Abstract: An aluminum borate whisker reinforced and toughened non-metallic matrix composite is provided, which specifically includes a non-metallic material reinforced and toughened with aluminum borate whiskers. The composite exhibits a higher bending strength and fracture toughness and a higher wear resistance. A method for preparing the composite is also provided. The method includes mixing the aluminum borate whiskers and the non-metallic material to form a mixture; and sintering the mixture by a vacuum hot press method, or molding the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of making gene-edited plants that are resistant to downy mildew, such as plants with reduced expression of homoserine kinase (HSK), 2-oxoglutarate-Fe(II) oxygenase (2OGO), or both. The disclosure further provides methods of making gene-edited modified plants that are cold tolerant, such as plants with reduced expression of MYB14. In some examples, CRISPR/Cas methods are used, wherein the plants include a mutated HSK, 2OGO, and/or MYB14 gene resulting in reduced expression and/or gene activity. Plants generated using the methods are provided. Such plants can include other desirable traits. HSK, 2OGO, and/or MYB14 nucleic acid and protein molecules are provided, as are gRNAs specific for HSK, 2OGO, or MYB14 and vectors containing such.

Abstract: RNAi compositions and methods are provided which inhibit soybean nematode cyst infestation. Also disclosed are plants comprising said RNAi.

Abstract: RNAi compositions and methods are provided which inhibit soybean nematode cyst infestation. Also disclosed are plants comprising said RNAi.

Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting hepatitic C virus (HCV). The method comprises administering an effective amount of at least one pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) mutant alone or in combination with other anti-HCV agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are specific mutants of L3 and transgenic plants that produce them. The plants exhibit increased resistance to fungal toxins that target ribosomal L3 protein. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that co-produce L3 mutant and an RIP protein, and exhibit increased resistance to various fungal toxins and viruses, while reducing toxicity normally associated with production of the RIP. Uses of the L3 mutants in animals are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are specific mutants of L3 and transgenic plants that produce them. The plants exhibit increased resistance to fungal toxins that target ribosomal L3 protein. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that co-produce L3 mutant and an RIP protein, and exhibit increased resistance to various fungal toxins and viruses, while reducing toxicity normally associated with production of the RIP. Uses of the L3 mutants in animals are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are nontoxic mutants of Shiga-like toxin (Stx1 or Stx2), nucleic acids encoding them, compositions containing the mutants and methods of using the mutants in connection with hemolytic euremic syndrome (HUS). Also disclosed are methods of treating HUS using L3 protein fragments, the nontoxic Stx1 or Stx2 mutants, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are specific mutants of L3 and transgenic plants that produce them. The plants exhibit increased resistance to fungal toxins that target ribosomal L3 protein. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that co-produce L3 mutant and an RIP protein, and exhibit increased resistance to various fungal toxins and viruses, while reducing toxicity normally associated with production of the RIP. Uses of the L3 mutants in animals are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting hepatitic C virus (HCV). The method comprises administering an effective amount of at least one pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) mutant alone or in combination with other anti-HCV agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are specific mutants of L3 and transgenic plants that produce them. The plants exhibit increased resistance to fungal toxins that target ribosomal L3 protein. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that co-produce L3 mutant and an RIP protein, and exhibit increased resistance to various fungal toxins and viruses, while reducing toxicity normally associated with production of the RIP. Uses of the L3 mutants in animals are further disclosed.