Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing, preventing, and/or inhibiting germination of C. difficile spores, including methods for inhibiting C. difficile germination to prevent or treating C. difficile-associated diseases and disorders such as, for example, severe diarrhea and colitis in a subject. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Herein provided is a new potato variety designated ‘UNR-01’ as well as the tubers, seeds, plants, plant parts, and derivatives of the new potato variety ‘UNR-01’. This transgenic variety was generated using CRISPR-Cas9 and deleting a portion of the StMYB93 (PGSC0003DMG400006408) gene. This transgenic variety has a sprout suppressed phenotype that results in a longer storage life in cold storage conditions without the application of sprout-inhibiting chemicals. These potatoes were not impacted in reduced sugar levels, wound healing capacities, and native periderm suberin content. Also provided are tissue cultures of the new potato variety ‘UNR-01’ and the plants regenerated therefrom. Methods for producing potato plants by crossing the new potato variety ‘UNR-01’ with itself or another potato variety and plants produced by such methods are also provided. ‘UNR-01’ potatoes exhibit suppressed sprouting and longer storage life in cold storage conditions without the application of sprout-inhibiting chemicals.

Abstract: A modular and expandable 3D printer frame includes frame members to be coupled together to form a base defining an inner area. Each frame member includes at least one coupling member to removably couple the frame member to another of the frame members. The printer frame further includes first modular plates to be disposed within the inner area, and second modular plates to be disposed within the inner area and removably coupled to the first modular plates. The first and second modular plates, when coupled together, define a printer footprint.

Abstract: A parallel manipulator with six degrees of freedom may include a base that attaches to a unmanned aerial vehicle and a movable gripper element that may be positioned below the UAV. The positioning of the gripper element my reduce impact of the center of gravity of the attached UAV. The gripper element may include a geometric shape that complements objects routinely used in high-throughput screening (HTS) laboratories, such as microplates. The parallel manipulator and gripper element may be used to quickly, safely, and securely move objects in HTS laboratories and/or the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods useful for reducing, preventing, and/or inhibiting germination of C. perfringens spores, including methods for inhibiting C. perfringens germination to reduce necrotizing enteritis (NE, also referred to as necrotic enteritis) in animals. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular, hybrid robotic system for inspecting a structure can include a rigid frame, a modular propulsion system associated with a flight mode of the robotic system, the propulsion system comprising a plurality of propellers, a modular locomotion system associated with a climbing and/or driving mode of the robotic system, the locomotion system comprising a plurality of wheel systems, each wheel system comprising a support leg coupled to the rigid frame and at least one wheel coupled to the support leg, and a modular floating system associated with a swimming mode of the robotic system. In operation, all or some of the components of the propulsion system, locomotion system, and floating system can be included depending on a desired function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for recovering metal from electrode active materials. In particular embodiments, the method comprises recovering at least one metal from a lithium-ion battery (LIB), wherein a lixiviant is used without the need for an extraneous reducing agent. In particular aspects of the disclosure, a particular solid-to-liquid ratio of the electrode active material and lixiviant is used to promote selective recovery of lithium. In yet other aspects, reaction temperature and/or stirring speeds can be used to improve selective lithium recovery and efficiency using lixiviants disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optoelectronically dynamic elements (e.g., windows, films, lenses, flat-panel displays, polymer-based electronics, thin film photovoltaics, glass doors, tools/devices used in X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis, among others) comprising non-aqueous zinc-based electrolytes that facilitate reversible zinc electrodeposition on the element. The disclosed non-aqueous zinc-based electrolytes are used in combination with a transparent working electrode and a counter electrode and facilitate depositing layers of zinc on the transparent working electrode so as to rapidly form an opaque zinc-containing coating on the working electrode upon application of a suitable voltage. The opaque zinc-containing coating can be rapidly stripped from the working electrode transitioning it back to a transparent state upon application of a suitable voltage. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the disclosed non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte and elements described herein.

