Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mild, efficient, and general direct C(sp)-H bond silylation. Various embodiments includes methods, each method comprising or consisting essentially of contacting at least one organic substrate comprising a terminal alkynyl C—H bond, with a mixture of at least one organosilane and an alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal alkoxide, or alkali metal hydride under conditions sufficient to form a silylated terminal alkynyl moiety. The methods are operable in the presence or substantially absence of transition-metal compounds. The systems associated with these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spectroscopic apparatus and methods incorporating a gas sensor configured to detect low concentration gases, including gases that are hazardous volatiles are provided. Low concentration gases can comprise gases where detection of concentrations on the order of parts-per-million (ppm), and in many embodiments part-per-billion (ppb) is required. The gas may be a species, such as, for example hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that may be produced in drilling and/or volcanic eruptions. The spectroscopic apparatus and methods are configured to operate in particular atmospheres where gas detection can be challenging, such as in ambient air and/or in space where various contaminants may be present. The spectroscopic apparatus and methods may incorporate a long path length detector, such as, for example, a cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer. The methods and apparatus further incorporate a wavelength modulation technique to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of nucleic acid analyte detection by PCR. In particular, methods and kits for the detection of a plurality of nucleic acid analytes and the generation of kinetic signatures are provided. Further provided are methods and kits of nested PCR and PCR using limiting primers.

Abstract: A dual-comb optical-frequency comb generator includes a tunable comb-generating laser, a coarse-comb generator, a fine-comb generator, a second harmonic generator, a coarse-comb offset photodetector, a dual-comb offset photodetector, and a fine-comb photodetector. The coarse comb is self-referencing and coupled to the fine comb so as to enable absolute determination of the frequencies of the fine comb.

Abstract: Buoyant sensor networks are described, comprising floating buoys with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities. The buoys can control their buoyancy and motion, and can organize communication in a distributed fashion. Some buoys may have tethered underwater vehicles with a smart spooling system that allows the vehicles to dive deep underwater while remaining in communication and connection with the buoys.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits for the multiplexed detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits wherein multiple analytes may be detected in a single sample volume by acquiring a cumulative measurement or measurements of at least one quantifiable component of a signal. In some cases, additional components of a signal, or additional signals (or components thereof) are also quantified. Each signal or component of a signal may be used to construct a coding scheme which can then be used to determine the presence or absence of any analyte.

Abstract: Ooids, microabrasive compositions containing ooids and methods of making microabrasive compositions containing ooids are described. Generally, ooids represent small particles, which are selectable for size, size distribution, and other characteristics and can be used as a microabrasive particle. Ooids generally show a high level of symmetry, sphericity, roundness and a low aspect ratio. As described here, these characteristics generally yield a predictable and highly effective abrasive.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating an intramolecular reaction that occurs in single collisions of CO2 molecules (or their derivatives amenable to controllable acceleration, such as CO2+ ions) with a solid surface, such that molecular oxygen (or its relevant analogs, e.g., O2+ and O2? ions) is directly produced are provided. The reaction is driven by kinetic energy and is independent of surface composition and temperature. The methods and apparatus may be used to remove CO2 from Earth's atmosphere, while, in other embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be used to prevent the atmosphere's contamination with CO2 emissions. In yet other embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be used to obtain molecular oxygen in CO2-rich environments, such as to facilitate exploration of extraterrestrial bodies with CO2-rich atmospheres (e.g. Mars).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mild, efficient, and general direct C(sp2)-H bond silylation of terminal olefins. Various embodiments includes methods, each method comprising or consisting essentially of contacting at least one organic substrate comprising a terminal olefinic C—H bond, with a mixture of at least one organosilane, organosilane, or mixture thereof and an alkali metal alkoxide or alkali metal hydroxide, such that the contacting results in the formation of a silylated olefinic product. The systems associated with these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water purification anode has a first semiconductor contacting a second semiconductor at a heterojunction. The second semiconductor includes TiO2 and excludes bismuth and niobium. The first semiconductor includes iridium. In some instances, the anode includes a current collector in direct physical contact with the first semiconductor. The anode can be arranged in water such that at least one face of the second semiconductor is in direct physical contact with the water.

