Abstract: Porositized/activated carbon processed from carbon or carbonaceous raw materials. The porositization process comprises: (1) loading porositizing agents; (2) thermal treatment; and (3) porous generation. In another embodiment, the porositization process comprises: (1) loading porositizing agents; and (2) thermal treatment wherein the carbon or carbonaceous materials undergo carbonization and self-activation during the thermal treatment. Activated carbon products that exhibit magnetic functionality.

Abstract: A method for modeling a circuit comprising storing a plurality of design variable ranges for a circuit component in a non-transient electronic data memory. Performing transistor-level simulations at a plurality of sample points for the circuit component to generate a plurality of design variable samples for the circuit component. Storing a neural network architecture in the non-transient electronic data memory that models the plurality of design variable samples for the circuit component. Storing a performance metric metamodel and a circuit parameter metamodel generated using Verilog-AMS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laser-assisted machining (LAM) of bone without raising the temperature of the surrounding bone is discussed. The method of LAM of bone involves determining a target bone needing to be machined an then scanning a high power density laser beam along the bone at a machining rate that produces low-heat affected zones (HAZ) on the target bone. The process and apparatus is advantageous over conventional technologies because it provides a chemically clean, coherent, and monochromatic beam to the region to be machined.

Abstract: A sustainable Low Water Footprint Re-circulating Aquatic System for cultivating aquatic organisms and plants. The system conserves water and energy by using gravity to move water and nutrients from the clarifier into the low water footprint management system. The novel water management system controls the volume of water in the plant grow bed such that it never rises to or above the surface, limiting evaporative water loss. Water flow to the plant grow bed is intermittent and the water management system retains water within the grow bed by capillary action, even when there is no water input. The grow bed contains microflora that convert nitrogenous wastes produced by the aquatic organisms to nitrogenous compounds useable by the plants. The clarified water is then pumped back into the animal tanks. The system is sustainable, cost effective, and highly productive, and uses 50-80% less water than conventional re-circulating aquatic production system.

Abstract: A coupled nanomanipulation and nanospray mass spectrometry (NMS) system for single cell, single organelle, and ultra-trace molecular analysis is disclosed herein. The system primarily comprises a bio-workstation coupled to a NMS. The bio-workstation primarily comprises of a nanomanipulator stage with a plurality of nano-positioners attached to a cabinet with a piezo voltage source and a pressure injector. The present invention further describes a fingerprint lift method that when coupled with the system disclosed herein can be used for retrieval and analysis of trace amounts of drug and explosive residues. The system described herein has been used in the areas of trace and document analysis within the forensic field, trace fiber analysis, and electrostatic lifts for illicit drugs, as well as document and painting analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magneto-electric spin-FET including a gate film of chromia and a thin film of a conductive channel material which may be graphene, InP, GaAs, GaSb, PbS, MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2 and mixtures thereof. The chromia, or other magneto-electric, and conduction channel material are in intimate contact along an interface there between. The resulting magneto-electric device may be voltage-controlled and provide non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A coupled nanomanipulation and nanospray mass spectrometry (NMS) system for single cell, single organelle, and ultra-trace molecular analysis is disclosed herein. The system primarily comprises a bio-workstation coupled to a NMS. The bio-workstation primarily comprises of a nanomanipulator stage with a plurality of nano-positioners attached to a cabinet with a piezo voltage source and a pressure injector. The present invention further describes a fingerprint lift method that when coupled with the system disclosed herein can be used for retrieval and analysis of trace amounts of drug and explosive residues. The system described herein has been used in the areas of trace and document analysis within the forensic field, trace fiber analysis, and electrostatic lifts for illicit drugs, as well as document and painting analysis.

Abstract: A method for designing complex, mixed signal circuits, comprising generating electronic data defining a baseline schematic design. Generating a parameterized parasitic-aware netlist using the baseline schematic design. Performing design and process parameter statistical optimization using the parameterized parasitic-aware netlist and mixed signal component specifications. Determining whether one or more predetermined design specifications are satisfied. Optimizing the parameterized parasitic-aware netlist if it is determined that the one more predetermined design specifications are not satisfied. Generating electronic data defining a schematic-optimal layout design if it is determined that the one or more predetermined design specifications are satisfied.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of elevating lipid content in vegetative (non-seed) plant or algae cells, plant tissues, or whole plants by genetically modifying the plant or algae to express a lipid droplet-associated protein or polypeptide (such as fat-specific protein 27) of mammalian origin. Also provided are genetically-modified plant or algae cells, plant tissues, or whole plants with elevated cellular lipid content, expressing a lipid droplet-associated protein or polypeptide (such as fat-specific protein 27) of mammalian (e.g. human) origin.

Abstract: An acoustic material can be electromagnetically tuned to produce alterations in its acoustical properties without physical contact. The acoustic material should contain a periodic structure and a medium that has acousto-elastical properties that can be altered through the application of electromagnetic radiation. Changes in volumetric properties such as density result in changes to the velocity at which sound passes through the material. The acoustic material can be a phononic crystal that undergoes a change in its acoustic bandgap after being subjected to electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic tuning ability results in the ability to change the acoustic properties of various phononic devices without physical contact.

