Abstract: The invention provides processes for marker assisted selection of common beans expressing volatile compounds that provide flavor traits associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or sequences flanking SNPs, as well as allele-specific oligo sequence primers configured to anneal to related SNPs and to report the presence or absence of SNPs with fluorescent signals using a PCR assay, a KASP assay (i.e., modified PCR assay), or other molecular marker assay, e.g., SSR, capable of identifying the presence or absence of SNPs and/or portions of flanking sequences of the SNPs, all of which enhances selection efficiency in common bean breeding strategies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition comprising at least one cellulose material (such as a cellulose nanomaterial) and an optional inorganic salt component. Some embodiments of the composition can further comprise additional components, with some embodiments further comprising a non-starch polysaccharide (e.g., methyl cellulose carboxymethyl cellulose or other cellulose derivative, chitosan, or the like), a surfactant, a plasticizer, an antimicrobial component, or any combination thereof. The disclosed compositions are useful for forming edible coatings/films on plants, plant parts, and other objects. The disclosed compositions and coatings/films made using the compositions are effective at protecting fresh and processed produce and other substances and products, from various different types of food processing damage (and the deleterious effects associated therewith).

Abstract: Provided are antisense oligomers targeted against or genes associated with a biochemical pathway and/or cellular process, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions to treat an infected mammalian subject, for example, as primary antimicrobials or as adjunctive therapies with classic antimicrobials.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hop plant cultivar named ‘OR91331’ is disclosed, characterized by having an early mature date, resistance to downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli [Miyabe & Takah.] G. W. Wilson) and powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis [Walk.] U. Braun & S. Takam); vigorous with high yield potential; high alpha acids ; high oil content; and high amounts of some essential oil components implicated in driving beer flavor and aroma such as myrcene, cymene, methyl heptanoate, linalool, citronellol, and terpineol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition for use in forming films or coatings that prevent damage in foodstuffs, including plants, fruits, and vegetables. The disclosed compositions comprise a cellulose nanomaterial and can further comprise a nanoscale mineral compound and one or more additional components. Also disclosed are films or coatings made using the disclosed compositions, as well as methods for making the disclosed compositions and methods for using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating autoimmune disease includes administering an effective amount of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand. The AhR ligand includes 11-Cl-BBQ, 10-Cl-BBQ, an analog of 11-Cl-BBQ, or combination thereof. The AhR ligand is administered topically, orally, transdermally, intravenously, subcutaneously, or with a nanoparticle. The AhR ligand induces regulatory T cells (AhR-Tregs). AhR-Treg cells block the differentiation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). The AhR ligand activates AhR in CD4+ T cells to induce CD4+ AhR-Tregs that suppress the development of effector CTL, thereby suppressing the development of CTL that attack host cells in graft versus host disease (GVHD) or ?-cells in the pancreas in diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM). The AhR ligand can also suppress development of CTL independently of Foxp3+ regulatory T cell induction. The AhR ligand can therefore be used to treat autoimmune diseases characterized by an absence of functional Foxp3+ regulatory T cell.

Abstract: A heat and mass exchange (HMX) device comprising a plurality of membranes arranged in a stack. Adjacent membranes are separated from one another by an airflow channel Each membrane of the stack comprises an array of integrated support structures that extend into the airflow channel and to the second membrane. The support structures comprise an adhesive material that is bonded to each membrane. The support structures divide the airflow channels into subchannels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of sensor devices comprising a sensing component able to determine the presence of, detect, and/or quantify detectable species in a variety of environments and applications. The sensing components disclosed herein can comprise MOF materials, plasmonic nanomaterials, redox-active molecules, a metal, or any combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, optical properties of the plasmonic nanomaterials and/or the redox-active molecules combined with MOF materials can be monitored directly to detect analyte species through their impact on external conditions surrounding the material or as a result of charge transfer to and from the plasmonic nanomaterial and/or the redox-active molecule as a result of interactions with the MOF material.

