Abstract: Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating inflammatory conditions are described that include modulating kallikrein 6 protease activity.

Abstract: Photouncaging-assisted evaluation of large-scale synaptic reorganization of brain circuits and methods in use thereof. The current invention utilizes laser-scanning photostimulation in large-scale and with higher accuracy to detect synaptic reorganization in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Using the invention's methodology, disease and non-disease conditions can be determined, and treatments can be personalized and administered more efficiently.

Abstract: A system and method of aggregating and ranking stocks based on the earning capabilities of each stock. The novel system and method use a neighborhood model of pricing trend prediction to aggregate a plurality of “neighboring” or related stocks to predict pricing of one stock within the plurality of related stocks. The system facilitates investors trading stocks by using the novel methodology to rank the stocks and by having an easy-to-use interface.

Abstract: A volumetric absorption solar collector in combination with a conventional flat panel collector. Addition of the volumetric absorption solar collector to the conventional flat panel collector allows the overall solar collection system to reach higher collection temperatures, increase collection efficiency, and reduce ecological footprint.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials and methods of making composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. The composite material includes an array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes having a degree of functionalization of about 1% to about 10%; and a polymeric matrix material bonded to the array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A lithium air battery cell includes an anode having lithium, a cathode having a Ag2Mn8O16 catalyst, and an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt. A cathode for a lithium air battery cell and a lithium air battery with a cathode including buckypaper and a Ag2Mn8O16 catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods, operational at atmospheric pressure, involving a conical member having an outlet positioned relative to an inlet of a mass spectrometer inlet capillary; a tungsten electrode positioned between the conical member and the inlet of the mass spectrometer inlet capillary; a foil membrane disposed within the conical member, the foil membrane having a first surface, and a second surface opposed to the first surface; a laser directing laser pulses at the second surface of the foil membrane to create a shockwave to vaporize one or more analytes deposited on the first surface; a reagent gas inlet stream positioned relative to the foil membrane to pass a reagent gas across the foil member to transport vaporized analytes: away from the foil membrane, through the outlet of the conical member, through a corona discharge generated by the tungsten electrode, and into the inlet capillary of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Electrodes and methods for making electrodes including modified carbon nanotube sheets are provided. The carbon nanotube sheets can be modified with metal particles or at least one mediator titrant. The electrodes can be disposed on a glassy carbon electrode to modify the glassy carbon electrode. Methods are provided that include forming a suspension of carbon nanotubes and metal particles or at least one mediator titrant, and filtering the suspension to form a modified carbon nanotube sheet.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods for making composites are provided. The method includes providing a nano-particulate-depletable material that includes a plurality of nano-particulates on or within a depletable material; positioning the nano-particulate-depletable material on or within a structural material; and depleting the depletable material such that the nano-particulates are selectively placed on or within the structural material. Depletion may include infusion of a resin into the structural material. The depletable material may be a polymeric foam, and the nano-particulates may be carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for the detection of biomolecular interactions. The interactions between one or more target DNA strands, one or more receptor DNA strands, and one or more probe DNA strands, if necessary, are used to detect the one or more target DNA strands. The one or more target DNA strands or the one or more probe DNA strands may be coupled to a magnetic bead, and the one or more receptor strands may be coupled to the Hall device.

Abstract: A sensor that can be used for in-situ structural health monitoring with a triboluminescent material provided on a portion of an optical fiber that may be embedded in materials to be structurally monitored. Damage to the monitored material may result in a triboluminescent emission from the triboluminescent material that can be guided via the optical fiber. Analysis of the triboluminescent emission may provide information on the occurrence, severity and location of damage in a structure.

Abstract: High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction.