Abstract: Some embodiments include a thermal ground plane comprising a first casing layer and a second casing layer where the outer periphery of the first casing layer and the outer periphery of the second casing layer are bonded to each other. The thermal ground plane including a working fluid disposed within the first casing layer and the second casing layer. The thermal ground plane may also include a permeable wick disposed between the first casing layer and the second casing layer; and a deformed mesh disposed between the first casing layer and the permeable wick, the deformed mesh comprising a mesh with deformed mesh portions that form vapor channels and nondeformed mesh portions that form liquid channels.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a thermal ground plane comprising a first casing layer and a second casing layer where the outer periphery of the first casing layer and the outer periphery of the second casing layer are bonded to each other. The thermal ground plane including a working fluid disposed within the first casing layer and the second casing layer. The thermal ground plane may also include a permeable wick disposed between the first casing layer and the second casing layer; and a deformed mesh disposed between the first casing layer and the permeable wick, the deformed mesh comprising a mesh with deformed mesh portions that form vapor channels and nondeformed mesh portions that form liquid channels.

Abstract: Three-dimensional meshes and three-dimensional casings for thermal ground planes are disclosed. These three-dimensional meshes and three-dimensional casings can create a vapor core that has structural resiliency positive or negative pressure differential between the vapor space and external conditions. A thermal ground plane is disclosed that includes a first casing that is substantially planar and a second casing. The outer periphery of the first casing and the outer periphery of the second casing are bonded together to form a hermetic seal. The second casing may be deformed to create a vapor support structure within the thermal ground plane that includes a plurality of deformed portions (or rough pillars). A working fluid may be disposed within the first casing and the second casing. Permeable wicks may also be disposed on an inner surface of the first casing and/or the second casing for liquid transport that is disposed between the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for providing a therapeutic benefit to a patient. A method of treating a patient with a metabolic disease and/or a pancreatic disease includes: selecting a patient with a metabolic disease and/or a pancreatic disease; selecting one or more pancreatic deposit sites; advancing a depositing device comprising a at least one depositing element to the selected one or more pancreatic deposit sites; and delivering a treatment agent through the at least one depositing element into the selected one or more pancreatic deposit sites. Systems and devices are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a thermal ground plane comprising a first casing layer and a second casing layer where the outer periphery of the first casing layer and the outer periphery of the second casing layer are bonded to each other. The thermal ground plane including a working fluid disposed within the first casing layer and the second casing layer. The thermal ground plane may also include a permeable wick disposed between the first casing layer and the second casing layer; and a deformed mesh disposed between the first casing layer and the permeable wick, the deformed mesh comprising a mesh with deformed mesh portions that form vapor channels and nondeformed mesh portions that form liquid channels.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for providing a therapeutic benefit to a patient. A method of treating a patient with a metabolic disease and/or a pancreatic disease includes: selecting a patient with a metabolic disease and/or a pancreatic disease; selecting one or more pancreatic deposit sites; advancing a depositing device comprising a at least one depositing element to the selected one or more pancreatic deposit sites; and delivering a treatment agent through the at least one depositing element into the selected one or more pancreatic deposit sites. Systems and devices are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods of correcting a mutation in the human beta-globin (HBB) gene in a cell or population of cells. The disclosure also features methods of increasing repair of a DNA double stranded break (DSB) in an HBB gene by the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway. The disclosure also features compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems and methods for correcting a mutation in the human beta-globin (HBB) gene in a cell or population of cells. The disclosure also features methods of increasing repair of a DNA double stranded break (DSB) in an HBB gene by the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway. The disclosure also features compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a thermal ground plane comprising a first casing layer and a second casing layer where the outer periphery of the first casing layer and the outer periphery of the second casing layer are bonded to each other. The thermal ground plane including a working fluid disposed within the first casing layer and the second casing layer. The thermal ground plane may also include a permeable wick disposed between the first casing layer and the second casing layer; and a deformed mesh disposed between the first casing layer and the permeable wick, the deformed mesh comprising a mesh with deformed mesh portions that form vapor channels and nondeformed mesh portions that form liquid channels.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods of increasing repair of a DNA double stranded break (DSB) in a target gene by the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway. The disclosure also features compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for dynamically configured portable power generation. A first motion of a first pull cord mechanically coupled to a first pull-cord generator is sensed, wherein the first pull cord is also mechanically coupled to a limb of a human body. A first tension-control signal is determined as a function of the first motion. The first-tension control signal is transmitted to a first variable tensioner configured to control a tension in the first pull cord. A tension in the first pull cord is set using one or more processors based on the first tension-control signal. Electrical power is generated using the first pull-cord generator, and power generation resulting from the generating electrical power is determined. Feedback is generated to set a tension based on the determined power generation.

Abstract: A fuel control system for an engine includes a closing module and a purge control module. The closing module commands closing of a purge valve in response an engine speed transitioning from greater than a predetermined speed to less than the predetermined speed while the purge valve is in an open state. The predetermined speed is less than a predetermined target speed of the engine and is greater than zero. The purge control module transitions the purge valve from the open state to a closed state in response to the command.

Abstract: A fuel control system for an engine includes a closing module and a purge control module. The closing module commands closing of a purge valve in response an engine speed transitioning from greater than a predetermined speed to less than the predetermined speed while the purge valve is in an open state. The predetermined speed is less than a predetermined target speed of the engine and is greater than zero. The purge control module transitions the purge valve from the open state to a closed state in response to the command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of distributing music comprising creating a structured audio file from an audio track, the audio track having two portions, the first portion comprising data to reproduce a lower quality version of the audio track by a media player and data in a second portion that can be used to reproduce a higher quality version of the audio track.

Abstract: This invention is directed to enantiomerically enriched (R)-2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanol and (S)-2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanol. The chiral alcohols are synthesized in enantiomerically enriched form by the reaction of 2-methyl-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)propanone using a chiral oxazaborolidine catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are microflulidic chips that include a plurality of vias; a functionalized porous polymer monolith capable of being in fluid communication with a via; a microarray capable of being in fluid communication with the functionalized porous polymer monolith; and an observation port through which at least one target disposed within the microarray is capable of being detected. The disclosed microfluidic chips contain microarrays that can be effectively coupled to functionalized porous polymer monoliths for capturing and concentrating sample nucleic acids. Also disclosed are microfluidic chips containing microarray probes having observation ports that enable the preparation of microarrays and the detection of targets. These microfluidic chips are capable of capturing and concentrating genetic material for the analysis and identification of biological organisms, such as so-called “threat genes” from chimeric bioweapons.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and processes for the collection and identification of macromolecules, such as biologically-derived macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids), by measuring and comparing the molecular weight signatures of macromolecular samples. Reproducible molecular weight signatures provides reliable sample identification. In the case of viruses, proteomic molecular weight signatures can be used for identifying viral agents.

Abstract: The invention is a kite intended for use at night which is provided with a battery operated power supply activating one or more black lights directed to the front surface of the kite, the black light causing a fluoroluminescent display on the front surface of the kite to be illuminated, while the rest of the front surface, being a non-luminescent material of coating, shows only the fluoroluminescent display causing such display to appear to be flying without being able to see the kite.

Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic portable misting apparatus for providing a comfortable region within a relatively hot, dry environment. The misting apparatus includes a pressurizable fluid tank, an automatic air compressor mounted to the fluid tank, a fluid conduit having a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals along the conduit for distributing water in the form of a corresponding number of fine spray streams, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid tank to the fluid conduit. The misting apparatus of the present invention is fully portable, easy to operate, easy to maintain, unobtrusive and economical.