Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to enabling a user to (1) determine the radial stiffness of the outer surface of a winding or wound roll, and (2) when coupled with a winding/contact model results in a virtual instrument allowing the user to explore the residual stresses due to winding in roll-to-roll manufacturing process machines, and (3) allows the user to predict winding defects and hence roll quality based upon the known residual stresses. Wound roll models require the input of a radial modulus of elasticity which is state dependent on interlayer pressure. The hardware of the disclosure can be used to determine this radial modulus and serves to enable the user to (1) use winding/contact models and (2) with measurements made during or after winding enable the user to estimate the winding residual stresses.

Abstract: A method is herein presented to statistically combine multiple seismic attributes for generating a map of the spatial density of fractures. According to an embodiment a first step involves interpreting the formation of interest in 3D seismic volume first to create its time structure map. The second step is creating depth structure of the formation of interest from its time structure map. In this application geostatistical methods have been used for depth conversional, although other methods could be used instead. The third step is extraction of a number of attributes, such as phase, frequency and amplitudes, from the time structure map. The next step is to project the fracture density onto the top of the target formation. The final step is to combine these attributes using a statistical method known as Multi-variant non-linear regression to predict fracture density.

Abstract: According to an embodiment there is taught herein a system and method of noncontact human vital signs monitoring using light sensing (also referred to generally herein as visible light sensing (VLS)) that can, in some embodiments, measure in real-time breathing (respiration) and heartbeat rates without body contact. One variation comprises a photo-detector (PD) sensor, which measures signal power level of the reflected light signal from the patient's body and an embedded processing system for the signal processing and filtering on the received light signal. The technology taught herein has the potential to address numerous conditions where the use of contact-based devices may be problematic.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a method of using electrolyzed oxidizing water ice (EO ice) as a Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) method that reduces antimicrobial contamination. One embodiment is utilized in connection with beef grinders. In one embodiment, EO ice was prepared by freezing 200 mg/L free chlorine-containing EO water at 20° C. overnight. The EO ice and, optionally, EO ice/water mixture was then ground within an operating meat grinder. The EO ice treatment in combination with EO water has the potential to reduce cross-contamination and could serve as an easy to apply antimicrobial intervention to improve overall safety of ground beef.

Abstract: Host-specific bacteriophages that kill or prevent growth of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are provided. The bacteriophages are specific for STEC, exhibit high lytic activity, pH, and thermal stability, and are used as bio-control agents in the meat and produce industry. Notably, the bacteriophages prevent or reduce STEC biofilm formation.

Abstract: This system includes a concrete identification technology that is used in taking, testing, monitoring, and labeling concrete samples or members using custom labels called a tag. This tag comprises a series of corresponding labels, one for the outside of the form, and on for the inside of the form that becomes part of the concrete sample. These tags are physically bonded to the concrete specimen with only minimal impact on its shape and properties. In some embodiments the tags will contain a hook-and-loop or fiber type surface texture (protrusions) which is placed in the form with the protrusions facing the fresh concrete. The tag can also contain electronic circuitry to gather and track information about the concrete and the surrounding environment. This will eliminate the need to relabel the samples after demolding while also measuring a number of other parameters about the concrete and its performance.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the facile and selective mono-perfluoro and -polyfluoroarylation of Meldrum's acid to generate a versatile synthon for highly fluorinated alpha-phenyl acetic acid derivatives which provide straightforward access to fluorinated building blocks. The reaction takes place quickly and all products were isolated without the need for chromatography. An embodiment provides an alternative strategy to access alpha-arylated Meldrum's acids which avoids the need for aryl-Pb(IV) salts or diaryliodonium salts and provides access to the tertiary product which was not previously synthetically accessible. The synthetic versatility and utility of the Meldrum's acid products is demonstrated by subjecting the products to several derivatizations of the Meldrum's acid products as well as photocatalytic hydrodefluorination which provide access to difficult but valuable synthetic targets such as multifluorinated aromatics.

Abstract: Compositions comprising glycosyl hydrolase enzymes are provided, as are methods for their use to depolymerize hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and pectin in biomass in order to produce products such as simple sugars. The enzymes, isolated from Aspergillus nidulans and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, were characterized, and synergistic mixtures of the enzymes were produced and used to generate simple sugars from biomass without the need to pretreat the biomass before digestion. The enzyme blends generally comprise two or more enzymes, which may be from the same fungus or from two different fungi, and are used for efficient and cost effective complete degradation of lignocelluloses. Applications of this technology include biofuel production.

