Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include an article of manufacture that is self-sealing, and a method of preparing the article of manufacture. The article of manufacture includes at one or more base layers with a plurality of overlapping strands, and at least one polymer coating layer at least partially covering at least some portions of at least some strands of at least a portion of the base layer. The polymer coating layer can swell by absorbing at least one target substance. A plurality of voids is distributed between at least some of the overlapping strands, where upon swelling by a target substance, at least some of the voids reversibly reduce in size or partially close, or completely seal.

Abstract: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) systems and methods may be improved via laser pre-heating of the target substrate ahead of the extrusion nozzle. Higher interface temperatures lead to improved wetting, diffusion, and randomization, thus improving the bond between filaments and between layers, and reducing anisotropy in the resulting finished part.

Abstract: A method for reducing an atom to a reduced oxidation state includes a step of providing a vapor of a first compound having an atom in an oxidized state. A vapor of a reducing agent is provided. The reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of compounds described by formulae I, II, and III: where R1, R2 R3, R4 are each independently H, C1-10 alkyl, C6-14 aryl, or C4-14 heteroaryl. The vapor of the first compound is reacted with the vapor of the reducing agent to form a second compound having the atom in a reduced state relative to the first compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfabrication technology for producing sensing cells, for use, for example, in molecular electronic transducer (MET) based seismometers devices. In some aspects, a method for fabricating a sensing element is provided. The method includes providing a first wafer including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first insulating layer between therebetween, etching a first fluid throughhole through the first substrate, the first insulating layer, and the second substrate, and coating the first substrate and second substrate with a first and second conductive coating, respectively. The method also includes providing a second wafer including a third substrate, a fourth substrate, and a second insulating layer therebetween, etching a second fluid throughhole through the third substrate, the second insulating layer, and the fourth substrate, and coating the third substrate with a third conductive coating from top and the fourth substrate with a fourth conductive coating from back.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of producing metal diboride nanomaterials having thickness down to the atomic scale and lateral areas from 10 nm to over 1 ?m by preparing a mixture of a metal diboride and a suspending solution. The suspending solution can be an organic solvent or a solution containing water, and optionally can include a dispersion agent, such as a surfactant, a polymer, small molecule, or biopolymer. Further, the method includes exfoliating the metal diboride by exposing the mixture to ultrasonic energy, centrifuging the mixture forming supernatant that includes a dispersion of exfoliated metal diborides, and extracting the dispersion from the supernatant. Some embodiments include extracting the supernatant and casting the solution by diluting the dispersion with a second suspending solution that includes dissolved polymer. This can result in a composite film includes a dispersion of the exfoliated metal diborides and provides improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Pennycress seed, seed lots, and seed meal having reduced fiber content and improved suitability for use in producing animal feed are provided.

Abstract: Star block copolymers having 3 to 8 arms are formed as a 3D foam scaffold having tailor-made pore sizes that mimic an actual cell size of a specific animal and/or human tissue and/or organs. The pore sizes are made within the elastomeric foams via a salt leaching process wherein a salt of a specific particle size is blended within the star block copolymers and crosslinked as by polyisocyanate compounds. Water or other suitable solvent are utilized to dissolve and leach out the salt leaving an open pore system. Animal and/or human cells are then injected into the 3D elastomeric foam scaffold that contains pendant liquid crystals on the star block copolymer whereby with the aid of nutrients, cells are formed within the pore system that are viable for at least three months. The size of the pore is predetermined to produce a desired cultured cell having a desired size.

Abstract: A practical method and system for transportation agencies (federal, state, and local) to monitor and assess the safety of their roadway networks in real time based on traffic conflict events such that corrective actions can be proactively undertaken to keep their roadway systems safe for travelling public. The method and system also provides a tool for evaluating the performance of autonomous vehicle/self-driving car technologies with respect to safety and efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.

Abstract: This disclosure relates bis-amine compounds disclosed herein and uses related to CXCR4 inhibition. In certain embodiments, the compounds have formula (I), salts, derivatives, and prodrugs thereof wherein, A is a bridging aryl or heterocyclyl and R1 and R2 are further disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing CXCR4 related diseases or conditions by administering an effective amount of a compound disclosed herein to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus including a heating element and a sublimation vessel disposed adjacent the heating element such that the heating element heats a portion thereof. A collection vessel is removably disposed within the sublimation vessel and is open on an end thereof. A crucible is configured to sealingly position a solid mixture against the collection vessel.

