Abstract: The present disclosure provides photoactive polypeptides. A subject photoactive polypeptide is useful in a variety of applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed device is a solid state organic semiconductor VCSEL in which the microcavity is composed of metal and dielectric mirrors and the gain layer is only ?/2n thick. The gain layer comprises a thermally evaporated 156.7 nm thick film of the laser dye DCM doped (2.5% v/v) into an Alq3 host matrix. The microcavity consists of 2 mirrors, a dielectric Bragg reflector (DBR) sputter-coated onto a quartz substrate as the mirror through which the organic gain layer is optically excited and laser emission is collected and a silver mirror that is thermally evaporated on top of the Alq3:DCM film. The device exhibits laser action from the DCM both when the DCM molecules are excited directly at 535 nm and via Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) from the Alq3 (excited at 404 nm) with laser thresholds of 4.9 ?J/cm2 and 14.2 ?J/cm2 respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions comprising macrocycles. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for modifying macrocycles comprising a pendant group. In some cases, the pendent group comprises a hydrolyzable group. The present invention also provides methods for metallating a macrocycle using microwave energy, in some embodiments.

Abstract: Compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods for water electrolysis and other electrochemical techniques are provided. In some cases, the compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods are for electrolysis which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen, hydrogen, and/or oxygen and/or hydrogen containing species. In some embodiments, the water for electrolysis comprises at least one impurity and/or at least one additive which has little or no substantially affect on the performance of the electrode.

Abstract: Catalytic materials, photoanodes, and systems for electrolysis and/or formation of water are provided which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of solar energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen and/or hydrogen. Compositions and methods for forming photoanodes and other devices are also provided.

Abstract: Catalytic materials, photoanodes, and systems for electrolysis and/or formation of water are provided which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of solar energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen and/or hydrogen. Compositions and methods for forming photoanodes and other devices are also provided.

Abstract: Catalysts, electrodes, devices, kits, and systems for electrolysis which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen, hydrogen, and/or oxygen and/or hydrogen containing species. Compositions and methods for forming electrodes and other devices are also provided.

Abstract: Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.

Abstract: Embodiments for the invention include a process for the production of hydrogen comprising a protic solution, a photocatalyst capable of a two-electron reduction of hydrogen ions; and a coproduct trap. The embodiment includes exposing the reaction medium to radiation capable of photoexciting the photocatalyst to produce hydrogen. The protic solution may comprise at least one of hydrohalic acid, a silane, and water, and the hydrohalic acid may be hydrochloric acid, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen iodide. The present application also describes novel transition metal compounds. Embodiments of the compounds include a compound comprising two transition metal atoms, wherein the transition metal atoms are in a two-electron mixed valence state and at least one transition metal is not rhodium; and at least one ligand capable of stabilizing the transition metal atom in a two-electron mixed valence state.

Abstract: Embodiments for the invention include a process for the production of hydrogen comprising a protic solution, a photocatalyst capable of a two electron reduction of hydrogen ions; and a coproduct trap. The embodiment includes exposing the reaction medium to radiation capable of photoexciting the photocatalyst to produce hydrogen. The protic solution may comprise at least one of hydrohalic acid, a silane, and water and the hydrohalic acid may be hydrochloric acid, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen iodide.

Abstract: Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties.

Abstract: The performance of an internal combustion engine is optimized utilizing an electrically controlled driver which is located relative to the intake port to excite the intake charge at a selected frequency, duration and power level which depends on the engine operating condition. The purpose of this excitation is to control combustion by optimizing large scale recirculation patterns of the intake charge within the combustion chamber. In particular, this device will provide the effect of optimizing volumetric efficiency at wide open throttle and minimize fuel consumption and emissions at part throttle. An electronic engine controller varies the operation of the drive device as a function of engine operating conditions. The driver excites the intake charge at a frequency of about 5 to 1000 times of the engine speed.