Abstract: A polymerizable unit that yields an electrochemically responsive polymer (advantageously pyrrole) is anchored by polymerization within a polycaprolactone matrix to form an electroactive scaffold upon which cells can be cultured and in which the micro- and nano-topological features of the polycaprolactone matrix are preserved. A scaffold manufactured in accordance with the preferred embodiment can support Schwann cells, which produce nerve growth factor when electrically stimulated. Nerve growth factor has been demonstrated to promote the regeneration of nerve tissue. By implanting the scaffold on which Schwann cells have been cultured into damaged nerve tissue and applying a voltage across the scaffold, nerve growth factor is produced, thereby promoting repair of the damaged nerve tissue.

Abstract: Compounds that regulate quorum sensing in Staphylococcal bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus are provided. Compounds are described in formulas I, II, III, IV, V and VI herein. One or more compounds herein can be employed to inhibit QS and to thus inhibit virulence in Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular in Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds herein and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds are useful, for example, in treating infections of Staphylococcus bacteria and in particular of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for treating such bacterial infections are provided.

Abstract: A method of delivering exosomes and other micro vesicles to a biological target includes the steps of 1) providing blood, (2) separating plasma from the provided blood, and (3) separating the solution with the exosomes therefrom, (4) encapsulating the exosomes, and (5) delivering the exosomes. The step of encapsulation may be accomplished by water bead process, alginate bead process, spray drying bead formation, or plating. The biological target may be a human or animal heart, bone/joint, wound or skin. A method of encapsulating an exosome, a method of using an encapsulated exosome, compositions including encapsulated exosomes, and an encapsulated exosome per se are also disclosed.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods for creating a desired genetic variant at a high efficiency from a seed. In one aspect, a method for creating a desired genetic variant at a high efficiency from a seed is presented. The method involves subjecting isolated pollen to a chemical mutagen to produce a first generation seed, planting the first generation seed in (n) plots to produce first generation plants, recovering mutagenized pollen from the first generation plants, pollinating a female parent with the recovered mutagenized pollen to produce a next generation seed, subjecting pollen from the next generation seed to mutagenesis to pollinate the first generation plant, resulting in a new next generation seed, planting the new next generation seed to produce a new next generation plant, and subjecting pollen from the new next generation plant to mutagenesis to pollinate the new next generation plant.

Abstract: A tunable amplifier includes continuous tunability for both frequency and power levels. The tunable amplifier includes a combination of a tunable series resonator and a multi-stage LC network as the output matching network. The tunable amplifier incorporates a variable diode varactor with high breakdown voltage and high tuning range into a tunable resonator. The tunable resonator is connected to a fixed output matching network to enable a wide range of operating frequencies. The tunable amplifier enables high power, high efficiency, broadband and load-modulated power amplification, which is greatly desired for next-generation wireless communication systems and other high-frequency applications.

Abstract: A system includes a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device coupled to the first energy storage device and charged via a charging current from the first energy storage device, a power controller having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and on which charging current instructions are stored, and a converter coupled to the processor and directed via switch control signals from the processor, and an output terminal via which power is provided to a load of the system. The converter is disposed between the first energy storage device and the output terminal. The converter is disposed between the first and second energy storage devices and configured to control a level of the charging current in accordance with the switch control signals. The charging current instructions are executed by the processor to cause the processor to generate the switch control signals such that the level of the charging current is regulated.

Abstract: A flyback converter is provided, which includes a transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, the transformer for transforming a power inputted from an input power supply and outputting the transformed power, a switching part having one end connected to the primary winding and the other end connected to the input power supply, and an auxiliary circuit including an auxiliary capacitor, and an auxiliary winding coupled to the primary winding. In addition, a clamping diode and a two-series connected switch structure is utilized for the switch stage to relieve the voltage stress of the switch. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the voltage stress of the switch and also reduce the ripple of the input current which are the causes of EMI.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to treating rotator cuff conditions (e.g., rotator cuff tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries such as partial rotator cuff tears). For example, methods and materials for using zinc or a zinc chelator to treat rotator cuff conditions are provided.

Abstract: A standardized nesting material for use in laboratory environments for rodents includes a latrining substrate, and at least one bale unit formed to include a fibrous scaffolding material, and an insulating material. The bale units are of standardized size and can be packaged and sterilized to provide improved wellbeing of the animals; reduced feed and labor costs; and improved scientific quality of the studies conducted on the animals.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a stage coupled to a bar, wherein the stage includes a first heating component on a first terminus of the stage. The stage further includes a first cooling component on a second terminus of the stage. A thermal conductivity of the stage is higher than a thermal conductivity of the bar. A heat capacity of the stage is higher than a heat capacity of the bar.

