Abstract: The present disclosure comprises graphene quantum dots that exhibit emission in the near-infrared region in response to a variety of excitation wavelengths. The exciting wavelengths may be in the visible region, near-infrared region, or both. The quantum dots may be synthesized via a top-down method or a bottom-up method. The quantum dots are useful in imaging, drug delivery, and biosensing. The quantum dots comprise carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and metal atoms in various combinations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing learning via transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation is presented. The disclosure can include positioning a device within a human ear and delivering specifically timed and modulated pulses of electrical energy to the auricular vagus nerve transcutaneously, avoiding invasive procedures commonly associated with vagus nerve stimulation. The present disclosure can enhance reading comprehension, facilitate the learning letter-sound relationships, and provide for increased retention of new languages for a patient, all without surgically implanting a device into a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises graphene quantum dots that exhibit emission in the near-infrared region in response to a variety of excitation wavelengths. The exciting wavelengths may be in the visible region, near-infrared region, or both. The quantum dots may be synthesized via a top-down method or a bottom-up method. The quantum dots are useful in imaging, drug delivery, and biosensing. The quantum dots comprise carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and metal atoms in various combinations.

Abstract: A new route is shown for antibiotic delivery in fighting drug resistant infections. Nanotubes and antibiotics and complexed non-covalently, with no chemical bonding, but through adsorption of antibiotics onto the nanotube surface governed by sufficiently strong molecular attraction between hydrophobic systems of the two. This allows the antibiotics to be freed from the nanotubes more easily as they reach the cell membrane. When antibiotics are introduced with nanotubes in this manner, bacterial resistance is mitigated by nanotube transport potentially into the membrane of the bacteria. Nanotubes used in this way help to overcome antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: A new route is shown for at delivery in fighting drug resistant infections. Nanotubes and antibiotics and complexed non-covalently, with no chemical bonding, but through adsorption of antibiotics onto the nanotube surface governed by sufficiently strong molecular attraction between hydrophobic systems of the two. This allows the antibiotics to be freed from the nanotubes more easily as they reach the cell membrane. When antibiotics are introduced with nanotubes in this manner, bacterial resistance is mitigated by nanotube transport potentially into the membrane of the bacteria. Nanotubes used in this way help to overcome antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: A method for detection of disease or pathogen related enzymes is shown using new electrochemical biosensors that are responsive to the reactivity of enzymes. Three components are involved: (1) a simple linker for attachment to electrode surfaces; (2) the ferrocene signal unit; and (3) a substrate that can be removed from the ferrocene molecule by enzyme activity. The highly reversible Fe2+/3+ redox couple of ferrocene is used as the electrochemical signal. A substrate is covalently attached to the ferrocene molecule that is selectively targeted and known to be cleaved by the enzyme analyte of interest. The enzyme activity removes the substrate from the ferrocene molecule, producing a new ferrocene molecule with a new redox potential compared to the parent ferrocene-substrate molecule which enables enzyme concentrations associated with disease or pathogens to be quantified.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio in emission detection comprising: selecting a probe capable of at least one of fluorescence, phosphorescence, or delayed fluorescence in or about a sample that comprises interfering background signal; and exposing the probe to one or more controllable bursts, each burst comprising two or more pulses, wherein the one or more controllable bursts of high repetition energy pulses enhance the signal from the probe above that of the background signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for fluorescence-based multiplex probe to simultaneously detect one or more enzymatic activities comprising: a first enzymatic target having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first enzymatic target is attached to a central body and the second end of the first enzymatic target is attached to a first fluorophore; a second enzymatic target having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second enzymatic target is attached to the central body and the second end of the second enzymatic target is attached to a third fluorophore; wherein the central body comprises at least one second fluorophore; wherein the first enzymatic target comprises a specific cleavage site of a first enzyme that cleaves the first enzymatic target; and wherein the second enzymatic target comprises a specific cleavage site of a second enzyme.

Abstract: The esterfication of hypophosphorous acid is followed by reaction with another molecule of alcohol under the action of a nickel catalyst to provide a green method for the preparation of H-phosphonate diesters. This method avoids the need for any stoichiometric chlorine unlike those based on phosphorous trichloride.

Abstract: Amine chelates capable of antioxidant capacity and amyloid disaggregation are shown which may be useful in targeting metal-based oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders. Pyclen, a backbone commonly investigated for contrast agent imaging, may be repurposed as an anti-oxidant chelator for disaggregating amyloid. The antioxidant capacity of pyclen is enhanced dramatically via conversion of the pyridine backbone to a pyridol with cellular studies showing superior antioxidant capacity while retaining chelation ability to protect amyloid from metal ions aggregation and also disaggregate amyloid aggregates. Another family of molecules based upon hybrid heterocyclic amine ligands is also presented.

