Abstract: Provided herein are fiber reinforced cementitious materials and mixtures with increased crack resistance. The cementitious materials and mixtures include a cement and at least one carbon fiber. Also provide is a fiber reinforced cementitious mortar that includes the fiber reinforced cementitious material to which at least one of water, an aggregate material or a chemical admixture is added.

Abstract: Nanodiamonds are grown under conditions where diamond-like organic seed molecules do not decompose. This permits engineered growth of fluorescent nanodiamonds wherein a custom designed seed molecule can be incorporated at the center of a nanodiamond. By substituting atoms at particular locations in the seed molecule it is possible to achieve complex multi-atom diamond color centers or even to engineer complete quantum registers. In addition, it is possible to grow ultra-small nanodiamonds, wherein each nanodiamond, no matter how small, can have at least one bright and photostable fluorescent emitter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, reagents, systems, and devices that target ? lactamase as a biomarker for the sensitive and specific detection of tuberculosis-complex bacteria. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of specific ?-lactamase protein and nucleic acid sequences to indicate the presence of tuberculosis-complex bacteria.

Abstract: A system for enhancing overall energy production of CSPs through amplification of solar heat collection. In one embodiment, the system comprises a linear solar-thermal concentrator for concentrating solar light comprising a curved surface, two side walls, and an opening; a fluid conduit disposed within the linear solar-thermal concentrator that carries a working fluid through the linear solar-thermal concentrator; and a convection cover disposed over the opening of the linear thermal concentrator that traps heat convection energy within the linear solar-thermal concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the use of an encapsulation additive having between about 0.1 to about 30 percent isolated and purified vitelline protein B to provide for mixed and extended release formulations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to Ubx-fusion molecules that maintain their mechanical strength and properties even after being fused with Ubx. Ubx fusions with VEGF and other growth factors, cell signaling proteins, and cell binding proteins can be used to induce angiogenesis. Ubx fibers and mesh, embedded within a tissue engineering scaffold, induce formation of vasculature within the scaffold. The presence of vasculature is necessary to provide oxygen and nutrients to other cells growing within the scaffold.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding low density parity check (“LDPC”) codes. An LDPC code decoder includes LDPC decoding circuitry comprising a Q message generator and a P sum adder array. The Q message generator combines an R message from a previous iteration with a P message to produce a Q message. The P sum adder array adds the P message to a difference of an R message from a current iteration and the R message from the previous iteration to produce an updated P message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to a device, comprising: an anode that includes a lithiated silicon-based or lithiated carbon-based material or pure lithium metal or metal oxides and a sandwich-type sulfur-based cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode are designed to have porous structures. An additional embodiment of the invention is directed to a scalable method of manufacturing sandwich-type Li—S batteries at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional methods. An additional embodiment is directed to the use of exfolidated CNT sponges for enlarging the percentage of sulfur in the cathode to have large energy density.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of Brucella induced diseases and disorders are disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to vaccines. In additional embodiments, the invention relates to formulations capable of releasing said vaccines at a controlled rate of release in vivo. In further embodiments, the invention relates to modified strains of the bacteria Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to compositions that do not induce clinical symptoms or splenomegaly in a subject receiving said compositions.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding low density parity check (“LDPC”) codes. An LDPC code decoder includes LDPC decoding circuitry comprising a Q message generator and a P sum adder array. The Q message generator combines an R message from a previous iteration with a P message to produce a Q message. The P sum adder array adds the P message to a difference of an R message from a current iteration and the R message from the previous iteration to produce an updated P message.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to synthesis of porous polymer networks and applications of such materials. The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating of a porous polymer network comprising: (a) providing: (i) a first reactant comprising a plurality of compounds comprising at least one acetyl group, said plurality of compounds comprising at least one compound type, and (ii) a second reactant comprising an alkylsulfonic acid, and (b) creating a solution of said reactants, (c) casting said solution in a form, and (d) treating said solution under such conditions so as to produce a porous polymer network.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to wires and more particularly to textured powder wires containing nanoscale metallic silver powder. The invention presents an improvement of the process of making compressed cores of textured-powder high-temperature superconductor previously using the micaceous high-temperature superconductor Bi-2212. Embodiments of the claimed methods are useful with the micaceous high-temperature superconductors, notably Bi2Sr2CaCu208+x (Bi-2212) and Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x (Bi-2223) and rare earth barium copper oxide (REBCO).

