Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the play value of a playground, the challenge level of a playground, or both. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may propose modifications to a playground that would result in an effective and efficient increase in the play value of the playground, a desired increase or decrease in the challenge level of the playground, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the methods and systems may be configured to provide comparisons of various playgrounds in order to determine which playgrounds are of greatest play value. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be incorporated into software that is configured for the design of playgrounds.

Abstract: Provided are stem cell biomimetic microparticles comprised of at least one stem cell-derived paracrine polypeptide or growth factor embedded in a polymer core particle that further comprises an outer layer of at least one fragment of a cell membrane of a stem cell disposed on the core particle. The polymer core may be constituted of any biocompatible and biodegradable polymer or copolymer, or a combination thereof that allows the embedding of the paracrine factors and their prolonged release from the core. The core and hence the microparticles can be biodegradable, allowing eventual elimination from the recipient animal or human subject. The core particles are sized to allow both transport through blood vessels and extravasation from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. The core particle may further include at least one polypeptide or peptide growth factor to induce the generation and proliferation of a population of stem cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a computing device, a system, and method for performing a spreadsheet recalculation algorithm. In one embodiment, the computing device includes an electronic processor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor. The memory includes Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) data having a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes having at least one of a constant value or one or more inputs, and program instructions. The program instructions, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to change the plurality of nodes, and update one or more affected nodes of the plurality of nodes based on the change to the plurality of nodes, the one or more affected nodes being less than all of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: Non-human animal compression therapy devices and methods. In some embodiments, the compression therapy devices includes one or more sleeves, each of the one or more sleeves being configured to fit a limb of a non-human animal, and each of the one or more sleeves comprising one or more inflatable chambers; and a controllable air source operably connected with the one or more inflatable chambers and configured to controllably inflate and deflate the one or more inflatable chambers. In some embodiments, at least one cycle of inflating and deflating of the one or more chambers starts by inflating the most distal chamber. In some embodiments, the compression therapy is given to eliminate or ease suffering from a disease or disorder or a sporting or work-related injury.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of diagnosing a Pseudoperonospora cubensis infection in a cucurbit plant, comprising detecting at least one nucleotide sequence selected from the group of nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-52, or any combination thereof, in a sample from a cucurbit plant or in an environmental sample, thereby diagnosing a P. cubensis infection. Also provided is a method of selecting a cucurbit plant comprising at least one resistance gene, the method comprising introducing into the cucurbit plant a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-52, wherein the expression of the nucleotide sequence produces a hypersensitive response in a cucurbit plant comprising a resistance gene, thereby identifying the cucurbit plant as comprising a resistance gene; and selecting the plant having the hypersensitive response and identified as comprising said resistance gene.

Abstract: Compositions that include a polymer and an aldaric acid, such as glucaric acid, are disclosed. The compositions may include polyvinyl alcohol and glucaric acid. The compositions may also include polyacrylonitrile and glucaric acid. In addition, the compositions may further include lignin. Also disclosed are fibers including the compositions, methods of making the fibers, and uses of the fibers.

Abstract: One-step methods for forming phosphate-based enzyme inhibitors are disclosed. Methods include reacting o-phosphorylethanolamine with an acyl chloride at acidic conditions. Acyl chlorides can be derivatized. The phosphate-based enzyme inhibitors can inhibit enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway including D-ribose-5-phosphate aldose-ketose isomerase enzymes such as T. cruzi ribose 5-phosphate isomerase type B and D-ribulose-5-phosphate 3-epimerase enzymes. Methods can be used in forming pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment of disease caused by kinetoplastid parasites including T. cruzi, T. brucei, and Leishmania spp.

Abstract: The invention is directed to antibacterial compositions comprising bacteria modified to comprise phasmids engineered to deliver of CRISPR RNAs and methods for their use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc?RI) are provided. Also provided are antisense oligomers for modulating splicing of mRNA encoding a MS4A6A protein, optionally in addition to antisense oligomers for modulating splicing of mRNA encoding the Fc?RI? protein, thereby down-regulating cell-surface expression of Fc?RI, and uses of the antisense oligomers for inhibiting mast cell degranulation, cytokine release, migration, and proliferation; for inhibiting anaphylaxis reactions in individuals, for treating allergic conditions in individuals, for reducing the incidence of allergic reactions in individuals, for treating individuals at risk of developing anaphylactic reactions, and for treating mast cell-related diseases in individuals.