Abstract: An optical phased array (OPA) receiver selectively detects, measures and differentiates between the amplitudes and directions of signals received from different directions. Because the OPA changes the direction that it looks toward electronically and without the use of any mechanical movements, the OPA is fast, has an enhanced sensitivity, and can be used in a wide variety applications, such as lens-free imaging systems. The OPA is adapted to dynamically control the array of optical elements and focus on the area of interest. The OPA achieves a higher numerical aperture compared to imaging systems that use conventional lens, thereby effectively maintaining a relatively large field of view and collection area concurrently. The OPA may be readily scaled by increasing its array size. Furthermore, because the OPA is relatively flat, it is ideally suited for small form factor applications such as cell phones and tablets.

Abstract: Described herein are filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular filtration membranes with polymeric micro/nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix formed by a porous polymeric aggregate, a bicomposite membrane including a plurality of nanofibers and/or microfibers attached to a polymer matrix formed by a porous polymeric aggregate comprising polymeric nanoparticles, and related compositions, methods, and systems.

Abstract: A lens-less digital holographic microscope, a reflective digital holographic microscope, and a digital holographic microscope including a plurality of lenses. In one example, the digital holographic microscope includes a single mode fiber collimated light source which provides illumination for both the ‘science’ and ‘reference’ arms, a pair of microscope objectives located side-by side, and illuminated by the common beam, a relay lens whose center is between the two objectives, and a focal plane element where the interference pattern is measured.

Abstract: A polymer or other substrate optimized for growing cells is described, which takes the form of a micro-thin bag with gas permeable sides. Sides of the bag can be held at a fixed distance from one another with a multitude of tiny micropillars or other spacers extending between them, keeping the bag at a predetermined thickness and preventing the bag from collapsing and the sides from sticking together. In other embodiments, the sides may be held apart by gas pressure alone. A 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m parylene or other biocompatible coating over the bag outsides controls the permeability of the bag material and provides a bio-safe area for cell growth. An alternate configuration uses open-cell foam with skins coated with a biocompatible coating. Tubes going into multiple bags can be connected to a manifold that delivers gaseous oxygen or removes carbon dioxide and other waste gases.

Abstract: An enhanced stethoscope device and method for operating the enhanced stethoscope are provided. The enhanced stethoscope device generally operates by providing stethoscope sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and other sensors to obtain a series of measurements about a subject. The series of measurements may be correlated, such as by machine learning, to extract clinically relevant information. Also described are systems and methods for ultrasonic beamsteering by interference of an audio signal with an ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A superconducting composition of matter including overlapping first and second regions. The regions comprise unit cells of a solid, the first region comprises an electrical insulator or semiconductor, and the second region comprises a metallic electrical conductor. The second region extends through the solid and a subset of said second region comprise surface metal unit cells that are adjacent to at least one unit cell from the first region. The ratio of the number of said surface metal unit cells to the total number of unit cells in the second region being at least 20 percent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for Raman spectroscopy and context imaging are disclosed. One or two lasers can be used to excite Raman scattering in a sample, while a plurality of LEDs can illuminate the sample at a different wavelength. The LED light is collected by a lenslet array in order to enable a high depth of field. Focusing of the image can be carried out at specific points of the image by processing the light collected by the lenslet array.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an optical sensor layer including a plurality of light-sensitive cells configured to sense light to generate electrical signals, and a color filter array layer disposed on the optical sensor layer and including a plurality of color filters respectively facing the plurality of light-sensitive cells. Each of the plurality of color filters includes a nanostructure in which a first material having a first refractive index and a second material having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index are arranged. The first material and the second material are alternatively positioned at an interval less than a central wavelength of a color of the color filter. Thus, a thin image sensor having good wavelength selectivity and suitable for obtaining high resolution images is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for rapid assembly of genetic modules, as well as seamless transition from in vitro to in vivo testing of genetic constructs.