Abstract: Provided herein are isotopically labeled reagents, including isotopically labeled small molecules and peptides, that can be used to detect and/or quantify ?-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a sample. The reagents can be used as stable isotope labeled standards in analytical methods, including in conjunction with mass spectrometry, to detect and/or quantify BMAA in a sample, such as a protein sample from a subject.

Abstract: Various examples of thin film thermoelectric (TE) devices, their fabrication and applications are presented. In one example, a thin film TE device includes a first substrate including a void; a p-type TE element attached to the first substrate at a first end and extending over the void to a second end; an n-type TE element attached to the first substrate at a first end and extending over the void to a second end adjacent to the second end of the p-type TE element; and an interconnection coupling the second ends of the p-type TE element and the n-type TE element. In some examples, TE device layers can be vacuum sealed between a supporting substrate and a transparent substrate. A thermal spreader can include TE modules having a distribution of TE elements that operate in generating or cooling modes to cool IC or device hotspots using self-generated power.

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: The present invention provides a chimeric protein comprising: a) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to a mammalian IgE at an epitope within the amino acid sequence VDGQKATNIFPYTAPGTK (SEQ ID NO:1) of canine IgE or at an epitope within the corresponding amino acid sequence of a different mammalian species; b) a linker peptide; and c) an amino acid sequence comprising an IgE high affinity receptor alpha chain, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A composition comprising an amphiphilic polymeric material that is both hydrogen peroxide- and hypoxia-sensitive is described. The composition can further include a glucose-oxidizing enzyme and insulin, a bioactive derivative thereof, and/or another therapeutic agent (e.g., another diabetes treatment agent). The polymeric material can form vesicles that comprise single or multiple layers of the polymeric material that enclose the glucose-oxidizing enzyme and the insulin, bioactive derivative and/or other therapeutic agent. The vesicles can be loaded into microneedles to, for example, prepare microneedle arrays for skin patches. Methods of delivering insulin to a subject using the compositions, vesicles, microneedles, and/or microneedle array skin patches are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that can exhibit activity as biofilm modulating agents (e.g., activity as biofilm inhibitors and/or activity as biofilm dispersal agents). The compounds can exhibit potent activity against Gram positive biofilms. The compounds can also exhibit activity against Gram negative biofilms. In some cases, the compounds can exhibit both biofilm modulation properties and antimicrobial activity. Compositions comprising these compounds, as well as methods of using thereof, are also described. For example, the compounds described herein can be used in human and animal health (e.g., for the treatment of infection), agriculture, marine coatings, and other coating applications related to prevention of biofilm (e.g., dental, medical, etc.).

Abstract: Certain embodiments involve a modular medium voltage fast charger. The modular medium voltage fast charger can include: (1) a predictive power factor correction (“PFC”) controller (or predictive controller) for series-interleaved multi-cell three-level boost (“SIMCB”) converters, (2) an active neutral point clamped (“NPC”) dual active bridge (“DAB”) modulation scheme to achieve soft switching, (3) an auxiliary capacitor to reduce NPC DAB turn-off voltages, (4) a comprehensive and scalable protection circuit, and (5) a high-isolation pulse transformer with a bobbin for reducing coupling capacitance of the pulse transformer.

Abstract: A closed-loop insulin delivery system is described. More particularly, the presently disclosed insulin delivery system can comprise glucose-responsive vesicles that release insulin in response to hypoxia triggered by enzymatic reduction of glucose. In addition or as an alternative to insulin, the delivery system can release other diabetes treatment agents, such as non-insulin-based diabetes treatment agents. The vesicles can be prepared from a hypoxia sensitive polymer, such as a hypoxia-sensitive hyaluronic acid (HS-HA). The HS-HA can comprise hydrophobic groups that can be reduced in hypoxic environments to form hydrophilic groups. The vesicles can be loaded into microneedles and microneedle array patches for use in the treatment of diabetes or to otherwise regulate blood glucose levels in subjects in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming diamond nanostructures and diamonds from amorphous carbon nanostructures in ambient temperature and pressure by irradiating carbon nanostructures to an undercooled state and quenching the melted carbon to convert a portion of the nanostructure into diamond.

