Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method of determining the presence of a target in a sample comprising an allosteric DNAzyme; rolling circle amplification dependent on the activity of the allosteric DNAzyme in the presence of target and a detection system. The methods further comprise quantifying the amount of target in the sample by comparing the detection with a control. Also included herein are kits for practicing the methods described herein and methods of designing biosensor systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing a black colorant, preferably a black pigment, characterized in that a compound of the Formula (I) is reacted with a compound of the Formula (II) in a molar ratio of 1:2, in the presence of a catalyst which in water at 25° C. has a pK?4.5. For the definition of R1 to R7, refer to the description; preferably all are H. Likewise claimed are new crystal polymorphs obtainable by this process, and preferably single-phase mixed crystals. Also claimed are synergistic compositions. These compositions exhibit increased light stability in plastics stabilized with basic light stabilizers when they are pigmented with colorants of the invention rather than with known black pigments such as carbon black.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor for detecting ozone or nitrogen dioxide in a gas sample has a measuring electrode (3) formed of carbon nanotubes (CNT) or a counterelectrode (8) in an electrolyte solution (9), which contains lithium chloride or lithium bromide in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Methods and materials for the detection of melamine in test samples such as foodstuffs are described. Embodiments of the invention comprise combining a test sample suspected of containing melamine with a particle that produces a colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal that is dependent upon the concentration of melamine in the test sample. In certain embodiments of the invention, the particles and test sample are combined together with a chemical compound selected to induce the aggregation melamine in a manner that amplifies the colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal of the assay. In some embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is not physically coupled to the particles used in the assays. In other embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is physically coupled to the particles used in these assays.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to strategies and methods of amplifying short target sequences and removing flanking sequences from target nucleic acids to remove background signal when detecting hybridizations events using sensitive detection biosensors, such as biosensors based on nanowires, carbon nanotubes, nanopores etc, that may be capable of detecting molecules at small molar concentrations (fM and less), or even at the single molecule level. Furthermore, by cropping and therefore standardizing the size of the target sequences to be detected, when detecting many target sequences in an array, the signals across each biosensor can be compared and the hybridization conditions standardized easily.

Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: The present (or current) nuclear shielding is bulky and difficult to handle due to the reduced stopping power of the neutral radiations (X, gamma, n) in materials. It is proven that these radiations are reflecting at grazing incidence angles on special substrates called super-mirrors that contain nano-layers of various materials. The usage of nano-structures in an ordered manner or of nano-tubes may create inside the nano-structure the super-mirror reflection conditions and makes these nano-structures act like wave-guide for this neutral radiation driving it and turning at angles greater than 90 degrees requiring a total thickness a few microns only. The usage of ferro or piezo electric nano-structures generates a “shield” structure that has the wave-guides inside with the path dependent on a control voltage.

Abstract: Biolaminate assemblies for use as high pressure laminates are provided. In one embodiment, the biolaminate assembly includes a surface wear layer including polylactic acid and at least one of a plastic and mineral. The surface wear layer is adapted to be laminated or thermoformed to a nonplastic rigid substrate. The surface wear layer has a wear resistant range greater than about 400 cycles using tabor abrasion and temperature resistance range from about 212° F. to about 356° F. such that the biolaminate assembly is suitable for use as a high pressure laminate.

Abstract: A signal-off-quantum-dot-based sensor for detecting the presence of a target molecule comprising: an aptamer probe having a nucleotide sequence which specifically interacts with the target molecule by sequence-dependent interaction, wherein the aptamer probe is sandwiched between (a) an oligonucleotide which is immobilized on the surface of a quantum dot (QD), and (b) a fluorophore-labeled oligonucleotide, wherein when the sensor is excited by an energy source: (i) in the absence of specific interaction between the target molecule and the aptamer probe, a baseline signal is emitted, and (ii) in the presence of specific interaction between the target molecule and the aptamer probe, a detection signal is emitted, wherein the baseline signal is greater than the detection signal, whereby the presence of the target molecule is detected.

Abstract: Heat-resistant, high strength fibers useful in a wide range of end-use applications are prepared using a polymeric composition containing polyetherketoneketone and mineral nanotubes.

