Abstract: Tridentate cyclometalated complexes with rigid six-membered coordination rings of General Formula I having tunable emission wavelengths in the visible range. These emitters are suitable for full color displays and lighting applications.

Abstract: A photoalignment method includes photoaligning a first liquid crystal cell and using the photoaligned first liquid crystal cell as a mask in the photoalignment of a second liquid crystal cell. The method may increase spatial dynamic range or decrease pitch.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid-based sensors, kits that include such sensors, and methods for making and using such sensors. The sensors permit detection of a broad array of target agents, such as nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA), proteins, cells, and small molecules (e.g., toxins and metals). In some examples, the sensors determine the activity of a protein, such as an enzyme's activity. The assays provide easy-to-read signals for point-of-care diagnosis. The sensors control the conformational switch for recognizing targets and to trigger the subsequent assembly of enzyme/cofactor structures for producing and amplifying signals.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for detecting proteinopathies.

Abstract: Described are nanoparticulates comprising a metallic nanoparticle core and a peptide coating or shell encapsulating the nanoparticle core and being covalently bonded thereto. The coating is formed from a plurality of branched, amphipathic peptides, each comprising a polar/positively charged C-terminal segment, a branch point, and two hydrophobic N-terminal segments extending from the branch point. Methods of forming and using the nanoparticulates are also described. When a plurality of first and second peptides are added sequentially to the nanoparticle core, the peptides they self-assemble to form an interlocking peptide network bilayer where the respective hydrophobic segments of the peptides form beta-sheet structures in which the opposed sequences interlock to form a zipper-like structure in three dimensions.

Abstract: A switching device including a GaN substrate; an unintentionally doped GaN layer on a first surface of the GaN substrate; a regrown unintentionally doped GaN layer on the unintentionally doped GaN layer; a regrowth interface between the unintentionally doped GaN layer and the regrown unintentionally doped GaN layer; a p-GaN layer on the regrown unintentionally doped GaN layer; a first electrode on the p-GaN layer; and a second electrode on a second surface of the GaN substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for detecting a high-risk phenotype of a mast cell tumor (MCT) in a biological sample from a mammal, preferably a dog. Kits, PCR probes and primers to detect high-risk MCT are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula I: or a salt thereof, wherein Y, Z, L, and W have any of the values described in the specification, as well as compositions comprising a compound of formula I or a salt thereof. The compounds are useful as tools for visualizing FtsZ and monitoring cell division in a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens of acute clinical importance and for identifying new FtsZ inhibitors.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising one or more fluidic microchannels and one or more arrays of wireless bipolar electrodes is disclosed. The disclosed microfluidic device can be used to separate cells, especially rare cells, from its biological matrix. The disclosed device can isolate cells in a high-throughput fashion and without any modification or labelling to the cells. Cells isolated using the disclosed devices does not lose their vitality.

Abstract: The present invention includes scalable and cost-effective auxetic foam sensors (AFS) created through conformably coating a thin conductive nanomaterial-sensing layer on a porous substrate having a negative Poisson's ratio. In general, the auxetic foam sensors possess multimodal sensing capability, such as large deformation sensing, small pressure sensing, shear/torsion sensing and vibration sensing and excellent robustness in humidity environment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: The disclosure provides seed, tissue cultures, essential oil extracts, and plants of catnip hybrid ‘CR3’, as well as methods for producing a catnip plants by crossing ‘CR3’plants with themselves or with another catnip plant, such as a plant of another genotype, variety, or cultivar. The disclosure further provides seed, tissue cultures, essential oil extracts, and plants produced by such crossing. Methods of using the plants and extracts as insect repellents and in pet toys, are also provided.

Abstract: A new species of circovirus, porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), was identified from sows with clinical symptoms normally associated with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection and in aborted fetuses. Molecular and serological analyses suggest PCV3 commonly circulates in U.S. swine. The present disclosure provides immunological compositions and methods related to the production and administration of such compositions.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).

Abstract: A shoulder-surfing resistant authentication method and system includes a computing device, such as a smart phone, which includes a display for presenting an interactive virtual environment. During the authentication process, the user enters a passcode by modifying one or more attributes of one or more icons that are presented relative to the interactive environment. Such attributes may include one or more of the type of movement the icons perform, the change in position or visual characteristics of the icons relative to the virtual environment, as well as the removal and/or addition of one or more icons relative to the virtual environment. The entered passcode is then compared with a previously stored or “set” passcode to authenticate the user before granting access to the computing device.

Abstract: The low temperature cracking and high temperature rutting of polymer-modified asphalt concrete pavement can be reduced. The composite includes asphalt and at least one polymer that expands at low temperature, triggered by cooling-induced tensile stress, to reduce thermal cracking. The composite includes at least one polymer that expands at high temperature, so that the composite recovers after compression induced by traffic loading at higher temperatures, thereby reducing rutting. The system reduces thermal stress, and reduces or even eliminates thermal cracking and rutting. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are used to improve asphalt compositions so that they better resist both thermal cracking and rutting. The SMP(s) can be incorporated into the asphalt, or a portion of fine aggregates can be replaced with SMP particles or SMP fibers, or aggregate replacement and asphalt modification can be combined.

Abstract: A method for producing work is disclosed. The method includes increasing the pressure of a working fluid including carbon dioxide from a first pressure at least equal to a triple point pressure to a second pressure above the triple point pressure. The method also includes heating the working fluid, extracting mechanical work by expanding a first portion of the heated working fluid to a third pressure, supplying a second portion of the heated working fluid as a motive fluid to an ejector, increasing the pressure of the expanded working fluid by supplying the expanded working fluid to the ejector to combine with the motive fluid and form an output fluid at the fourth pressure, the fourth pressure at least equal to the triple point pressure of the working fluid. The method also includes refrigerating the output fluid to condense a vapor phase into a liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrode assembly, an in-ear headphone, an in-ear headphone pair, and an electrode pair assembly, each for non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Each of the foregoing items includes a first electrode and a second electrode. An electrode assembly configured for insertion into an ear of a user includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a shim positioned therebetween. An in-ear headphone or headphone pair may include the electrode assembly with a housing and a waveform generator. An electrode pair assembly may include a first electrode configured for insertion into a first ear of a user, and a second electrode configured for insertion into a second ear of the user. Certain embodiments further include audio components positioned within a housing of at least one in-ear headphone to deliver audio stimulation through a central channel of a first electrode or second electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A system for lung assist includes a plurality of fiber bundle sections which includes a fiber bundle housing defining a fiber bundle compartment with a fiber bundle positioned within. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers. The fiber bundle housing further includes a gas inlet in fluid connection with the fiber bundle housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers, a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers, and a blood outlet in fluid connection with a first end of the fiber bundle. The system further includes a base section including a housing including a pressurizing compartment, a pressurizing mechanism within the pressurizing compartment, a blood inlet in fluid connection with the pressurizing compartment and a conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application are directed toward a focusing Schlieren technique that is capable of adding color-coded directional information to the visualization of density gradients. Other advantages of the technique can include that it does not require manual calibration, has a simple design and is sensitive enough to be used in compact experimental setups. Certain embodiments include the use of a color-coded source image that replaces the conventional source grid. The technique may benefit from a computer-controlled digital background, which is used for both illumination and display of color-coded source images.