Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing solar cell degradation are provided. The methods and systems related to frequently applying large reverse bias current-voltage (J-V) sweeps to the cell to reduce the rates of internal degradation of the solar cells. The frequent sweeps serve to detrap charge carriers formed in the cell due to photo-oxidative damage. This detrapping reduces the rate of power conversion efficiency (PCE) degradation throughout the life of the solar cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical device is disclosed and may include an electrolyte composition disposed between the anode and the cathode and a water vapor barrier which may include a biodegradable material, where the water vapor barrier is disposed to prevent water vapor escaping from the electrochemical device. The water vapor barrier further may include poly lactic acid or a metalized coating. The water vapor barrier further may further include multiple layers and have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) less than or equal to 2 wt % over 24 hours. Embodiments of the water vapor barrier may also include a polymeric biodegradable material or a metalized coating disposed onto the biodegradable material. The water vapor barrier may also include multiple layers and may have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) less than or equal to 1 mg per cm2 over 24 hours.

Abstract: Polypeptides with biophysical properties such as solubility, stability, high expression, monomericity, binding specificity or non-aggregation, including monomeric human heavy and light chain variable domains (VHs and VLs), are identified using a high throughput method for screening polypeptides, comprising the steps of obtaining a phage display library, allowing infection of a bacterial lawn by the library phage, and identifying phage which form larger than average plaques on the bacterial lawn. Sequences of monomeric human VHs and VLs are identified, which may be useful for immunotherapy or as diagnostic agents. Multimer complexes of human VHs and VLs are also identified. The VHs and VLs identified may be used to create further libraries for identifying additional polypeptides. Further, the VHs and VLs may be subjected to DNA shuffling to select for improved biophysical properties.

Abstract: A composite includes a plastic substrate and an electrical insulator layer formed on the plastic substrate. The electrical insulator layer contains boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which may be unmodified or modified BNNTS. The composite is suitable for use in making printed electronic devices. A process includes providing a plastic substrate and forming on at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate a layer that contains the BNNTs. A metallic ink trace is formed on a portion of the layer, such that the metallic ink trace is spaced-apart from the substrate. Using photonic or thermal sintering techniques, the metallic ink trace is then sintered.

Abstract: An optical fiber transducer usable in environments of extreme operating temperature features a stationary support, a movable body displaceable back and forth relative thereto, and an optical fiber connected between the support and the movable body. The fiber has a Fiber Bragg Grating in an intermediate region thereof between the support and movable body. To accommodate varying coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) among these components, one or more tubes close circumferentially around the fiber. Each tube has a CTE that is greater than that of the fiber, and less than that of the constituent material of the support and movable body. The fiber is bonded to an interior of the tube(s), while an exterior of the tube(s) is bonded to the support and movable body.

Abstract: A plasmon resonance system, instrument, cartridge, and methods for analysis of analytes is disclosed. A PR system is provided that may include a DMF-LSPR cartridge that may support both digital microfluidic (DMF) capability and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) capability for analysis of analytes. In some examples, the DMF portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an electrode arrangement for performing droplet operations, whereas the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an LSPR sensor. In other examples, the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an in-line reference channel, wherein the in-line reference channel may be a fluid channel including at least one functionalized LSPR sensor (or sample spot) and at least one non-functionalized LSPR sensor (or reference spot). Additionally, methods of using the PR system for analysis of analytes are provided.

Abstract: An atomic orbital based memory storage is provided that includes a plurality of surface atoms forming dangling bonds (DBs) and a subset of the plurality of surface atoms passivated with spatial control to form covalent bonds with hydrogen, deuterium, or a combination thereof. The atomic orbital based data storage that can be rewritten and corrected as needed. The resulting data storage is also archival and capable of high data densities than any known storage as the data is retained in a binary storage or a given orbital being passivated or a dangling bond (DB). A method of forming and reading the atomic orbital data storage is also provided. The method including selectively removing covalent bonds to form dangling bonds (DBs) extending from a surface atom by hydrogen lithography and imaging the covalent bonds spatially to read the atomic orbital data storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns antibodies specific for the Na v.7 polypeptides which are capable of antagonizing the biological activity of the Na v.7 polypeptide. The anti-Na v.7 antibodies can be used for alleviating the symptoms of pain and/or for treating or alleviating the symptoms of an hyperproliferative disease. The presence disclosure also concerns immunogens and methods for making antibodies, such as the anti-Na v.7 antibodies, comprising a single-domain antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to polypeptides capable of binding and neutralizing transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) ligands, and uses of these polypeptides for treating disorders related to TGF-beta expression or activation (e.g. cancer and fibrotic diseases), and methods of making such molecules.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having polyketide synthase activity have been identified and characterized. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single domain antibody that specifically binds to the epitope in the catalytic domain of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX). The single domain antibody has a dissociation constant (KD) of 1×10?7 or lower for a monomeric form of human CA-IX and/or a dimeric form of human CA-IX.

