Abstract: Terahertz (THz) distributed detectors, and arrays of detectors that utilize structured surface plasmonic effects for more efficient coupling to free space are discussed. One example distributed detector includes a detector junction comprising a Schottky or tunneling interface between a semiconductor and a detector metal, an ohmic junction comprising an ohmic interface between the semiconductor and an ohmic metal, and a gap that separates the detector junction from the ohmic junction. Structured surface plasmons concentrate an electric field in the gap when the distributed detector is exposed to THz radiation polarized perpendicular to the gap.