Abstract: Hybrid zero-valent iron systems and methods for treating a fluid containing a contaminant that removes or reduces the concentration of contaminants, such as toxic metals, metalloids, oxyanions, and dissolved silica.

Abstract: Degradable polycarbonates network based bulk materials are provided. The bulk materials of the present disclosure may be produced having a wide range of tunable mechanical, physical, and thermal properties and are hydrolytically degradable. The bulk materials of the present disclosure may be suitable for the manufacture of a variety of sport fishing equipment or other equipment for water use or that may benefit from hydrolytic degradation in the environment.

Abstract: Pateamine A derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions that include the derivatives, and methods for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia using the derivatives.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous systems and methods for performing nanometer-scale microscopy using graphene plasmons (GPs) are provided. Sub-diffraction microscopy can be achieved, taking advantage of the extremely small plasmon wavelength and low dissipation of GPs. Nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained under very weak light intensity, which is especially important in the imaging of biological systems.

Abstract: Variants of phosphotriesterase have been created that exhibit enhanced hydrolysis of V-type and G-type nerve agents over wild-type phosphotriesterase. V- and G-type nerve agents have an SP and RP enantiomer. The SP enantiomers are more toxic. V-type nerve agents are among the most toxic substances known. Variants of phosphotriesterase can prefer to hydrolyze one enantiomer of VX over the other enantiomer.

Abstract: A composition comprising a drug selected from the group consisting of an arylphenoxypropionate derivative, an aryloxyphenoxyacetate derivative, an aryloxyphenylacetate derivative, a substituted quinol, or a salt, hydrate, or prodrugs thereof, or a combination thereof, in an amount and formulation sufficient to inhibit a mycobacterium is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming nanoparticles in-situ are disclosed herein. The nanoparticles may be formed in-situ through thermocycling a solution comprising at least one of a molten salt, a surfactant, and a catalyst. The nanoparticles may form in the solution itself and/or on surfaces of a vessel in which the solution is formed. Nanofins may be formed from the agglomeration of particles in the solution and on surfaces. Microchannels may be formed by these nanofins, and in some cases microchannels on a surface may have nanofins form on the surface. In some embodiments, a previously formed solution that has nanoparticles formed in-situ may be used to generate nanofins in a vessel, on a wafer in a vessel, in the solution itself, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to pathogen resistant citrus compositions, organisms, systems, and methods. For example, a composition may comprise a peptide (e.g., a defensin peptide) and/or a nucleic acid (e.g., a defensin nucleic acid). A pathogen resistant citrus plant may comprise, in some embodiments, a defensin peptide and/or an expressable nucleic acid encoding a defensin peptide.

Abstract: A method of selectively modulating the activity of C5a receptor 2 (C5aR2). The method includes exposing the receptor to a compound that selectively modulates C5aR2 compared to C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1). In some cases, the compound is peptide P32 or P59. Methods of recruiting ?-arrestin 2 in a cell, modulating C5a-induced ERK1/2 activation in a macrophage, selectively inhibiting the release of IL-6 from a macrophage, are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the level of gossypol in cottonseed. The method generally includes selectively inducing RNA gene silencing in the seed of a transgenic cotton plant, to interfere with expression of the ?-cadinene synthase gene or the ?-cadinene-8-hydroxylase gene in the seed of the cotton plant without substantially affecting expression of that gene in the foliage, floral parts, and roots of the plant. The transgenic cotton plant comprises at least one of a ?-cadinene synthase gene trigger sequence and/or a ?-cadinene-8-hydroxylase gene trigger sequence operably linked to one or more a seed-specific promoter gene sequences, and the trigger sequence(s) is/are able to induce RNA gene silencing when expressed in cottonseed of the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to detect a substance, and method of operating and forming the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tunable resonator including a first Bragg reflector with a first optical stop band separated by a cavity from a second Bragg reflector with a second optical stop band. The first optical stop band is offset in wavelength from the second optical stop band. The tunable resonator is configured to be illuminated by a light source and produce a first spectral optical response from a substance within the cavity. The apparatus also includes a detector positioned proximate the tunable resonator configured to provide a first photonic absorption signal representing the first spectral optical response.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a wound dressing comprising: a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam, including open cells, having first and second states; and a hydrogel (HG) included within the cells; wherein (a) in a first position a composite, including the SMP foam and the HG, is configured to be located proximate a hemorrhagic tissue with the SMP foam in the first state; (b) in a second position the composite is configured to be expanded to the second state against the hemorrhagic tissue when the SMP foam is plasticized at 37° C. depressing a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the SMP foam to below 25° C. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method of determining if unstable asphaltenes are present in a crude oil sample includes obtaining a crude oil sample and performing a fractional analysis of the crude oil sample. In one embodiment, the method further includes measuring, via a cylindrical capacitor, a dielectric constant of the crude oil sample. Responsive to the measured dielectric constant, presence of unstable asphaltenes within the crude oil sample is determined. Responsive to the determined presence of unstable asphaltenes in an amount above a predetermined value, asphaltene precipitation is mitigated by addition of a chemical additive to the well.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to compositions comprising particles and a binding material, where the binding material and at least some of the particles are breakably associated with one another to form bound particles. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the compositions by associating particles with a binding material such that the binding material and at least some of the particles become breakably associated with one another to form bound particles. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of additively manufacturing a material on a surface by (a) applying said bound particles onto the surface; (b) breaking at least some of the bound particles into particles; (c) applying an adhesive material onto the surface; and (d) treating the particles and any remaining bound particles to form the additively manufactured material. Additional embodiments pertain to the formed additively manufactured materials.

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: Methods of identification of inhibitors of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel and small molecule inhibitors of CRAC channel, including methods of their synthesis and pharmaceutical use, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for diagnosing impaired nutrient absorption or determining a nutrient absorption level in an individual. A first stable absorption isotopologue of a nutrient and a second stable absorption isotopolog of the same nutrient are administered orally and intravenously, respectively, to the individual. Amounts of the first and second isotopologs are both measured in blood samples drawn periodically and a ratio of the first isotopolog to the second isotopolog is calculated providing a level of nutrient absorption. The results are compared with a healthy control or an ideal value of 1.0. The ratio less than that of a healthy control or significantly lower than 1.0 indicates an impaired nutrient absorption in the individual.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting and/or sensitizing or re-sensitizing a parasite to an antiparasitic drug are provided. The compositions can comprise a rifamycin derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof in an amount and formulation sufficient to inhibit or induce drug-sensitization in a parasite. The methods can comprise administering a rifamycin derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof to a parasite in an amount and formulation sufficient to inhibit or induce drug-sensitization in the parasite.

Abstract: A hydrogel condom containing an antioxidant can provide increased sexual pleasure, thus improving usage and resulting in prevention of disease and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for development of a virulent bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to X. fastidiosa in a Xanthomonas bacterial host and for treating or reducing symptoms of X. fastidiosa infection in a plant. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and for treating or reducing symptoms of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri infection in a plant.