Abstract: Bentonite (or other clay) water-based drilling fluids incorporating functionalized cellulose nanocrystals are disclosed. Cellulose nanocrystals are modified with tailored surface charges or tailored levels of salt-tolerant polymer grafting, and combined with bentonite (or other clay) nanoplatelets in an aqueous suspension. Thermal performance of drilling fluids can also be enhanced by surface grafting of thermally functional polymers onto cellulose nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a method of fabricating graphene structures from graphene oxide by reducing the graphene oxide on a patterned substrate. The invention also relates in part to graphene structures produced using said method and electrodes and capacitors comprising said graphene structures.

Abstract: A vaccine is disclosed that promotes CD4+ T cell-independent host defense mechanisms to defend against infection by fungi such as Pneumocystis spp. The vaccine may be used to prevent or to treat fungal infections. The novel vaccine can provide protective immunity, even for immunocompromised individuals such as HIV patients having reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.

Abstract: The herbicide-tolerant rice cultivar designated ‘CL153’ and its hybrids and derivatives are disclosed. CL153 is a novel, herbicide-resistant, high yielding, early maturing, semidwarf, long-grain rice cultivar with excellent grain yield, good grain quality, and produces plans with very good resistance to blast disease. This invention also pertains to methods for producing a hybrid or new variety by crossing the rice variety ‘CL153’ with another rice line, one or more times. This invention allows for single-gene converted plants of ‘CL153.’ This invention also provides regenerable cells for use in tissue culture of rice plant ‘CL153.’ The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds in the vicinity of rice.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions, methods and kits that can be used for the treatment or amelioration of pain and fever.

Abstract: The herbicide-tolerant rice cultivar designated ‘CL272’ and its hybrids and derivatives are disclosed. CL272 is a novel, herbicide-resistant, early maturing, semidwarf, medium-grain rice cultivar with improved yield and improved disease resistance. This invention also pertains to methods for producing a hybrid or new variety by crossing the rice variety ‘CL272’ with another rice line, one or more times. This invention allows for single-gene converted plants of ‘CL272.’ This invention also provides regenerable cells for use in tissue culture of rice plant ‘CL272.’ The present invention provides a method for treating rice.

Abstract: A UV-curable and recyclable thermoset shape memory polymer is provided. The polymer includes a vitrimer-based monomer and a photoinitiator. The vitrimer-based monomer includes a first unit rendering a high chain stiffness upon polymerization of the monomer, and a second photopolymerizable unit for photopolymerization of the monomer under a UV irradiation. The polymer has high strength, high stiffness, high recovery stress, high energy storage, reasonable recycling efficiency, and is printable using SLA with high resolution.

Abstract: Provided herein are green alga Cia8 polypeptides and the polynucleotides that encode them. Also provided herein are transformed cells and transgenic plants that include one or more of the polynucleotides and/or polypeptides provided herein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making palatable methionine-restricted foods, to deliver a methionine-restricted diet to human or veterinary patients. A protein or a food product containing protein is partially oxidized, preferably with ozone, to oxidize nearly all of the methionine and cysteine. After oxidation, tryptophan and lysine are optionally added back since they tend to be oxidized also. Optionally, a small amount of methionine is also added back so that the final methionine is within a preferred range of about 0.85 to about 1.8 gram methionine per 100 gram total protein, preferably about 1.2 gram per 100 gram total protein.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for detecting proteinopathies.

