Abstract: The present invention provides elastic assemblies used to model tissues or organs of interest. In one embodiment, detailed herein, the assemblies are designed to model the blood brain barrier following a traumatic brain injury. The present invention also provides elastic membranes on which the assemblies are built, kits from which the assemblies may be prepared, and systems that expand upon the assemblies, forming more physiologically relevant models. Methods for making and using the disclosed devices are also provided.

Abstract: As anode having an anode material, a current collector, a graphene-based material, and the graphene-based material covers the anode material.

Abstract: Methods of gene stacking are described herein. The methods can be used to repeatedly add genes into a chosen locus in a precise manner, which ensures co-segregation of all introduced genes and contributes to the stabilization of gene expression. In addition, methods of removing any additional foreign DNA elements such as selectable markers are provided. Seed stocks or cell lines comprising a gene stacking site, vectors containing an insert flanked by target sites for a site-specific DNA recombinase for use in the methods and kits for carrying out the methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for testing a material for the presence of DNA. The system includes a centrifuge, a microchip performing cell lysis and an enclosure that contains an isothermal ballast material and chromogenic agent that melts at a specific temperature and displays a color change, respectively.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a quantum logic device which, in one embodiment, includes: at least two two-level emitters (TLEs); and a waveguide in a photonic crystal, the waveguide being coupled to the TLEs and configured for two propagating modes, the two propagating modes consisting of a left-traveling mode and a right-traveling mode, and wherein the TLEs and waveguide are configured such that a traveling photon interacting with a TLE of the TLEs is scattered into either the left-traveling mode or right-traveling mode.

Abstract: A fluazifop-resistant sorghum cultivar designated ‘X’ and plants comprising a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 39 are disclosed herein. The present invention provides seeds, plants, and plant parts derived from sorghum cultivar ‘X’ and those including SEQ ID NO: 39. Further, it provides methods for producing a sorghum plant by crossing ‘X’ with itself or another sorghum variety. The invention also encompasses any sorghum seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by the methods disclosed herein, including those in which additional traits have been transferred into ‘X’ through the introduction of a transgene or by breeding ‘X’ with another sorghum cultivar.

Abstract: An anionic hydrogel based on poly(acrylic acid)-co-poly(oligoethylene glycol monoacrylate) (PAA-co-POEGA) for protein delivery and method of making the same.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of HMF production are described herein. A method of HMF production, in some embodiments, comprises providing a saccharide feedstock including glucose and bringing the saccharide feedstock into contact with a solid state catalytic structure at a temperature sufficient to effectuate dehydration of the glucose to provide HMF. The solid state catalytic structure comprises a substrate having one or more surfaces functionalized with saccharide solubilization functionalities and acid functionalities, wherein the saccharide solubilization functionalities comprise one or more imidazolium salts pendant along chains of a first polymeric species attached to the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides SL and SL derivatives comprising a polar substituent adjacent to the lactone ring. Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods of using the SL and SL derivatives to inhibit the growth of leukemic cancer cells.

Abstract: A nanocomposite for detection and treatment of a target of interest including tumor cells or pathogens includes at least one nanostructure, each nanostructure having a core and a shell surrounding the core; a reporter assembled on the shell of each nanostructure; and a layer of a treating agent and a targeting agent conjugated to the reporter. In use, the nanocomposite targets to the target of interest according to the targeting agent and releases the treating agent and the nanostructure therein for therapeutic treatment of the target of interest, and the target of interest transmits at least one signature responsive to the reporter for detection of the target of interest.

Abstract: Vaccine vectors capable of eliciting an immune response to enteric bacteria and methods of using the same are provided. The vaccine vectors include a polynucleotide encoding a PAL polypeptide. The PAL polypeptide may be expressed on the surface of the vaccine vector. The vaccine vector may also include a second polypeptide encoding an immunostimulatory polypeptide such as a CD154 polypeptide or an HMGB1 polypeptide.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention relate to a composite for oil-water separation, synthesis methods and applications of the same. The composite includes a nanostructured powder or porous material having surfaces with nanoscale features, formed from a pristine powder or porous material by a surface nanostructuring process, and single or multilayers of a low surface energy oligomer or polymer coated on the surfaces of the nanostructured powder or porous material. The composite is hydrophobic (or superhydrophobic) and oleophilic (or superoleophilic) operably repelling water and absorbing oil, or oleophobic (or superoleophobic) and hydrophilic (or superhydrophilic) operably repelling oil and absorbing water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a herbicide and methods for the control of a grass or a broadleaf weed in a crop. The herbicide comprises an effective amount glufosinate, or a salt thereof, and an effective amount of a metabolic inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions that can serve as a spray adjuvant for improved agrochemical application efficiency. More particularly, the cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions are nanocellulose-stabilized Pickering emulsions having a semi-liquid formulation of colloidal cellulose nanocrystals and biopolymers that can substitute currently used surfactants and drift reducing agents in agrochemicals. The cellulose nanocrystal-based emulsions are suitable with both water soluble and oil soluble active ingredient chemistries, and the shear characteristics of the emulsions make them suitable for oil in water-based spray applications. Droplet size distribution can be tuned by changing the ingredient concentrations, thus helping control particle drift. Moreover, a stable cross-linked network formation facilitates the entrapment and encapsulation of volatile agrochemical chemistries, thus preventing their volatilization and reducing vapor drift.

Abstract: Methods of delivering therapeutic agents by administering compositions including a bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to the therapeutic agent to subjects in need of treatment with the therapeutic agent are provided. In these methods, the therapeutic agent is not a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment delivers the agent to sites of partially untwisted or under-twisted collagen. Methods of treating collagenopathies using a composition including a collagen-binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are also provided. In addition, methods of treating hyperparathyroidism, and hair loss using compositions comprising a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are provided. Finally, methods of reducing hair regrowth by administering a composition including a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist are provided.

Abstract: A printing system and method for forming an ink droplet through the use of a multi-pulse driving signal to increase the printing frequency without reducing the droplet size by applying a multi-pulse driving signal to a small nozzle and to increase the inkjet printing speed by using a smaller nozzle to produce the same-size droplet using a multi-pulse driving signal, which allow for higher printing frequency due to the smaller nozzle size as dictated by the fundamental droplet formation dynamics.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘Caddo’ which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross of ‘APF-45’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,449) x Ark. ‘2108T’ (non-patented, unreleased genotype). This new cultivar of blackberry plant can be distinguished by its large berries with very good fruit flavor, overall high fruit quality with excellent postharvest fruit-handling potential, early season ripening, consistent high yields, and excellent plant health.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘A-2491T’ that resulted from a hand-pollinated cross of ‘APF-46’ (non-patented, unreleased genotype) x ‘Natchez’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,891). This new cultivar of blackberry plant can be distinguished by its large berries with very good sub-acid fruit flavor, overall high fruit quality with excellent postharvest fruit-handling potential, early season ripening, consistent high yields, and excellent plant health.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘APF-238T’ which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross of ‘APF-27’ (non-patented, unreleased genotype) x ‘APF-77’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,249). This new cultivar of blackberry plant can be distinguished by its medium-sized berries with sweet flavor, produced on very healthy plants with erect, thornless canes that are primocane-fruiting.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘Ponca’ which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross ‘Ark. 2406’ (a non-patented, unreleased genotype) x ‘Ark. 2253T’ (a non-patented, unreleased genotype). This new cultivar of blackberry plant can be distinguished by its medium size, very firm berries with very sweet, sub-acid flavor, excellent postharvest fruit-handling potential, early season ripening, and excellent plant health.