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) in other embodiments. Hydrogel carrier materials for delivery of ISV agents and are also described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the generation of electric current and/or electric potential utilizing micro- or nano-channels and capillary flow, including fluidic or microfluidic batteries and electrochemical cells. The provided systems and methods use capillary force to promote fluid flow through micro- and nano-fluidic channels by evaporating fluid at one terminus of the channel, and the resulting fluid flow generates electric potential and or current. Advantageously, the described systems and methods remove the need for pressurized vessels or external pumps, increasing net energy generation and decreasing complexity and size of potential fluidic batteries.

Abstract: Use of augmented reality to provide a real-time two-dimensional representation of medical imaging data to a user in a three-dimensional space. An augmented reality system is discussed that may provide a single stage processing for video data ingestion directly from a video data output of a medical imaging device. In turn, latency in the resulting video data presented to the user via an augmented reality display may be reduced. The augmented reality system may also allow for a high degree of control over the virtual position, rotation, size, and/or opacity of the two-dimensional representation of the video data in the three-dimensional space associated with the augmented reality system.

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 modular hydroponic tower array fixture system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on arrays of hydroponic towers, allowing for the insertion and removal of individual towers from the array, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms such as plants and fungi using a modular hydroponic tower array fixture system are also provided herein.

Abstract: An ordered functional nanoporous material (OFMN) composition includes a pore defined by a sidewall, the sidewall comprising N—C—N linkages therein. A process for synthesis of a reagent includes the reaction of a 6,7-diaminoquinoxaline having R groups with hexaketocyclohexane (HKH) octahydrate, where R is independently in each occurrence H, Cl, Br, I, C4H4S (thiophenyl), SO3?, CO2?, C?CH, CH?CH2, NH2, OH, C?N, C1-C4 alkyl, (CH2)xCH?CH2, or (CH2)yCH?CH(CH2)z where x or (y+z) is an integer of 0 to 4 inclusive, (CH2)jCH?CH, or (CH2)kCH?C(CH2)r where j or (k+r) 0 to 4 inclusive. A process of degasification that includes extracting a gas from a mixture by exposing the mixture to an OFNM to selectively pass the gas therethrough. A process of dehydrogenation includes exposing an aliphatically unsaturated feedstock to platinum modified OFNM under conditions to form hydrogen and selectively passing the hydrogen through the platinum modified OFNM.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the background light intensity measured by a Fountain Flow cytometer. One approach includes constraining an interrogated volume of the sample (e.g., by adding a light absorbing reagent to the sample or introducing a bend into a flow cell through which the sample flows). Another approach includes minimizing Raman scattering from the sample by choosing an excitation filter and an emission filter configured to narrowly encompass light at wavelengths within system excitation and emission peaks.

Abstract: Diabetic wounds have elevated levels of cathepsin K, a protease enzyme, which degrades proteins, such as collagen, causing delayed wound healing. By targeting cathepsin K, diabetic wound healing is ameliorated. Methods and devices for treatment include intradermal injection of odanacatib at or adjacent a wound. Methods and devices for treatment include topical application of pharmacological inhibitors of cathepsin K, for example, in the form of gel, powder, or bandage. Other methods and systems include localized genetic knock out of the cathepsin K gene by topical application of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotide to aid in wound healing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery material includes an organic acid and a water material, the organic acid including a naphthenic acid, L-prolific, or a combination 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: A method is provided for using twisted acenes, and more particularly to configurationally stable twisted acenes that are imbedded into the structure of [7]helicene at the fulcrum ring to form useable material structures. The helicene propagates its chiral nature into the acene, while acting as a locking mechanism to thermal racemization. These doubly-helical compounds are part of a new homologous series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, namely the [7]helitwistacenes. Such [7]helitwistacenes have utility as materials suitable for forming a circularly polarized organic light emitting diode (CP-OLED) for direct emission of circularly polarized (CP) light for the fabrication of high efficiency electronic displays.

Abstract: The current teachings relate to DNA vectors for genomic editing in insect cells, for example glycoengineering in cell lines obtained from lepidopteran insects, and methods and kits for use of such vectors to modify genome editing function in insect cells. The disclosed vectors and methods comprise novel constructs that enable the CRISPR-Cas9 system in cultured insect cells. Also disclosed are lepidopteran cells that are transformed using the disclosed vectors and methods.

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: Described herein are integrated thermochemical processes for the conversion of coal into high-value products using a combination of pyrolysis and solvent extraction. The described systems and methods are versatile and may be used to generate a variety of high value products including chemicals (aromatics, asphaltenes, napthenes, phenols, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters), polymer composite products (resins, coatings), graphitic products, agricultural materials, building materials, carbon fiber and other products that are substantially more valuable that the energy generated via combustion. Further, these systems and methods are specifically designed to be highly branched and highly flexible, allowing for a high selectivity and optimization for increasing the value of the products relative to the feedstock.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in at least one embodiment, may be described as a method of destabilizing an aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion comprising the steps of: effecting contact between a sorbent and said aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion; effecting relative motion between said sorbent and said aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion; and destabilizing (perhaps in continuous fashion) the aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion. Applications include but are not limited to oil spill clean up, manufacturing of emulsions, oil refinery and production operations (anywhere along the production chain).

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising encoding a message into blocks, determining a collection of DNA symbols for each of the blocks from the encoded message, performing a second encoding of the determined collection of DNA symbols from the encoded message, detecting a presence of errors in the second encoding and establishing an authentication of each block and further using zero-knowledge protocol to securely authenticate the message without disclosing the actual message.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a composite carbonate utilized as a catalyst in coal gasification processes. Methods described herein also include suitable processing conditions for performing coal gasification with the composite catalyst. In certain embodiments the composite catalyst may comprise an alkali carbonate and a transition metal carbonate, for example, an FeCO3—Na2CO3 catalyst. An FeCO3—Na2CO3 catalyst, compared to raw coal, may increase the carbon conversion rate by about two times within the 700° C.-800° C. range due to its ability to reduce the activation energy of gasification by about 30-40%. Compared to pure sodium and pure iron catalysts, the composite catalyst may increase the yields of desired products H2 and CO at 800° C. by 14.8% and 40.2%, respectively.

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: This invention relates to methods and compositions for removing contaminants from fluids, for example, the removal of mercury contaminants by oxidation. The compositions and methods provided herein are robust and accomplish efficient removal of contaminants from fluid streams without the need for relatively expensive activated carbon. In addition, the methods and compositions of the present invention do not pose risks to the safety of workers through the injection of highly toxic, highly corrosive elemental bromine to directly oxidize the mercury. The compositions and methods of the present invention are versatile and apply to a wide range of contaminants including, but not limited to, mercury, lead, cadmium, thallium, and hydrogen sulfides. Further, the compositions and methods contained herein are capable of efficient contaminant removal over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: Diabetic wounds have elevated levels of cathepsin K, a protease enzyme, which degrades proteins, such as collagen, causing delayed wound healing. By targeting cathepsin K, diabetic wound healing is ameliorated. Methods and devices for treatment include topical application of pharmacological inhibitors of cathepsin K, for example, in the form of gel, powder, or bandage. Other methods and systems include localized genetic knock out of the cathepsin K gene by topical application of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotide to aid in wound healing.

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.