Abstract: A particle deposition system can have a particle source providing a nanomaterial at a controlled rate and a gas distribution system coupled with the particle source and operable to receive the nanomaterial aerosol. A high pressure chamber can be coupled with the gas distribution system, and a nozzle can be disposed between the high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber. The nozzle can have a nozzle opening allowing fluidic communication of a nanomaterial aerosol between the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber and the opening can have a length exceeding a width.

Abstract: Polymer-derived ceramic composites are described herein. The composites are formed using hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet-functionalized silicon-based ceramic precursor polymers. The composites a matrix of a polymer-derived ceramic and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets embedded therein. Silicon-derived ceramic precursors such as polysilazane and/or polysiloxane are used to create improved SiCN and/or SiOC ceramic composites.

Abstract: A processor includes a transistor pair of a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor of the transistor pair is coupled to a Spaser and configured to output a drive current to the Spaser to pump the Spaser. Responsive to the drive current, the Spaser outputs surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) which are fed to a plasmonic interconnect wire. The plasmonic interconnect wire propagates the SPPs. Further, the SPPs propagated on the plasmonic interconnect wire are detected by a phototransistor. Responsive to detecting the SPPs, the phototransistor generates an output current that is fed to a gate terminal of the second transistor to charge the second transistor.

Abstract: A strain-hardenable stainless steel alloy includes hard secondary phases dispersed in an austenitic primary phase, the alloy including 0.3-0.6% nitrogen by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic block copolymer comprising at least one PA block and at least one PB block. The PA block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer A, and the PB block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer B. Monomer A is a vinyl, acrylic, diolefin, nitrile, dinitrile, acrylonitrile monomer, a monomer with reactive functionality, or a crosslinking monomer. Monomer B is a radically polymerizable triglyceride or mixtures thereof, typically in the form of a plant or animal oil. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a thermoplastic block copolymer or novel thermoplastic statistical copolymers by polymerizing a radically polymerizable monomer with a radically polymerizable triglyceride or mixtures thereof via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization (RAFT), in the presence of an free radical initiator and a chain transfer agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14×L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.

Abstract: An authentication method and system includes a computing device, such as a smart phone, which includes a display for presenting a graphical and interactive game board that is used for entering a user's passcode. During the authentication process, the user selects a game board (e.g. chess, checkers, poker, backgammon, etc.) and associated game pieces for presentation on the display. The user then moves one or more game pieces to locations on the game board. Together, the selected game board, selected game pieces, and the movements and/or locations which the game pieces are moved on the game board form an entered passcode. This generated passcode is then compared with a stored passcode to authenticate the user before granting access to the computing device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a central executive training (CET) platform that targets central executive processes, rather than short term memory. Central executive deficits have been linked experimentally and developmentally with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and impairments. Unfortunately, substantial evidence indicates that conventional working memory training programs fail to improve these symptoms and impairments. This discrepancy may reflect insufficient targeting, as extant protocols focus on short term memory and do not adequately engage the specific central executive components linked with the disorder's behavioral and functional impairments.

Abstract: An authentication method and system, includes a display to present interactive three-dimensional (3D) virtual environments. The manner or sequence in which a user interacts with objects in the interactive 3D environment is used to form their passcode. The entered passcode is then compared with a previously stored or “set” passcode to determine whether the user is authenticated and permitted to access content controlled by the authentication process.

Abstract: Derivatives of 6-shogaol are described herein. Also described herein are methods of preparing the derivatives, as well as methods of using the derivatives to activate Nrf2 and to treat diseases associated with inflammation and/or oxidative stress.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathodes comprising a conductive support substrate having a catalyst coating containing nickel phosphide nanoparticles. The conductive support substrate is capable of incorporating a material to be reduced, such as CO2 or CO. Also disclosed are electrochemical methods for generating hydrocarbon and/or carbohydrate products from CO2 or CO using water as a source of hydrogen.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a light source, a first transparent substrate, a first transparent electrode, a switchable or tunable micropatterned alignment layer arranged in an array of pixels, a liquid crystal layer, a fixed alignment layer, a second transparent electrode, and a second transparent substrate. The switchable micropatterned alignment layer is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and one of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The fixed alignment layer is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and one of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. Light from the light source is not visible outside the liquid crystal device when the switchable or tunable micropatterned alignment layer is in an off-state.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an imaging system. The imaging system includes an active matrix pixel array having a flexible substrate and a pixel. The pixel includes a transistor over the flexible substrate, and the transistor includes multiple active layers having a first active layer and a second active layer over the first active layer. Further, the active matrix pixel array also includes a photodiode over the transistor, and the photodiode includes an N-type layer over the transistor, an I layer over the N-type layer, and a P-type layer over the I layer. Meanwhile, the imaging system also includes a flexible scintillator layer over the active matrix pixel array. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

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 present invention relates to a method of increasing plant resistance to plant pathogens, particularly Sudden Death Syndrome in soybean against Fusarium virguliforme, through the use of Fusarium resistance nucleic acid molecules isolated from Glycine max and Fusarium virguliforme. In these plants, at least one heterologous Fusarium resistance protein is introduced in comparison to the wild-type plants to confer resistance to plant pathogens. The invention relates to transgenic plants and/or plant cells having increased resistance to plant pathogens, to expression vectors, transformed plants and plant cells as well as the use of such plants in a plant breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing resistance against plant pathogens, particularly Fusarium virguliforme and Phytophthora sojae in transgenic plants and/or plant cells, through the use of non host resistance nucleic acid molecules isolated from Arabidopsis. In these plants, at least one nonhost Arabidopsis resistance protein is introduced in comparison to the wild-type plants to confer resistance to plant pathogens. The invention relates to transgenic plants and/or plant cells having increased resistance to plant pathogens, particularly Fusarium virguliforme and Phytophthora sojae, to expression vectors, transformed plants and plant cells as well as the use of such plants in a plant breeding program.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an electrochemical cell, comprising: (i) a plurality of electrodes, comprising a fuel electrode that comprises aluminum and an air electrode that absorbs gaseous oxygen, the electrodes being operable in a discharge mode wherein the aluminum is oxidized at the fuel electrode and oxygen is reduced at the air electrode, and (ii) an ionically conductive medium, comprising an organic solvent; wherein during non-use of the cell, the organic solvent promotes formation of a protective interface between the aluminum of the fuel electrode and the ionically conductive medium, and wherein at an onset of the discharge mode, at least some of the protective interface is removed from the aluminum to thereafter permit oxidation of the aluminum during the discharge mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are monomeric compounds which may be polymerized to form novel biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers and co-polymers. These polymers and co-polymers, while not limited thereto, may be adapted for radioopacity and are useful for medical device applications and controlled release therapeutic formulations.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising porphyrin-phospholipid nanovesicles (PoP-NVs) which can be loaded with cargo. Methods for release of cargo from the PoP-NVs triggered by near infrared (NIR) light are also disclosed.