Abstract: An automated and integrated matching of a biological specimen to an individual, can include a collector having substrate materials and configured to selectively collect and release at least one bio-molecular species from a biological specimen; a self-contained mobile automated testing instrument configured to receive the biological specimen and further configured to generate, store and output a molecular profile of the at least one predetermined bio-molecular species; a processor based system communicatively coupled to the self-contained mobile automated testing instrument and configured to receive the molecular profile; and wherein the processor based system is configured to provide a quantitative comparative analysis and report of the molecular profile with a selected molecular profile.

Abstract: Described herein are supports for assaying an analyte and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: It is described a microfluidic device, for use in the field of analytical fluorescence based assays and, in particular, in FISH assays.

Abstract: A process for operating a cooling tower (10), said process comprising: introducing a feed solution into a cooling tower, evaporating solvent from the feed solution to produce a concentrated solution, removing a portion of the concentrated solution as blow-down, passing at least a portion of the blow-down through a first membrane in a nanofiltration unit (14), such that at least some of the solute in the blow-down are retained as a concentrated blow-down solution on the retentate-side of the first membrane, contacting at least a portion of the concentrated blow-down solution (42) with one side of a second membrane (12) and contacting a solution having a lower solute concentration than the combined concentrated blow-down solution and the return from the cooling tower with the opposite side of the second membrane, such that solvent flows across the second membrane to dilute the concentrated blow down solution by direct osmosis, and re-introducing the diluted blow-down solution to the cooling tower.

Abstract: Solid-supported gold nanoparticles for use as a catalyst for the synthesis of quinolines from anilines and aldehydes using oxygen as an oxidant are provided. Also provided are a method for the preparation of SiO2-supported gold nanoparticles by in situ deposition of gold nanoparticles to silica gel and a method for synthesizing quinolines from anilines and aldehydes using oxygen as an oxidant.

Abstract: Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a CNT-mesoporous silica composite, a CNT-mesoporous carbon composite, a supported catalyst using the CNT-mesoporous carbon composite as a support, and a fuel cell using the supported catalyst as the anode, cathode, or both anode and cathode. The CNT-mesoporous carbon composite is prepared using the CNT-mesoporous silica composite. The CNT-mesoporous carbon composite has a high electrical conductivity due to the CNTs contained therein, and thus, when the CNT-mesoporous carbon composite is used in an electrode of a fuel cell, the fuel cell has a remarkably improved performance relative to the conventional catalyst support which does not contain CNTs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for household care which include a cationic nanogel, particularly for treating and/or modifying hard or textile surfaces. The composition particularly enables a hydrophilisation of hard surfaces, particularly useful in cleaning or rinsing operations.

Abstract: Methods are provided for tagging, characterizing and sorting double-stranded biomolecules while maintaining the integrity of the biomolecules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diagnostic assays using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active particles, including liquid-based assays; magnetic capture assays; microparticle-nanoparticle satellite structures for signal amplification in an assay; composite SERS-active particles useful for enhanced detection of targets; and sample tubes and processes for using the same.

Abstract: The application generally relates to a process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water. More particularly, the application generally relates to a lanthanide-mediated photochemical process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pigment-type aqueous inkjet recording liquid capable of improving the clogging in nozzles and providing stable discharge, and having excellent physical properties required as an inkjet recoding liquid, in particular an OD value and wear-resistance. An aqueous inkjet recording liquid according to the present invention contains a polymer emulsion obtained by radically polymerizing a radically-polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a) containing radically-polymerizable unsaturated monomer having a specific amount of an alkoxysilyl group (a2) as an essential ingredient by using a specific amount of an emulsifier, water, and an aqueous polymerization initiator, and a pigment, in which a number of ultra-large particles of 1.5 ?m or greater in the polymer emulsion when converted to a solid content concentration 0.1% is 5.0×105/cm3 or fewer as measured by a particle counting method.

Abstract: A microtrap assembly includes a carbon nanotube sorbent. The microtrap assembly may be employed as a preconcentrator operable to deliver a sample to an analytical device to measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases. A system includes a microtrap having a carbon nanotube sorbent for measuring the concentrations of greenhouse gases in a sample.