Abstract: A data-driven, object-oriented, and customizable method for visualizing a three-dimensional (3D) structure is disclosed which includes receiving a model-based data file including instantiation of elements of a structure, identifying one or more instances of one or more objects, providing data associated with the plurality of polygons for the object geometry to a visualization engine, providing data associated with the plurality of polygons for the object placement information to the visualization engine, providing data associated with the plurality of polygons for the object color and transparency information to the visualization engine, providing data associated with the plurality of polygons for the object functional information to the visualization engine, generating a 3D model of the object based on the plurality of polygons, and outputting a rendering of the 3D model for displaying on a digital display.

Abstract: Devices and systems relating to external gear machines that comprise microsurface shaping on the lateral surfaces of the gear teeth and/or bushing surfaces are provided. Such microsurface shaping may comprise a flat step to linear wedge profile, a flat step to flat step profile, or solely a linear wedge profile. The incorporation of microsurface shaping on the gear teeth and/or bushing plates contributes to improving the lubrication performance within the external gear machine and provides significant benefits, including the improvement of operating efficiency, life, and reliability of the system components. Methods for manufacturing the gear teeth and related bushings are also provided, the methods configured to optimize the overall axial balance within the system.

Abstract: Modulation of quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly strains of Pseudomonas which form biofilms, by compounds including those of formula I and formula II: where: AR is optionally substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl or heterocyclic, and R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, or alkylthioalkyl or alkyl substituted at the omega position with optionally substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexenyl. In particular compounds inhibit quorum sensing and biofilm formation.

Abstract: Provided is a bacterial strain which produces a family of mosquitocidal toxins, Xenorhabdus MT, on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection, PTA-6826, insecticidal compositions comprising the mosquitocidal toxin(s) produced by Xenorhabdus MT, a mosquitocidal toxin preparation prepared from spent culture medium, whole culture or cells or a mixture thereof, of Xenorhabdus MT and method of insect control, especially mosquito control. Also provided are microbial compounds (same as mosquitocidal toxins) compositions comprising them and use in formulating therapeutic and other antimicrobial compositions, and methods of use for inhibiting microbial growth and for treating infection.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to filter media useful for manufacturing air filters for residential and commercial office's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), particularly to filters and filter media comprising soybean-based materials. The present invention provides an inexpensive, effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable media for manufacturing HVAC air filters for residential and commercial buildings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-emission-layer material comprising: a novel polycyclic aromatic compound (1) in which a plurality of aromatic rings are linked by a boron atom and a nitrogen atom; and a specific anthracene-based compound (3) that achieves optimum light-emission characteristics in combination with said polycyclic aromatic compound. With this light-emission-layer material having optimum light-emission characteristics, it is possible to provide an excellent organic EL element. Ring A to ring C are an aryl ring or the like, X is a group represented by formula (3-X1), formula (3-X2), or formula (3-X3), and Ar1 to Ar4 are phenyl, a group represented by formula (4), or the like.

Abstract: A device for measuring a radiation dose according to the present invention includes a radiation exposure unit which exposes radiation, a frame unit which supports the radiation exposure unit, a measurement housing unit which is mounted on the frame unit, a scintillation unit which is mounted on the measurement housing unit and emits light due to the radiation exposed by the radiation exposure unit, an image capturing unit which captures an image of the scintillation unit, and a dose measuring unit which measures, on the basis of the captured image obtained by the image capturing unit, a dose of radiation to which the scintillation unit is exposed.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing mammals (e.g., humans) for arthritis. For example, methods and materials for assessing a mammal's gut microbial diversity to identify the mammal as having arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) are provided. This document also provides methods and materials involved in treating arthritis.

Abstract: This document describes devices for mitigating or eliminating alopecia (hair loss) resulting from chemotherapy treatments and methods for their use. For example, this document describes headband devices that deliver localized pressure to portions of the patient's scalp to cause physical obstructions of scalp arterial circulation to mitigate alopecia. In some embodiments, localized pressure is exerted on frontal arteries, temporal arteries, and/or occipital arteries to reduce the blood flows therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides modified griffithsin polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as corresponding nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion proteins, constructs, conjugates, and methods of inhibiting viral infection.