Abstract: A decoupled ETP model processor is configured to store power consumption data retrieved from power systems; convert the power consumption data into power activated time cycles and power non-activated time cycles; derive a thermal resistance (R) parameter and a capacitance (C) parameter for a predetermined heat flow (Q) parameter at each of the outdoor temperatures; compare the converted power activated time cycles to the actual power activated time cycles; compare the converted power non-activated time cycles to the actual power non-activated time cycles; calculate a first improved resistance-capacitance-heat flow (RCQ) parameter set and a respective first outdoor temperature for the compared and converted power activated time cycles to the actual power activated time cycles; calculate the Q parameter at each outdoor temperature during the power activated time cycles; and calculate the R parameter and the C parameter at each outdoor temperature during the power non-activated time cycles.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc?RI). Antisense oligomers for modulating splicing of mRNA encoding the Fc?RI? protein, thereby down-regulating cell-surface expression of Fc?RI, and uses of the antisense oligomers for inhibiting mast cell degranulation, cytokine release, migration, and proliferation.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof, the devices comprising: a sample conduit providing a path for fluid flow extending from a sample inlet to a sample outlet; a thermal housing enclosing the sample conduit, the thermal housing comprising a plurality of measurement regions; and a motorized stage translatable along the thermal housing so as to align a detector with one or more of the plurality of measurement regions. The devices can continuously flow a fluid precursor sample from the sample inlet to the sample outlet, the fluid precursor sample comprising a first precursor and a second precursor, such that the first precursor reacts with the second precursor as the fluid precursor sample continuously flows from the sample inlet to the sample outlet to form the sample before reaching the sample outlet, wherein the sample comprises a plurality of particles or an organic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for typing of Lactobacillus buchneri bacterial strains, detecting the presence of a L. buchneri in a sample, identifying a strain of L. buchneri having resistance to an invasive foreign genetic element, modifying the resistance of bacteria and archeae to an invasive foreign genetic element, and introducing nicks into or cleaving double stranded DNA for genome editing.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato varieties designated ‘VT19077208’ and ‘VT19108230’ are disclosed. ‘VT19077208’ and ‘VT19108230’ are hybrid tomato varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A system can include a nonlinear circuit and a voltage decoder. The nonlinear circuit can perform an operation on an input voltage. The operation can be changed. A voltage decoder can be communicatively coupled to the nonlinear circuit for receiving an output voltage from the nonlinear circuit that results from the operation performed on the input voltage. The voltage decoder can compare the output voltage to a threshold voltage and determine a result of the operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high-throughput detection of polyketides using genetically encoded biosensors.

Abstract: Various implementations include a self-cleaning screen device including a screen and auger. The screen is a hollow cylinder and has a screen central axis, a screen inner surface, a screen outer surface opposite and radially spaced apart from the screen inner surface, a screen first end, and a screen second end opposite and axially spaced apart from the screen first end. The screen outer surface defines a plurality of openings extending radially to the screen inner surface. The auger is helically shaped and has an auger central axis, an auger first end, and an auger second end opposite and axially spaced apart from the auger first end. The auger is disposed around at least a portion of the screen outer surface such that the auger central axis and the screen central axis are coincident with each other. The auger is rotatable about the auger central axis relative to the screen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of making a composite structure including receiving a substantially planar nonwoven spunbond layer including a plurality of multicomponent fibers, thermally bonding the nonwoven spunbond layer at a first bond temperature, laying down a meltblown layer on top of the thermally bonded nonwoven spunbond layer to form an intermediate structure, and thermally bonding the intermediate structure at a second bond temperature to form a final composite structure. Composite structures including a spunbond layer and a meltblown layer, wherein the composite structure has a tensile strength of at least about 130 N/2.54 cm in both machine and cross directions, a tear strength of at least 3.0 N/2.54 cm, and an LRV of about 2.0 or higher are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aluminum oxide aerogels and methods of making and use thereof. The methods of making the aluminum oxide aerogel include contacting a solid comprising aluminum with a Ga-based liquid alloy to dissolve at least a portion of the aluminum from the solid, thereby forming an aluminum-alloy mixture; and contacting the aluminum-alloy mixture with a fluid comprising water, thereby forming the aluminum oxide aerogel. In some examples, the methods can further comprise capturing and converting carbon dioxide to a syngas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: ‘NCMS3’ is a new cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis particularly distinguished by its triploid cytotype, low female fertility, and attractive variegated foliage and showy inflorescences. ‘NCMS3’ provides an attractive and highly infertile alternative to diploid cultivars where reseeding and naturalization is a concern.