Abstract: Two-dimensional nanomaterials are produced in a process comprising the steps of (a) providing (a1) a mixture comprising graphene oxide particles, water and at least one cationic surfactant and/or nonionic surfactant or (a2) a mixture comprising graphene particles, at least one solvent useful for solution exfoliation of graphite and at least one cationic surfactant and/or nonionic surfactant, (b) adding at least one sol precursor compound to the mixture from step (a), (c) reacting the mixture from step (b) in a sol/gel process to form gel from the at least one sol precursor compound on the graphene oxide particles or, respectively, the graphene particles, (d) removing the at least one surfactant, and (e) optionally heating the gel-coated graphene oxide particles for at least 1 min to at least 500° C. under inert gas atmosphere to reduce the graphene oxide to graphene.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of finely ground aggregate and a fluid. A mixture of a fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate is formed. Nanoparticles are homogenously distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture is inserted into a mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown to fill the mold cavity. The live mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a formed part.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward a chemical or biological sensor that can comprise a semi-conducting nanowire and a chemical or biological sensing molecule tethered to the semi-conducting nanowire through a spacer group including a hydrophilic reactive group. In one embodiment, the semi-conducting nanowire can be part of an array of like or similar semi-conducting nanowires. Electrical leads can provide an electrical current to the array, and a signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array, and can be configured for detecting changes in the electrical current of the array.

Abstract: A centrifugal micro-fluidic device and an immunoassay method using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present application provides compositions and methods using bioorthogonal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction for rapid and specific covalent delivery of a “payload” to a ligand bound to a biological target.

Abstract: Described herein are products and processes for nucleic acid quantification, which are in part useful for detecting and determining the nucleotide sequence of rare nucleic acids (i.e., low copy number nucleic acids) in a sample. Such products and processes are useful for reducing the dynamic range among different nucleic acid species.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite particle that is microscopically two-dimensional with a third nanoscopic dimension, and to methods of making same. The particle may include a support and a metal layer. The metal layer may be catalytically active such that the particle is adapted to act as a catalyst.

Abstract: Control of lateral strain and lateral strain ratio (dt/db) between template and substrate through the selection of template and/or substrate thicknesses (Tt and/or Tb), control of template and/or substrate back pressure (Pt and/or Pb), and/or selection of material stiffness are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photocatalyst comprising a ?-SiC cellular foam and a photocatalytically active phase, deposited directly on said cellular foam or on an intermediate phase deposited on said cellular foam. The average size of the cells is between 2500 ?m and 5000 ?m. The foam can comprise nanotubes or nanofibers (particularly of carbon, SiC, and TiO2) that consist of, or carry as an intermediate phase, a photocatalytically active phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for low-power sensing, for example, sensing of chemical or biochemical analytes in a gas or liquid phase are disclosed. One aspect relates to the use of a thin continuous film without grain boundaries as a sensing layer in devices for sensing a predetermined analyte and to low power devices having such sensing layer. The sensing layer has a surface exposed to the analyte. The electrical impedance of the sensing layer changes upon adsorption of the predetermined analyte on the exposed surface of the sensing layer. The sensing layer may have a thickness in the range between about 1 nm and 100 nm, such as between about 1 nm and 30 nm. The sensing layer may be an amorphous layer.

Abstract: Electromagnetic irradiation of functionalized fullerenes in an oxygen-free environment induces conversion of the functionalized fullerenes to carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon onions, diamonds and/or carbon schwarzites. The carbon nanotubes can be multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Advantageously, the subject invention can be used for in-situ synthesis of carbon nanostructures within a matrix to form a carbon nanostructure composite, where positioning of the carbon nanostructures is controlled by the manner of dispersion of the functionalized fullerenes in the matrix. Carbon nanotube comprising features, such as electrical connects, can be formed on a surface by irradiating a portion of a functionalized fullerene coating with a laser beam.

Abstract: A nanofiber sheet including a nanofiber layer containing a polymeric nanofiber, a surface of nanofiber sheet being adhesive. The nanofiber preferably contains an adhesive component and a water insoluble polymer. The nanofiber sheet preferably has a water soluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water soluble adhesive component and a water insoluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water insoluble polymer laminated to each other. The nanofiber sheet preferably further includes a base layer located on one side of the nanofiber layer and an adhesive layer located on the other side of the nanofiber layer.