Abstract: Genes associated with nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in plants are provided. The gene VRN1N was identified as TaNUE1 in chromosome 5A of the wheat cultivar Jagger and is encompassed by quantitative trait locus Qnue.osu-5A. VRN1N is regulated by nitrogen is associated with enhanced NUE by plants which contain the gene. In addition, the gene ANR1 from wheat cultivar Jagger has also been identified as involved in nitrogen metabolism. Methods for genetically engineering plants to contain and express one or both of VRN1N and ANR1 are also provided, as are genetically modified plants that have been transformed with one or both of the genes, and plants that have been bred conventionally and selected for the presence of one or both genes.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, natural polymers will be used to enhance the biodegradability of nanocomposites, increase potential use of sustainable polymer matrices, improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of graphite/epoxy composites and attain complete nanoparticle dispersion through covalent bonding of nanoparticles and natural polymers. The starch derivatives containing POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) were synthesized by reacting natural polymer with different POSS molecules in a solvent in presence of a catalyst. Interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the epoxy based nanocomposites containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt % POSS modified natural polymer in the interlaminar area are presented. The biodegradability of the composites is expected to improve through the incorporation of the natural polymer derivatives.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a base polymer and a nanoparticle that increases the strength of the base polymer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections are provided. The methods involve administering an agent that stabilizes or enhances Axin1 activity, e.g. and agent that inhibits tankyrase. Administration of the agent stimulates or increases interferon activity, thereby preventing or lessening at least one symptom of virus infection. The virus infection may be caused by a respiratory virus such as influenza vims.

Abstract: Providing a microbial catalyst in a reaction broth, providing an adsorptive solid into the reaction broth, providing a producer gas into the reaction broth, and obtaining a fermentation product from the reaction broth resulting from activity of the microbial catalyst in the presence of the adsorptive solid.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a system and method wherein knowledge of the syngas fermentation is combined with standard instrumentation to provide a stable control of gas supply to automatically poise the fermentation to provide both high conversion of CO and H2, and high selectivity for production of ethanol. The control is based on an automatic feedback loop that corrects for operational imbalance and maintains a stable continuous fermentation required for commercial operation. In a further embodiment, feed of syngas to ethanol fermentation can be optimally controlled using the pH of the broth as the input variable for flow control of the gas. This concept will automatically maintain the correct supply of syngas to the fermentation, and provide stable operation at optimal rates.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for grafting POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) nanomaterial to graphene oxide is described for use in preparation of high performance composite materials. In another embodiment, amine functionalized graphene oxide may be particularly suitable. In this embodiment, POSS molecules grafted to amine functionalized graphene oxide are synthesized by reacting graphene oxide with different POSS molecules. The amine functionalized graphene oxide may be dissolved in a solvent and the reaction may include the presence of a catalyst. The resultant POSS grafted graphene oxide/POSS grafted amine functionalized graphene oxide may be mixed with a resin (epoxy) in a masterbatch. The masterbatch may then be packaged and sold. The masterbatch material may then be introduced into the interlaminar area of graphite/epoxy composites.

Abstract: Antigenic molecules and compositions described herein protect against infection by typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars. Methods of immunization comprise the use of the antigenic molecules.

Abstract: The present invention includes the efficient dispersion and high loading of fillers in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. In a first general embodiment, the present invention includes a method wherein fillers are first synthesized and dispersed in a liquid monomer. The liquid monomer is then polymerized to a solid. The nanofillers may be silver nanoparticle/nanowire fillers. Ethylene glycol may serve as a solvent, reducing agent as well as precursor monomer for polymerization. In a second general embodiment, the present invention includes a method wherein fillers may be separately synthesized (or obtained commercially) and then added and dispersed in a liquid monomer. The liquid monomer is then polymerized to a solid. In a third general embodiment, a composite is synthesized using interfacial polycondensation. This is accomplished by aggressive mixing of two solvents during the reaction. The aggressive mixing forms microdroplets (i.e.

Abstract: A device with a pouch having a pouch wall with an inner side and an outer side, the pouch wall defining an interior of the pouch. A plurality of electrodes embedded in the pouch wall with at least one electrode partially exposed within the interior of the pouch. The plurality of electrodes generate plasma within the interior of the pouch in response to application of an voltage to the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Compositions comprising glycosyl hydrolase enzymes are provided, as are methods for their use to depolymerize hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and pectin in biomass in order to produce products such as simple sugars. The enzymes, isolated from Aspergillus nidulans and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, were characterized, and synergistic mixtures of the enzymes were produced and used to generate simple sugars from biomass without the need to pretreat the biomass before digestion. The enzyme blends generally comprise two or more enzymes, which may be from the same fungus or from two different fungi, and are used for efficient and cost effective complete degradation of lignocelluloses. Applications of this technology include biofuel production.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a base polymer and a nanoparticle that increases the strength of the base polymer.