Abstract: Disclosed are methods for rerouting radical cascade cyclizations by using alkenes as alkyne equivalents. The reaction sequence is initiated by a novel 1,2 stannyl shift which achieves chemo- and regioselectivity in the process. The radical “hopping” leads to the formation of the radical center necessary for the sequence of selective cyclizations and fragmentations to follow. In the last step of the cascade, the elimination of a rationally designed radical leaving group via ?-C—C bond scission aromatizes the product without the need for external oxidant. The Bu3Sn moiety, which is installed during the reaction sequence, allows further functionalization of the product via facile reactions with electrophiles as well as Stille and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. This selective radical transformation opens a new approach for the controlled transformation of enynes into extended polycyclic structures of tunable dimensions.

Abstract: Embodiments for systems and methods of a variable stiffness treadmill for gait rehabilitation using mechanical perturbations on the unimpaired leg to provide therapy to the impaired leg are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel catalysts and methods of using catalysts for controlling the position of a double bond and cis/trans-selectivity in isomerization of terminal alkenes to their 2-isomers. Catalysts such as (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)Ru formulas 1 and 3 having a bifunctional phosphine can be used in the methods. A catalyst loading of 1 mol % of formulas 1+3 can be employed for the production of (E)-2-alkenes at 40-70° C.; lower temperatures can be used with higher catalyst loading. Acetonitrile-free catalysts can be used at lower loadings, room temperature, and in less than a day to accomplish the same results as catalysts 1+3. The novel catalyst systems minimize thermodynamic equilibration of alkene isomers, so that the trans-2-alkenes of both non-functionalized and functionalized alkenes can be generated.

Abstract: Embodiments of probes for selectively detecting compounds having a thiol group and an amino group, e.g., cysteine and/or homocysteine, are disclosed, along with methods and kits for detecting the compounds in neutral media with the probes. The probes have a structure according to the general formula where R1-R4 independently are hydrogen hydroxyl, halogen, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy, x is an integer from 0 to 4, and each R5 independently is halogen, hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy. Embodiments of the disclosed probes are capable of undergoing condensation/cyclization reactions with cysteine and/or homocysteine. Cysteine and/or homocysteine can be selectively detected and identified by determining fluorescence emission of the probes at characteristic wavelengths.

Abstract: Nanoparticles with entrapped, nonpolar compounds are disclosed, and a method for their synthesis. The nanoparticles are readily dissolved or dispersed in water. For example, the entrapped nonpolar compounds may include pharmaceutically-active compounds, or natural colorants. The nanoparticles have a nonpolar compound core, an intermediate surfactant layer, and an outer crosslinked polymeric protective layer. In a prototype example, alginic acid nanoparticles were prepared with beta-carotene entrapped in the core, with lecithin as the intermediate surfactant layer. In an alternative embodiment, a layer-by-layer assembly technique may be used to entrap the colorant within nanoparticles.

Abstract: A MIMO antenna for mobile devices has a system board, and two or more microstrip lines extending along a top surface of the system board. The MIMO antenna additionally includes a ground plane extending along a bottom surface of the system board, wherein the ground plane has a Y-shaped slot. The MIMO antenna further includes one or more pairs of miniature antenna elements attached to the top surface of system board in contact with the at least two microstrip lines, wherein the antenna elements are slanted at ±45° with respect to a center Z of an X Y coordinate system, and center of a radiation sphere, located proximate the Y-shaped slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for stable transfection of Babesia parasites, and for vaccines conferring immunity against parasitic arthropods.

Abstract: A process for the growth of new, and difficult-to-synthesize, metal oxide, and other mixed anion oxide-based, single crystals from a molten metal flux. Metal fluxes are new for the growth of metal oxide single crystals. Preliminary reactions proved that new phases and phases that normally require costly, extreme conditions do grow as single crystals. Batches of individual reactions are heat-treated to synthesize single crystals comprised of oxygen with one or more transition, alkaline-earth and/or lanthanide metals, and can also include other anions like chalcogens or pnictogens, or halides. The reactivity and the propensity for crystallization of charge compensated single crystals from alkaline earth fluxes have been made evident by the results presented here.

Abstract: Modular systems and related methods for thermally treating flowable materials using microwave radiation, and materials obtained thereby. Also provided are modular devices for continuous flow thermal treatment of materials, methods employing the same, and products prepared using the devices and/or methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organoids derived from a single cell, such as a prostate cancer cell, and methods and compositions relating to the production and use thereof, including cell culture medium for producing organoids and methods of personalized treatment for prostate cancer. The invention further provides a humanized mouse comprising a prostate organoid derived from a patient's prostate cell.