Abstract: Filters capable of dissipating static charges. One example includes a filter media pack comprising fluted media secured to facing media; the fluted media having cellulose fibers; and the fluted media including an amount of carbon black sufficient to impart a static charge dissipative property thereto. One example includes an air filter cartridge having a filter media pack comprising fluted media secured to facing media; the fluted media comprising cellulose fibers; the fluted media having at least one side coated with a static charge dissipative amount of a metallic coating. These filters are useable in, for example, dust collectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for patterning a nanomaterial using solution evaporation. More particularly, the method for patterning a nanomaterial using solution evaporation includes; coating the nanomaterial with a polymer material and uniformly dispersing the coated nanomaterial in a solvent to prepare a solution containing the nanomaterial, and pouring the nanomaterial-containing solution on a substrate, enabling the nanomaterial to be patterned after evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a structured porous material comprising a structured inorganic framework made up of metal-oxide based walls in which nanoparticles of metal 0 are incorporated, which comprises the following steps: a) formation of a suspension of hydrophilic nanoparticles of metal 0 stabilized by non-exchangeable ligands that give the nanoparticles their hydrophilic character; b) growth of the inorganic framework from an inorganic precursor around the nanoparticles of metal 0 stabilized by the non-exchangeable hydrophilic ligands, in the presence of a pore-forming agent; and c) elimination of the pore-forming agent and at least partially of the non-exchangeable ligands that give the nanoparticles their hydrophilic character.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing an oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising an electrical conductivity enhancer into the wellbore and logging the wellbore by resistivity imaging. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based drilling fluid to a wellbore, identifying a subsection of the wellbore for imaging, introducing to the subsection of the wellbore a oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising a carbon nanotube wherein the servicing fluid comprising the electrical conductivity enhancer mixes with the oil-based drilling fluid; and imaging the subsection of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to compositions and methods regarding the reprogramming of biological samples (such as cells) without introducing exogenous genes to the samples. In particular, the present inventions are directed to transducible materials that are capable of transducing into the biological samples but are not genes or causing genetic modifications. The present inventions also are directed to methods of reprogramming the path of biological samples or treating diseases using the tranducible compositions thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for analyzing polymer molecules. These methods are employed for the high throughput readout of DNA and RNA molecules with single molecule sensitivity. The method of the present invention comprises (1) the electrically controlled unzipping of DNA (or RNA) double strands, and (2) the readout of the molecule's identity (or code) using one or more molecule signal detection.

Abstract: A structured liquid detergent composition in the form of a liquid matrix made up of an external structuring system of a bacterial cellulose network; water; and surfactant system including an anionic surfactant; a nonionic surfactant; a cationic surfactant; an ampholytic surfactant; a zwitterionic surfactant; or mixtures thereof, wherein said liquid matrix has a yield stress of from about 0.003 Pa to about 5.0 Pa at about 25° C. and provides suitable particle suspension capabilities and shear thinning characteristics.

Abstract: A composite catalyst for aromatization of hydrocarbons includes a molecular sieve catalyst and metal dehydrogenation catalyst present as discrete catalysts in a physical admixture. The molecular sieve catalyst can be a zeolite and the metal dehydrogenation catalyst can be in the form of a nanostructure, such as zinc oxide nanopowder. The catalyst can convert hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as alkanes and alkenes, to aromatics and can be regenerated in-situ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing a diamond coating onto a substrate, said method resulting in the production of a coating characterised by a novel morphology of the diamond in the form of pyramids containing submicronic grains. The method is carried out by chemical vapour deposition by controlling the applied electric field.

Abstract: Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of generating non-ionizing radiation, non-ionizing 4He atoms, or a combination of both, the method comprising: contacting graphene materials with a source of deuterium; and aging the graphene materials in the source of deuterium for a time sufficient to generate non-ionizing radiation, non-ionizing 4He atoms. In one embodiment, graphene materials may comprise carbon nanotubes, such as nitrogen doped single walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Unlike an alpha particle, the non-ionizing 4He atoms generated by the disclosed method are a low energy particles, such as one having an energy of less than 1 MeV, such as less than 100 keV. Other non-ionizing radiation that can be generated by the disclosed process include soft x-rays, phonons or energetic electrons within the carbon material, and visible light.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive analyte detection assay is based on whispering gallery modes of fluorescently labelled microspheroidal particles. Ligands for the analyte, such as nucleic acids, are anchored to the particles. The fluorescent labels may comprise fluorophores or quantum dots. In the latter case, the particles may comprise melamine formaldehyde. The assay may be used to detect analytes in aqueous samples.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for the preservation of wood and other cellulosic materials. The composition comprises a dispersion of micronized inorganic compounds and/or organic biocides in an organic carrier. Also provided is a method for making the composition.