Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for generating spectral computed tomography data for spectral X-ray image reconstruction using of pixelated k-edge apertures. A method is provided for generating a spectral computed tomography. The method includes the steps of generating a plurality of X-ray beams; encoding the plurality of X-ray beams by transmitting the plurality of beams through a pixelated K-edge coded aperture structure; detecting the encoded plurality of X-ray beams; and reconstructing a spectral CT image from the encoded plurality of X-ray beams.

Abstract: A coating head includes a coating device and at least a first flexible blade that is capable of being shaped into contact with a solvent-containing film on a substrate upon pressing the first flexible blade against the film, thereby providing contact between the blade and the film over a contact distance when the coating head is drawn over the substrate. The coating device and the blade are separated by a spacing distance such that partial loss of solvent occurs from a starting film formed on the substrate by the coating device as the coating head is drawn over the substrate, the partial solvent loss forming the solvent-containing film. A method of producing a film having a hierarchical structure includes drawing a coating head across a substrate to form on the substrate via the coating device a starting film including a solvent and a material for forming the hierarchical structure.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices including electrochemical pumps (ECPs) and fuel cell systems comprising a fuel cell and an ECP are disclosed. In particular, this electrochemical device can be an ECP that comprises an anode, a cathode and an anion exchange polymer separating the anode from the cathode. The ECP can be coupled to a hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cell (HEMFC) that is disclosed herein as a fuel cell system. These devices can be used in methods for removing carbon dioxide from air and for generating electricity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses crosslinked poly(alkylene glycol) (PAG)-based hydrogel compositions, systems containing a plurality of cancer cells in contact with a cell culture media and encapsulated in the crosslinked PAG-based hydrogel composition and methods of making such crosslinked hydrogel compositions and systems. Also disclosed herein are methods of using such compositions and systems, such as, for example for screening an agent for effectiveness of the agent against cancer cells. Also disclosed herein are kits containing one or more components including one or more systems of the present disclosure and one or more instructions.

Abstract: A method of converting a lignocellulosic biomass to monosaccharides, and optionally further converting the monosaccharides to one or both of furfural and HMF, includes contacting the biomass with a reactive liquid phase comprising LiBr, H2SO4, and water, wherein H2SO4 preferably constitutes at most 1.0 wt %, more preferably at most 0.5 wt %, and most preferably at most 0.1 wt % of the reactive liquid phase, and water preferably constitutes at most at most 60 wt %, more preferably at most 50 wt %, and most preferably at most 30 wt % of the reactive liquid phase.

Abstract: In various aspects, the processes disclosed herein may include the steps of inducing an electric field about a non-conductive substrate, and depositing functionalized nanoparticles upon the non-conductive substrate by contacting a nanoparticle dispersion with the non-conductive substrate, the nanoparticle dispersion comprising functionalized nanoparticles having an electrical charge, the electric field drawing the functionalized nanoparticles to the non-conductive substrate. In various aspects, the related composition of matter disclosed herein comprise functionalized nanoparticles bonded to a surface of a non-conductive fiber, the surface of the non-conductive fiber comprising a sizing adhered to the surface of the non-conductive fiber. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the processes, and related apparatus and compositions of matter disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: Variable flow rate fuel ejectors, and methods of use therefore, are disclosed. One variable flow rate ejector includes a primary nozzle, a needle, a motor, a first stop portion, and a first impact-absorbing portion. The primary nozzle is connected to a first inlet chamber to receive a first fluid and transmit a flow of the first fluid through the primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed to create a gap between the tapered portion of the needle and the primary nozzle opening. The motor is coupled to axially move the needle to vary a size of the gap. The first stop portion delimits the axial movement of the needle in a direction of retraction of the needle from the primary nozzle opening. The first impact-absorbing element is positioned to contact the first stop portion or the needle, respectively, when the needle is fully retracted from the primary nozzle opening.

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 process for aligning discontinuous fibers, and composite products and mats comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers, including products of the process. Aligned discontinuous fiber composite products include a matrix of fibers, each fiber having a longitudinal fiber axis, the composite comprising a free, uncut edge extending along an edge axis. The longitudinal fiber axis of a majority of the fibers in the composite product are aligned within a predetermined alignment tolerance of an alignment axis non-parallel to the edge axis. Aligned discontinuous fiber mats may have a first areal density of fibers in a first region of the composite located inward relative to the free, uncut edge, and a second area density at or adjacent to the free, uncut edge.

