Abstract: A microneedle array including a plurality of microneedles that include nanocellulose or a nanocellulose composite, methods of producing a microneedle array, a device including a microneedle array, and methods of extracting a dermal biofluid or subdermal biofluid by applying a microneedle array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring sleep are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes emitting light into tissue. The method also includes detecting light backscattered from the tissue. Further, the method includes determining a sleep pattern based on the backscattered light.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method are provided for detecting lesions and/or abnormalities in a heterogeneous medium. An array of ultrasound transducer elements configured to emit ultrasound signals and to receive backscattered ultrasound signals. A processor performs a lesion detection algorithm that processes the backscattered ultrasound signals to obtain an Inter-element Response Matrix (IRM), splits the IRM into a plurality of sub-IRMs corresponding to subsets of the ultrasound transducer elements, and then performs additional processing that includes performing a depression detection algorithm to identify one or more lesions and/or abnormalities.

Abstract: Strengthening the dry and wet tenacity of regenerated cellulosic fibers can be performed through the addition of an aldaric acid, such as (but not limited to) glucaric acid. In some embodiments, regenerated cellulosic fibers that include an aldaric acid or a salt thereof, produced by the disclosed methods are also described. The produced fibers have advantageous properties due at least in part to the inclusion of the aldaric acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to high-throughput detection of polyketides using genetically encoded biosensors.

Abstract: A power device includes a packaged semiconductor switch containing first and second series-connected insulated-gate transistors, first and second control terminals electrically connected to the first and second insulated-gate transistors, respectively, first and second current carrying terminals electrically connected to the first and second insulated-gate transistors, respectively, and a voltage-monitoring terminal electrically connected to an internal node shared by first and second current carrying regions within the first and second insulated-gate transistors, respectively. The first and second control terminals can be electrically connected to a gate of the first insulated-gate transistor and a gate of the second insulated-gate transistor, respectively; and the first and second current carrying terminals can be electrically connected to a source of the first insulated-gate transistor and a drain (or collector) of the second insulated-gate transistor.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to transformer designs that offer very high isolation while maintaining high coupling between the windings. In one example, an isolation transformer includes a first excitation coil wound around a first core and a second excitation coil wound about a second core. The second core is electrically separated from the first core by a high resistivity magnetic material or a non-conductive material. The first and second cores can include corresponding core segments arranged in a trident geometry or a quindent geometry. The core segments can align when the first excitation coil is inserted into a void of the second excitation coil. The isolation transformer designs are mechanically separable which can result in safe, energized, plug operations.

Abstract: Mosquito resistant textiles and garments are provided that demonstrate resistance to mosquito bites without the use of pesticides or chemicals. The textiles and garments provide 90% or more resistance to mosquito bite resistance.

Abstract: An exoskeleton wearable on a body of a human having two legs, the exoskeleton comprising a first HAA joint and a second HAA joint to assist the human with leg abduction and adduction movements that are parallel to a frontal plane, each of the first and the second HAA joints having an actuator, each actuator including a motor and a clutch. The exoskeleton further comprises a sensor system for measuring a combined center of mass of the human and the exoskeleton in the frontal plane and a step width of the human in the frontal plane. The exoskeleton further comprises a controller that outputs adjustment angles for each of the first and the second HAA joints based on the center of mass and the step width. The first and the second HAA joints are respectively rotated based on the respective output adjustment angles.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of extracting bioactive agents from biomass using continuous microwave-assisted extraction. The disclosed method includes contacting the biomass with a solvent and optionally homogenizing the biomass. Then blending the biomass and the solvent and continuously passing the biomass though one more microwave assisted extraction units, thereby exposing the biomass to microwave energy. The solvent is separated from the biomass, where the separated solvent is the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Provided are expression cassettes that can be used to express proteins in plants. In some embodiments, the expression cassettes include polynucleotides that encode polypeptides that are at least 96% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 operably linked to a promoter and a transcription terminator and optionally a tag sequence. Also provided are recombinant vectors, cells, and transgenic plants, progeny, and seeds that include the presently disclosed expression cassettes, and methods for using the disclosed expression cassettes to alter geminivirus resistance and suppress virus-induced leaf chlorosis, leaf curling, or both in plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antibody that specifically binds an IgE receptor and methods of its use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating/inhibiting/reducing a non-immunogenic cancer in a subject or inducing blockade inhibitor susceptibility (such as, for example, PD-1/PDLI, CTLA-4/B7-1/2, and/or CD47/SIRPa inhibitor susceptibility) in a tumor in a subject with a cancer, said methods comprising administering to the subject a hydrogel matrix comprising a chemotherapeutic agent (including, but not limited to gemcitabine) and a blockade inhibitor (including, but not limited to a PD-1/PD-LI blockade inhibitor, such as, for example nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and BMS-936559; a CTLA-4/B7-1/2 inhibitor such as, for example, Ipilimumab; and/or a CD47/SIRPa inhibitor such as, for example Hu5F9-G4, CVI, B6H12, 2D3, CC-90002, and TTI-621).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for characterizing material samples. In one aspect, a device for characterizing a sample includes a substrate configured for receiving a sample thereon; an optical fiber probe comprising a first end positioned near the sample and a second end that is bifurcated to include one or more first fiber configured for connection to a first light emitting device and one or more second fiber configured for connection to a spectrometer; a reflectance module coupled to the substrate; and a second light emitting device positioned near the sample. The optical fiber probe is configured for selectively obtaining at the spectrometer both a reflectance absorbance measurement of the sample associated with the first light emitting device and a photoluminescence measurement of the sample associated with the second light emitting device.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for controlling an energy storage device are provided. The method includes determining an operating schedule for the energy storage device based on at least an initial cost. The initial cost is a function of at least a load profile and a power production profile of at least one renewable energy source associated with the energy storage device. The operating schedule is for a predetermined period. The method further includes determining an updated cost based on at least the operating schedule, identifying an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes for a predetermined operating period based on the updated cost and the operating schedule; and operating using the operating mode for the predetermined operating period.

Abstract: Spin coating systems and methods. In one aspect, a spin coater assembly is provided. The spin coater assembly includes a spinner configured for receiving a substrate thereon, a plurality of material dispensers, an arm assembly configured to selectively position one of the plurality of material dispensers over the substrate, and a controller in communication with each of the spinner, the plurality of material dispensers, and the arm assembly.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘NC2017-92’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its light, purple-colored flowers. The new variety is also characterized by its small and gold-colored foliage. A moderately slow growing, highly branched and compact growth habit is displayed.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cercis plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘NC2017-113’, is disclosed. The new variety is characterized by its white-colored flowers. The new variety is also characterized by its small, thick, glossy, and green-colored foliage. A moderately slow growing and compact growth habit is displayed.

Abstract: ‘XSA 11377’ is a new St. Augustinegrass cultivar that is fast to establish, has good levels of shade and drought tolerances, and has superior turf quality. It is distinguishable from other cultivars by its medium-fine texture, aggressive stoloniferous growth, improved sod strength, and improved shade tolerance. ‘XSA 11377’ shows gray leaf spot and chinch bug tolerance, and maintains above average turf quality under normal management practices. ‘XSA-11377’ is also genetically distinct from other St. Augustinegrass cultivars currently in the marketplace known to the Inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Euonymus plant named ‘NCEA1’ is disclosed, characterized by plants with compact, rounded habits, good fall color, low fruit production, and greatly reduced fertility. The new cultivar is a Euonymus, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.