Abstract: A continuous socket/suspension monitoring system according to principles of the present invention tracks relative displacement between amputee residuum and their socket using magnetic sensors. The system includes at least one magnetic sensor in a liner worn on the amputees' residuum which correspond to sensors provide in or on the prosthesis socket. The system allows for monitoring of pistoning continuously during locomotion and does not require socket modification, is safe to amputee patients, is easy to use, and is low cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanoparticle comprising a copolymer comprising a polyethylene glycol polymer, a polyhydroxylated polymer, and a peroxide-sensitive pendant group; a glucose-responsive agent; and a therapeutic agent; wherein the copolymer encapsulates the glucose-responsive agent and the therapeutic agent. Also disclosed herein is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject comprising administering to the subject a nanoparticle comprising a copolymer comprising a polyethylene glycol polymer, a polyhydroxylated polymer, and a peroxide-sensitive pendant group; a glucose-responsive agent; and a therapeutic agent; wherein the copolymer encapsulates the glucose-responsive agent and the therapeutic agent; and releasing the therapeutic agent from the nanoparticle in the presence of hyperglycemic levels of glucose.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding transcription factors and methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate nicotine production in plants and to produce plants having modulated nicotine production.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Fractal-like polymeric particles having a hierarchical, branched structure are disclosed. The particles have fibers with nanometer-scale diameters on their peripheries, which enables a number of unique and highly desirable properties. The particles are fabricated by a method combining phase separation and shear forces of different solutions, in particular a polymer solution. In addition, the particles may be used as coatings, nonwovens, textiles and viscosity modifiers and adhesives, among other applications.

Abstract: Ipomoea batatas ‘NC04-0531’ is an orange fleshed, smooth skinned, dark rose-colored, table stock sweetpotato. ‘NC04-0531’ has good insect resistance. It has an upright, compact canopy that helps to suppress weeds within a row and is slower to trail across rows allowing for a longer period of cultivation with weed control. It is a long season variety to size for optimal production of No. 1 sized roots. Size and shape uniformity of ‘NC04-0531’ are very good. The flavor of the baked storage roots of ‘NC04-0531’ has been judged to be very good by standardized and informal taste panels. Because of its insect resistance and plant canopy characteristics, ‘NC04-0531’ is seen as a good option for organic production.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Fothergilla plant named ‘NCFI1’ with a compact plant habit, large, showy, fragrant white flowers and brilliant fall foliage colors. The new variety of Fothergilla is suitable for ornamental horticultural purposes.

Abstract: ‘NCORNSP-027SCMG’ is a compact, non-twining, semi-upright variety producing many short shoots. It is distinguishable from other cultivars by its palmate, deeply lobed leaves with 5-9 lobes, a compact habit, and semi-erect mounding plant architecture. The yellow-green (RHS 144B) leaves, deep-lobing, quantity of lobes, short internodes, and the plant architecture are what make ‘NCORNSP-027SCMG’ unique amongst the current ornamental sweetpotatoes in the marketplace. ‘NCORNSP-027SCMG’ also exhibits good vigor, is very well branched, and exhibits a growth habit that promotes good plant production in the greenhouse for wholesale distributors.

Abstract: ‘NC2017-108’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud tree that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety including (1) ease of asexual propagation using chip budding, (2) semi-upright growth habit; (3) foliage with glossy green color; (4) white double flowers produced in abundance during the spring; and female structures that are essentially sterile, resulting in no seed pod set.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lilgustrum plant named ‘NCLO1’ with a compact habit and uniquely variegated, semi-evergreen foliage. ‘NCL01’ is a new cultivar of privet, suitable for landscape purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ornamental peach plant, referred to by its variety name, ‘NCPeach-6’, is disclosed. The new cultivar forms double red-colored flowers. Dark purple-colored foliage is exhibited. Moderately slow, dwarf and globose growth habit is displayed. The new variety is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.