Abstract: The energy conversion performance, mechanical robustness, and cost associated with fabrication of a thermoelectric device may be improved by three-dimensional flexible thermoelectrics.

Abstract: Provided herein are diaryl and arylalkyl phosphonates, useful as intermediates in, for example, the synthesis of leukocyte elastase inhibitors, potassium channel modulators, chemiluminescence materials, and flame retardants, and methods for making same. Also provided are N-heterocyclic phosphorodiamidic acids (NHPAs) useful in reactions such as, for example, in the preparation of diaryl and arylalkyl phosphonates. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Superconductive materials and methods of making the same are described, in which the superconductive materials are grown on a crystalline substrate having lattice parameters that impart a strain on the superconductive materials that reduces an applied pressure at which the superconductive materials exhibit superconductivity.

Abstract: A system for determining snowpack characteristics includes a weight plate, at least one pressure sensor, and an inert plate surrounding the weight plate. The weight plate and the inert plate can be spaced apart from one another, and, in some cases, the weight plate has a perimeter and the inert plate surrounds the entirety of the perimeter of the weight plate with a gap formed therebetween.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods of identifying and making compositions of matter are disclosed. Some embodiments disclose making and chemically and/or compositionally tuning superconducting hydride materials. Some embodiments disclose an apparatus for making and compositionally tuning superconducting materials. Some embodiments disclose a composition of matter including a solid hydride exhibiting superconductivity at a temperature of at least 150 kelvin at an ambient pressure below 180 gigapascals, or at a temperature of at least 261 kelvin. In one or more embodiments, the superconductor includes a covalent metal hydride having at least three different chemical elements wherein an inter-atomic distance between the hydrogen in the covalent metal hydride is in a range of 1.1-2 angstroms. In yet further examples, the superconductor is formed using molecular exchange and compression of a Van der Waals solid.

Abstract: Described are methods for the recovery of uranium from uranium hexafluoride dissolved directly into ionic liquids.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for controlling growth of fungi.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for treating plants, soil, fungal, and/or pathogens. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions having one or more microbial metabolites from a microbial cell bath mixture for the treatment of harmful plant, agriculture, and/or soil pathogens, and also relates to methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: An actuation system including a gear assembly, a plurality of friction members, an outsole for an article of footwear and an actuator. The gear assembly having a plurality of gears and each friction member being coupled to a respective gear of the gear assembly and having a series of textured outer surfaces. The outsole having an inner portion, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the inner portion to the outer surface, each opening being configured to receive one or more friction members such that at least one textured outer surface of each friction member is exposed on the outer surface of the outsole. The actuator is configured to rotate one or more gears of the gear assembly such that each friction member rotates relative to the outsole.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward an electrodeposition-based dynamic glass element comprising an electrolyte that includes an aqueous solvent and an additive, wherein the electrolyte is stable over a temperature range that is greater than the stable temperature range of the aqueous solvent alone. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the electrolyte is lowered by its inclusion of the additive. Additives suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure include alcohols, metal salts, sugars, cryoprotectants, and the like. In some cases, the freezing point of the aqueous-solvent-based electrolyte is lowered from 0° C. to ?40° C. by virtue of the inclusion of the additive. In some cases, the maximum stable temperature of the electrolyte is increased from 100° C. to 110° C. by virtue of the inclusion of the additive.

Abstract: Provided is an e-cigarette that includes a housing containing an atomizer, a first module and a second module. The first module can include a first e-liquid that is free, or substantially free, of flavorants. The second module can store a second e-liquid that includes flavorants. The atomizer can volatilize the first e-liquid by heating to form an aerosol at a high temperature. The heated aerosol can pass along a flow path from the first module into the second module. The second e-liquid can be volatilized at a low temperature within the second module by the heated aerosol.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient to reduce risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated disease or reducing existing Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a mammalian subject involves administering to a mammalian subject an effective amount of a germination-inhibiting compound derived from taurocholate. Novel compounds of this class are also provided.