Abstract: Provided is a biological specimen holder for positioning multiple specimens for imaging by a light-sheet microscope. The specimen holder allows developing plant embryos, small intact animals, or organs to be imaged in the light-sheet microscope in a single setting. The specimen holders significantly improve the imaging conditions with respect to the standard glass capillary system. Also provided is a semi-automatic image processing pipeline that quantifies cell divisions of plants imaged with both the glass capillary and the novel chambers. Plants imaged using the specimen holder undergo cell divisions for a period at least 16 times longer than those imaged with a glass capillary system and allow increased sample throughput and the option of incorporating light emitting diode (LED) lights to generate a light-controlled environment are also advantages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intrinsically self-healing composite based upon in situ thermal remendability of an embedded polymeric interphase. The fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material may incorporate a thermoset polymer with a defined glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or a thermoplastic material of amorphous or semi-crystalline nature. The polymeric interphase can be incorporated as a plurality of particles, fibers, meshes, films, or 3D-printed structures. The self-healing composite includes a resistive heating component as a structural element that minimizes electrical energy demand and impact on mechanical integrity. Healing occurs in situ via resistive heating and can be enabled below, at, or above the glass-transition temperature of the FRC matrix, demonstrating viability for in-service repair under sustained loads. In addition to providing rapid healing functionality, the polymeric interphase increases inherent resistance to interlaminar fracture.

Abstract: Methods of entrapping enzymes in chitosan matrices using mild conditions, such as methods that are compatible with the entrapment of acid-sensitive and/or heat sensitive enzymes, are described. The methods can provide biocatalytic materials with high chitosan to enzyme mass ratios where one or more enzymes can remain active and stably entrapped in the chitosan matrix for many months and/or after repeated washings. Also described are materials including a solid chitosan matrix having at least one enzyme stably entrapped therein, including fabrics, textiles and other flexible materials at least partially coated with one or more layer of the solid chitosan matrix having at least one enzyme stably entrapped therein and the use of the materials as biocatalyst systems, for example in biogas upgrading and other applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring micro-architectural properties of vascular networks are described herein. An example method can include injecting an ultrasound contrast agent into a medium, and transmitting a plurality of acoustic pulses into the medium using a ultrasound transducer array. Each respective acoustic pulse can be transmitted from one or more elements of the ultrasound transducer array. The method can also include receiving a plurality of backscattered signals with the ultrasound transducer array in response to each respective acoustic pulse, and obtaining a response matrix including the backscattered signals. The method can further include extracting a coherent or incoherent contribution to the backscattered signals from the response matrix, and quantifying a property of a vascular network based on the coherent or incoherent contribution to the backscattered signals.

Abstract: A structure for emitting light is provided. The structure comprises an emissive layer (EML) positioned between electrodes. The EML is tuned such that emission of a transverse electric (TE) waveguide mode from the EML is promoted. The structure further comprises an optical component for diffracting the TE waveguide mode to emit light from the structure.

Abstract: Injectable biophotonic sensors, systems relating to biophotonic sensors, and methods of using the injectable biophotonic sensors and systems are described. Methods and devices for delivering injectable biophotonic sensors to a subject are described. In an embodiment, an injectable biophotonic sensor comprises a printed circuit board (PCB); a light source; a first sensing element; a second sensing element; a receiver device or a induction coil; and an outer casing, wherein the first sensing element, the second sensing element, and the receiver device or the receiver induction coil are coupled to the PCB.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of an improved method to differentiate histiocytic malignancy from lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is an agricultural composition comprising nanoparticles, an agrochemical active ingredient in the nanoparticles, and optionally (but in some embodiments preferably) a carrier for the nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are viral particles or capsids, particularly plant viral particles or capsids. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises an inert or biodegradable carrier (e.g., a solid carrier) to which the nanoparticles are bound or in which the nanoparticles are suspended. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises inert or biodegradable polymer fibers.

Abstract: Described herein are functionalized garments that can be worn on the torso of a subject and can be configured with varying zones or areas of compressions and can provide increased signal-to-noise ratios and reduced motion artifacts in areas while allowing a substantially unimpeded freedom of motion.

