Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a process for the conversion of certain polymers into diamond and diamond-like materials using laser pulse annealing. The process includes transforming the polymer to carbon, melting the carbon and quenching the carbon melt into to form Q-carbon, diamond, and/or graphene. The process can be applied to a polymer film such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape. An object can be coated with the polymer film which can then be converted to Q-carbon, diamond, and/or graphene using laser pulse annealing. A process is also provided for making a three-dimensional object using a combination of, for example, 3D printing the polymer and converting each layer of polymer into Q-carbon, diamond and/or graphene.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for agricultural management-zone delineation to be done over broad geographic extents without overly-localized field-specific data. The instant innovation guides precision agricultural sampling and management by delineating enhanced management zones based upon remote sensing and artificial intelligence and combining the two with data derived from an existing countrywide soil survey database. In an embodiment, the instant innovation uses artificial intelligence from multiple sources to provide granular zone detail. Output of the present innovation can be aggregated to produce management zone sizes that have a level of uncertainty compatible with the needs of the customer-farmer and implementable given the capabilities of available equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. The present disclosure further provides methods for treating or preventing the metastasis or recurrence of a cancer using platelets loaded with a therapeutic agent (for example, an immunotherapeutic agent).

Abstract: A method, system, and device for controlling energy storage devices are provided, the method including receiving a trained machine learning model from a centralized machine learning system, recording temporal data for a respective energy storage device, periodically transmitting the temporal data to the machine learning system, performing a mode prediction for controlling the energy storage device using the trained machine learning model and the temporal data, and sending a control signal to the energy storage device to operate in the predicted mode. The machine learning system aggregates the temporal data transmitted by each agent and uses the aggregated temporal data to update the machine learning model. By using aggregated temporal data, less data is needed from an individual energy storage device so that when a new energy storage device joins the machine learning system, the new energy storage device can benefit from increased performance with less computation.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing carbon powders and activated carbon powders from cellulose-containing liquids. In some embodiments, the methods include exposing a cellulose-containing liquid to a hydrothermal carbonization process to convert the carbonaceous material present therein into a carbon powder. Also provided are methods for activating carbon powders, methods for producing carbon powder-containing polymer matrices, and carbon powders, activated carbon powders, and polymer matrices that that include the disclosed carbon powders and/or activated carbon powders that are produced by the presently disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microneedle devices and methods for treating a disease (for example, diabetes) using a degradable cross-linked gel for self-regulated delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, insulin).

Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) arrays and recombinant nucleic acid constructs encoding Type I-E CASCADE complexes as well as plasmids, retroviruses and bacteriophage comprising the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are oxazolidinone derivatives that can exhibit anti-microbial activity and/or activity as biofilm modulating agents (e.g., activity as biofilm inhibitors and/or activity as biofilm dispersal agents). The compounds can exhibit potent activity anti-microbial activity (e.g., potent activity against Gram-positive positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The compounds can exhibit potent activity against biofilms. In some cases, the compounds can exhibit both anti-microbial activity and biofilm modulation properties.

Abstract: Provided are modified tobacco plants having reduced nitrate levels and tobacco products generated from the modified tobacco plants having reduced tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: Compositions for attracting and/or trapping male agricultural pests, particularly Spodoptera species (e.g., fall armyworm) are described. The compositions comprise two active components, one comprising a C7-C11 aldehyde and one comprising a C12-C16 aldehyde, acetate ester or primary alcohol. Also described are devices for attracting and/or trapping the agricultural pests and methods of controlling the population of the agricultural pests.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘NC2014-5’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its profusion of light-purplish-pink-colored flowers. Small, green colored foliage which aligns in an attractive overlapping pattern along the stem is formed and moderately slow growing, upright, dwarf growth habit is displayed.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name ‘NC2017-9’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its purple-colored flowers, small and green colored foliage which exhibits an attractive burgundy tint on newly emerging leaves, and moderately slow growing, profuse branching, weeping, and compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name ‘NC2014-10’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its profusion of bright, purple-colored flowers. Plants of the new variety exhibit golden colored, semi-glossy foliage that transitions to green as it ages, and provide moderately vigorous, semi-upright, and semi-compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name ‘NC2017-6’, is disclosed. The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program. Plants of the new variety produce small and purple-colored foliage. The new variety is moderately vigorous. Plants of the new variety exhibit a highly branched, and compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name ‘NC2017-8’, is disclosed. The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program. Plants of the new variety provide purple-colored flowers and exhibit small and purple colored foliage. The new variety displays a moderately slow growing, profuse branching, weeping and compact growth habit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a formulation comprising: 2-undecanone in an amount of about 5% to about 50%; at least one hydrophobic base in an amount of about 5% to about 65%; at least one alcohol in an amount of about 5% to about 50%; and at least one emulsifier in an amount of about 5% to about 15% and methods of repelling insects and ticks by applying to a subject or a substrate a formulation of the invention.

Abstract: ‘NCORNSP-029SCBC’ is a vigorous, highly-twining, climbing variety of Ipomoea batatas producing many shoots. It is distinguishable from other ornamental sweetpotato cultivars by its palmate, deeply lobed leaves with 3-5 lobes, an aggressive climbing habit, and heavily branched architecture. The purple leaves, long internodes, and the plant architecture, which promotes good plant production in the greenhouse for wholesale distributors, distinguishes ‘NCORNSP-029SCBC’ amongst the current ornamental sweetpotatoes in the marketplace. ‘NCORNSP-029SCBC’ exhibits very good vigor and is very well branched. ‘NCORNSP-029SCBC’ is suitable for use in vertical landscape or container plantings.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name ‘NC2017-6’, is disclosed. The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program. Plants of the new variety produce small and purple-colored foliage. The new variety is moderately vigorous. Plants of the new variety exhibit a highly branched, and compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea paniculata plant named ‘NCHP1’ is disclosed, characterized by a compact, rounded habit with thick stems. Extremely abundant, white sterile flowers in large, broadly pyramidal panicles that open white and fade to green. The new variety is a Hydrangea, typically produced as an outdoor ornamental plant.