Abstract: Skeletonized blood vessels for use as vascular grafts are protected from biomechanical injury and/or certain cellular and extracellular changes by application of a biocompatible hydrogel to the vessel exterior. The hydrogel may be applied to the vessel graft before or after harvesting from a donor patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bio-based copolymer comprising in polymerized form (i) at least one polymerizable bio-based monomer containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass, and (ii) at least one ion-conducting co-monomer other than the bio-based monomer. Also disclosed herein are binders comprising the bio-based copolymer, electrodes comprising the binder, polymer electrolytes comprising the bio-based copolymer and an electrochemical device comprising an electrode in electrical contact with a polymer electrolyte, wherein at least one of the electrode and the polymer electrolyte comprises the bio-based copolymer.

Abstract: Medical treatment simulation systems and devices are disclosed. One device includes an overlay, a simulated treatment structure, at least one feedback device, and at least one processor. The overlay is configured to be secured to the live subject and to cover at least a portion of a body of the live subject. The simulated treatment structure is configured to simulate a structure associated with the medical procedure. The at least one feedback device is configured to provide a feedback signal to the live subject. The at least one processor is connected to the simulated treatment structure and the at least one feedback device. The processor is programmed to operate the feedback device to provide the feedback signal based upon input generated from interaction between a treatment provider and the simulated treatment structure. The disclosed devices may be used to simulate intravenous, catheter, defibrillation, and/or thoracic treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling colocalization of two or more proteins in a cell. The method comprises expressing the proteins, scaffold RNA molecules having binding motifs for the proteins, and a trigger RNA molecule in the cell. In the presence of the trigger RNA molecule, a scaffold may be assembled (ON) by the scaffold RNA molecules via hybridization such that the proteins may be colocalized; or disassembled (OFF) such that the proteins may be separated and not colocalized. The proteins may provide a biological activity when colocalized or not colocalized.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof is disclosed. The method comprises depositing epitaxial layers over a silicon substrate to form a semiconductor layer surface; forming at least one mesa portion on the semiconductor layer surface; depositing a metal stack on the semiconductor layer surface; subjecting the semiconductor layer surface to a rapid thermal annealing system for a two-step ohmic contact annealing in H2/N2 forming gas (FG) and then nitrogen; subjecting the semiconductor layer surface to an oxygen plasma treatment; and depositing a T-shaped metal gate on the semiconductor layer surface. A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer surface having an epitaxial layer disposed over a silicon substrate; at least one mesa portion formed on the semiconductor layer surface; a metal stack, disposed on the semiconductor layer surface, and sequentially annealed in FG and nitrogen; and a T-shaped metal gate on the semiconductor layer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making polymerizable bio-based monomers containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass. Also disclosed herein are bio-based copolymers prepared from such bio-based monomers and a co-monomer, and methods of making and using such bio-based copolymers. In particular, the bio-based copolymers can be used as pressure sensitive adhesives, binders, and polymer electrolytes.

Abstract: Poly(aryl piperidinium) polymers with pendant cationic groups are provided which have an alkaline-stable cation, piperidinium, introduced into a rigid aromatic polymer backbone free of ether bonds. Hydroxide exchange membranes or hydroxide exchange ionomers formed from these polymers exhibit superior chemical stability, hydroxide conductivity, decreased water uptake, good solubility in selected solvents, and improved mechanical properties in an ambient dry state as compared to conventional hydroxide exchange membranes or ionomers. Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells comprising the poly(aryl piperidinium) polymers with pendant cationic groups exhibit enhanced performance and durability at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing megakaryocytic differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). The method comprises transferring into the HSPCs an effective amount of small RNAs. The HSPCs may differentiate into megakaryocytes in the absence of thrombopoietin (TPO) and/or without using megakaryocytic microparticles (MkMPs). The small RNAs may be micro RNAs (miRs) selected from the group consisting of miR-486, miR-22, miR-191, miR-181, miR-378, miR-26, let-7, miR-92, miR-126, miR-92, miR-21, miR-146, miR-181, and combinations thereof. For example, the small RNAs are miR-486 and miR-22. The small RNAs may be synthetic or isolated from cells. Also provided is a method for enhancing megakaryocytic differentiation of HSPCs cultured with megakaryocytic microparticles MkMPs in the presence of an effective amount of one or more exogenous small RNAs (e.g., miR-486).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-layer structures comprising a first composite layer disposed over a second composite layer, wherein the first composite layer contains a first active material dispersed in a first polymer containing an elastomeric polymer and the second composite layer contains a second polymer which may have a second active material dispersed therein, wherein the first active material chemically or physically interacts with at least one toxic chemical and is selected from the group consisting of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), metal oxides, metal hydroxides, zeolites, and combinations thereof, and wherein the active material and the second active material (if present) are the same as or different from each other, and the first polymer and second polymer are the same as or different from each other, subject to the proviso that the first composite layer and the second composite layer compositionally differ from each other in at least one respect.

