Abstract: Single-step synthesis processes for production of ultrahigh molecular weight block copolymers are described. The ultrahigh molecular weight copolymers can have a molecular weight of about 106 or greater and can be formed within a few hours in a surfactant-free environment. The formation process is controlled by initiator-starvation conditions in a sequential polymerization of monomers exhibiting different solubility in the solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a shoot apical meristem of a cucurbit rootstock plant, comprising contacting a shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty alcohols, thereby inhibiting the growth of the shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant. The present invention further provides methods for preparing and producing cucurbit rootstock plants for grafting and methods for grafting. Additionally provided are cucurbit rootstock plants and plant parts and grafted cucurbit plants produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents front the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: Rib hook devices, systems, and methods of assembling and using the devices and systems are disclosed. The rib hook device includes a body with a first end and a second end and a rod attachment member coupled to and extending away from the second end of the body. The rib hook system includes at least one rib hook device, a first rod for engaging the at least one rib hook device, and at least one fastener for securing the first rod to the at least one rib hook device. Methods for assembling and using the rib hook devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide direct digitization and encoding of a parameter to be sensed or measured. Digitized readings are encoded into binary bits, which are acquired and handled by digital devices. An all-digital sensing device can be implemented in passive, active, or semi-passive forms, and in some embodiments includes a transducer, digitizer/encoder, reader, and transmitter. A transducer converts the parameter to be measured into a digitizable quantity, based on such as mechanical deformation, dielectric properties, or electromagnetic wave or acoustic-wave properties. A piezoelectric material transducer converts stress/pressure into resistance or voltage. A fiber-optic interferometer transducer converts pressure/temperature/PH into irradiation amplitude or wavelength shift in spectrum domain. Encoded binary or quasi-binary states are identified by a reader. Binary states have resolutions arranged according to a 2N format.

Abstract: An improved DC circuit breaker is provided for automatically detecting and isolating a fault between a source and a ground. The DC circuit breaker comprises at least one switch, in electrical series with a first inductor between the source and a load, and a second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor wherein a first side of the second inductor is electrically connected to the load and a second side of the second inductor is grounded through a capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: An improved DC circuit breaker is provided for automatically detecting and isolating a fault between a source and a ground. The DC circuit breaker comprises at least one switch, in electrical series with a first inductor between the source and a load, and a second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor wherein a first side of the second inductor is electrically connected to the load and a second side of the second inductor is grounded through a capacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods that establish a pressure differential across a tissue wall to encourage complete decellularization of the wall are described. The methods can be utilized for decellularization of blood vessel tissue including heart valves and surrounding tissues. The methods and systems can essentially completely decellularize the treated tissue segments. Systems can be utilized to decellularize one or multiple tissue segments at a single time.

Abstract: Described is an elemental analysis system and methods for use thereof that can be utilized in examination of samples in their native state. The systems utilize a liquid sampling—atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) device for ambient desorption sampling and excitation of a solid sample in combination with optical emission detection. This approach can find application across a broad spectrum of analytical challenges including metals, soils, and volume-limited samples.

Abstract: Novel synthesized amino acids of glutamine and lysine that are directly PEGylated with small, monodisperse PEGs, and a novel process for creating novel amino acid monomers using PEGylation. These amino acids are readily incorporated into peptides for a range of different applications.

Abstract: A silicon-based anode comprising silicon, a carbon coating that coats the surface of the silicon, a polyvinyl acid that binds to at least a portion of the silicon, and vinylene carbonate that seals the interface between the silicon and the polyvinyl acid. Because of its properties, polyvinyl acid binders offer improved anode stability, tunable properties, and many other attractive attributes for silicon-based anodes, which enable the anode to withstand silicon cycles of expansion and contraction during charging and discharging.

Abstract: A liquid sampling, atmospheric pressure, glow discharge (LS-APGD) device as well as systems that incorporate the device and methods for using the device and systems are described. The LS-APGD includes a hollow capillary for delivering an electrolyte solution to a glow discharge space. The device also includes a counter electrode in the form of a second hollow capillary that can deliver the analyte into the glow discharge space. A voltage across the electrolyte solution and the counter electrode creates the microplasma within the glow discharge space that interacts with the analyte to move it to a higher energy state (vaporization, excitation, and/or ionization of the analyte).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining the amount of material contained in a windrow. In particular embodiments, the methods and systems are applicable to agricultural applications, and in particular to hay yield monitoring. Systems include a remote sensing technology to determine windrow height. Remote sensing methods can include ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and the like. Systems can provide real time yield data.

Abstract: Orthotics and methods for forming orthotics are described. The orthotics can be designed with a patient-specific design and can include variation in hardness across the orthotic so as to satisfy clinical need. An orthotic can be a custom-designed orthotic formed according to an additive manufacturing process such as a 3-D printing methodology. Through utilization of on-site formation methods such as 3-D printing, an orthotic can be designed, formed and fit at the point of care in a much shorter time period than traditional orthotics. The orthotics can include a layer that includes a plurality of cells across the layer. The layer can exhibit variable hardness across the layer through variation in cell void volume and optionally material of formation across the layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoset/thermoplastic composites that include a thermoset component directly or indirectly bonded to a thermoplastic component via a crosslinked binding layer between the two. The crosslinked binding layer is bonded to the thermoplastic component via epoxy linkages and is either directly or indirectly bonded to the thermoset component via epoxy linkages. The composite can be a laminate and can provide a route for addition of a thermoplastic implant to a thermoset structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-functional particles. The particles may include poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-g-polyethylenimine (PLGA-g-PEI (PgP)), at least one targeting moiety, at least one therapeutic agent, and/or at least one nucleic acid. Also provided herein are methods of using the multi-functional particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining the amount of material contained in a windrow. In particular embodiments, the methods and systems are applicable to agricultural applications, and in particular to hay yield monitoring. Systems include a remote sensing technology to determine windrow height. Remote sensing methods can include ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and the like. Systems can provide real time yield data.

Abstract: A building framing system includes a floor portion or floor framing system, a wall portion or wall framing system, and a roof portion or roof framing system. Each framing system comprises a plurality of components. Each component defines a connection geometry for connecting one component to another. The connection geometries are such that mechanical or other similar fasteners are not required to hold the various components together; rather, the connection geometries connect the components and hold them in place with respect to one another. Further, the framing systems utilize pre-cut components such that the components of each framing system arrive onsite cut to a needed length and width and with the appropriate connection geometry.

Abstract: A refractive index device and method of making it include obtaining a glass structure comprising a plurality of nucleation sites. The glass structure is formed from a glass composition that comprises a first chemical component and a second chemical component. A crystal of the second chemical component has a different second refractive index from a first refractive index of the first chemical component. Each nucleation site defines where a crystal of the second chemical component can be grown. The method includes causing crystals of the second chemical component to grow in situ at a set of the plurality of nucleation sites in order to produce a spatial gradient of a refractive index in the glass structure.