Abstract: The microfluidic platform device of the claimed invention makes use of a high throughput lab-on-a-chip format to determine the functional profile of antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination against infection for any pathogen. It can be used to evaluate vaccines, evaluate whether vaccinated individuals show indices of protection, determine whether individuals display resistance or susceptibility to infection, discover new vaccine antigens, discover and test therapeutic interventions, or evaluate mechanisms of disease.

Abstract: Amorphous SiOx (SiO2), SiONx, silicon nitride (Si3N4), surface treatments are provided, on both metal (titanium) and non-metal surfaces. Amorphous silicon-film surface treatments are shown to enhance osteoblast and osteoblast progenitor cell bioactivity, including biomineral formation and osteogenic gene panel expression, as well as enhanced surface hydroxyapatite (HA) formation. A mineralized tissue interface is provided using the amorphous silicon-based surface treatments in the presence of osteoblasts, and provides improved bone cell generation/repair and improved interface for secure attachment/bonding to bone. Methods for providing PEVCD-based silicon overlays onto surfaces are provided. Methods of increasing antioxidant enzyme (e.g., superoxide dismutase) expression at a treated surface for enhanced healing are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an expandable implant to endovascularly embolize an anatomical void or malformation, such as an aneurysm. An embodiment is comprised of a chain or linked sequence of expandable polymer foam elements. Another embodiment includes an elongated length of expandable polymer foam coupled to a backbone. Another embodiment includes a system for endovascular delivery of an expandable implant (e.g., shape memory polymer) to embolize an aneurysm. The system may include a microcatheter, a lumen-reducing collar coupled to the distal tip of the microcatheter, a flexible pushing element detachably coupled to an expandable implant, and a flexible tubular sheath inside of which the compressed implant and pushing element are pre-loaded. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to mineral-based nanoparticles comprising silicate nanoparticles that induce human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into a cartilage-lineage through the upregulation of cartilage-specific genes resulting in the transformation of the cell phenotype into that of a chondrocyte, i.e., a cartilage producing cell. The silicate nanoparticles are synthesized through a process where the precipitate of sodium silicate is mixed with one or more elements and compounds and milled into nanoparticles.

Abstract: A mechanochemical reactor includes an outer shell. A first plate is slidably disposed within the tubular outer shell at a first end of the tubular outer shell and a second plate is slidably disposed within the tubular outer shell at a second end of the tubular outer shell, the second end being opposite the first end. A linearly-reciprocating mill is disposed within the tubular outer shell between the first plate and the second plate. A first electromagnet is operatively coupled to the first plate so as to establish a position and a holding force of the first plate within the tubular outer shell, and a second electromagnet is operatively coupled to the second plate so as to establish a position and a holding force of the second plate within the tubular outer shell.

Abstract: Quench protected structured (QPS) superconducting cables, methods of fabricating the same, and methods of bending the same are disclosed. The methods of bending the QPS superconducting cables can be employed to produce windings. The QPS superconducting cables can rapidly drive a distributed quench to a normal conducting state in a superconducting cable if a region of the cable spontaneously quenches during high current operation.

Abstract: Vaccine, vectors and methods of using the vaccine vectors to enhance the immune response to an Apicomplexan parasite and reduce the morbidity or mortality associated with subsequent infection are provided herein. The vaccine vectors include a polynucleotide encoding a Rhomboid polypeptide and optionally include an immune-stimulatory polypeptide suitably expressed on the surface of the vaccine vector.

Abstract: ‘DALZ 1308’ is a new and distinct Zoysia minima x Zoysia matrella F1 hybrid variety with novel characteristics that included a dwarf canopy height, high shoot density, fine leaf texture, medium green genetic color in summer, extended fall and winter color retention, good turf quality, and resistance to tawny mole cricket (Neoscapteriscus vicinus) damage.