Abstract: A system for reducing total dissolved solids in wastewater can include a vertical reactor that can include a flexible sheet material, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of an algal biofilm. The vertical reactor can include a shaft, where the shaft can be associated with and can support the flexible sheet material, and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be selectively actuated. The system can include a fluid reservoir containing a portion of wastewater through which the flexible sheet material is configured to pass as well as a stressor operably configured to stimulate the algae to produce an extracellular polymeric substance. A method of reducing total dissolved solids in wastewater includes moving an algal biofilm through the wastewater and moving the algal biofilm through a gas.

Abstract: A portable sampler, the sampler including a sampler assembly having a housing that includes a receiver defined therein for interchangeably receiving a number of removable inlet assemblies, the removable inlet assemblies including a respirable inlet assembly and a thoracic inlet assembly. The respirable inlet assembly includes a hybrid cyclone assembly, the hybrid cyclone assembly including an impaction stage and a cyclone in series. The thoracic inlet assembly includes an inlet slot configured to function as a size-selective inlet. Another thoracic inlet assembly includes a housing having a number of openings configured to receive a sample airflow; an inlet insert through which an inlet aperture is defined; a prequalification chamber defined between a lower surface of the housing and an upper surface of the inlet insert; and a protrusion extending downward from the lower surface of the housing into the inlet aperture of the inlet insert to from an inlet slot.

Abstract: The electroplating apparatus for surface modification of pipes includes: a housing comprising an inner space accommodating an electrode, a plating solution, and a pipe therein, and a plating solution inlet disposed on a lower surface of the housing and allowing the plating solution to be injected therethrough; a plating auxiliary part disposed inside the housing, vertically fixing the pipe inserted into the housing, and guiding the plating solution injected into the housing to flow toward an upper portion of the housing; and an auxiliary support part disposed inside the housing, spacing the plating auxiliary part and the plating solution inlet apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and guiding the plating solution introduced through the plating solution inlet to flow in a direction, where the plating auxiliary part is disposed.

Abstract: Methods of hydromethylation of alkenes and ketones, including methods that use Tebbe's reagent. The methods may include contacting Cp2Ti(?-Cl)(?-CH2)AlMe2 and an alkene or a ketone to produce an intermediate product that may include a titanacyclobutane. The intermediate product may be contacted with an acid to produce a methylated product.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining properties of seed cotton based on measurements from a near-infrared (NIR) sensor. The determined properties are indicative of a quality of the seed cotton. The NIR sensor is mounted on harvesting equipment to acquire quality data during harvesting. The quality data may be mapped to field location and/or forwarded on in preparation of further processing.

Abstract: A meta-material is disclosed that includes a first layer composed of graphene, and one or more additional layers, each composed of glassy carbon or graphene. A method of producing an engineered material includes depositing a graphene precursor on a substrate, pyrolyzing the graphene precursor to allow the formation of graphene, depositing a glassy carbon precursor the graphene, pyrolyzing to allow the formation of glassy carbon from the glassy carbon precursor, depositing a graphene precursor on the glassy carbon, and pyrolyzing the graphene precursor to allow the formation of graphene.

Abstract: Herein are described data acquisition systems and methods applying such systems to determine three-dimensional (3D) diffusion tensors, and simultaneously, to perform 3D structure imaging. Example data acquisition systems can include computing systems in communication with modified light sheet microscopes that are configured for high-speed volumetric imaging to record 3D diffusion processes and high-resolution 3D structural imaging.

Abstract: Method of increasing protein content in a eukaryotic cell comprising an NF-YC4 gene comprising modifying the transcriptional repressor binding site; method of producing a plant with increased protein content comprising crossing and selecting for increased protein content; method of increasing resistance to a pathogen or a pest in a plant cell or plant comprising an NF-YC4 gene comprising modifying the transcriptional repressor binding site, alone or in further combination with expressing QQS in the plant cell or plant; method for producing a plant with increased resistance to a pathogen or a pest comprising crossing and selecting for increased resistance to the pathogen or the pest; a cell, collection of cells, tissue, organ, or organism, such as a plant, in which the NF-YC4 gene comprises a promoter comprising a transcriptional repressor binding site that has been modified so that the transcriptional repressor cannot prevent transcription of the NF-YC4; plants and hybrids thereof; and seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA-peptide complex with a high-density functional group, a DNA-peptide-nanomaterial complex and a method for production of the same, a DNA-metal nanowire, and a method for production of the same. The DNA-peptide complex with a high-density functional group may include a DNA molecule; and a peptide containing an amino acid sequence capable of binding to the DNA molecule, wherein the peptide contains at least one functional group at a terminal thereof, wherein the peptide binds to the DNA molecule via at least one of electrostatic interaction, intercalation, and groove binding.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of making a culture medium from a polymeric material are described herein. The method can include (a) depolymerizing and/or dispersing the polymeric material to obtain a depolymerized and/or dispersed residue, and (b) combining the depolymerized and/or dispersed residue with one or more adjuvants to form a culture medium. In some embodiments, the polymeric material can be a plastic article, such as a waste carpet material. Culture media prepared from the compositions and methods are also described. The culture media are suitable for culturing microorganisms including bacterium, algae, and fungus. The microorganisms can be used to produce a bioproduct such as a biopolymer, an enzyme, or a cellular metabolite.

Abstract: Methods of passivating surfaces, composite materials, and electronic devices including the composite materials. The composite materials can include a passivated film, such as a metal halide perovskite passivated with an organic dye. The electronic devices may include solar cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the conversion of polymers, oligomers, or mixtures thereof into shorter alkanes, carboxylic acids, alcohols, alkyl halides or aldehydes. This process includes contacting the polymers, oligomers, or mixtures thereof with the compound of formula (I): Al(R1)3??(I) where R1 is independently selected at each occurrence thereof from the group consisting of H, aryl, C1-C8 alkyl, and C1-C8 alkoxy, as a reaction mixture, in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a transition metal catalyst, a lanthanide series metal catalyst, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a first processor coupled to the non-volatile memory and configured to receive a data set associated with an object and user information associated with a spatial position of a user in a multi-user virtual (IMVR) environment, and a second processor coupled to the volatile memory, the second processor configured to render an instance of the portion of the object in the IMVR environment from a perspective of the user based on the spatial position of the user. The first processor is configured to generate a look-up table (LUT) based on a set of inputs received from a user. The second processor is configured to render, based on the LUT and information related to a manipulation by a user, an updated instance of the portion of the object that manifests an effect of the manipulation in the IMVR environment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composition comprising amphiphilic Janus particles and a waterborne binder, wherein the particles are self-stratified, and methods of making and using the same. The disclosure also relates to the synthesis of amphiphilic Janus particles.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: A method for predicting remaining useful life for industrial equipment and associated sensor modules are provided. The method includes monitoring machine sensor data for the industrial equipment in an industrial environment using at least one sensor and applying a two-tier model implemented by a computing device by executing a set of instructions from a non-transitory machine readable memory using a processor of the computing device. The two-tier model receives as input sensor data comprising the machine sensor data and applies physics of failure of the industrial equipment to determine a prediction for remaining useful life for the industrial equipment, uncertainty in the prediction for the remaining useful life for the industrial equipment, and an explanation to the prediction for the remaining useful life for the industrial equipment.

Abstract: A coat protein of Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDNV) is used to deliver attached peptide insect toxin across the gut epithelium of a fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. A fusion protein comprising VP4 attached to an insect toxin via a peptide linker is developed. A composition comprising a JcDNV coat protein attached to an insect toxin via a peptide linker can be used for insect pest control.

Abstract: An Ussing chamber assembly for assessing a tissue sample and for receiving a first fluid and a second fluid during such assessment is disclosed. The Ussing chamber assembly includes an Ussing chamber configured to be separated by the tissue sample into a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The assembly includes a first channel in fluidic communication with the first chamber portion, a second channel in fluidic communication with the second chamber portion, and at least three electrical conductors in fluidic communication with the first chamber portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds having antiviral activity, and, in particular, an inhibitory activity on the replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Druggable target sites, including Px, in the RSV N protein are disclosed, as well as compounds targeting Px. The compounds can be used to treat patients with RSV infection.

Abstract: Bulk assemblies are provided, which may have desirable photoluminescence quantum efficiencies. The bulk assemblies may include two or more metal halides, and a wide band gap organic network. The wide band gap organic network may include organic cations. The metal halides may be disposed in the wide band gap organic network. Light emitting composite materials also are provided.