Abstract: A compound is provided according to structure 4, (4) wherein n has a value from 0 to 48 and Z is hydroxyl or a benzene ring bearing substituents R11-R15, wherein R1-R15 are each individually selected from the group consisting of H, allyl, alkyl, alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, halide, hydroxyl, glycidyl, (meth)acryloyl, 3-(meth)acryloyl-2-hydroxy-1-propoxy, 2,3-epoxypropyl, maleate, and structure (a) wherein at least one of R1-R5, at least one of R6-R10, and at least one of R11-R15 is hydroxyl or an ether or ester derived from it and one of the R6-R10 groups is replaced by a direct bond to the CXY group.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbe capable of growing in a medium comprising methanol is provided. The methanol contributes to a significant percentage (e.g., at least 40%) of the carbon source for the non-naturally occurring microbe, which expresses heterologous methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) and heterologous ribulose monophosphate (RuMP) pathway enzymes. Methods for producing liquid fuels and chemicals by the non-naturally occurring microbe and methods for preparing the non-naturally occurring microbe are also provided.

Abstract: Variable flow rate fuel ejectors, and methods of use therefore, are disclosed. One variable flow rate ejector includes a primary nozzle, a needle, a motor, a first stop portion, and a first impact-absorbing portion. The primary nozzle is connected to a first inlet chamber to receive a first fluid and transmit a flow of the first fluid through the primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed to create a gap between the tapered portion of the needle and the primary nozzle opening. The motor is coupled to axially move the needle to vary a size of the gap. The first stop portion delimits the axial movement of the needle in a direction of retraction of the needle from the primary nozzle opening. The first impact-absorbing element is positioned to contact the first stop portion or the needle, respectively, when the needle is fully retracted from the primary nozzle opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a subject without using a cancer biomarker. The method comprises contacting a test sample with a carbon nanotube (CNT) sponge. The test sample comprises cells from a small amount of peripheral blood from a subject after removal of plasma and lysis of erythrocytes. The cells in the test sample comprise CTCs from the subject. The CNT sponge is free of an agent specific for a cancer biomarker.

Abstract: Conformationally strained irans-cycloalkenes and derivatives thereof suitable for radiolabeling in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for delivering a polynucleotide into cells via a polyplex. The polyplex comprises the polynucleotide and a polymer. The composition comprises the polyplex, a collagen-mimetic peptide (CMP) and collagen fragments. The CMP is bound to the polyplex and the collagen fragments. Also provided are the uses of the composition in methods of delivering a polynucleotide into cells as well as methods of improving wound healing in a subject, enhancing cell proliferation in a subject, enhancing production of extracellular matrix by cells in a subject and/or enhancing cell migration by cells in a subject.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based sensor comprises a fabric, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric. The plurality of carbon nanotubes form a network in a plane of the fabric. At least two tap points are coupled to the plurality of carbon nanotubes coated on the fabric. A first of the plurality of tap points is separated from a second of the plurality of tap points, where the first and second tap points have a resistance there between. Application of a force on the fabric, from outside the plane of the fabric, causes a change in the resistance between the first and second tap points.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocomplex comprising at least one agent and a nanocarrier. The agent is bound to the nanocarrier. The nanocarrier comprises at least one cationic polymer responsive to a stimulus, at least one anionic polymer and at least one lipid. The agent is capable of being released from the nanocarrier upon exposure to the stimulus. The released agent is active. The nanocomplex may be used to deliver the agent into cells, in which the agent may be released from the nanocarrier upon exposure of the cells to the stimulus.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning discontinuous fibers, manufacturing tailored preforms, and composite materials comprised of highly aligned discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of formula (I) in which a, R1-R5 and X1 are as described herein. Also disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound and a method of using the compound for treating cancer, such as renal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioconjugate. The bioconjugate comprises a first molecule comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP), a second molecule capable of self-associating into an oligomer, and a linker connecting the first molecule with the second molecule. The bioconjugate is self-assembled into particles, which are disassembled when the temperature is increased. Also provided is a method for delivering a bioconjugate to a target matrix, comprising (a) introducing a bioconjugate self-assembled into particles to a target matrix, wherein the bioconjugate comprises a first molecule comprising an elastin-like peptide (ELP), a second molecule capable of self-associating into an oligomer, and a linker connecting the first molecule with the second molecule, and (b) increasing the temperature of the target matrix to disassemble the particles at the target matrix.