Activated polymeric bicine derivatives such as,as well as conjugates made therewith are disclosed. Reduction of exposure to airborne fine particles using air treatment systems increases microvascular function in persons at cardiovascular risk. The top cover includes a top cover body and a first arc member. The controller, the digital signal processing core, and the memory interface are separate pipelines at least two of which have different numbers of stages. The firearm handguard member is arranged about the barrel nut member and the locking sleeve member such that the barrel nut member and the locking sleeve member are arranged within an axial passage of the firearm handguard member.