Abstract: Foams and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. The foams can be free-standing and rigid and can be used as, for example, nanofiller networks. The shape and size of the foam pore interconnected network can be tailorable/tailored. The foams can be, for example, transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) foams with a layered structure (e.g., tungsten sulfide (WS2) foams). A freeze-drying-based method can be used to fabricate bulk porous foam, which can be used for, e.g., polymer nanocomposites. A vacuum-assisted infiltration procedure can be used to fabricate a foam-polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: The subject invention provides oligo(carbamoylated guanidine)s (OCGs) having fast and selective mycobactericidal effects via disruption of the mycobacterial membrane potential. OCGs also potentiates bedaquiline, an oxidative phosphorylation-targeting anti-TB drug. The combination of OCG and anti-TB drug can be used as an effective therapy for treating tuberculosis.

Abstract: The subject invention provides oligo(carbamoylated guanidine)s (OCGs) having fast and selective mycobactericidal effects via disruption of the mycobacterial membrane potential. OCGs also potentiates bedaquiline, an oxidative phosphorylation-targeting anti-TB drug. The combination of OCG and anti-TB drug can be used as an effective therapy for treating tuberculosis.

Abstract: Antenna arrays with three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiating elements are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing and methods of using the same. An array can include a ground plane and a plurality of unit cells disposed thereon. Each unit cell can include a 3D conformal radiating element. The 3D conformal radiating elements can be, for example, patches (e.g., circular 3D patches), dipoles, or loops, and each radiating element is conformal on a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: Antenna arrays, antenna elements for said arrays, and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. Antenna arrays can be operated at multiple frequencies, such as at two different frequencies for Radio Detection And Ranging (RADAR) communication and for imaging applications. Each antenna element can include a driven patch that is excited directly and a parasitic patch that is excited by the driven patch.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancers such as melanomas. The subject invention provides biomarkers and methods for assessing the severity of a cancer/tumor and for monitoring the progressing of a cancer/tumor. The subject invention also provides therapeutic targets in cancer for developing anti-cancer therapies.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, device and/or method for electrical label-free detection of single molecule via a glass or quartz nanopipette biosensor, one type of solid state nanopore biosensor based on resistive pulse measurements, are provided. The method of the subject invention effectively slows down the motion of biomolecules and concentrates them at the nanopipette tip. By driving biomolecules to come out of the nanopipette barrel and move in the fibrin hydrogel, unprecedented sensitivity using the typical size nanopipettes can be achieved. Small molecules such as doxorubicin, ATP, GTP, and short peptides can be easily detected with very high event rate, which greatly reduces the fabrication and measurement difficulties and open opportunities for various new applications for nanopipette biosensors.

Abstract: High-entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics (HE-UHTC) coatings deposited on substrates, as well methods for depositing the HE-UHTC coatings on the substrates, are provided. An HE-UHTC electrode can be fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) and then a thin coating of the HE-UHTC can be deposited in a precision-controlled manner on a substrate via an electro-spark deposition process.

Abstract: A trap accessory for attachment to a marine trap that facilitates release of by-catch. A buoyant recovery buoy is operably attached to a trap frame secured to the marine trap. Components for operably attaching the recovery buoy to the trap frame include a latch and attachment components, of which at least one of these components is a Degradable Metal (DM). The DM maintains the integrity of the trap and trap accessory for a pre-determined time, typically 1 year or less. When one or more of the DM components are sufficiently degraded, the recovery buoy is released to open a slot through which animals can escape. A buoy line connected to the trap frame maintains connection between the marine trap and the recovery buoy, which assists in recovery of the marine trap.

Abstract: Stacked magnetic cores that can achieve high density with a small footprint are provided. A stacked magnetic core can include a plurality of magnetic films with an adhesive film between each magnetic film and the adjacent magnetic film(s). That is, the magnetic films and adhesive films can be disposed in an alternating fashion. Each adhesive film can be a dielectric/insulating film such that each magnetic film is electrically insulated from every other magnetic film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating routes taking into consideration user preferences for scenery, in addition to or alternatively to time, distance, and/or cost are provided. User preferences for scenery during a trip from one location to another can be quantified and used to augment standard routing methods by giving weight to scenic quality. For example, a weighting triangle can be used, where a user chooses a balanced weighting of three factors, including scenic quality, before a route from the starting location to the destination is generated.

