Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting or dispersing biofilms produced by Listeria monocytogenes on plant matter are described. Embodiments include using formulations comprising active chemical constituents and aqueous extracts or sap from certain trees. Methods of using and producing aqueous formulations derived from hickory and maple wood are provided. Formulations and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing exopolysaccharide-rich listerial biofilms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus for and methods of detecting light utilizing the spin Seebeck effect (SSE). In an embodiment, a method for detecting broadband light is provided. The method includes generating a SSE in a device by illuminating the device with light, the device comprising a bilayer structure disposed over a substrate, the bilayer structure comprising a non-magnetic metal layer and a magnetic insulator layer. The method further includes measuring the SSE based on a field modulation method, determining, based on the measuring, an optically-created thermal gradient of the device, and detecting a wavelength range of the light. Apparatus for detecting broadband light are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods for preparing catalysts and catalyst supports. In one embodiment, transition metal carbide materials, having a nanotube like morphology, are utilized as a support for a precious metal catalyst, such as platinum. Embodiments described herein also relate to proton exchange membrane fuel cells that incorporate the catalysts described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microbial stem cell technology that enables a growing microbial culture to stably maintain two or more distinct cell types in a ratio that can be genetically programmed and/or dynamically controlled during cultivation. It is contemplated that embodiments described herein can be utilized to increase product yield in microbial fermentations and advanced engineering of biomaterials using genetically engineered microbial cells, among others.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: A metal-assisted microwave treatment that converting raw coal powders into nano-graphite is presented. Specifically, four major factors are identified for successful conversion: (1) high temperature; (2) reducing environment; (3) catalyst; and (4) microwave radiation. Specifically, it is determined that the combination of the carbon sources (raw coal powders), the high temperature (microwave induced electric sparking), the reducing environment (the Ar/H2 mixture), the catalyst (Cu foil), with the microwave radiations can generate nano-graphite. This novel approach utilizes the sparking induced by the microwave radiation on the fork-shape metal foils to generate high temperature (>1000° C.) within few seconds. The small thermal load makes this method cost effective and has potential for higher temperature using metals with higher melting temperature. Refinement of this technique is possible to yield a higher quality and quantity of nano-graphite materials for a wider range of applications.

Abstract: In an embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance, the method including introducing a substance into a sample cell of a calorimetric block of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a first initial pressure, the system volume being constant; maintaining the substance in a vapor phase; cooling the substance at a cooling rate; and generating a thermogram. In another embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance, the method including introducing a substance into a sample cell of a calorimetric block of a DSC at a first initial pressure, the system volume being constant; maintaining the substance in a liquid phase; heating the substance at a heating rate; and generating a thermogram. In another embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance in the presence of an adsorbent.

Abstract: Polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures are provided which include a selectively emissive layer of a polymer or a polymer matrix composite material. Exemplary selective radiative cooling structures are in the form of a sheet, film or coating. Also provided are methods for removing heat from a body by selective thermal radiation using polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery material includes an organic acid and a water material, the organic acid including a naphthenic acid, L-proline, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, an oil recovery method includes injecting a treatment fluid into a reservoir under reservoir conditions, the reservoir containing hydrocarbons, and the treatment fluid includes an organic acid and a water material. In another embodiment, an oil recovery method includes injecting a treatment fluid into a reservoir containing hydrocarbons, the treatment fluid comprising an organic acid in one or more of an oil-in-water emulsion, a resin dispersion, or a polymer capsule.

Abstract: Novel microemulsion formulations comprising a surfactant or combination of surfactants are disclosed for improved crude oil cleanup or recovery from subsurface geological formations, especially those containing carbonate cements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for detecting a target analyte which includes a microfluidic device having least one microfluidic channel with a binding surface positioned in the microfluidic channel with further include a first electrode and a second electrode. The system may further include a detector and a voltage supply. Also included is a method to detect a target analyte using a described microfluidics device, introducing solution with a target analyte to a binding surface, and binding the target analyte to the binding surface by applying an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes during at least a portion of the binding step, which enhances the rate of binding of the target analyte molecules to the binding molecules. The method then includes the steps of detecting a reporter molecule which corresponds to the amount of the bound target analyte molecules, which correlates with the amount of target analyte in the original sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are catalyst materials and processes for processing hydrocarbons. For example, doped ceria-supported metal catalysts are provided exhibiting good activity and stability for commercially relevant dry reforming of methane as well as mixed hydrocarbon feedstocks under process conditions including low temperature and long term operation. Useful doped ceria-supported metal catalysts include nickel dispersed over Ti-doped ceria.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to magnetic nanoparticles having a non-narcotic analgesic, as well as methods of preparation and use thereof. A magnetically response pharmaceutical can include a core region having magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and a protein-based analgesic. Further, an exterior coating comprising a polymer can be formed around the core region. The magnetically responsive pharmaceutical can be administered to a recipient and directed to a target region using an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.

Abstract: A composition of matter including a two-dimensional covalent organic imidazole framework (COF) polymer having an aromatic backbone and ordered nanometer sized pores that may be functionalized with a variety of functional groups. A filtration membrane having both high throughput and highly selective transport or rejection of a species of interest based on size, charge or other molecular properties is readily formed of the two-dimensional COF polymer. The filtration membrane being formed by providing a substrate, such as anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), and then depositing exfoliated carboxyl COF onto the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for detecting a target analyte which includes a microfluidic device having least one microfluidic channel with a binding surface positioned in the microfluidic channel with further include a first electrode and a second electrode. The system may further include a detector and a voltage supply. Also included is a method to detect a target analyte using a described microfluidics device, introducing solution with a target analyte to a binding surface, and binding the target analyte to the binding surface by applying an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes during at least a portion of the binding step, which enhances the rate of binding of the target analyte molecules to the binding molecules. The method then includes the steps of detecting a reporter molecule which corresponds to the amount of the bound target analyte molecules, which correlates with the amount of target analyte in the original sample.

Abstract: A modular hydroponic cultivation and transport system for the cultivation and transport of organisms, including but not limited to, various forms of plants and fungi in hydroponic towers, is provided. Further, apparatuses for the cultivation and transport of organisms grown in hydroponic towers, are provided. Methods for the cultivation and transport of organisms using the transport system and apparatuses described herein are also provided herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to motion tracking synchronization in virtual reality systems. In an embodiment, a computing system that includes a processor and a memory including computer readable instructions is provided. The processor is configured to, based on execution of the computer readable instructions, receive an indication from a virtual reality (VR) application that the VR application has started, receive tracking data from a first motion tracking system and a second motion tracking system, each motion tracking system comprising one or more sensors, and generate system-independent tracking objects from the tracking data. The processor is further configured to, based on execution of the computer readable instructions, format the system-independent tracking objects into VR objects compatible with a VR system, transmit the VR objects to the VR system, and provide a real world environment view to users overlaid or independent of VR environment.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods include localized release of immunosuppressive (ISV) agents are contemplated in one embodiment. Methods also include localized application of immunosuppressive (ISV) regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and/or mesenchymal stomal cells in other embodiments. Hydrogel carrier materials are also described herein.