Abstract: Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists and partial agonists are known to modulate the reinforcing and drug-seeking effects induced by cocaine and other abused substances. By introducing functionality into the butylamide linking chain of the 4-phenylpiperazine class of ligands, improved D3 receptor affinity and selectivity, as well as water solubility, is achieved. A series of linking-chain derivatives are disclosed wherein functionality such as OH or OAc groups have been introduced into the linking chain. In general, these modifications are well tolerated at D3 receptors and achieve high selectivity over D2 and D4 receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and uses thereof as antioxidants and/or neuroprotective agents for the treatment of medical conditions associated with oxidative stress and/or neural damage, such as, for example, neurological diseases, disorders and trauma, and hence in the treatment of CNS-associated diseases, disorders and trauma.

Abstract: Disclosed are high density lipoprotein-nucleic acid particles, wherein the particles include (a) an apolipoprotein; (b) a nucleic acid component comprising a therapeutic nucleic acid segment; and (c) a polypeptide comprising a positively charged region, wherein the positively-charged region of the polypeptide associates with the nucleic acid component. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include a) an apolipoprotein; (b) a nucleic acid component comprising a therapeutic nucleic acid segment; and (c) a polypeptide comprising a positively charged region. Methods that concern the particles and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are also set forth, as well as kits.

Abstract: Methods of forming a graphene-based device are provided. According to an embodiment, a graphene-based device can be formed by subjecting a substrate having a dielectric formed thereon to a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process using a cracked hydrocarbon or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process using a graphite source; and performing an annealing process. The annealing process can be performed to temperatures of 1000 K or more. The cracked hydrocarbon of the CVD process can be cracked ethylene. In accordance with one embodiment, the application of the cracked ethylene to a MgO(111) surface followed by an annealing under ultra high vacuum conditions can result in a structure on the MgO(111) surface of an ordered graphene film with an oxidized carbon-containing interfacial layer therebetween. In another embodiment, the PVD process can be used to form single or multiple monolayers of graphene.

Abstract: Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (“FMOFs”) are capable of adsorbing and desorbing hydrocarbons, namely, C6-C8 hydrocarbon oil components (n-hexane, cyclohexane, benzene and toluene). FMOFs can be arranged in a variety of configurations and have internal hollow channels and cavities. In FMOFs, hydrogen atoms have been substituted completely or partially with fluorine atoms or fluorinated groups in each linking organic ligand. These FMOFs can adsorb C6-C8 hydrocarbons, up to 500 kg/m3 as demonstrated for toluene, through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action. No water adsorption was detectable even under extreme conditions including moist air near 100% relative humidity and immersion in water for multiple weeks, demonstrating far superior water resistance to BPL carbon and zeolites. These materials are stable and can be readily recycled by simple desorption many times.

Abstract: The present invention discloses gene targets and methods for the genetic control of lipid accumulation in vegetative (non-seed) portions of plants. Enhanced lipid, e.g. triacylglycerol (TAG), accumulation in vegetative portions of plants may be obtained by down-regulation of activity of At4g24160 or a homolog thereof. Plants, plant parts, seeds comprising down-regulated AT4G24160 activity, or activity of a homolog thereof, are also provided, as well as products prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Tunable polymer-based sonic structures (“TuPSS”) are made up of sonic structures and polymers. The TuPSS has three general requirements: a) The sonic structure is composed of one or materials engineered to behave as a lens, filter, cloak, or dampener; b) Stimulus sensitive polymer is incorporated into the sonic structure; and c) The actuation of the polymer tunes the acoustic behavior of the structure in a predictable manner. The tunable polymer-based sonic structures utilize stimuli-driven physical properties of the polymers in these acoustic structures to produce a stimulus driven, or tunable, sonic structure or device. The sonic structures actively modulate mechanical vibrations that propagate through the structures, but are passive in that they do not produce mechanical vibrations. The stimuli for the structures include electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, chemical, thermal, and shaking/orientation.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of making a nanoparticle composition comprising a polymeric core comprising one or more polymers and one or more active agents, and at least one layer of one or more lipids on the surface of the polymeric core; more specifically, the invention relates to the use of curcumin within such a lipid-polymer nanoparticle formulation for minimizing QT prolongation associated with curcumin in treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Environmentally-friendly alternatives to organometallic antifoulants that are efficacious at preventing biofouling by organisms such as the zebra mussel. Preferred antifoulant compositions utilize compounds having a Lipophilic-Amide-Spacer-ElectroNegative (“LASEN”) structural motif, such as capsaicin, and compounds having a TetraHydroCannibinoid (“THC”) structural motif. The antifoulant compositions are non-toxic, and effective.

Abstract: A soft-landing (SL) instrument for depositing ions onto substrates using a laser ablation source is described herein. The instrument of the instant invention is designed with a custom drift tube and a split-ring ion optic for the isolation of selected ions. The drift tube allows for the separation and thermalization of ions formed after laser ablation through collisions with an inert bath gas that allow the ions to be landed at energies below 1 eV onto substrates. The split-ring ion optic is capable of directing ions toward the detector or a landing substrate for selected components. The inventors further performed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and drift tube measurements to characterize the performance characteristics of the instrument.