Abstract: The low temperature cracking and high temperature rutting of polymer-modified asphalt concrete pavement can be reduced. The composite includes asphalt and at least one polymer that expands at low temperature, triggered by cooling-induced tensile stress, to reduce thermal cracking. The composite includes at least one polymer that expands at high temperature, so that the composite recovers after compression induced by traffic loading at higher temperatures, thereby reducing rutting. The system reduces thermal stress, and reduces or even eliminates thermal cracking and rutting. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are used to improve asphalt compositions so that they better resist both thermal cracking and rutting. The SMP(s) can be incorporated into the asphalt, or a portion of fine aggregates can be replaced with SMP particles or SMP fibers, or aggregate replacement and asphalt modification can be combined.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application are directed toward a focusing Schlieren technique that is capable of adding color-coded directional information to the visualization of density gradients. Other advantages of the technique can include that it does not require manual calibration, has a simple design and is sensitive enough to be used in compact experimental setups. Certain embodiments include the use of a color-coded source image that replaces the conventional source grid. The technique may benefit from a computer-controlled digital background, which is used for both illumination and display of color-coded source images.

Abstract: A composition and method for killing feral hogs: a bait that is attractive to hogs is mixed with a lethal amount of sodium nitrite, along with sufficient base to inhibit decomposition of the sodium nitrite. At sufficiently high pH, encapsulation of the sodium nitrite is not required to inhibit decomposition. In the absence of substantial decomposition, the sodium nitrite itself is not aversive to the pigs, and may even enhance acceptance of the baits by the pigs. Optionally, an anti-emetic compound is added to the mixture to reduce the likelihood the bait will be vomited. Optionally, an additional toxicant such as luteolin is added to the mixture.

Abstract: A phase contrast X-ray imaging system includes: an illumination source adapted to illuminate a region of interest; a diffraction grating adapted to receive illumination from the illuminated region of interest, the diffraction grating comprising a spatial structure having a first periodicity superimposed with a second periodicity that is different from the first periodicity; and a detector adapted to detect illumination passing through the diffraction grating, wherein the spatial structure is defined by varying height and/or pitch, and wherein the spatial structure imparts a first phase dependence based on the first periodicity and an additional phase dependence based on the second periodicity on the illumination passing through the diffraction grating.

Abstract: High-strength concrete-like FG blends and methods for producing them are described. The blend includes FG, hydraulic cement, additional alkali material, and pozzolanic material. The blend further includes an admixture used in the formulation of concrete. The blend further includes an aggregate. The aggregate is a coarse aggregate or a fine aggregate.

Abstract: A sealant composition and method for its manufacture are disclosed. A two-way shape memory polymer (2W-SMP) sealant expands upon cooling and contracts upon heating, and thus provides improved sealing for pavements and other structures. The base resin for the sealant is polybutadiene with a high cis content. Uses for the sealant include, but are not limited to: sealant for expansion joint, contraction joint, or construction joint in cement concrete pavement; sealant or sealer for transverse cracks or block cracks in cement concrete pavement or asphalt concrete pavement; sealant for pipelines, lightweight composite structures, roofs, buildings, bridge decks, dams, offshore platforms; sealant for other structures and devices that have previously typically used polymer sealants.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease condition in a mammal comprising administering a pharmacologically effective amount of a therapeutic, wherein the therapeutic includes a bioisosteres of caffeic acid. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a disease condition in a mammal comprising a first therapeutic that includes a bioisosteres of caffeic acid, wherein the condition may be breast cancer, and the pharmaceutical composition may include a second therapeutic for the disease condition that is not a bioisosteres of caffeic acid.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a near-infrared fluorescence endoscopic dental imaging system includes an endoscope forming a plurality of lumens therein; a spectrometer optically coupled to a first lumen of the endoscope; a near-infrared camera optically coupled to a second lumen of the endoscope; a data processor in communication with the spectrometer and the near-infrared camera; and a display system in communication with the data processor. The near-infrared camera is configured to capture a near-infrared two-dimensional dental image of a specimen and transmit the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image to the data processor. The spectrometer is configured to capture fluorescent light from the specimen and provide a spectroscopic signal to the data processor. The display system is configured to communicate with the data processor to receive the near-infrared two-dimensional dental image and the spectroscopic signal and to display a two-dimensional dental image of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a method of fabricating graphene structures from graphene oxide by reducing the graphene oxide on a patterned substrate. The invention also relates in part to graphene structures produced using said method and electrodes and capacitors comprising said graphene structures.