Abstract: Amine chelates capable of antioxidant capacity and amyloid disaggregation are shown which may be useful in targeting metal-based oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders. Pyclen, a backbone commonly investigated for contrast agent imaging, may be repurposed as an anti-oxidant chelator for disaggregating amyloid. The antioxidant capacity of pyclen was enhanced dramatically via conversion of the pyridine backbone to a pyridol with cellular studies showing superior antioxidant capacity while retaining chelation ability to protect amyloid from metal ions aggregation and also disaggregate amyloid aggregates.

Abstract: Shown is the preparation and subsequent elaboration of P-chiral compounds that can be used as a building block for many P-chiral ligands used, for example, in asymmetric catalytic reactions. Specifically, a synthesis is shown for RP(O)(OR*)CH2OH, with R=H, Ph, aryl, alkyl, and R*=menthol (and other chiral alcohol-derived moieties), especially HP(O)(OMen)CH2OH (Men=L-menthol). This versatile building block is easily synthesized via reaction of inexpensive starting materials, H3PO2, menthol as the chiral auxiliary, and paraformaldehyde.

Abstract: The esterfication of hypophosphorous acid is followed by reaction with another molecule of alcohol under the action of a nickel catalyst to provide a green method for the preparation of H-phosphonate diesters. This method avoids the need for any stoichiometric chlorine unlike those based on phosphorous trichloride.

Abstract: Amine chelates capable of antioxidant capacity and amyloid disaggregation are shown which may be useful in targeting metal-based oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders. Pyclen, a backbone commonly investigated for contrast agent imaging, may be repurposed as an anti-oxidant chelator for disaggregating amyloid. The antioxidant capacity of pyclen is enhanced dramatically via conversion of the pyridine backbone to a pyridol with cellular studies showing superior antioxidant capacity while retaining chelation ability to protect amyloid from metal ions aggregation and also disaggregate amyloid aggregates. Another family of molecules based upon hybrid heterocyclic amine ligands is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method analyzing the respiratory characteristics of a human respiratory system from impulse oscillometry data, through the use of a linear network of electrical components. The present invention offers an improved alternative to the RIC respiratory circuit model, with an addition of a peripheral resistance to account for the resistance presented by the respiratory system's small airways and of a capacitor to account for extrathoracic compliance. After air pressure and air flow measurements are obtained from the subject by performing Impulse Oscillometry System testing, a graphical representation of a mechanical impedance characteristic may be derived. This allows for the estimation and adjustment of parameter values of the linear network whose components correlate to the resistances, compliances and inertances inherent in the respiratory system.

Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing silicon semiconductor nanowires on graphite cloth conducting substrates. The nanowires are grown on the substrate by first depositing a thin gold film on the graphite cloth using RF sputtering. The substrate structure is then exposed to dilute silane, resulting in a uniform coating of Si nanowires on the cloth. A method is also shown for growing calcified mineral phases on such nanowire surfaces as well as for the incorporation of anti-osteoporotic drugs or anti-bacterial agents onto the surface of the nanowires. Lastly, a method is shown for promoting the growth of bone-forming cells onto the nanowire materials by exposing specially treated nanowires to bone marrow cells.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, i.e., 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates (or 1,1-bis-H-phosphinic acid derivatives) are provided. Also provided are novel methods for producing 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates and 1,1-bis-H-phosphinate conjugates. These compounds and conjugates are used are precursors of bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate conjugates, respectively, or as prodrugs directly for treating bone-related and various other diseases.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, i.e., 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates (or 1,1-bis-H-phosphinic acid derivatives) are provided. Also provided are novel methods for producing 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates and 1,1-bis-H-phosphinate conjugates. These compounds and conjugates are used as precursors of bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate conjugates, respectively, or as prodrugs directly for treating bone-related and various other diseases.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing and demodulating an interferometer at quadrature are described. In response to receipt of a signal indicative of optical power of the interferometer, an interferometer control system determines an optical path length correction required to stabilize the interferometer at quadrature utilizing signal amplitudes appearing at multiple harmonics of the signal. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the signal amplitudes are calculated utilizing the Goertzel algorithm, a computationally efficient discrete Fourier transform. The interferometer control system then outputs an error signal indicative of the optical path length correction. In a preferred embodiment, the error signal forms the DC component of a composite stabilization signal, whose AC component is the reference modulation signal utilized to excite a transducer to modulate the optical path length of the interferometer.

Abstract: A method of forming thin porous layers of calcium phosphate upon a silicon wafer surface using a high voltage spark. The outer layer of calcium phosphate is the inorganic component of bone and is anchored to the underlying substrate of silicon. The silicon is compatible with existing integrated circuit processing methods. The morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate film can be controlled by the duration of the spark and the distance between the affected surface and the counterelectrode utilized. The resultant porous layer can be impregnated with medicinally useful substances which then can be subsequently released to the surroundings through an electrical actuator.