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.

Abstract: The present invention provides alkyl substituted polysaccharide compositions and methods of repairing substrates involving use of the alkyl substituted polysaccharide compositions.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining purified lignin and the lignin that can be obtained by the methods are described. Methods include processing pretreated lignocellulosic biomass feedstock to recover the lignin and provide a lignin composition with a very low level of impurities such as metals and ash. In addition, the lignin recovered from the process can have a narrow molecular weight distribution and, depending upon the specific stages utilized in the process, can have a predetermined molecular weight. The process includes one or more separation stages in which a lignin-containing feedstock is mixed with a solvent solution. The mixture fractionates to form a solvent-rich liquid phase and a lignin-rich liquid phase, the lignin being partitioned across the phases according to the molecular weight of the lignin. Furthermore, the metal salts of the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass feedstock also partition across the phases.

Abstract: A plant propagation system is described that can be utilized for micropropagation through early stages of plant development. A system can include multiple plant support matrices, containers for the matrices, and optionally a tool for separating sections of a plant support matrix from the remainder of the matrix. During use developing plant tissue can be transferred between matrices and growth media can be varied with little or no damage to developing plant tissue and lower chances for contamination of the developing plant tissues.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing biofouling of membranes utilized in water treatment processes (i.e., water treatment membranes) are described. Methods include X-ray excitation of luminescent materials capable of emitting in the violet to UV range (e.g., from about 180 nm to about 440 nm). X-rays are directed at water treatment modules to contact the luminescent materials within the modules and excite internal violet/UV to prevent biofouling of membranes. The methods can be utilized in conjunction with existing processing equipment and can prevent biofouling of water treatment membranes in high volume treatment processes in an environmentally friendly fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants having increased tolerance to cold and altered flowering characteristics. Also provided are methods and compositions for producing said transgenic plants.

Abstract: A silicon-based anode comprises an alginate-containing binder. The many carboxy groups of alginate bind to a surface of silicon, creating strong, rigid hydrogen bonds that withstand battery cycling. The alginate-containing binder provides good performance to the anode by (1) improving the capacity of the anode in comparison to other commercially-available binders, (2) improving Columbonic efficiency during charging and discharging cycles, and (3) improving stability during charging and discharging cycles.

Abstract: Tissue holders that can be used for gripping natural or synthetic heart valves are described. The tissue holder can include a clamping mechanism and a spring and can be self-adjusting with regard to pressure applied to the tissue gripped in the holder. The tissue holder can be removably attached to systems for processing the tissues and can provide completely hands-free processing of a tissue from development or excisement to implantation and/or completion of testing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automated adjustment of a digging implement during harvest of underground crops are described. Utilizing the devices, a digging implement, e.g., a blade, can be located and maintained at a desired depth as a harvester travels across a field. During use, the digging implement depth controls can be varied as the harvester travels within a single field under different operating conditions, e.g., different soil friability, consistency, etc., thereby preventing crop loss and improving crop yield.

Abstract: Invention is directed to a method of extruding an omni-phobic filament comprising: extruding a co-polymer filament having a first polymer at a core having generally a circular cross-section, and a second polymer disposed at a perimeter of the core wherein the second polymer is dissolvable; creating channels disposed at the perimeter of the core by dissolving the second polymer; creating trapezoidal cross-section features having a distal angle less than 70°, a top edge greater than a side length and a bottom length less than the side length; and adding nano-sized particles to at least one of the top edge and one or more sides or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.