Abstract: Biosensors capable of detecting certain biomarkers (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)), as well as methods of fabricating the same and methods of using the same, are provided. The biosensors can be disposable and/or label-free. Electrochemical bipolar exfoliation can be used to exfoliate, reduce, and deposit (in a single step) graphene nanosheets on a desired substrate (e.g., an electrode). Affinity aptamers can be immobilized on the graphene nanosheets disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: Biosensors capable of detecting certain biomarkers (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)), as well as methods of fabricating the same and methods of using the same, are provided. The biosensors can be disposable and/or label-free. Electrochemical bipolar exfoliation can be used to exfoliate, reduce, and deposit (in a single step) graphene nanosheets on a desired substrate (e.g., an electrode). Affinity aptamers can be immobilized on the graphene nanosheets disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: Systems, architectures, devices, and methods for matching experimentally acquired mass spectrometry data with a peptide database are provided. The system architecture can include a host central processing unit (CPU) system, a bridge connecting the CPU system with a core control register (or registers), a plurality of processing elements (PEs), and a bus arbiter. The PEs can execute the computations in a parallel and asynchronous manner. The bus arbiter can be a first-come first-serve (FCFS)-based bus arbiter (i.e., can utilize an FCFS-based arbitration scheme).

Abstract: High-entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics (HE-UHTC) coatings deposited on substrates, as well methods for depositing the HE-UHTC coatings on the substrates, are provided. An HE-UHTC electrode can be fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) and then a thin coating of the HE-UHTC can be deposited in a precision-controlled manner on a substrate via an electro-spark deposition process.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of prostate cancers, preferably, advanced prostate cancers. The subject invention also provides compounds, compositions, and methods for preventing/slowing down/reducing the progress and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. The subject invention further provides compounds, compositions, and methods for inhibiting DNA repair within cancer cells to slow tumor growth, preferably, by inhibiting BER capacity, including pol ? and LIG I.

Abstract: Dual-band antenna systems and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. A tunable dual-polarization (left-hand circular polarized (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarized (RHCP)) antenna can be used both for L-band (1.215 gigahertz (GHz)-1.85 GHz) and Ka-band (32.3 GHz-34.2 GHz) operation. The antenna system can be an embedded antenna system, which can be used for 3U CubeSats, with full polarization diversity able to operate in two widely spaced frequency bands (L-band and Ka-band) of the spectrum. The antenna system can include three layers, including a top substrate, a bottom substrate, and a ground plane disposed between the top substrate and the bottom substrate.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a completely new pile splicing system called Grouted Sleeve Coupler Splice (GSCS) for Precast Concrete Piles (PCPs) as an innovative alternative splicing method for connecting driven PCP segments. The provided splicing method is applicable for preplanned situations and provides a durable, labor-friendly, rapid, and economical foundation construction method. In this system, to improve the structural performance, the entire sleeve coupler and a portion of the dowels are partially debonded in short lengths from surrounding concrete. This connection system is novel in conjunction with PCPs and for connecting separate precast pile segments. The provided system offers a completely unique and new method of connecting and splicing PCP segments and other prismatic prefabricated piles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to simulate, approximate, or replicate conditions similar to concrete elements being placed under pressures equivalent to several hundred feet of ocean water and to provide information useful to assess relative durability of concrete without coring or other destructive actions. The quality of concrete can be assessed by measuring the pressure drop of water or other liquid to ingress through the concrete surface under high pressure over time. A rapid assessment of quality of existing concrete is provided. Systems and methods can efficiently assess long term durability of existing concrete elements such as those used in midrise buildings, parking garages, bridge decks, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time continuous monitoring of fuel cell membrane degradation are provided. At least one microsensor can be used as an inline sensor integrated at the cathode exhaust and/or the anode exhaust of a fuel cell, such as a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)). The microsensor can monitor the PEMFC degradation status by sensing the emission of fluoride.