Abstract: Biocompatible, mechanically-dynamic thermoresponsive devices, methods for forming the devices, and exemplary applications for the devices are described. The devices include a series of wells therein and provide for temperature-controlled mechanostimulation of single cells or groups of cells that can be retained in the wells of a device. Mechanostimulation can be single instance of any duration, continuous, or regular or irregular cyclic mechanostimulation of single cells, cell clusters, cell spheroids, or organoids and may be utilized in any of a variety of biomedical applications including, without limitation, cellular engineering, cellular phenotyping, and drug discovery/screening.

Abstract: Testing peptides in in vitro models of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to evaluate systems and methods of treatment therefore.

Abstract: Methods for modification of abnormal protein interactions manifested as excessive PACT-mediated PKR activation within cells are described. Methods include administration of luteolin to cells that exhibit dysregulation in PACT-mediated PKR activation. Methods can decrease or prevent excessive non-viral PACT-mediated PKR activation in a cell as may occur due to expression by the cell of a mutant PACT protein. Methods can decrease an abnormal prolonged stress response as may occur in the absence of a stress-inducing activity or agent.

Abstract: Chemically inert, mechanically tough, cationic metallo-polyelectrolytes designed as durable anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cobaltocenium-containing cyclooctene with triazole as the only linker group, followed by backbone hydrogenation to provide a new class of AEMs with a polyethylene-like framework and alkaline-stable cobaltocenium cation for ion transport, which exhibit excellent thermal, chemical and mechanical stability, as well as high ion conductivity.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods directed to thermally stable catalyst systems, which display stable physical properties and/or stable catalytic properties after thermal pretreatment at a temperature in the range of about 600° C. to about 1000° C. The catalyst systems include metal particles which contain a stable metal and a catalytic metal deposited on a porous support. Embodiments of the disclosure include catalyst systems that can be used in high temperature applications such as the hybrid sulfur cycle. The hybrid sulfur cyclic is an elevated temperature and high acid reaction that may be conducted using concentrated sulfuric acid heated to 800° C. Embodiments of the disclosure can provide thermally stable catalysts and methods to produce thermally stable catalysts that remain active for at least 80 hours' exposure to these harsh conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are a low-cost, non-destructive, and contact-free intelligent inspection system that is field-deployable on a geometry car, high-rail vehicle, or other types of track inspection platforms to identify broken railway/railroad spikes in real-time.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using a combination of nanomaterials and oil-degrading bacteria to detoxify a multiphasic liquid (e.g., an oil-water mixture) and to ameliorate the toxicity of oil to local organisms, e.g., meiobenthos, in or near the area of the multiphasic liquid. The methods can be utilized for oil recovery and environmental clean-up and detoxification after spills and discharges. Through synergistic combination of the nanomaterials with oil degrading bacteria, methods can ameliorate environmental damage due to the presence of oil in an area through increased activation of the bacteria as well as through removal of the oil.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for performing automated and minimally invasive intramyocardial injections for cardiac repair that eliminate the need for opening the chest cavity for injections of therapeutics to the heart muscle to address heart attack, cardiomyopathy or myocardial diseases and can detect diseased tissue and deliver a specified volume of a therapeutic injectate to the region of interest.

Abstract: Described herein are diagnostic methods and systems employing a sensor added to an ultrasound probe to measure the pressure/force being applied to the patient by the probe during ultrasound scanning, feedback of the probe contact pressure measurement will provide sonographers an opportunity to make probe pressure adjustments to both capture a quality image and minimize discomfort to the patient, as well as enhance the diagnostic capability of other forms of ultrasound.

Abstract: Novel markers that can be attached physically to a tensile specimen with a center guide to allow for measuring correct strain, as well as a binder that fixes and holds a pin guide to its location on the specimen during the test.

Abstract: A connector for joining concrete structures such as double tee beams to one another. The connector includes a curved bolt that is formed with a shape memory alloy. Through utilization of the bolt, a joint can be post-tensioned following assembly through application of heat to the joint. Post-tensioning can be reapplied following loosening of the joint through application of heat. When considering a super elastic shape memory alloy, the bolt can be a smart bolt that can self-correct following deformation due to excessive load.

Abstract: Disclosed are redox flow battery membranes, redox flow batteries incorporating the membranes, and methods of forming the membranes. The membranes include a polybenzimidazole gel membrane that is capable of incorporating a high liquid content without loss of structure that is formed according to a process that includes in situ hydrolysis of a polyphosphoric acid solvent. The membranes are imbibed with a redox flow battery supporting electrolyte such as sulfuric acid and can operate at very high ionic conductivities of about 100 mS/cm or greater. Redox flow batteries incorporating the PBI-based membranes can operate at high current densities of about 100 mA/cm2 or greater.

Abstract: An in-contact temperature measurement probe, which can measure temperature accurately on the surface of a current carrying wire, rod, heater, or other device, while maintaining the safety of the user via employing non-electrically conductive but thermally conductive materials.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and devices for gathering sound emission data from railway spikes in order to determine if a spike is undamaged, damaged, or broken via initiating sound waves in the spike and analyzing same to determine the structural integrity of the spike being tested.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for employing a tumor targeted cerium oxide nanoparticle system, T-CeNP, for cancer therapy to hinder cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) transdifferentiation and reprogram CAFs back to normal fibroblasts to reduce tumor size and prevent metastasis.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for identifying an optimal travel route for first travelers, such as commuters, first responders, etc., that considers both potential railroad crossing blockages in addition to street traffic congestion conditions to provide real-time optimal vehicle routing based on real-time street and railroad crossing conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of selective hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic compounds by using catalyst systems comprising N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and 4-pyridinol-derived pincer ligands and metal complexes containing these ligands.

Abstract: The current disclosure teaches one to achieve PBI membranes with high ionic conductivity and low mechanical creep for the first time. This is in contrast to previous teachings of PBI membrane fabrication methods, which yield PBIs with either high ionic conductivity and high mechanical creep or low ionic conductivity and low mechanical creep. The membranes produced according to the disclosed process provide doped membranes for applications in fuel cells and electrolysis devices such as electrochemical separation devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a supported catalyst and catalysts formed according to disclosed methods. Methods include contacting a catalyst support with a precursor solution and displacing the solvent of the precursor solution (e.g., water) with a second solvent that has a lower surface tension than the first solvent. The second solvent displaces the first solution according to the Marangoni effect. Methods also include activation of the precursor to form a catalyst, e.g., a supported platinum group metal catalyst or the like.

Abstract: A nonhuman animal cancer model is described. The animal model includes an animal of the genus Peromyscus and xenograft cancer cells implanted in the animal. Methods for utilizing the animal model can include evaluation of growth and development of cancer cells, as well as evaluation of known and potential cancer treatment therapies. The animal model can be utilized to examine the efficacy of an anticancer therapy at the preclinical stage, can be utilized to screen potential cancer treatments in an individualized cancer treatment protocol, and can be utilized for identification of biomarkers associated with particular cancers and/or particular anticancer therapies, among other beneficial uses.