Abstract: A composition comprising a glucose-responsive charge-switchable polymer is described. In the absence of glucose or under normoglycemic conditions, the positively charged polymer can be complexed with negatively charged therapeutic agents, such as insulin. Under hyperglycemic conditions, the positive charge of the polymer is reduced, and the polymer/therapeutic agent complex can disassemble, allowing the therapeutic agent to be released. Pharmaceutical compositions, nanoparticles, and microneedle arrays of the polymer and/or polymer/therapeutic agent complex and methods of treating diabetes are also described.

Abstract: Redox catalysts having surface medication, methods of making redox catalysts with surface modification, and uses of the surface modified redox catalysts are provided. In some aspects, the redox catalysts include a core oxygen carrier region such as CaMnO3, BaMnO3??, SrMnO3??, Mn2SiO4, Mn2MgO4??, La0.8Sr0.2O3??, La0.8Sr0.2FeO3??, Ca9Ti0.1Mn0.9O3??, Pr6O11??, manganese ore, or a combination thereof; and an outer shell having an average thickness of about 1-100 monolayers surrounding the outer surface of the core region. The outer shell can include, for example a salt selected such as Li2WO4, Na2WO4, K2WO4, SrWO4, Li2MoO4, Na2MoO4, K2MoO4, CsMoO4, Li2CO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a lignocellulosic biomass-based thermoplastic composition are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) preparing a mixture of solids comprising lignocellulosic biomass, a meltable solvent and a polyester; and (b) melt-compounding said mixture of solids; thereby preparing a lignocellulosic biomass-based thermoplastic composition. Fibers produced by the methods are also described, as are yarns and fabrics comprising the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding transcription factors and methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate nicotine production in plants and to produce plants having modulated nicotine production.

Abstract: An aggregated distribution system includes an HVAC controller, a battery controller, and an aggregated data management engine. The aggregated data management engine is configured to retrieve an HVAC energy usage profile and retrieve a battery energy usage profile. The aggregated distribution system also includes distribution engine configured to forward a first set of HVAC dual variables and forward a first set of battery dual variables to a first neighboring unit of the aggregated distribution system, receive one or more additional sets of HVAC dual variables and one or more additional sets of battery dual variables from one or more neighboring units of the aggregated distribution system, update the HVAC energy usage profile with the one or more additional sets of HVAC dual vehicles and update the battery energy usage profile with the one or more additional sets of battery dual vehicles.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for drying a bulk waste product, such as animal waste, having a moisture content of 95% or more water can include a trough configured to receive the bulk waste product and to dispense it in a form suitable for convective drying, one or more conveyors having an air-permeable conveyor belt, each conveyor receiving the waste product from the trough and transporting the waste product along a transport path; and one or more air moving devices (AMDs) that pass air through the air-permeable conveyor belt and across the waste product as it is transported along the transport path to transform the bulk waste product into a dried waste product having a moisture content of about 5% to about 20%, inclusive.

Abstract: An insect-proof, form-fitting undergarment is provided having top and bottom parts formed of selected breathable materials and having omnidirectional stretch properties, and which top and bottom parts may be securely joined at the waist to prevent insect entry. A superfine knitted fabric is utilized to prevent insect bites.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprising two or more layers is described where the degree of abrasiveness of can be controlled. The sheet can comprise partially or wholly biodegradable or compostable materials or blends thereof. Methods of preparing the composite sheets are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microneedle devices, kits comprising the microneedle devices, and methods of using the microneedle devices. Specifically, disclosed is a device for transport of a material across a biological barrier of a subject comprising: a plurality of microneedles each having a base end and a tip, with at least one pathway disposed at or between the base end and the tip; a substrate to which the base ends of the microneedles are attached or integrated; and at least one reservoir which is in connection with the base ends of the microneedles array, wherein the reservoir comprises an agent delivery system, wherein the agent delivery system comprises an agent to be transported across the biological barrier, or a means for producing an agent to be transported across the biological barrier, and a means for detecting a physiological signal from the recipient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are low density particles comprising polymerized fibrin that are micrometer or nanometer sized in diameter. The particles can further include at least one therapeutic agent. The particles may be used to treat wounds, by administration directly or systemically to the site of the wound. Exemplary wounds that may be treated with the fibrin particles include a trauma wound, a surgical wound, a burn wound, or an ulcer wound. Also disclosed herein are methods for preparing the particles using a shearing process.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for solid phase transfer of a reagent to a substrate. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing at least a first composition comprising a solid phase, wherein the solid phase comprises a reagent; and dispensing a first sample from the first composition onto a first coordinate on a substrate, whereby the first reagent is transferred to the substrate from the solid phase.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to supercascode power switches that can be used in, e.g., HV and MV applications. This disclosure introduces a cascaded supercascode (CSC) power switch which can include a series of unit supercascode (USC) circuits; a control switch coupled in series with the series of USC circuits; and an external balancing network coupled to each of the n USC circuits. The series has a plurality of USC circuits, with each of the USC circuits including first and second switches coupled in series and an internal balancing network coupled across the first and second switches. A source of each of the USC circuits is a source of the first switch. The internal balancing network can include a capacitor connected between a gate of the second switch and the source of the first switch and a diode connected in parallel with the capacitor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to direct current circuit breakers and their control methods. In one example, among others, a hybrid direct current circuit breaker (DCCB) includes an ultrafast mechanical switch (UFMS) connected in series with a commutating switch (CS) or auxiliary circuit breaker (ACB); a main breaker (MB) including a series of ? semiconductor switching stages in parallel with the UFMS and CS or ACB; and control circuitry that can turn off individual switching stages in a defined order in response to opening contacts of the UFMS. The switching stages can be turned off based upon a dielectric strength across the contacts as they open. In another example, a method includes opening contacts of an UFMS connected in series with a CS or ACB; and turning off individual switching stages of a series of ? semiconductor switching stages connected across the UFMS and the CS or ACB.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a glucose-responsive insulin delivery system based on the interaction between the glucose-modified insulin and glucose transporters (GLUTs) on erythrocytes (or red blood cells, RBCs). After being conjugated with a competitive inhibitor of a glucose transporter, insulin can efficiently bind to RBC membranes. The binding is reversible in the setting of hyperglycemia, resulting in fast release of insulin and subsequent drop of blood glucose (BG) level in vivo.

Abstract: A therapeutic hydrogel material is disclosed for the delivery of CAR-T cells that allows their distribution in the tumor resection recess, cavity, or void in combination with platelets decorated with the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) blocking antibody (aPDL1). The delivered hydrogel material acts as a reservoir for both CAR-T cells and platelet-bound aPDL1. Furthermore, inflammation occurring during the surgical wound healing triggers the release of platelet-derived microparticles containing the aPDL1. Cells delivered by the engineered hydrogel show significant control of local and distant tumor recurrence without causing toxic effects. In some embodiments, nanoparticles containing cytokines are also loaded in the therapeutic hydrogel material to maintain the activity and proliferation ability of CAR-T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modifications of berberine bridge enzyme-like nucleic acids and their use in modulation of nicotine biosynthesis in plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising novel CRISPR polypeptides and polynucleotides for site-specific cleavage and nicking of nucleic acids, transcriptional control and genome editing.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for microneedle patches comprising diblock copolymer micelles designed for pH cascade and H2O2 triggered insulin delivery.