Abstract: Functionalized graphene sheets having a carbon to oxygen molar ratio of at least about 23:1, an apparatus for preparing the same, and method of preparing the same using the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the formation of p-type transparent conducting oxides (TCO) having a structure of MgxNi1-xO or ZnxNi1-xO. These structures disrupt the two-dimensional confinement of individual holes (the dominant charge carrier transport mechanism in pure NiO) creating three-dimensional hole transport by providing pathways for hole transfer in directions that are unfavorable in pure NiO. Forming these structures preserves NiO's transparency to visible light since the band gaps do not deviate significantly from that of pure NiO. Furthermore, forming MgxNi1-xO or ZnxNi1-xO does not lead to hole trapping on O ions adjacent to Zn and Mg ions. The formation of these alloys will lead to creation of three-dimensional hole transport and improve NiO's conductivity for use as p-type TCO, without adversely affecting the favorable properties of pure NiO.

Abstract: The majority of clinically used antibiotics and anticancer agents are derived from bacterial small molecules. These molecules are produced by dedicated biosynthetic gene clusters, sets of genes that are responsible for the step-wise generation of the target small molecule. Recent investigations have indicated, to the surprise of many experts, that the majority of these biosynthetic genes are inactive or ‘silent’ for unknown reasons. Thus under typical bacterial culturing conditions, these genes are not expressed and consequently the bioactive small molecule products are not synthesized. Disclosed is a method for high throughput screening of elicitors of cryptic metabolites, a method for producing cryptic metabolites, and a new family of cryptic metabolites, the acybolins, as well as their complete structural elucidation.

Abstract: Provided are astexin-1, astexin-2 and astexin-3 lasso peptides, which are based on sequences identified in Asticaccaulis excentricus, and methods of making and using same. Astexin-1 is highly polar, in contrast to many lasso peptides that are primarily hydrophobic, and has modest antimicrobial activity against Caulobacter crescentus, a bacterium related to Asticaccaulis excentricus. The solution structure of astexin-1 was determined, revealing a unique topology that is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between segments of the peptide. Astexins-2 and -3 are intracellular lasso peptides.

Abstract: Method of making a graphene-ionic liquid composite. The composite can be used to make electrodes for energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors.

Abstract: A power amplifier system for amplifying an input having a carrier frequency having an amplitude. The system includes a plurality of n amplifiers coupled to an asymmetrical combiner formed of a passive network, each amplifier has an input and an output, the asymmetrical combiner has a plurality of inputs and an output, the output of each amplifier is coupled to an input of the asymmetrical combiner, an impedance viewed at the output of each of the n amplifiers is a function of the amplitude and phase at each of the other n?1 amplifiers. An amplitude/phase controller is coupled to the plurality of n amplifiers or the asymmetrical combiner to control the amplitude/phase at the asymmetrical combiner input. The amplitude/phase controller is configured to present an amplitude/phase at each input of the asymmetrical combiner to target an optimal impedance at the carrier frequency for each of the plurality of n amplifiers.

Abstract: A thermal overload device containing a polymer composite, which contains at least one polymer and a modified graphite oxide material, containing thermally exfoliated graphite oxide having a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed, the microscope having a light source defining an optical axis along a Z direction and a detector disposed in X-Y direction, orthogonal to the optical axis, the detector configured to capture images of an object. The microscope includes a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet configured with a fluid flow to transport the object from the inlet to the outlet. The detector is configured to capture a plurality of images of the object as the object moves from the inlet to the outlet. The plurality of images of the object may have different heights of the sample with respect to the detector as the sample flows through the channel. The channel may be tilted with respect to the optical axis. The detector may be tilted with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: Particulate constructs stabilized by amphiphilic copolymers and comprising at least one active coupled to a hydrophobic moiety provide sustained release of the active in both in vitro and in vivo environments.

Abstract: Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.

Abstract: Functionalized graphene sheets having a carbon to oxygen molar ratio of at least about 23:1 and method of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle compositions and treatment of cardiovascular disease using nanoparticles to target Class A and B scavenger receptors. This invention further relates to methods of detecting cells that express scavenger receptors, detecting atherosclerotic lesions, and targeting bioactive amphiphilic macromolecules to cells that express scavenger receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing viral infections using modulators of host cell enzymes relating to mTOR. The invention also provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing viral infections using modulators of host cell enzymes relating to mTOR and modulators of the unfolded protein response.

Abstract: A three dimensional touch sensing system having a touch surface configured to detect a touch input located above the touch surface is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of capacitive touch sensing electrodes disposed on the touch surface, each electrode having a baseline capacitance and a touch capacitance based on the touch input. An oscillating plane is disposed below the touch surface. A touch detector is configured to drive one of the touch sensing electrodes with an AC signal having a frequency that shifts from a baseline frequency to a touch frequency based on the change in electrode capacitance from the baseline capacitance to the touch capacitance. The touch detector is configured to drive the oscillating plane to the touch frequency.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a network architecture is disclosed. The network architecture includes a plurality of processing network nodes. The network architecture further includes at least one broadcasting medium to interconnect the plurality of processing network nodes where the broadcasting medium includes an integrated waveguide. The network architecture also includes a broadcast and weight protocol configured to perform wavelength division multiplexing such that multiple wavelengths coexist in the integrated waveguide available to all nodes of the plurality of processing network nodes.

Abstract: A structurally distinct and potent series of synthetic small molecule activators of Vibrio cholerae quorum sensing have been chemically synthesized. The small molecule activators reduce virulence in V. cholerae. Acyl pyrrole molecules displayed strong potency and stability, particularly 1-(1H-pyrrol-3-yl)decan-1-one.

Abstract: A method for generating bids for a look-ahead, e.g. hour-ahead, energy market is disclosed. The method includes providing a processor configured to generate a lookup table approximating a value function having four dimensions including: state of the storage system, price of electricity, prior low bid and prior high bid. The processor is configured to observe an initial numeric value for a first set of dimensions and exploiting monotonicity to update a first region of the lookup table. The processor is configured to iteratively observe subsequent numeric values for a next set of dimensions and update subsequent regions of the lookup table while exploiting monotonicity to generate the lookup table. The value function is configured with numeric values for all possible sets of dimensions, the numeric values being usable to compute optimal bids.

Abstract: The invention includes microfluidic methods and devices that allow for the continuous production of microfibers with embedded droplets aligned along the length of the fiber at specific positions. The invention allows for formation of single or multiple emulsions within a fiber. The various phases comprised within the fiber can vary in terms of in terms of hydrophobic/hydrophilic character, solid/fluid, or gel crosslink density, which allows for the introduction of heterogeneous microenvironments within the fiber, each of which with distinct solubility characteristics, permeability, and mechanical properties. Various compounds and materials can be encapsulated in the different microcompartments of the fiber for storage and delivery applications, as well as to provide multifunctionality to the fiber structure.

Abstract: A mean radiant temperature sensor is used to measure radiant heat exchange to determine comfort. Disclosed herein are a spherical-motion average radiant temperature sensor (SMART Sensor) device or system, and an associated method, for taking an average overall global reading while also being able to record weighting for different directions easily in spherical coordinates.

Abstract: Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.