Abstract: Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) can be an integral tool to mitigate the unnecessary use of powerful and broad spectrum antibiotics that leads to the proliferation of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Methods and systems for a sensor platform composed of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors with surfaces having molecular control of nano architecture and surface chemistry and machine learning processes for analyzing SERS data, are described to detect metabolic profiles from susceptible antibiotic resistant bacteria strains for rapid AST.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting bacterial virulence, as well as methods and materials for use in rapid assessment of antibiotic susceptibility are described. A method for inhibiting bacterial virulence comprises exposing a site containing or suspected of containing virulent bacteria to a carbon source, wherein the carbon source produces a low g value. Examples of such carbon sources include pyruvate, citrate, oxaloacetate, malate, and fumarate. The carbon source can be applied to a surface or administered to a subject.

Abstract: A process for altering the thermoelectric properties of an electrically conductive material is provided. The process includes providing an electrically conducting material and a substrate. The electrically conducting material is brought into contact with the substrate. A thermal gradient can be applied to the electrically conducting material and a voltage applied to the substrate. In this manner, the electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power and/or the thermal conductivity of the electrically conductive material can be altered and the figure of merit increased.

Abstract: Vertical integrated field effect transistor circuits and methods are described which are fabricated from Silicon, Germanium, or a combination Silicon and Germanium based on nanowires grown in place on the substrate. By way of example, vertical integrated transistors are formed from one or more nanowires which have been insulated, had a gate deposited thereon, and to which a drain is coupled to the exposed tips of one or more of the nanowires. The nanowires are preferably grown over a surface or according to a desired pattern in response to dispersing metal nanoclusters over the desired portions of the substrate. In one preferred implementation, SiCl4 is utilized as a gas phase precursor during the nanowire growth process. In place nanowire growth is also taught in conjunction with structures, such as trenches, while bridging forms of nanowires are also described.

Abstract: A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end.

Abstract: A process for altering the thermoelectric properties of an electrically conductive material is provided. The process includes providing an electrically conducting material and a substrate. The electrically conducting material is brought into contact with the substrate. A thermal gradient can be applied to the electrically conducting material and a voltage applied to the substrate. In this manner, the electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power and/or the thermal conductivity of the electrically conductive material can be altered and the figure of merit increased.

Abstract: A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end.