Abstract: Compositions useful for preparing pressure sensitive adhesives, coatings, and/or films are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. The compositions are made from renewable, plant-based materials. The compositions comprise plant oil triglycerides that are polymerized and crosslinked to yield polymer matrices. Plant-based carriers and/or tackifiers can be used in the invention, including epoxidized plant oil triglycerides, acrylated epoxidized plant oil triglycerides, and dihydroxylated plant oil triglycerides. Natural tackifiers such as rosin esters and terpenes can also be used in the compositions. Dihydroxylated plant oil triglyceride tackifiers for use in biobased and synthetic adhesives are also provided.

Abstract: Genetically-modified plants having increased tolerance to heat stress are described. Methods of producing such genetically-modified plants are also disclosed. The genetically-modified plants comprise exogenous nucleic acid encoding a thermostable protein having starch synthase activity. Genetically-modified plants have increased yield when grown under elevated conditions as compared to control plants.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system including a transmitting antenna with a first conductive helix wound about a first helical axis, and a first ground plane positioned adjacent to and angled orthogonally with the first helical axis. The wireless power transfer system additionally includes a receiving antenna with a second conductive helix wound about a second helical axis, and a second ground plane positioned adjacent to and angled orthogonally with the second helical axis. Furthermore, the wireless power transfer system further includes a conductive material connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane.

Abstract: The invention generally related to a method for preparing a layer of graphene directly on the surface of a substrate, such as a semiconductor substrate. The layer of graphene may be formed in direct contact with the surface of the substrate, or an intervening layer of a material may be formed between the substrate surface and the graphene layer.

Abstract: The invention generally related to a method for preparing a layer of graphene directly on the surface of a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a carbon-containing layer on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate and depositing a metal film on the carbon layer. A thermal cycle degrades the carbon-containing layer, which forms graphene directly upon the semiconductor substrate upon cooling. In some embodiments, the carbon source is a carbon-containing gas, and the thermal cycle causes diffusion of carbon atoms into the metal film, which, upon cooling, segregate and precipitate into a layer of graphene directly on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protecting against, treating, and detecting Fusobacteria infections. Compositions and methods derived from nucleic acid and protein sequences of a 40 kDa Adhesin protein are provided to protect against, treat, and detect Fusobacteria infections in a subject. In one aspect, vaccines capable of inducing an immune response to a 40 kDa Adhesin protein are used to protect against Fusobacteria infection. Also, nucleic acid molecules, proteins, immunogens, antibodies, and antisense molecules derived from the sequences of the 40 kDa Adhesin protein may be used to protect against, treat, and detect Fusobacteria infections in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling nematode infestation of plants or animals. In particular, the present invention provides vectors comprising sequences designed to control nematodes by RNA interference (RNAi) and transgenic plants transformed with such vectors.

Abstract: Nanowire apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus include nanowires that are attached to and extend from varying substrates and can be used in the manipulation of cells and/or sensing of cellular and subcellular characteristics. The methods include using the apparatus to sense forces exerted by a single cell or using the apparatus to manipulate one or more cells.

Abstract: Supramolecular assemblies for delivering active agents to cancerous or precancerous tissues in a subject are provided. These supramolecular assemblies are also useful in assays for detecting and imaging of cancerous and precancerous cells. The assemblies are protease-sensitive and comprise a peptide linkage containing a protease consensus sequence. The assemblies can be selectively targeted to cancerous tissue where the protease enzymes degrade the peptide linkage thereby releasing the active agents which were physically or mechanically contained in or retained by the supramolecular assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods using an optically pumped gas filled hollow fiber laser can be implemented in a variety of applications. In various embodiments, operation of an optically pumped gas filled hollow fiber laser is based on population inversion in the gas. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A neutron detection system may include a neutron detector including a plurality of neutron detection devices, a plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements, wherein each of the neutron moderating elements is disposed between two or more neutron detection devices, the plurality of neutron detection devices and the plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements disposed along a common axis, a control system configured to generate a detector response library, wherein the detector response library includes one or more sets of data indicative of a response of the detector to a known neutron source, receive one or more measured neutron response signals from each of the neutron devices, the one or more measured response signals response to a detected neutron event, and determine one or more characteristics of neutrons emanating from a measured neutron source by comparing the one or more measured neutron response signals to the detector response library.

Abstract: The invention generally related to a method for preparing a layer of graphene directly on the surface of a substrate, such as a semiconductor substrate. The layer of graphene may be formed in direct contact with the surface of the substrate, or an intervening layer of a material may be formed between the substrate surface and the graphene layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal food products and methods of producing thereof. The methods of the present invention comprise mixing a binding agent with feed meal at a temperature of between about 10° C. and about 70° C. to produce a mash, passing the mash through an extruder to form an animal feed product, and drying the animal feed product. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the meal, mash and final product is kept at 70° C. or below.

Abstract: Bicyclic sesquiterpene compounds exhibiting antifungal characteristics are formulated into antifungal compositions for use in the treatment of fungal infections in humans, animals, and plants. Particularly, sesquiterpene alcohols derived from drimane have been discovered to possess broad-spectrum antifungal characteristics. Exemplary antifungal sesquiterpene compounds include albicanol and drimenol, which have been shown effective against a number of pathogenic fungi.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes genetically-modified plants having enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stressors, such as extreme temperatures (heat or cold) and/or drought. Abiotic stress tolerance is enhanced by ectopic expression of a heterologous glutaredoxin. Abiotic stress tolerance (particularly drought) is also enhanced by inhibited function, activity, or expression of an endogenous glutaredoxin. Methods of producing such genetically-modified plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles having luminol covalently linked thereto and optionally functionalized with an oligonucleotide and bacterial or viral detection assays. In one aspect, the detection system for detecting an analyte in a sample comprises a light-shielding container having a fiberoptic cable for transmitting light generated within the light-shielding container to a photodetector; a plurality of functionalized nanoparticles deposited in solid form on or within a support, such that the support is located within the light-shielding container; wherein the functionalized nanoparticles comprise nanoparticles covalently attached to one or more chemiluminescent moieties; and a reagent system which causes the chemiluminescent moieties to produce light in the presence of the reagent system and the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A portable optical sensor for measuring surface strain in an object, such as pre-stressed concrete articles, is provided. The sensor is a modular device comprising at least first and second modules, each of which includes a laser and image sensor. When placed adjacent to the object, the laser of each module illuminates respective, spaced-apart areas of the object's surface and each module's image sensor captures at least a portion of the light reflected from the illuminated area and generates a speckle image of the area. Speckle images of the areas taken at various times and/or under various object stress conditions are compared to arrive at a surface strain measurement for the object.

Abstract: Therapeutic peptides (and peptoids) for preventing or inhibiting tissue damage associated with ischemia and/or reperfusion are provided, along with peptides (and peptoids) for preventing or inhibiting cancerous tissue growth. The peptides are derived from ?2-glycoprotein I. Pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions comprising the peptides are also provided. Methods of using the peptides to prevent or inhibit tissue damage associated with ischemia and/or reperfusion and/or to prevent or inhibit tissue damage or the growth of cancerous tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are encapsulated zinc compounds, together with methods for preparing and use the same. Also disclosed are methods for mixing the encapsulated zinc mixtures with a cement, and the resulting concrete compositions.