Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising protein encapsulated nanoparticles, and methods of making said compositions. In an aspect, a composition may comprise a drug delivery vector and a therapeutic substance, wherein the composition elutes at least 1.0 pg of the therapeutic substance per 100,000 particles of the drug delivery vector over a period of time under conditions of a drug delivery vector release buffer, wherein the therapeutic substance, drug delivery vector and drug delivery vector release buffer comprise a solution, wherein the solution is centrifuged and a portion stored at about 1 to 10° C., and wherein the elution of the therapeutic substance is determined by ELISA assay. This disclosure further describes a method of controlling an immunophenotype in a patient suffering from a disease which impacts the immune system.

Abstract: A composition comprising a brain targeted exosome derived from mesenchymal stem cells for systemically delivering an agent to target cells or tissues in the central nervous system of a patient, wherein the exosome expresses blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing central nervous system (CNS) specific AAV synthetic capsid (CAP) peptide. A method is provided for genetically engineering exosomes comprising joining a selected functional AAV capsid domain specific peptide (CAP), and fusing said CAP to lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (Lanp2b) to form a CAP-Lam2b fusion protein, and expressing CAP-lamp2b fusion protein on the surface of a mesenchymal stem cell derived exosome.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to processes for production of ammonia and hydrogen under low reaction severity using as reactants nitrogen and at least one C1-C4 hydrocarbon, e.g., methane. The disclosed processes are carried out using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, and combinations thereof; wherein the metal is present in an amount from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the heterogeneous catalyst; and a metal oxide support. The processes can be carried out at about ambient pressure and at a heterogeneous catalyst temperature of from about 50° C. to about 250° C. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for improved surgical devices and methods of using the same in connection with bariatric and gastroesophageal surgery. The present disclosure includes a lighted bougie device that can include an elongate member and a light source. The light source can be configured to emit near-infrared light. The light source can also be positioned about the bougie such that light emitted from the light source illuminates along a portion of the bougie.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal-based automatic roller tracking and mapping system for roller path tracking and mapping in pavement compaction. Accuracy in estimation during roller position tracking and mapping for pavement compaction through the use of thermal imaging is achieved. The tracking and mapping system utilizes an infrared camera for automatic roller path tracking and mapping in pavement construction. The tracking and mapping data associated with the movement of the roller vehicle during compaction of the surface can be generated and visually represented in a user interface accessible to the operator of the roller vehicle. Based on the tracking and mapping data that is generated in real-time and presented to the operator in the user interface, the operator can make adjustments to the roller vehicle and path, as necessary.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a thermocouple device fabricated from a composite mixture of lanthanum chromite and refractory oxide materials optimized for high temperature applications. The thermocouple can be manufactured as a monolithic entity or seamlessly incorporated into a manufactured article while the article is being fabricated. In another aspect, a plurality of discrete layers of the composite mixture can be applied to form the thermocouple, or the composite mixture can be continuously graded to achieve desired performance properties. In an alternative aspect, the disclosed thermocouple can be a low-cost replacement for solid-state thermocouples reliant on precious metal compositions. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing a composite ceramic oxide thermocouple using a direct ink-writing or tape-casting process. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: This invention identifies sets of microRNAs (miRNAs) that classified breast cancer or lung cancer tumors from normal lung tissues with a high accuracy in patients. The findings also allowed identification of methods for improving lung or breast cancer diagnosis, optimizing treatment selection, and discovering new drug options for better patient outcomes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to CO2-free and/or low-CO2 methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via natural gas decomposition using microwave radiation. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally benign. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts useful for enhancing the disclosed methods, wherein the catalysts are supported by solid forms of carbon. Methods for recycling the catalysts are also disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for converting waste plastics into value-added products, the method including the steps of (a) contacting the waste plastics with a catalyst to form a reaction mixture and (b) applying microwave irradiation to the reaction mixture. In another aspect, disclosed herein are value-added products including, but not limited to, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons produced by the process disclosed herein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, disclosed herein are devices comprising a disclosed hybrid microwave-thermal chemical reactor device. Also disclosed herein are methods of preparing hydrogen and a crystalline carbon material, such as a carbon nanotube, from methane using a hybrid heating comprising heating with both a thermal fluid and microwave irradiation of a catalyst. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Methods of improving addiction in a patient in need thereof are provided. Methods include exposing the patient to drug related cues and measuring the patient's craving levels or physiological levels during or after cue exposure to determine the patient's status or condition. Such a determination can indicate whether the patient is at risk of engaging in the addictive activity and can guide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for treating a mixture of produced water and blowdown water comprising introducing produced water (PW) into blowdown water (BD) for forming a PW-BD water mixture, softening the PW-BD water mixture, subjecting the PW-BD water mixture to activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis membrane desalination. The process generates a product water and a brine by-product.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for improved surgical devices and methods of using the same in connection with bariatric and gastroesophageal surgery. The present disclosure includes a lighted bougie device that can include an elongate member and a light source. The light source can be configured to emit near-infrared light. The light source can also be positioned about the bougie such that light emitted from the light source illuminates along a portion of the bougie.