Abstract: A variety of agricultural spacer fabrics/textiles are provided that protect plants from insect penetration while allowing for light and air penetration, and methods of use. The textiles can be used alone or in conjunction with agents such as insecticides, insect repellants, and fungicides. The agricultural textile can have an outermost fabric layer, an innermost fabric layer, and a plurality of filaments connecting the outermost fabric layer and the innermost fabric layer.

Abstract: Provided are 2-aminoimidazole-phenyl derivative compounds of Formula (I): which compounds are useful in methods of controlling microbial growth, such as by enhancing the effects of an antibiotic administered in combination with the compound. Compositions including these compounds, devices including these compounds, and methods of using the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the play value of a playground, the challenge level of a playground, or both. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may propose modifications to a playground that would result in an effective and efficient increase in the play value of the playground, a desired increase or decrease in the challenge level of the playground, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the methods and systems may be configured to provide comparisons of various playgrounds in order to determine which playgrounds are of greatest play value. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be incorporated into software that is configured for the design of playgrounds.

Abstract: Provided are stem cell biomimetic microparticles comprised of at least one stem cell-derived paracrine polypeptide or growth factor embedded in a polymer core particle that further comprises an outer layer of at least one fragment of a cell membrane of a stem cell disposed on the core particle. The polymer core may be constituted of any biocompatible and biodegradable polymer or copolymer, or a combination thereof that allows the embedding of the paracrine factors and their prolonged release from the core. The core and hence the microparticles can be biodegradable, allowing eventual elimination from the recipient animal or human subject. The core particles are sized to allow both transport through blood vessels and extravasation from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. The core particle may further include at least one polypeptide or peptide growth factor to induce the generation and proliferation of a population of stem cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a computing device, a system, and method for performing a spreadsheet recalculation algorithm. In one embodiment, the computing device includes an electronic processor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor. The memory includes Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) data having a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes having at least one of a constant value or one or more inputs, and program instructions. The program instructions, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to change the plurality of nodes, and update one or more affected nodes of the plurality of nodes based on the change to the plurality of nodes, the one or more affected nodes being less than all of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: Non-human animal compression therapy devices and methods. In some embodiments, the compression therapy devices includes one or more sleeves, each of the one or more sleeves being configured to fit a limb of a non-human animal, and each of the one or more sleeves comprising one or more inflatable chambers; and a controllable air source operably connected with the one or more inflatable chambers and configured to controllably inflate and deflate the one or more inflatable chambers. In some embodiments, at least one cycle of inflating and deflating of the one or more chambers starts by inflating the most distal chamber. In some embodiments, the compression therapy is given to eliminate or ease suffering from a disease or disorder or a sporting or work-related injury.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of diagnosing a Pseudoperonospora cubensis infection in a cucurbit plant, comprising detecting at least one nucleotide sequence selected from the group of nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-52, or any combination thereof, in a sample from a cucurbit plant or in an environmental sample, thereby diagnosing a P. cubensis infection. Also provided is a method of selecting a cucurbit plant comprising at least one resistance gene, the method comprising introducing into the cucurbit plant a nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-52, wherein the expression of the nucleotide sequence produces a hypersensitive response in a cucurbit plant comprising a resistance gene, thereby identifying the cucurbit plant as comprising a resistance gene; and selecting the plant having the hypersensitive response and identified as comprising said resistance gene.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Berberis thunberghii plant named ‘NCBT3’ is disclosed, characterized by a strongly upright habit and colorful orange-red foliage with gold margins. The new variety is a Berberis, typically produced as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rhododendron plant named ‘NCRX9’ is disclosed, characterized by a compact habit, and pink flowers in spring that rebloom in early fall. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘NC2014-5’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its profusion of light-purplish-pink-colored flowers. Small, green colored foliage which aligns in an attractive overlapping pattern along the stem is formed and moderately slow growing, upright, dwarf growth habit is displayed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Rhododendron plant named ‘NCRX11’ is disclosed, characterized by a prostrate, dwarf habit, and pink double flowers in spring that rebloom in early fall. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.