Abstract: A method of altering fatty acid and/or triacylglycerol production in plants and/or algae is provided. The method includes altering activity levels of alpha-carboxyltransferase (?-CT), a catalytic subunit of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) by modulating an expression of at least one carboxyltransferase interaction (CTI) gene encoding at least one CTI protein.

Abstract: A method of additively manufacturing a structure for use in a reactionary process includes forming a material from metal or metal oxide particles, a dispersion solvent, and a binder. The method also includes depositing the material onto a build platform and curing the material to form a structure for use in a reactionary process. The structure includes the metal or metal oxide particles and is configured to provide a reaction when exposed to a reactant.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the composition of particle gels for conformance control, well drilling and well treatments. More particularly, this invention relates to swellable polymer particle gels that can re-crosslink, i.e., reassociate and self-heal, at subterranean conditions. These particle gels can be deployed to improve the conformance of water flooding of especially matrix bypass events (MBEs), that are also known as void space conduits. Moreover, these particle gels can be deployed for controlling the water production and increasing of petroleum recovery. The inventive particles can also be deployed as diverter for well stimulation.

Abstract: A mobile robot system and method for determining the stiffness of a human arm while moving with a user during overground interaction as the user holds the robot's handle and exchanges forces with it. A mobile base moves with the user, a robot arm interacts with the user, and a controller determines the stiffness. The robot arm includes servomotors driving a linkage mechanism, an end effector including the handle supported by the linkage mechanism, and a force transducer measuring a force applied by the user to the handle. The controller causes the robot arm to generate a force perturbation at the handle, measure a peak velocity achieved by the human arm, determine the stiffness of the human arm as a function of force and displacement, and control operation of the system based on the determined stiffness. A robot body may allow for adjusting the height of the robot arm.

Abstract: Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Abstract: Viscoelastic trauma attenuating backings for use in body armor to reduce non-penetrating shockwave injuries. In particular, a protective armor liner comprising a viscoelastic material and graphene nanoplatelets. Also described is a protective armor comprising a protective armor liner disposed therein or disposed thereon, wherein the protective armor liner comprises a viscoelastic material and graphene nanoplatelets.

Abstract: Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for the electrochemical exfoliation of carbonaceous particles to provide graphene are provided. In some aspects, systems according to the present technology may include a plurality of electrodes that may, for example, have an aspect ratio greater than about 3:1. Additionally, a continuous and optionally closed-loop electrochemical exfoliation system may be used. Embodiments of the present technology can achieve graphene yields well in excess of 50% in a more cost- and operationally efficient manner.

Abstract: A unique open-structured graphene material is provided as well as methods of making and using the same. The open-structured graphene may be formed by carbonization of biomass, such as soybeans, followed by an exfoliation process to provide the graphene particles. Unlike pristine graphene, the open-structured graphene of the present technology has an irregular hierarchical pore structure and one or more layers with an undulating shape, which permits it to better facilitate the intercalation of certain doping particles and provides enhanced flexibility to maintain its structure in various end use application (e.g., batteries).

Abstract: The present invention relates to various lithium ion battery cathodes as well as lithium ion batteries incorporating one or more of these cathodes. The present invention further relates to processes of preparing the lithium ion battery cathode.

Abstract: System and method for generating quantum-entangled photons. First and second laser sources are coupled to each of a plurality of multi-mode optical fibers. The first laser source is coupled into one guided mode and the second laser source is coupled into another guided mode for each of the fibers. Intermodal four-wave mixing the outputs of the fibers separates the signals. A signal combiner recombines the filtered outputs to produce a broadband source of quantum-entangled photons.

Abstract: A temperature insensitive fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer based mold gap measurement system that can be employed in foundry and continuous casting facilities for both non-ferrous and ferrous production applications. For steel continuous casting, the sensor is also capable of detecting crystallite formation in the mold flux layer within the mold gap by detecting reflections from both the flux layer and the steel shell to facilitate direct mold lubrication monitoring for continuous casting. These interferometers can also be easily multiplexed to perform interface shape measurements or monitor gap variations at various positions within a complex mold design. The ability to measure the cast shape exiting a continuous casting mold during operation will provide a new tool to monitor and improve product quality during operation and enhance the safety of the process through the detection of conditions that lead to slab cracking and breakouts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carborane derivatives of Formula I or Formula V, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as neuromuscular blocking agents. The carborane is substituted with two cationic functional groups selected from amines that form ammonium cations, ethers and/or alcohols that form oxonium cations, sulfides and/or thiols that form sulfonium cations, and phosphanes and/or phosphines that form phosphonium cations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides collagen bioink compositions and chemically uncrosslinked and crosslinked collagen structures including collagen microparticles and scaffolds. Also provided are methods of their fabrication and use. Applications for using these collagen structures include treatments of damaged tissue, particularly those caused by osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for systemically editing a gene in a subject and for systemically treating a genetic condition in a subject using a dual-vector CRISPR-Cas therapy. The methods comprise administering to the subject, via systemic administration, a gene editing AAV vector encoding a CRISPR effector protein (e.g., a Cas protein) and a targeting AAV vector providing one or more gRNAs targeted to the gene. In the methods, the ratio of the targeting AAV vector to the gene editing vector is greater than or equal to 2. Also provided are dual-vector systems for editing a gene or treating a genetic disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly concerned with mineralization methods that assist in permanent carbon storage. The methods provide a storage mechanism for oxalic acid generated by existing or future-developed carbon capture and conversion methods that convert CO2 to oxalic acid. That oxalic acid can be injected into a subsurface rock formation containing non-carbonate rock to form oxalates or oxalate hydrates. Alternatively, oxalic acid can be mixed with mine tailings, well drilling dirt, crushed rocks, etc., that contain desired non-carbonate rock minerals, to promote mineralization.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting virus, including virus particles and/or genetic sequences, and method of fabrication. The sensor includes a field effect transistor (FET) having source and drain electrodes formed on a substrate and a two-dimensional virus sensing transduction material (VSTM) film formed on the FET. The VSTM film is configured to collect a sample collected from a subject and comprises MXene-graphene. The VSTM film has an antibody corresponding to the virus particles to be detected linked to the film. A drain-source current response of the FET is representative of an amount of the virus particles in the sample for indicating an infection.

Abstract: A variable resistance device includes first and second body elements and a force-generating system disposed therebetween. The force-generating system includes a resiliently deflectable beam extending relative to the first body element and toward the second body element, an interface element, and a cam projecting relative to the second body element and toward the first body element. The cam presents a cam surface. The interface element shifts along the cam surface upon application of a driving force to at least one of the body elements relative to the other and consequent shifting of the body elements relative to each other, resulting in corresponding bending of the beam and consequent generation of a resistance force by the beam. The cam surface presents a profile that varies along a length thereof, such that the resistance force generated by the beam varies irregularly as the interface element moves along the cam surface.

Abstract: A storage fluid heater and methods of its use are disclosed for storing, heating, and/or delivering water. The storage fluid heater includes a secondary structure with a pump and heat transfer surface to pump up colder water from the bottom of the tank that has entered via the fluid inlet, heat the water, and release the water at the top of the tank to be withdrawn via the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides an oscillating heat pipe, wherein the oscillating heat pipe comprises a 3-phase working fluid that includes at least one liquid phase portion, at least one vapor phase portion, and at least one solid phase portion, wherein in addition to a phase change between liquid and vapor, there is also a phase change from solid to liquid during a heat transfer process involving the oscillating heat pipe.