Abstract: Broadband antennas are described that include a quad-ridge horn inside which two different lenses are inserted creating a broadband horn-lens combination. One of these lenses is a cross-polyrod lens, formed from a pair of polyrods disposed in a crossed arrangement, each polyrod shaped in a predetermined manner. The other one of these lenses is a prolate spheroidal lens. The broadband antennas can produce, at the output thereof, Gaussian-like beams in both principal polarizations from VHF to 20 GHz. As such, the broadband antennas can be used to perform material measurements in a compact admittance tunnel. Simulation results show that directivity of quad-ridge horns can be improved using the combination of lenses of the broadband antennas. Therefore, the broadband antennas can also be of interest for far-field radiation applications.

Abstract: Assays, arrays, and methods for distinguishing a bacterial infection from a viral infection are disclosed. The antibiotic crisis is in part driven by over prescription of antibiotics. There is a tendency, particular in pediatrics, to give an antibiotic even for viral infections. Thus, embodiments herein are directed to the problem of distinguishing a bacterial infection from a viral infection to reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for more accurately modeling the in vitro environment in which cancer occurs is disclosed. The microfluidic device includes a surface defining one or more microfluidic channels, a first three dimensional scaffold comprising one or more cancer cells that is spatially separated from the one or more microfluidic channels, a second three dimensional scaffold, at least a portion of which is contacting and in fluid communication with the first three dimensional scaffold, and that is spatially separated from the one or more microfluidic channels, and a third three dimensional scaffold, at least a portion of which is contacting and in fluid communication with the one or more microfluidic channels and the second three dimensional scaffold. The device can be used to assay anti-cancer agents, or as a system for modeling the growth, behavior, or metastasis and tumor formation of cancer cells.

Abstract: Antenna structure with a curvilinear radiating element and a circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane. The curvilinear radiating element has a first diameter in a plane of the curvilinear radiating element and the circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane has a second diameter in a plane of the circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane. The curvilinear radiating element is positioned proximate the circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane with the plane of the curvilinear radiating element parallel to the plane of the circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane. A surface of the curvilinear radiating element is separated from a surface of the circularly symmetric high impedance surface ground plane by a distance.

Abstract: Particular aspects show that the signal peptide remains intact on the mature CD18 molecule on ruminant leukocytes rendering these cells susceptible to cytolysis by Lkt. Comparative amino acid sequence analysis of the signal peptide of CD18 of eight ruminants and five non-ruminants revealed that the ruminant CD18 signal peptides contain ‘cleavage-inhibiting’ glutamine (Q), compared to ‘cleavage-conducive’ glycine in non-ruminants, at position ?5 relative to the cleavage site. Mutagenesis of Q at position ?5 of the bovine CD18 signal peptide to G resulted in the abrogation of Lkt-mediated cytolysis of transfectants expressing bovine CD18 carrying the Q(?5)G mutation. Provided is novel technology to clone cattle and other ruminants expressing CD18 without the signal peptide on their leukocytes, providing ruminants that are less susceptible to M. haemolytica. Methods for treating conditions and/or diseases associated with M. haemolytica (e.g.

Abstract: Protein rupture under compressive forces can be regulated by cations. More specifically, pico-Newton forces can cause rupture of protein molecules, as shown in examples with calmodulin (CaM) and tau proteins, among others. However, rupture does not occur in the presence of various concentrations of cation(s), thus elucidating new targets for disease therapy and providing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases or other conditions involving protein misfolding, dysfunction, or aggregation.

Abstract: Mogrosides may be used as a flavor modifier in various foods, beverages, pharmaceutical compositions, and the like to block the perception of bitter and astringent flavors or other off flavors.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein comprising one or more optically reflective materials, one or more electrodes, one or more photodetecting materials, and one or more substrates. At least one optically reflective material is electrically insulating, and the electrodes are positioned adjacent to the insulating optically reflective material. Additionally, the photodetecting materials are positioned on the substrates and are adjacent to the one or more electrodes. A method is disclosed comprising providing one or more photodetecting materials positioned on one or more substrates, placing one or more electrodes adjacent to the photodetecting materials, and placing one or more optically reflective materials adjacent to the electrodes and/or substrate. At least one optically reflective material is electrically insulating, and the insulating optically reflective material is placed adjacent to the electrodes. A method is also disclosed comprising providing an apparatus as above and using the apparatus.

Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in membrane distillation are provided. Such membranes may include nano-fibrous layers with adjustable pore sizes. The membranes may include a hydrophobic nano fibrous scaffold and a thin hydrophilic protecting layer that can significantly reduce fouling and scaling problems.