Abstract: The invention relates to amino acid sequence variants of a lipase with improved activity for catalyzing synthesis reactions and methods of preparing the variants. The methods include predicting amino acid sites for change based on computational models of the protein structure in non-aqueous conditions, and expressing the protein in a prokaryotic host for subsequent purification and use. The enzyme sequence variants described have a three to nine-fold improvement in synthesis activity over the parent protein sequence.

Abstract: Methods for the selective borylation of arenes, including arenes substituted with an electron-withdrawing group (e.g., 1-chloro-3-fluoro-2-substituted benzenes) are provided. The methods can be used, in some embodiments, to efficiently and regioselectively prepare borylated arenes without the need for expensive cryogenic reaction conditions.

Abstract: Methods for classifying patients as responders or non-responders to treatment of a disease and predicting recurrence of disease in a patient using audio tunes are provided.

Abstract: Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4?hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), or metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Abstract: The compositions, methods, and system of the invention provide increased nutrients and kidney size and reduced fat and risks of cardiovascular disease in animals by utilizing njangsa (Ricinodendron heudelotii) as a feed and oral supplement for the animals.

Abstract: This invention presents a family of isolated BESS topologies with multiple functions, which are suitable for high voltage and high power DC grid application. A battery energy storage system (BESS) for direct current (DC) grid applications is provided, including an alternating current (AC) transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, at least one primary side arm coupled to the primary side of the AC transformer, the at least one primary side arm comprising a plurality of cascade connected voltage source converter sub-modules and a plurality of energy storage battery units and at least one secondary side arm coupled between the secondary side of the AC transformer and a DC grid voltage bus, the at least one secondary side arm comprising a plurality of cascade connected voltage source converter sub-modules. Modulation and control strategies for the various topologies are also provided.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a single x-ray photon with high temporal resolution and high efficiency includes a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate including element(s) from each of Groups III and V of the Periodic Table of Elements, and pixels on the substrate. Each pixel includes a semiconductor transistor including an epitaxial layer having element(s) from each of Groups III and V of the Periodic Table of Elements, an anode electrically connected to a gate of the semiconductor transistor, and a cathode electrically connected to a drain of the semiconductor transistor. Photon(s) are caused to impinge the single-photon detector along a y-direction (long side of pixel) to provide adequate stopping power, and electron-hole pairs generated by the photon(s) are collected along an x-direction or z-direction (short sides of pixel) to provide short transit time. Detectors form an array of pixels for x-ray imaging with temporal resolution of single photons.

Abstract: OLED structures including an internal extraction layer are provided. The internal extraction layer includes a material having a refractive index that is higher than the refractive index of a transparent electrode in the device, and a non-planar interface disposed between the material and the substrate. Devices are also provided that include an external extraction layer having a non-planar surface which, when used in conjunction with an internal extraction layer, provides greatly improved outcoupling of light generated by the device.

Abstract: System and method for wireless, low-loss transmission in conductive medium of a radio-frequency signal received by a passive array of magnetic dipole elements from a source magnetic dipole. The individual elements are separated from one another by a distance on the order of or less than a quarter-wavelength corresponding to resonant radio-frequency. An array individual elements of which are microscopically dimensioned form a neuronal transmitter that can be configured to be implanted into neuronal tissue such that a source dipole, disposed near a neuron, passes a signal representative of neuronal activity along the array to an outmost element and further to external receiver disposed near skull. Macroscopically-dimensioned embodiment is configured to be submerged into and operate in salty water.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds formula (I) and salts thereof: wherein the bond represented by ---- is a single bond or a double bond, and R1 has any of the values defined in the specification. The compounds are useful for treating conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cancer, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for isolating a ventilator from one or more patients in which the delivery conditions of gas delivered to an isolation device from a ventilator may drive the delivery of breathing-gas delivered to one or more patients, the breathing-gas having the same or different delivery conditions. In one embodiment, an isolation device may have a housing and a movable partition. The movable partition may be joined to the housing, The movable partition may have a patient side on a first side of the partition and an actuating side on a second side of the partition. The isolation device may include an inlet pressure regulator on the actuating side and/or an exhaust pressure regulator on the patient side. These regulators may alter the delivery conditions (including, but not limited to, pressure and volume) of breathing-gas delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A method for controlling petroleum hydrocarbon (NAPL) sheen releases resulting from seeps, ebullition and erosion, on water surfaces, is described. An oleophilic bio-Barrier (OBBs), which may include a composite of hydrocarbon sorptive materials through which water is readily conducted, is placed at a groundwater/surface water interface (GSI) for promoting natural aerobic degradation of the intercepted/adsorbed NAPL through natural cycling of aerobic surface water and/or atmospheric oxygen. OBBs may be protected by structural covers (i.e., sand and rock gabions, as examples).

Abstract: Membranes of the present disclosure possess very thin barrier layers, with high selectivity, high throughput, low fouling, and are long lasting. The membranes include graphene and/or graphene oxide barrier layers on a nanofibrous supporting scaffold. Methods for forming these membranes, as well as uses thereof, are also provided. In embodiments, an article of the present disclosure includes a nanofibrous scaffold; at least a first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of a surface of the nanofibrous scaffold; an additive such as crosslinking agents and/or particles on an outer surface of the at least first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a signal generator with self-calibration including a main digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a calibration DAC, a summing buffer structure, a two-path filter structure, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a control system. The main DAC provides a main DAC output signal with main DAC distortion. The main DAC output signal is calibrated by a calibration DAC output signal to correct at least a portion of the main DAC distortion. The calibration DAC output signal includes information about the main DAC distortion and is generated by a feedback loop including the summing buffer structure, the two-path filter structure, the filter buffer, the ADC, the control system, and the calibration DAC.

Abstract: Augmented or synergized anti-inflammatory constructs are disclosed including anti-inflammatory amino acids covalently conjugated with other anti-inflammatory molecules such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vanilloids and ketone bodies. Further conjugation with a choline bioisostere or an additional anti-inflammatory moiety further augments the anti-inflammatory activity.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided comprising a thin metal foil packaging made from at least one sheet of metal foil and having a perimeter extending around at least a portion of the electrochemical cell, as well as an electrochemical cell stack contained within the thin metal foil packaging, and a metal-to-metal welded seal around at least a portion of the perimeter of the thin metal foil packaging. The metal-to-metal welded seal is hermetic or nearly hermetic. Furthermore, the metal-to-metal welded seal is narrow, having a width of less than about 1 mm, and is less than about 5 mm away from the electrochemical cell stack. In some embodiments, the thin metal foil packaging functions not only as a hermetically or near hermetically sealed packaging, but also as either electrode of the cell bonded to the foil packaging.

Abstract: In this work, we investigated the blood platelet adhesion and activation of truly superhemophobic surfaces and compared them with that of hemophobic surfaces and hemophilic surfaces. Our analysis indicates that only those superhemophobic surfaces with a robust Cassie-Baxter state display significantly lower platelet adhesion and activation. The understanding gained through this work will lead to the fabrication of improved hemocompatible, superhemophobic medical implants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of treating a human having a disease or disorder that would benefit from increasing platelet counts. The method involves inhibiting the enzyme activity of biliverdin IX? reductase (BLVRB) activity or inhibiting the expression of BLVRB gene.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composite, comprising: a polymer host selected from the group consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane, polycaprolactone (PCL), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyoxymethylene (POM); and a guest molecule comprising hyaluronic acid; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. Also provided herein are methods for forming the composite, and blood-contracting devices made from the composite, such as heart valves and vascular grafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melancortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as insulin resistance.