Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compounds for treating or preventing cancer. Methods and compositions provided include including inhibiting or suppressing the development, maintenance, and proliferation of cancers, including blocking or inhibiting cancer cell metastasis.

Abstract: Described herein are passive samplers, making of such samplers, and methods of use. In an example embodiment, a passive sampling membrane comprises, for example, a continuous mesoporous sequestration media having a sequestration phase and a support membrane configured to support the sequestration phase. The sequestration phase may include a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region. The continuous mesoporous sequestration media may be configured to simultaneously sequester polar and non-polar organic substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low sugar or sugar free concentrated polyphenolic extract comprising at least about 30% polyphenols (w/w) and a protein-polyphenol aggregate matrix comprising at least about 15% polyphenols (w/w). The invention further relates to methods of producing a low sugar or sugar free concentrated polyphenolic extract comprising (a) extracting a low sugar or sugar free plant tissue with an aqueous solvent to produce an extract having an aqueous portion and a solids portion; (b) filtering the extract to separate the aqueous portion from the solids portion; and (c) reducing the volume of the separated aqueous portion, and methods of producing a protein-polyphenol aggregate matrix comprising about 1% to about 40% polyphenols (w/w) using the low sugar or sugar free concentrated polyphenolic extract of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for selectively controlling or modifying the growth of Poa annua in a turfgrass using a composition comprising an herbicidally-effective amount tebuconazole, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for targeted gene silencing that provide the ability to not only repress expression but to modulate the repression of expression of one or more target genes. In one aspect, a recombinant nucleic acid molecule is provided comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subset of CRISPR-cas polypeptides, or functional fragments thereof, from a type-I CRISPR-cas system. In some aspects, a recombinant nucleic acid of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding three or more Type I Cascade polypeptides having substantial identity to a type I Cascade polypeptide.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for obtaining body measurements of a user, predicting body measurements of a user, and/or the like. Examples include a coded dimensioning garment having a stretchable fabric that conforms to a wearer's body without substantial compression or distortion of the skin. The garment can include measurement markings of known sizes at one or more known locations on the fabric. Methods are provided for predicting body measurements from a user. Image(s) of a user wearing the garment in a reference pose are captured and can be uploaded to a body measurement application. The real-world dimensions can be converted to pixel dimensions in the same ratio as the real world dimensions and inputted into a prediction model to generate measurements from areas of interest on the user.

Abstract: A mosquito control net includes an occupant chamber and a trap chamber disposed over the occupant chamber. The trap chamber has one or more openings disposed on an outer surface thereof, through which mosquitos enter the trap chamber, the openings having receptacles attached therein and extending within the trap chamber to inhibit egression of mosquitos from the trap chamber after entry. A method for preventing mosquito bites for a subject can include providing such a mosquito control net and having the subject occupy it. A kit of parts for converting a conventional mosquito control net into a trapping mosquito control net can comprise a funnel-shaped receptacle surrounded by a bag, the bag being substantially impermeable to mosquitos and the receptacle and/or the bag being attachable to a top surface of the conventional mosquito control net to form a trap compartment.

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: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed system includes a plurality of microwave modules that exposes the biomass to continuous microwave energy, and an extraction module to extract bioactive agents from the biomass. In some embodiments, the biomass is exposed to subcritical water treatment in the microwave modules. The disclosed system enables bioactive agent to be extracted effectively, in a relatively short period of time compared to conventional extraction methods and allows for an enhanced extraction yield.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are platelet-like particles incorporating antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles. The platelet-like particles include an ultra-low crosslinked polymeric microgel and fibrin targeting moiety. The antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles can be covalently or noncovalently incorporated into the platelet-like particles. The particles are useful to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing while at the same time suppressing bacterial infections that can accompany tissue damage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Type I Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system related compositions and methods of using said Type I CRISPR/Cas system related compositions for altering gene expression and genome engineering. The invention relates to compositions comprising Type I CRISPR-Cas polypeptides and CRISPR array nucleic acids designed for genome modification in eukaryotic cells and for targeted killing of eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods pertaining to a next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation protocol and method for the optimization of sequencing quality and yield. In particular, the present disclosure provides a novel sequencing platform referred to as OmeSeq, which enables high-fidelity, dosage-sensitive genotyping and strain-level metagenomic profiling of various DNA and RNA templates across animal, plant, microbial, and viral genomes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14 X L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for adapters for virtual reality (VR) hand controllers. The adapters can be coupled to hold the VR controllers in temporal axial alignment. In one example, an adapter includes a first end, a second end and one or more cross members connecting the first and second ends. The first adapter coupled to the second adapter in a fixed temporal orientation via a first coupling assembly installed in the first end or the second end of the first adapter and a second coupling assembly installed in the first end or the second end of the second adapter. For example, the first and second coupling assemblies can include a post coupling assembly and a recess coupling assembly. In another example, a system including two adapters can be coupled together to hold VR hand controllers in a fixed orientation with each other, e.g., in temporal axial alignment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particle containing an inner liposomal vesicle (ILV) encapsulating a therapeutic agent; an outer liposomal vesicle (OLV) encapsulating the ILV; a membrane fusion-promoting agent; and a pH-altering agent. Also disclosed are methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject comprising: a) providing a herein disclosed particle b) triggering ILV and OLV fusion; and c) releasing the therapeutic agent outside of the OLV. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering to a subject a herein disclosed particle. Also disclosed are methods to release insulin to an environment comprising increased glucose levels, the method comprising exposing to the environment a herein disclosed particle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for coordinating volt-var control between sub-transmission and distribution systems. Distributed energy resources of a distribution system are aggregated into virtual power plants from which reactive power can optimally be dispatched to the sub-transmission system. A sub-transmission controller executes a volt-var AC optimal power flow optimisation function to minimize voltage fluctuations that might otherwise occur when coordinating with a distribution system having distributed energy resources. The distribution system can use a sensitivity matrix for regulating voltage at distribution feeders while fulfilling a transmission or sub-transmission system's demand requests.

Abstract: ‘NCMH1’ is a new cultivar of Mahonia with a compact habit, dark green semi-evergreen foliage, and showy yellow flowers.

Abstract: ‘NCMH2’ is a new cultivar of Mahonia with a compact habit, narrow evergreen foliage, showy red and yellow flowers and red new foliage color.