Abstract: ATM kinase is shown to regulate proteasome-mediated protein turnover through suppression of the expression of the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (Interferon Stimulated Gene 15). Silencing of the ISG15 pathway restored both the ubiquitin and autophagy pathways, and the UV-mediated degradation of their substrates in A-T cells. The ATM kinase negatively regulates the ISG15 pathway, and the constitutively elevated ISG15 pathway induces proteinopathy in A-T cells, and in A-T patients. These findings indicate that proteasome-mediated protein degradation is impaired in A-T cells due to elevated expression of the ISG15 conjugation pathway, which contributes to progressive neurodegeneration in A-T patients. The ISG15 pathway is a new target for both detection and treatment of A-T. Inhibitors if ISG15 expression can be used to inhibit or attenuate neurodegeneration in A-T patients.

Abstract: A method for imaging a sample using a high speed dynamic mode atomic force microscope may include scanning a tip of a cantilever probe over a surface of the sample, regulating a vibration amplitude of the tip to remain constant at a set point value (Aset), via a first signal generated in a first feedback controller, measuring a mean tapping deflection of the tip, regulating the mean tapping deflection via a second signal generated in a second feedback controller, tracking and measuring an adjustment to the measured mean tapping deflection during the regulating. The method may further include generating an image topography of the sample based on the first signal, the second signal, and the measured adjustment of the mean tapping deflection of the cantilever probe.

Abstract: Click reactions may be used to bond polymers to lignin by taking advantage of lignin's terminal hydroxyl and thiol groups via an alkyne-azide click reaction or a thiol-alkene or thiol-alkyne click reaction. By selecting functional polymers, these methods may be used to synthesize lignin-containing polymer materials with an array of different properties, such as self-healing polymers.

Abstract: An origami enabled manufacturing system. The system uses origami design principles to create functional materials, structures, devices and/or systems having an adjustable size and/or shape. An operational device can be coupled to a planar substrate shaped and sized to correspond to a desired origami shape of an origami pattern. A plurality of planar substrates can be coupled together by a plurality of connection members that corresponds to one or more crease of the origami pattern. An array of planar substrates can be formed that convert into a three dimensional structure with origami shape. The resulting three-dimensional structure provides smaller projection area, higher portability and deformability.

Abstract: Munitions structures comprising one or more high strength reactive alloys, in particular reactive bulk metallic glasses, have significant amounts of inherent chemical energy. This energy may be discharged by subjection of the munitions structure to rapid impulsive loading and fragmentation in the presence of oxygen and/or nitrogen. A munitions structure can be configured in both large and small penetrators, e.g. warheads and bullets, with increased lethality. The lethality of these munitions structures is augmented by means of rapidly and simultaneously imparting both mechanical energy (kinetic energy through impact and fragmentation) and chemical energy (blast and/or fireball) to a target. A high-strength reactive alloy can substitute at least in part one or both of explosives and inert structural materials in conventional munitions systems to improve performance and reduce parasitic weight of structural casing.

Abstract: It has been surprisingly discovered that administration of nitrite to subjects causes a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow to tissues. The effect is particularly beneficial, for example, to tissues in regions of low oxygen tension. This discovery provides useful treatments to regulate a subject's blood pressure and blood flow, for example, by the administration of nitrite salts. Provided herein are methods of administering a pharmaceutically-acceptable nitrite salt to a subject, for treating, preventing or ameliorating a condition selected from: (a) ischemia-reperfusion injury (e.g., hepatic or cardiac or brain ischemia-reperfusion injury); (b) pulmonary hypertension (e.g., neonatal pulmonary hypertension); or (c) cerebral artery vasospasm.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof wherein R4-R8 have any of the meanings defined in the specification, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or salts and methods for their use in therapy. The compounds have useful antiviral properties.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry cells include one or more interleaved magnetostatic and electrostatic lenses. In some examples, the electrostatic lenses are based on electrical potentials applied to magnetostatic lens pole pieces. In other alternatives, the electrostatic lenses can include conductive apertures. Applied voltages can be selected to trap or transport charged particles, and photon sources, gas sources, ion sources, and electron sources can be provided for various dissociation processes.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered novel steroid feeding inhibitors for Apis sp. that can be used in connection with traditional insecticide, pesticide, fungicide or other pest management protocols. The rapid decline of Apis sp. is devastating to the many crops which rely upon the bees, particularly honey bees (Apis melliofera) for pollination. Further it has been postulated that colony collapse disorder, may be the result of unintended ingestion by honey bees of insecticide, pesticide, fungicide compositions applied to nearby feeding sources for the bees. Thus, honey bee feeding inhibitors can be used in a pest management system to prevent unintended consequences to honey bees.

Abstract: A new and distinct Corylus plant named ‘McDonald’ characterized by moderate vigor and upright-spreading plant habit, yellowish-green developing and fully expanded leaves during the spring and summer, resistance to eastern filbert blight caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Müller, presence of random amplified polymorphic DNA markers 152-800 and 268-580 in DNA, expression of incompatibility alleles S2 and S15 in the styles, and DNA fingerprints at 14 of 21 microsatellite marker loci differ from both parents, ‘Tonda Pacifica’ and ‘Santiam’, and from one parent at an additional 5 marker loci.