Abstract: Methods and phosphorus-containing solid catalysts for catalyzing dehydration of cyclic ethers (e.g., furans, such as 2,5-dimethylfuran) and alcohols (e.g., ethanol and isopropanol). The alcohols and cyclic ethers may be derived from biomass. One example includes a tandem Diels-Alder cycloaddition and dehydration of biomass-derived 2,5-dimethyl-furan and ethylene to renewable p-xylene. The phosphorus-containing solid catalysts are also active and selective for dehydration of alcohols to alkenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indirect three-dimensional co-culture. The indirect co-culture may comprise bone marrow niche cells, tumor cells and a culture medium. The bone marrow niche cells and the tumor cells may be incubated in the culture medium without direct contact between the bone marrow niche cells and the tumor cells. The tumor cells may be dormant or reactivated. Also provided are a method for preparing the indirect co-culture and a method for screening for an agent capable of inhibiting reactivation of dormant tumor cells or promoting dormancy of proliferating tumor cells.

Abstract: A method for catalytically converting a dihydrotetrazine 1 into a tetrazine 2, wherein the dihydrotetrazine 1 comprises a first R group and a second R group, wherein the first R group is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbonyl, or heteroatom-containing group, and the second R group is selected from the group consisting of H and substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbonyl, and heteroatom-containing groups; wherein the method comprises (a) providing the dihydrotetrazine 1 in a reaction medium, and (b) adding an enzyme as a catalyst and an oxidant to the reaction medium, whereby the dihydrotetrazine 1 is converted to the tetrazine 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo lymph node is provided. The ex vivo lymph node comprises an intact lobule in a chamber connected to an afferent lymphatic vessel and an efferent lymphatic vessel. The intact lobule is perfused with a lymphatic fluid into the chamber via the afferent lymphatic vessel and out of the chamber via the efferent lymphatic vessel and perfused with a vascular fluid into the intact lobule via an endogenous artery and out of the intact lobule via an endogenous vein. Also provided is a method for preparing the ex vivo lymph node. Further provided are methods for screening for an agent capable of changing the ex vivo lymph node, producing T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes and determining immunoreactivity of the ex vivo lymph node.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are functionalized 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene (ADOT+) monomers represented by a chemical formula (CR1R2)(CR3R4)(CR4R6)xO2H2S, wherein x=0 or 1; wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is independently selected from hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl moiety, and a heteroatom-containing functional group; and wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 comprises the heteroatom-containing functional group selected from an aldehyde, a maleimide, and their derivatives thereof. Also, disclosed herein are aldehyde derivatives represented by (ADOT-CH2—NH)pY and a maleimide derivative represented by (ADOT-(CH2)q—N)pZ where p=1-2 and each of Y and Z is a hydrocarbyl moiety or a biofunctional hydrocarbyl moiety. In an embodiment of the ADOT+ monomers, one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is replaced by a direct bond to an amide group, an azide group, or an ester group of a biofunctional hydrocarbyl moiety. Also, disclosed herein are polymers and copolymers made therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bio-based polysulfones, and in particular, bisguaiacol-based PSfs synthesized from (i) at least one polymerizable lignin-based monomer having a structure corresponding to formula (I) wherein each R1 is independently either an H or a methyl group, wherein R2, R3, and R4 are each individually selected from an H or a methoxy group, and (ii) at least one polymerizable 4,4?-dihalophenyl sulfone as a comonomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an algicidal composition comprising Shewanella strain IRI-160 or a filtrate of a Shewanella strain IRI-160 culture, a matrix and a medium. The Shewanella strain IRI-160 or the filtrate is immobilized to the matrix. Also provided are methods for preparing the algicidal composition and using the algicidal composition for inhibiting growth of a dinoflagellate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mono- and di-substituted tetrazines and methods of their preparation and converting an oxetanyl ester to a thio-substituted tetrazine, which is then converted to a mono-substituted tetrazine, a di-substituted tetrazine, or a vinylether disubstituted tetrazine.

Abstract: A process for additive manufacturing of a thermoset resin fiber reinforced composite comprises depositing a fiber material along a path having a direction; heating the fiber material using a heater to generate a moving thermal gradient in the fiber material trailing the heater relative to the path direction; and dispensing a thermosetting polymer material on the heated fiber material at a trailing distance the from the heater along the path. The thermosetting polymer dynamically wicks into the fiber material along the thermal gradient in the path direction.

Abstract: A composition for sequestering a pathogen, for example, viral particles of a target virus in the respiratory tract of a subject is provided. The composition comprises an effective amount of sequestering particles having a protein binding agent on the surface of the sequestering particles. The protein binding agent binds a pathogenic surface protein, for example, capsid protein on the surface of the viral particles. The sequestering particles and the target pathogen, for example, viral particles, form aggregates. Also provided is the use of the composition for sequestering a target pathogen, for example, viral particles of a target virus, in the respiratory tract of a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lubricant compositions containing 75-99% by weight of a base oil that includes one or more branched aliphatic compounds having the following formula: R1R2HC—CH2—CHR3R4 (I) wherein R1 and R3 are independently selected from alkyl groups having 8 to 26 carbon atoms, and R2 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl groups having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, with a proviso that at least one of R2 and R4 is not hydrogen. The alkyl groups are substituted or unsubstituted, or branched or unbranched; R1 and R3 may be the same or different; and the total carbon content of the branched aliphatic compound of formula (I) is in the range of 26 to 66. The lubricant compositions also include an effective amount of one or more additives. Also, disclosed herein are processes for making such compositions and their uses in pharmaceutical and personal care products.