Abstract: Polymeric mist control materials, methods of forming polymeric mist control materials, and methods of using such materials for mist control are provided. The polymeric mist control additives are formed of molecules comprised predominantly of monomers that confer high solubility in fuel and include associative groups that attract each other in donor-acceptor manner, and are incorporated such that multiple associative groups are in close proximity (“clusters”), such that the clusters are separated by very long non-associative sequences.

Abstract: Polymeric mist control materials, methods of forming polymeric mist control materials, and methods of using such materials for mist control are provided. The polymeric mist control additives are formed of molecules comprised predominantly of monomers that confer high solubility in fuel and include associative groups that attract each other in donor-acceptor manner, and are incorporated such that multiple associative groups are in close proximity (“clusters”), such that the clusters are separated by very long non-associative sequences.

Abstract: Described herein are associative polymers capable of controlling a physical and/or chemical property of non-polar compositions and related compositions, methods and systems. Associative polymers herein described have a non-polar backbone and functional groups presented at ends of the non-polar backbone, with a number of the functional groups presented at the ends of the non-polar backbone formed by associative functional groups capable of undergoing an associative interaction with another associative functional group with an association constant (k) such that the strength of each associative interaction is less than the strength of a covalent bond between atoms and in particular less than the strength of a covalent bond between backbone atoms.

Abstract: A method for controlling the physical state of an ultra-high molecular weight polymer to make the ultra-high molecular weight polymer suitable for further processing, and related polymers compositions methods and systems, wherein the method comprises combining a catalyst, monomers, and an additive, for a time and under condition to allow synthesis of a nascent polymer and co-crystallization of the nascent polymer with the additive.

Abstract: Devices and systems for delivering light to a target are described. Methods of using such light delivery device and system are also described. A method of using a photosensitizing compound with the light delivery device is also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling the physical state of an ultra-high molecular weight polymer to make the ultra-high molecular weight polymer suitable for further processing, and related polymers compositions methods and systems, wherein the method comprises combining a catalyst, monomers, and an additive, for a time and under condition to allow synthesis of a nascent polymer and co-crystallization of the nascent polymer with the additive.

Abstract: A system having a ferroelectric liquid host material and a small amount of polymer additive is provided. In an embodiment, the polymer additive improves the physical characteristics of the system. In an embodiment, the system can be used in FLC applications.

Abstract: A system having a vertically-aligned negative delta E nematic liquid crystal host material and a small amount of liquid crystal polymer is provided. The liquid crystal polymer improves the switching speed of a vertically aligned nematic system without sacrificing contrast or viewing angle.

Abstract: Described herein are associative polymers capable of controlling one or more physical and/or chemical properties of non-polar compositions and related compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: A system having a vertically-aligned negative delta E nematic liquid crystal host material and a small amount of liquid crystal polymer is provided. The liquid crystal polymer improves the switching speed of a vertically aligned nematic system without sacrificing contrast or viewing angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating solar energy without tracking the sun are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a solar collector assembly for collecting and concentrating light for solar cell assemblies, the collector assembly including an array of solar collectors, each including a funnel shaped collector including a side wall defining a tapered opening having a base aperture and an upper aperture, the side wall including an outer surface, and a solar cell assembly positioned at the base aperture, where the outer surface is coated with a material that substantially reflects light, where the upper aperture is wider than the base aperture, where the funnel shaped collector is configured to substantially confine light, incident via the upper aperture, within the funnel shaped collector until the light exits proximate the base aperture, and where the solar cell assembly is configured to capture light exiting the base aperture.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns altering the mechanical and/or chemical property of a body tissue, particularly an ocular tissue. In specific cases, it concerns altering or stabilizing the shape of the cornea, such as in a subject suffering or at risk for ectasia or keratoconus. In other specific cases, it concerns strengthening the sclera in a subject suffering or at risk for myopia. The invention employs light irradiation of a photoactivatable compound, such as one that applies crosslinking to the tissue, for example.

Abstract: Devices and systems for delivering light to a target are described. Methods of using such light delivery device and system are also described. A method of using a photosensitizing compound with the light delivery device is also described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.

Abstract: A system having a vertically-aligned negative delta E nematic liquid crystal host material and a small amount of liquid crystal polymer is provided. The liquid crystal polymer improves the switching speed of a vertically aligned nematic system without sacrificing contrast or viewing angle.

Abstract: A method for controlling the physical state of an ultra-high molecular weight polymer to make the ultra-high molecular weight polymer suitable for further processing, and related polymers compositions methods and systems, wherein the method comprises combining a catalyst, monomers, and an additive, for a time and under condition to allow synthesis of a nascent polymer and co-crystallization of the nascent polymer with the additive.

Abstract: A method of treating an ocular surface disorder in a subject in need of such treatment is provided. The method includes exposing conjunctival tissue of the subject to an effective amount of a vasopermeability agent that increases conjunctival vascular permeability. In some embodiments, the agent is a nitric oxide donor, which may be in a sustained release form. A method of screening a substance for treating an ocular surface disorder is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.