Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.

Abstract: Preforms for open structured (lattice) composite truss structures manufactured from large prepreg yarns on a conventional maypole braiding machine, and subsequently cured to produce fiber reinforced composites of high strength and light weight.

Abstract: A method of modulating and in particular, reducing nitrous oxide emission from a substrate for growing on or more plants by applying a microbial based soil additive and a fertilizer blend to the substrate.

Abstract: A drug delivery system is disclosed. The drug delivery system includes a recognitive polymeric hydrogel through which a drug is delivered by contacting biological tissue. The recognitive polymeric hydrogel is formed by using a bio-template, which is a drug or is structurally similar to the drug, functionalized monomers, preferably having complexing sites, and cross-linking monomers, which are copolymerized using a suitable initiator. The complexing sites of the recognitive polymeric hydrogel that is formed preferably mimics receptor sites of a target biological tissue, biological recognition, or biological mechanism of action. The system in accordance with an embodiment of the intention is a contact lens for delivering a drug through contact with an eye.

Abstract: A method of rapidly charging a battery includes: (a) applying a charge to the battery using a charging profile; (b) monitoring a terminal voltage of the battery; (c) using a mathematical model to estimate a desired temporal state of charge of the battery and to estimate a predicted terminal voltage; (d) using the monitored terminal voltage of the battery and the predicted terminal voltage to determine an error; (e) applying the error to calculate a calculated state of charge of the battery; and (f) controlling the charge applied by the charging profile to urge the calculated state of charge of the battery toward the desired temporal state of charge of the battery. For use with lithium ion batteries, such feedback is used to limit ion concentration levels. Preferably, a Reduced Order Model is used to minimize computational requirements and facilitate real-time calculations.

Abstract: A composition, system and method for modifying an olfactory response to an odorant is disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes crystalline metal nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous medium. The composition is applied to olfactory tissues using a suitable applicator or dispenser. The metal nanoparticles are believed to interact with a G-protein coupled to receptor located in the cilia to moderate (enhance or reduce) sensitivity or ability to smell particular odorants. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the composition includes one or more odorants.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.