Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of altering tissue succulence in plants. In some examples, a disclosed method includes overexpressing a modified helix-loop-helix transcription factor CEB1 in a plant cell, thereby altering plant succulence. The disclosed methods can be used to improve the drought and salinity tolerance of plants, such as in plants in arid or saline environments, and also enhance the ability of plants to perform. Also disclosed are CEB1 nucleic acids and transgenic plants containing such nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are compositions and methods for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection. The compositions comprise engineered transcription activator like effector nucleases (TALENs) comprising a TALE DNA binding domain flanked by two spacer sequences, and a Fokl nuclease catalytic domain. Also, described herein, are methods of using TALENs to cleave nucleic acids; and methods of administering the TALENs to subjects at risk for or having an HIV infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates and compositions comprising an amyloid beta binding protein conjugated to a MerTK ligand. Disclosed are methods of clearing amyloid beta aggregates from a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the conjugates and compositions comprising an amyloid beta binding protein conjugated to a MerTK ligand. Disclosed are methods of treating Alzheimer's Disease comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of conjugates and compositions comprising an amyloid beta binding protein conjugated to a MerTK ligand.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for performing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) communications. A TCP packet may be received. An artificial error may be added to the TCP packet to prevent the occurrence of a TCP meltdown.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of composites and compositions that can be used for therapeutic applications in vivo and/or in vitro. The disclosed composites can comprise cores having magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, or combinations thereof and zwitterionic polymeric coatings that facilitate solubility and bioconjugation. The compositions disclosed herein can comprise the composites and one or more biomolecules, drugs, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composites, composite components, and methods of making quantum dots for use in the composites.

Abstract: Provided herein are materials and methods useful for reducing, preventing, and/or inhibiting germination of C. perfringens spores, including methods for inhibiting C. perfringens germination to reduce necrotizing enteritis (NE, also referred to as necrotic enteritis) in animals. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are phosphates, thiophosphates, phosphonates, and phosphinates, methods of making same, and methods of using these compounds and methods for the generation of pharmaceutically relevant phosphate, phosphonate, and phosphinate analogs. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A video gaming machine provides partial symbols that match other partial symbols across adjacent horizontal frames. Matches of two melding frames provides absolute payouts, multipliers, bonus events and the like.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more polymers are provided. Exemplary polymers include polymeric carbon monoxides. The compositions can be prepared by subjecting a source material to x-rays, optionally at increased pressures. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, such as fuels, optics, and electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of polycyclic aromatic compounds and methods of making and using the same. Various different types of polycyclic ring systems are disclosed, including, but not limited to, polymeric aromatic compounds (e.g., nanographene compounds), pentacene-like compounds, chiral aromatic compounds, asymmetric arene compounds formed from naphthalene-, anthracene-, phenanthrene-, and pyrene-based starting compounds, and dimerized aromatic compounds. Also disclosed herein are novel benzannulation-based methods for making the disclosed polycyclic aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a molybdate-based composition and a conversion coating obtained therefrom that can replace conventional and toxic chromate-based conversion coatings in a variety of applications and industries. The molybdate-based composition provides conversion coatings that exhibit anodic inhibition and rapid repassivation when applied to objects, such as metal-based objects, and do not contain hexavalent chromium. The molybdate-based composition and conversion coating can be used to reduce corrosion. Embodiments of methods of protecting objects, such as metal surfaces, with the molybdate-based conversion coating also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method of altering CAM pathways in plants. In some examples, a disclosed method includes overexpressing one or more genes encoding one or more enzymes that carry out the basic biochemical sequence of nocturnal CO2 fixation (carboxylation) into C4 acids (malate), store C4 acids in the vacuole of the plant, and/or then decarboxylate and refix the released CO2 by C3 photosynthesis during the subsequent day in a plant cell, thereby altering CAM in the plant cell. Also disclosed herein are isolated polynucleotide sequences, transformation vectors, transgenic plant cells, plant part, and plants. The disclosed methods and compositions can be used to improve the water-use efficiency and drought tolerance and durability of plants, such as in plants in arid environments, and also enhance the ability of plants to perform.

Abstract: An automated rumble strip assembly includes a frame having a top surface configured to support a vehicle tire moving along the frame. The automated rumble strip assembly also includes a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member having a top surface. The automated rumble strip assembly also includes an actuator assembly configured to move the elongate members from a first position where each of the top surfaces of the elongate members is flush with the top surface of the frame, to a second position where each of the top surfaces of the elongate members is recessed relative to the top surface of the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-protein immunogenic conjugates useful for providing protection against any condition or disease associated with Burkholderia pseudomallei or Burkholderia mallei, such as melioidosis or glanders, respectively. For example, a disclosed CPS-protein immunogenic conjugate includes purified 6-deoxyheptan capsular polysaccharide (CPS) from B. pseudomallei chemically activated and covalently linked to recombinant CRM 197 diphtheria toxin mutant (CRM197) to produce CPS-CRM197. Methods of inducing an immune response are disclosed. The methods include the use of a CPS-protein immunogenic conjugate, alone or in conjunction with other agents, such as Hcp1 and TssM, to prevent infection with B. pseudomallei or B. mallei. Also disclosed are methods for treating a subject having melioidosis or glanders.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a target or mold having one or more support arms coupled to a substrate. The support arm can be used in handling or positioning a target. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides target molds, targets produced using such molds, and a method for producing the targets and molds. In various implementations, the targets are formed in a number of disclosed shapes, including a funnel cone, a funnel cone having an extended neck, those having Gaussian-profile, a cup, a target having embedded metal slugs, metal dotted foils, wedges, metal stacks, a Winston collector having a hemispherical apex, and a Winston collector having an apex aperture. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a target mounting and alignment system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of aryl compounds and polymers thereof that are made using methods that do not require harsh conditions or expensive reagents. The methods disclosed herein utilize precursor compounds that can be polymerized to form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polymers, such as carbon-based polymers like nanostructures (e.g., graphene or graphene-like nanoribbons).

Abstract: A number of devices and methods for biopassivating explosive ordnance are disclosed. In some embodiments, a biopassivation reactor device is used to render energetic material in an explosive ordnance less explosive and/or non-explosive. This can be done by coupling the biopassivation reactor device to the fuse opening of the explosive ordnance. This can also be done by incorporating the biopassivation reactor device into the explosive ordnance at the time of manufacture. The biopassivation reactor device can include a housing enclosing microorganisms, water, additives, and/or the like. In some embodiments, an entire ordnance magazine can be operated as a bioreactor to passivate the explosive ordnance inside.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of continuous hydrothermal carbonization of wet biomass, such as manure. A disclosed system uses both inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate simultaneously to regulate the reaction time for continuous production.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for gaming using historical performance data. A listing of entities is provided to a user. A selection of entities is received from the user. Historical performance data for each of the selected entities during a given performance period is compared to a performance benchmark. A payout is provided based on the number of selected entities that met the performance benchmark during their respective performance period.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system is equipped with a combined imaging system, such as an imaging system combining computed tomography (CT), spectral CT, and single photon emission tomography imaging (SPECT), for guidance of radiation beams providing radiotherapy. The system can include at least one x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam at a low energy level for imaging and/or an x-ray beam at a high energy level for radiation therapy. The system can also include at least one imager, such as a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) or cadmium telluride (CdTe) flat-panel imager that receives x-ray beams traversing a subject from the x-ray source and gamma rays emitted by radioisotope tracers injected into the subject. Based on the guidance of the triple images (CT, spectral CT, and SPECT), a computer system can control the radiation therapeutic beam delivery to target areas, such as lesions and/or tumors.