Abstract: AXL-specific antibodies and uses therefor are described, including monoclonal and single domain antibodies. Such antibodies bind to cell surface expressed human AXL at an epitope in an immunoglobulin-like (IgL) domain of the AXL ectodomain. The antibody may be used in an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for example in the treatment, detection or staging of cancer. The antibody may be biparatopic.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of an ultrasonic structural health monitoring device, system and method. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic structural health monitoring device is described to monitor a structure. The device comprises a bottom electrode disposable on the structure; a piezoelectric medium disposed on the bottom electrode; a top electrode disposed on the piezoelectric medium; an acoustic insulation layer; and a connector to bring electrical excitation for the piezoelectric medium and to collect a generated electric response therefrom representative of structural health.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the production of large amounts of empty capsids of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in a stable manner in mammalian cells by regulating the expression of FMDV 3C protease. The instant methods and compositions are based on the fact that a decreased expression of 3C protease results in a reduced cell toxicity and an increased synthesis of viral capsid proteins, as well as production of recombinant empty capsids. The invention provides recombinant plasmids that direct the expression of P1, 3C, and the use of the plasmids for producing new stable cell lines capable of generating high titers of FMDV empty capsids. The invention provides methods for regulating the expression of the FMDV 3C protease gene at a transcriptional and translational level in order to achieve the required process level of 3C protease for the selection process, as well as the production process.

Abstract: In a polymeric microfluidic valve, an adhesion control surface with discrete micro- or nano-scale structured surfaces are separated by fluid filled voids at an interface between an elastomeric membrane seals against a substrate layer. The structured surfaces reduce adhesion between the membrane layer and the substrate layer and prevent permanent bonding, while at the same time providing a good balance of adhesion at the valve seat to provide a sealing engagement. Microstructured adhesion control surfaces on and around valve bodies permit opening the valve, by reducing contact surface area.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to polypeptides capable of binding and neutralizing transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?) ligands, and uses of these polypeptides for treating disorders related to TGF-beta expression or activation (e.g. cancer and fibrotic diseases), and methods of making such molecules.

Abstract: The use of an unctuous sealing material (high viscosity liquid bordering on, or having, solid behavior at low shear forces) for sealing open pore, highly crushable suction cups allows for increased surface conformation for fast secure vacuum gripping, and maintenance of the pressure differential with lower energy in view of the seal. Furthermore, fast grasping is demonstrated if the unctuous sealing material protrudes from the lip.

Abstract: A vacuum bag system (VBS) for forming pre-consolidated composite blanks has a blank enclosure for sealing around a periphery of the blank, while leaving a second side of the blank exposed, an articulated forming caul (AFC) with at least two facets, each facet effectively jointedly coupled to an adjacent facet, and having a respective, independently controlled, heater integrated with, or coupled to the facet. The VBS further has a forming enclosure for sealing around a periphery of a tool. The blank enclosure brings the blank and the facets into uniform thermal contact resistance and mechanical contact; and permits the articulated AFC to distribute thermal and mechanical load across the blank during forming, even as the facets move to align to faces of the mold.

Abstract: An avalanche photodiode with a diffused junction and the method for its fabrication are disclosed. The method comprising forming, on a substrate, a first high-doped region and a low-doped region; performing selective area growth (SAG) with in-situ etchant on the low-doped region to grow a SAG structure; and diffusing through the SAG structure to form a second high-doped region in the low-doped region.

Abstract: An in vitro population of human brain endothelial cells (hBECs) expressing claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1 and GLUT-1 and expressing one or more of FZD7, WNT7A, WNT7B, APCDD1, STRA6 and ZO-3 is provided. A blood brain barrier (BBB) comprising the hBECs and use of the BBB for analyzing permeability characteristics of a test agent are provided.