Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved sample preparation technique and adapter device for the removal of trace materials from swabs and delivery of the trace materials into a mass spectrometer (MS) or an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The adapter device and technique aids the delivery of the analyte into the instrument inlet and concurrently serves as an ionization source. The technique includes the steps of positioning or shaping the swab so that a pointed analyte release corner or tip is directed toward the inlet of the MS or IMS, adding a solvent to the swab and charging the swab to create an ionized analyte spray pointed at or positioned within the inlet of the detection instrument.

Abstract: A deep-sea imaging and control system with an extremely compact remote camera head unit which can operate to depths of at least 5500 m (about 8500 psi). The unit has a photopolymer shell for a pressure housing that can be 3D-printed, at least partially filled with high performance epoxy used as a potting compound. A pressure resistant optically transparent material such as a flat polished borosilicate glass disc serves as the optical viewport and protects the unpotted lens assembly from pressure and water intrusion. The control computer can be separate from the camera, is partially or completely potted in epoxy, and can be accessible through a Wi-Fi connection.

Abstract: The invention features a composition comprising an immuno-stimulatory compound and a pHLIP® peptide, e.g., an immunostimulatory compound that comprises a cyclic purine dinucleotide, which binds to a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) such as a cGAMP cyclic compound inside a cell.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides pH triggered peptides, as well as compositions methods, devices, and systems comprising the same. The pH triggered peptides include cyclic and short linear peptides, and may have higher affinity to a membrane lipid bilayer at low pH than at neutral or high pH.

Abstract: The invention features a compositions and methods for inducing an immune response to targeted cells. The compositions induce targeting of a cell by positioning carbohydrate epitopes on the surface of the cell by conjugation of the epitope to a pH-triggered membrane peptide (pHLIP®).

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a unique plasticized pyrotechnic material which can be easily portioned and formed or molded into a desired shape and which burns at a high temperature (>2000° C.) but does not detonate. The plasticized pyrotechnic material may preferably include a combination of about 70-99% by weight of a pyrotechnic composition and about 1-30% by weight of a plasticizer composition comprising various low to mid molecular weight polyisobutylenes. The pyrotechnic material comprises inorganic oxidizers (e.g. metal oxides, oxohalide salts, nitrates, nitrites, chlorates/perchlorates) and metal or metal oxides powders mixed intimately. The plasticizer may include a small amount of a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and may also include up to 1-2% by weight of a processed oil, such as a mineral oil or motor oil. Some embodiments may also include a biocide precursor molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for synthesizing hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HP Xe) biosensors by using pseudo-rotaxane structures of gamma-cyclodextrin. These supramolecular complexes form novel ternary structures in the presence of HP Xe which can be detected via 129Xe MR spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The rotaxane-type complex can be tagged with an affinity label for detecting a target in a biological subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a unique, two-part, water-soluble polymer matrix material and a method of application that immobilizes a wide variety of loose powder or crystalline hazardous materials and renders them “safe” or at least “safer” for handling and transport. The polymer matrix material is a two-part polymer material comprising a liquid cross-linking polymer and a cross-linking agent, initiator, or biocide contained in a solution. The cross-linking agent functions to cross-link the polymer and cause it to harden in place.

Abstract: A resistance temperature detector (RTD) that uses a ceramic matrix composite (CMC), such as a silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix, as an active temperature sensing element, which can operate at temperatures greater than 1000° C. or even 1600° C. Conductive indium tin oxide or a single elemental metal such as platinum is deposited on a dielectric or insulating layer such as mullite or an environmental barrier coating (EBC) on the substrate. Openings in the layer allow etching of the CMC surface in order to make high quality ohmic contacts with the conductive material, either directly or through a silicide diffusion barrier such as ITO. The RTD can measure both temperature and strain of the CMC. The use of an EBC, which typically is deposited on the CMC by the manufacturer, as the insulating or dielectric layer can be extended to other devices such as strain gages and thermocouples that use the CMC as a sensing element. The EBC can be masked and etched to form the openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved sample preparation technique and adapter device for the removal of trace materials from swabs and delivery of the trace materials into a mass spectrometer (MS) or an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The adapter device and technique aids the delivery of the analyte into the instrument inlet and concurrently serves as an ionization source. The technique includes the steps of positioning or shaping the swab so that a pointed analyte release corner or tip is directed toward the inlet of the MS or IMS, adding a solvent to the swab and charging the swab to create an ionized analyte spray pointed at or positioned within the inlet of the detection instrument.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for synthesizing a compound that includes gallotannins from a part of a maple tree, into new skin whitening compounds. The method includes the step of isolating the gallotannin from the part of the maple tree.

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed that provides a directional radiation field. The antenna system includes at least two monopole antennas, each of which provides a differential connector. Each differential connector is associated with a signal having a different phase such that a radiation field associated with said antenna system is other than a radiation field that would exist if each differential connector were associated with the signal having the same phase.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery comprising (i) at least one anode, (ii) at least one cathode containing a cathode active material selected from lithium ion containing transition metal compounds having a content of Manganese of from 50 to 100% wt. based on the total weight of transition metal in the lithium ion containing transition metal compound, and (iii) at least one electrolyte composition containing •(A) at least one aprotic organic solvent, •(B) 0.01 up to less than 5% wt. based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lithium bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate, lithium oxalate, lithium (malonato oxalato)borate, lithium (salicylato oxalato)borate, lithium tris(oxalato)phosphate and vinylene carbonate compounds of formula (I), •(C) 0.01 up to less than 5% wt.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions based on a structure designated as “Honaucin A”, including Honaucin A variants and analogs, and pharmaceutical compositions, liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used as bacterial quorumsensing inhibitors. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments the compositions of the invention are used as anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions based on a structure designated as “Honaucin A”, including Honaucin A variants and analogs, and pharmaceutical compositions, liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used as bacterial quorumsensing inhibitors. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments the compositions of the invention are used as anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: The present document describes a neutraceutical, cosmeceuticals, functional food, pharmaceutical, food ingredient, and non-food ingredient compositions comprising sugar maple extract, essential oil compositions comprising oil extracted from an Acer tree, sweetening compositions containing sugar extracted from maple tree leaves, food ingredients comprising maple tree extract, cosmetic composition comprising maple tree extracts, infusion compositions prepared from maple tree leaves, maple roots, maple wood, maple stems of leaves and samara, and stems/twigs as well as compounds isolated from sugar maple biomass and the methods of extracting the same.

Abstract: The present invention describes phytochemicals present in maple syrup and maple tree extracts by butanol, ethyl acetate and methanol. Novel compounds are isolated from maple syrups, including one compound Quebecol generated in the maple syrup manufacturing process. Also described are digesting extract of maple syrup. The phytochemicals may be used for the treatment or prevention of cancers, metabolic syndromes, diabetes, microorganism infections and/or antioxidants.

Abstract: Isac, a novel protein with anticomplement activity is disclosed. Isac can be isolated from the salivary glands of ticks or made by recombinant methods using various DNA expression techniques.