Abstract: An amorphous thin film stack can include a first layer including a combination metals or metalloids including: 5 at % to in 90 at % of a metalloid; 5 at % to 90 at % of a first metal and a second metal independently selected from titanium, vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, tantalum, tungsten, osmium, iridium, or platinum. The three elements may account for at least 70 at % of the amorphous thin film stack. The stack can further include a second layer formed on a surface of the first layer. The second layer can be an oxide layer, a nitride layer, or a combination thereof. The second layer can have an average thickness of 10 angstroms to 200 microns and a thickness variance no greater than 15% of the average thickness of the second layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of compounds that can be used to target glutathione to various target sites, such as cells, mitochondria, and other organelles. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for making and using the compounds. In particular disclosed embodiments, the compounds can be used to treat, ameliorate, and/or prevent diseases or conditions associated with low or reduced glutathione levels, as well as other types of diseases/conditions.

Abstract: An amorphous thin metal film can include a combination of metals or metalloids including: 5 at % to 74 at % of a metalloid selected from the group of carbon, silicon, and boron; 5 at % to 74 at % of a first metal; 5 at % to 74 at % of a second metal; and 5 at % to 70 at % of a dopant. The first and second metals can be independently selected from the group of titanium, vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, osmium, iridium, or platinum, wherein the first metal and the second metal can be different metals. The dopant can be selected from the group of oxygen, nitrogen, or combinations thereof. The metalloid, first metal, second metal, and dopant can account for at least 70 at % of the amorphous thin metal film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of fluidic devices that can be used to detect the presence (or absence) of analytes in samples by providing separate and distinct chromatographic signals for particular analytes. The fluidic devices described herein are highly sensitive and user-friendly. Methods of making and using the disclosed fluidic devices also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A physical layout for a circuit using amorphous metal non-linear resistors as active devices for an in-plane switching liquid crystal display sub-pixel is provided. The lower interconnect of the two amorphous metal non-linear resistors and the lower electrode of the storage capacitor may be concurrently deposited and patterned. The area of the storage capacitor is defined by the overlap of the data signal inter-connect and the storage capacitor lower electrode, which is easily modified through the size of the lower electrode and/or the size of the data signal interconnect where it overlaps the lower electrode and does not degrade the aperture ratio of the pixel. Two embodiments of sub-pixel circuits are described. One, which employs a select line bridge, enables the use of full dot inversion of the image data. The second only allows row inversion of the image data.

Abstract: Tetrazine non-canonical amino acids, methods for genetic encoding proteins and polypeptides using the tetrazine amino acids, proteins and polypeptides comprising the tetrazine amino acids, and compositions comprising the proteins and polypeptides having at least one post-translational modification thereof comprising in vivo reaction with the incorporated tetrazine amino acid and a second molecule.

Abstract: Provided are antisense morpholino oligomers targeted against bacterial virulence factors such as genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance or biofilm formation, or essential genes, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions, for instance, in the treatment of an infected mammalian subject.

Abstract: Microfluidic diatomaceous earth analytical devices (?DADs) comprising highly porous photonic crystal biosilica channels are disclosed. The ?DADs can simultaneously perform on-chip chromatography to separate small molecules from complex samples and acquire the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of the target chemicals with high specificity. The ultra-small dimensions of the diatomaceous earth microfluidic channels and the photonic crystal effect from the fossilized diatom frustules allow unprecedented sensitivity down to ppb-level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a porous aluminum oxide thin film having a surface RMS roughness value of less than 1 nm. The thin film may also comprise phosphorus. The disclosed thin films may have a refractive index of from 1 to 2, such as from 1 to 1.5. Also disclosed are embodiments of as method for making the disclosed thin films, comprising forming an aqueous solution of the alumina precursor, a surfactant and optionally a phosphorus-containing precursor, and depositing the solution on a substrate.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for demonstrating a completely new statistical association between earthquake events, for determining spatially-dependent increases in risk levels following a primary earthquake event, and for generating and disseminating alerts accordingly. A time window after a primary earthquake event is chosen. Observed earthquakes within the time window are compared with baseline rates of earthquake events. The observed events are statistically analyzed against pure chance to determine a statistical association between primary earthquakes and follow-on earthquakes. Increases in earthquake risk are determined for multiple spatial zones. Responsive to a primary event, spatially dependent probabilities of a follow-on earthquake, or risk increases, are determined and used to generate and disseminate corresponding alerts. A system comprising seismic sensors, a computing apparatus, and subscriber nodes is described. Variants are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.

Abstract: A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double-stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.