Abstract: A nanoparticle has at least one dimension less than 500 nm and comprises a silica surface and a plurality of zwitterionic functional groups covalently bound to the silica surface. Such nanoparticles and dispersions contain such nanoparticle are prepared and used for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods for increasing off-chip bandwidth. The method includes designing a circuit of switchable pins, replacing a portion of allocated pins of a processor with switchable pins, connecting the processor to a memory interface configured to switch the switchable pins between a power mode and a signal mode, providing a metric configured to identify which of the power mode and the signal mode is most beneficial during 1 millisecond intervals, and switching the switchable pins to signal mode during intervals where the signal mode provides more benefit than the power mode.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to, among other things, designing data cache systems to enhance energy efficiency and performance of computing systems. A data filter cache herein may be designed to store a portion of data stored in a level one (L1) data cache. The data filter cache may reside between the L1 data cache and a register file in the primary compute unit. The data filter cache may therefore be accessed before the L1 data cache when a request for data is received and processed. Upon a data filter cache hit, access to the L1 data cache may be avoided. The smaller data filter cache may therefore be accessed earlier in the pipeline than the larger L1 data cache to promote improved energy utilization and performance. The data filter cache may also be accessed speculatively based on various conditions to increase the chances of having a data filter cache hit.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a base polymer and a nanoparticle that increases the strength of the base polymer.

Abstract: A contact-type endoscope surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe includes a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, a transparent substrate adhered to the GRIN lens, and a rough metallic layer adhered to an opposite side of the transparent substrate from the GRIN lens. The GRIN lens focuses light from a Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer, and the rough metallic layer is positioned at the distal end of the contact-type endoscope SERS probe.

Abstract: Novel methods for micro-additive manufacturing three dimensional sub-millimeter components are disclosed herein. The methods can include dispensing a dielectric at positions on a substrate so as to provide dielectric structures having an aspect ratio of up to 1:20. The methods can also include in-situ curing of the dielectric structure upon dispensing of the dielectric wherein the dispensing and curing steps provide for three dimensional configurations. Direct printing a metal nanoparticle solution on the dielectric to create conductive traces and thereafter sintering the printed nanoparticle solution so as to cure the conductive traces enables three dimensional conductive (antenna) elements having a length and width scale of down to 1 ?m.

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: This disclosure describes systems and methods for using pyrolysis tail gas as the source for additional hydrogen to be used in the pyrolysis reaction. Tail gas is separated from the pyrolysis products and a portion of the tail gas is converted into formic acid (HCOOH). The formic acid is then injected into the pyrolysis reactor where it becomes the donor of two monohydrogen atoms and is ultimately converted into CO2 under reaction conditions. In this fashion, a closed loop pyrolysis hydrogen donor system may be created utilizing a generally non-toxic intermediary derived from the pyrolysis reaction products. This disclosure also describes using a ruthenium catalyst supported on particles of activated carbon to improve the yield of pyrolysis reactions.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceuticals acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, polymorphs, co-crystals, tautomers, stereoisomers, and prodrugs thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods involving the inventive compounds for the treatment of an infectious disease (e.g., bacterial infection (e.g., tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Abstract: Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel encompassing a container which is either vertically positioned in an upright or an upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into a capillary system or flow metering system to allow the CO2 to enter a second body to where the CO2 coolant properties may be leveraged. The second body includes, by way of example, a plate, a cushion, a spot treatment pad for a person's muscle, or a cooler. The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention's metering CO2 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against HCV antigens. In particular embodiments, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against all or a segment of HCV glycoprotein E1 and/or HCV glycoprotein E2.

Abstract: A system for converting fuel is provided and includes a first reactor comprising a plurality of ceramic composite particles, the ceramic composite particles comprising at least one metal oxide disposed on a support, wherein the first reactor is configured to reduce the at least one metal oxide with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide; a second and reactor configured to oxidize at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the said first reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate; a source of air; and a third reactor communicating with said source of air and configured to regenerate the at least one metal oxide from the remaining portion of the solids discharged from the said first reactor and the solids discharged from the said second reactor for by oxidizing the metal oxide intermediate.

Abstract: Sensors for measuring rotation about an axis are disclosed, along with methods of making and using the same. The sensors can utilize ionic liquids and electrodes that provide a unique electrical signal at each angle of rotation about an axis. The sensors can include a solid structure with a channel that circumnavigates the axis, electrodes disposed within the channel, and an ionic liquid positioned within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polysaccharide-based microparticles with improved mechanical properties and hydrolytic stability. The spherical particles are useful as exfoliating agents in cosmetic formulations, in replacement of the newly banned plastic microbeads. The method comprises the preparation of hydrogel particles, drying of the particles, and a solid-state reaction that results in the covalent stabilization of the material. The invention also encompasses microparticles made using the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyisocyanates and polyurethanes derived therefrom. In various embodiments, the present invention provides polyisocyanates, methods of making the polyisocyanates from fused bicyclic alcohols, polyurethanes, and methods of making the polyurethanes from the polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying biomarkers of disease capable of affecting cognitive function. The biomarkers identified by the methods of the prevention may be used for predicting whether a mammal will develop a disease capable of affecting cognitive function. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of biomarkers predictive of neurological diseases in a mammal and the use of these biomarkers in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and/or prognosis of the neurological disease. The methods and systems provided enable an assessment and theoretical prediction of neocortical amyloid loading based on the measurement of biomarkers that will provide an indication of whether a mammal is likely to develop a neurological disease.

Abstract: Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel and consisting of a specially designed unit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger thus leveraging the CO2 coolant properties. The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotely and/or via a touch screen and which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention's metering CO2 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid. The invention's cooling system also encompasses check valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas CO2 from escaping when removing or replacing CO2 containers individually.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions that are useful for treating allergic diseases, bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, mastocytosis, mast cell-mediated inflammation and parasite infections (e.g., helminth infections).