Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanosheet synthesis. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) atomic thin films and hydrogen evolution reactions. In one or more embodiments, a synthesis process may include sublimation of sulfur and MoCl5, reaction of MoCl5 and S to produce gaseous MoS2 species, transfer of the MoS2 species by carrier gas, diffusion of MoS2 species from the gas phase onto receiving substrates, and precipitation of MoS2 on the substrates.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘NCHA2’ is disclosed, characterized by large, mop-head inflorescences with prevalent sterile flowers and large, dark pink sepals. Plant habit is compact, and plants are triploid. The new variety is a Hydrangea normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein R1-R3, n, and W have any of the values defined in the specification, and salts thereof. The compounds have good solubility and are useful for treating bacterial infections.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum cultivar named ‘NCVR1’ is disclosed, characterized by dark green, evergreen leaves. Plants are compact and produce abundant white flowers in Spring. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Buddleja plant named ‘Miss Violet’ substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its compact stature, dense and semi-upright growth habit, oblong-elliptic leaf shape, violet flower color, distorted male flower parts (anthers) resulting in male sterility, and female structures that show reduced function, resulting in reduced seed formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions and related methods that incorporate GALLS full-length (FL) or CT domain proteins to enhance efficiency of genetic manipulation of plants. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a modified Agrobacterium cell that comprises a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid that encodes a GALLS-FL protein. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of enhancing the single copy insertion of a first nucleic acid sequence into a plant cell genome. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of inducing plant susceptibility to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, comprising providing GALLS-CT polypeptide in the cytosol of at least one cell of the plant. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a transgenic plant that comprises a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding GALLS-CT operably linked to a promoter sequence.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition of in a human patient comprising pharmacologically activating a translocator protein of 18 kDa (TSPO), wherein the condition is one of a chronic methamphetamine addiction, a medical consequence of methamphetamine use; a behavioral consequence of methamphetamine use, an HIV associated cognitive motor disorder, an HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and a neuroinflammatory response.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘NCHA4’ is disclosed, characterized by large, mop-head inflorescences with prevalent sterile flowers. Plants produce distinctive two-toned sepals with pink upper surfaces and deep pink lower surfaces. Plant habit is compact, and plants are triploid. The new variety is a Hydrangea normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum cultivar named ‘NCVX1’ is disclosed, characterized by highly glossy, semi-evergreen foliage, which exhibits Fall color of red to purple. Plants are compact with a uniquely prostrate branching habit. Abundant cymes are produced with 150 to 400 florets. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘NCHA3’ is disclosed, characterized by large, mop-head inflorescences with prevalent sterile flowers. Flower buds are red and open with dark pink sepals. Plant habit is compact, and plants are triploid. The new variety is a Hydrangea normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A system for analyzing and modifying passwords in a manner that provides a user with a strong and usable/memorable password. The user would propose a password that has relevance and can be remembered. The invention would evaluate the password to ascertain its strength. The evaluation is based on a probabilistic password cracking system that is trained on sets of revealed passwords and that can generate password guesses in highest probability order. If the user's proposed password is strong enough, the proposed password is accepted. If the user's proposed password is not strong enough, the system will reject it. If the proposed password is rejected, the system modifies the password and suggests one or more stronger passwords. The modified passwords would have limited modifications to the proposed password. Thus, the user has a tested strong and memorable password.

Abstract: An asphalt binder includes asphalt and an asphalt binder modifier, which includes bio-oil. The asphalt binder can include a carboxyl additive. The asphalt can optionally include polymer-modified asphalt. An asphalt material includes mineral aggregate, an asphalt material binder including asphalt, and an asphalt binder modifier including bio-oil. A method for making the asphalt binder is disclosed. The asphalt material includes asphalt pavement and roofing shingles. The asphalt binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates nucleic acid molecules that are modulated (e.g., upregulated) by nitrogen in corn, to proteins or polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, and promoters of these nucleic acid molecules. The present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct having a nucleic acid molecule that is modulated by nitrogen in corn, as well as to expression systems, host cells, plants, and plant seeds having the nucleic acid construct. The present invention also relates to a method of expressing the nucleic acid molecule that is modulated by nitrogen in a plant by growing a transgenic plant or a plant grown from a transgenic seed transformed with the construct. The present invention further relates to an isolated DNA promoter that can be used to direct nitrogen-regulated expression of an isolated nucleic acid in plants.

Abstract: A carbothermic reduction method is provided for reducing a La-, Ce-, MM-, and/or Y-containing oxide in the presence of carbon and a source of a reactant element comprising Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, and/or P to form an intermediate alloy material including a majority of La, Ce, MM, and/or Y and a minor amount of the reactant element. The intermediate material is useful as a master alloy for in making negative electrode materials for a metal hydride battery, as hydrogen storage alloys, as master alloy additive for addition to a melt of commercial Mg and Al alloys, steels, cast irons, and superalloys; or in reducing Sm2O3 to Sm metal for use in Sm—Co permanent magnets.

Abstract: Computerized contextual analysis systems and methods suitable for monitoring situations, regions, and groups characterized by volatility and uncertainty are provided. Via use of exemplary systems and methods, decision makers, for example politicians, warfighters, and analysts can gain insight into the cultures, attitudes, events, and relationships that may impact their missions.

Abstract: Methods of producing bio-fuel and other high-value products from oleaginous biomass (e.g. algae biomass) are provided. The two-step methods use a first step of subcritical water extraction of the biomass at low temperatures to produce polysaccharides and other high value products of interest, followed by, ii) hydrothermal liquefaction of remaining solid biomass at high temperatures to produce bio-oil.

Abstract: For maximum power point tracking, a method filters a power monitoring signal with a tracking fractional order filter to generate a filtered power monitoring signal. The method further generates a tracking signal tracking the power point from the filtered power monitoring signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved data transmission utilizing a communication facilitator are described in accordance with embodiments of the invention. One embodiment includes a plurality of nodes, that each comprise: a transmitter; a receiver; and an encoder that encodes message data for transmission using a plurality of codewords; a cooperation facilitator node comprising: a transmitter; and a receiver; wherein the nodes are configured to transmit data parameters to the cooperation facilitator; wherein the cooperation facilitator is configured to generate cooperation parameters based upon the data parameters received from the nodes; wherein the cooperation facilitator is configured to transmit cooperation parameters to the nodes; and wherein the encoder in each of the nodes selects a codeword from the plurality of codewords based at least in part upon the cooperation parameters received from the communication facilitator and transmit the selected codeword via the multiple access channel.

Abstract: A positive electrode comprising ?-VOPO4 and/or Nax(?-VOPO4) wherein x is a value from 0.1 to 1.0 as an active ingredient, wherein the electrode is capable of insertion and release of sodium ions and a reversible sodium battery containing the positive electrode are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensor assemblies and a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. A sensor assembly includes at least one a motor configured to vibrate a sensing optode at a first frequency. A system includes a plurality of sensor assemblies and a controller for processing signals from the sensor assemblies.