Abstract: This application is directed generally to minicircle DNA vectors for the vaccination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The transgene expression cassette in the minicircle DNA vector includes: a eukaryotic translation initiation nucleotide sequence, a mutant nucleotide sequence that encodes a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid polyprotein precursor that contains at least one mutation to eliminate a restriction enzyme recognition site, a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protease that cleaves the MEW capsid polyprotein precursor into plurality of FMDV capsid proteins and a translational regulatory element to regulate the expression of the protease. The minicircle DNA vectors can be transfected directly into the cell of a mammalian host. When transfected into the mammalian host cell, virus-like particles can be produced intrinsically to stimulate the mammalian host's immune system to develop adaptive immunity toward foot-and-mouth disease.

Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing cancer in the prostate and other organs are disclosed. Exemplary methods comprises extracting texture information from MRI imaging data for a target organ, sometimes using two or more different imaging modalities. Texture features are determined that are indicative of cancer by identifying frequent texture patterns. A classification model is generated based on the determined texture features that are indicative of cancer, and diagnostic cancer prediction information for the target organ is then generated to help diagnose cancer in the organ.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: Described herein is the identification of human monoclonal antibodies that bind GPC3 or heparan sulfate (HS) chains on GPC3 with high affinity. The antibodies described herein are capable of inhibiting HCC cell growth and migration. Provided are human monoclonal antibodies specific for GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, including immunoglobulin molecules, such as IgG antibodies, as well as antibody fragments, such as single-domain VH antibodies or single chain variable fragments (scFv). Further provided are compositions including the antibodies that bind GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. Methods of treating cancer and/or inhibiting tumor growth or metastasis are also provided. Further provided are methods of detecting cancer in a subject and confirming a diagnosis of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating cell senescence and cell proliferation using isoforms of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. The methods and compositions of the invention find use in inhibiting cancer cell growth or in generating populations of cells for tissue regeneration through the modulation of cell senescence and proliferation.

Abstract: A nanostructure sensing device comprises a semiconductor nanostructure having an outer surface, and at least one of metal or metal-oxide nanoparticle clusters functionalizing the outer surface of the nanostructure and forming a photoconductive nanostructure/nanocluster hybrid sensor enabling light-assisted sensing of a target analyte.

Abstract: Two novel cytochrome P450 genes are isolated from sorghum, each gene encoding a protein having pentadecatrienyl resorcinol hydroxylase activity. Expression vectors containing these sequences are made and used to elevate levels of pentadecatrienyl resorcinol hydroxylase in transgenic cells and organisms.

Abstract: A physical unclonable function (PUF) device consisting of a hybrid CMOS-memristor circuit that leverages variations in the required write-time of a memristor. Variations in the time required to write, or SET, a memristor from a high to low resistance state arise from variability in physical parameters such as the memristor thickness. When applying a SET voltage across the memristor for the nominal minimum SET time, variability leads to a situation where the memristor will actually SET to the low resistance state only 50% of the time. When the device does not SET it will remain in the high resistance state. Since the to resistance state of the memristor corresponds to reading either a logic 1 or logic 0 on the output of the circuit, the write-time based memristive PUF produces a digital signature directly corresponding to the fabrication process-induced physical variations of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Compositions (feeding deterrent/repellent for Halyomorpha halys) containing at least two compounds selected from tridecane, E-2-decenal, isolongifolanone, isolongifolenone, and at least one isolongifolenone analog having the following formula: wherein R1 is hydrogen, an oxygen, a C1-10 alcohol, aldehyde, alkyl, ether, or esters of said alcohol with a C1-10 saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched acid and R2 is hydrogen, an oxygen, a C1-10 alcohol, aldehyde, alkyl, ether, or esters of said alcohol with a C1-10 saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched acid; optionally there is a double bond between carbons 5 and 6 and R2 is hydrogen; and optionally a carrier or carrier material. Also methods for deterring feeding/repelling Halyomorpha halys involving treating an object or area with a Halyomorpha halys deterring feeding/repelling effective amount of at least one compound selected from the above compounds.

Abstract: Methods for producing bio-oil from a feedstock (e.g., lignocellulosic) involving (1) pyrolyzing the feedstock in an inert atmosphere in a reactor to produce bio-oil, bio-char and non-condensable gases; (2) recycling about 10 to about 99% of the non-condensable gases to the reactor to produce deoxygenated bio-oil; wherein the method is conducted in the absence of oxygen and wherein the method does not utilize externally added catalysts.

Abstract: Video aids are disclosed to assist vehicle drivers for all phases of vehicle control and driving conditions. In one exemplary embodiment, a driver's vision augmentation system is flexibly configured for installation on virtually any vehicle for real-time video display to the vehicle driver of each tire's contact with the ground. Such a driver's vision augmentation system can improve one's ability to drive in off-road conditions, e.g., through an otherwise impassable terrain, in order to increase survivability and improve chances for mission success.

Abstract: A dispenser pod, which includes a dispenser chassis with a first chassis end, a second chassis end and a chassis chamber, a first chassis end cover for covering the first chassis end, a second chassis end cover for covering the second chassis end, a launch system, and at least one sway brace. The first chassis end cover has at least one expendable passageway for accepting an expendable launch canister such that the expendable launch canister can enter the chassis chamber. The launch system is for expelling the expendable launch canister from the chassis chamber and through the expendable passageway. The at least one sway brace is for securing the expendable launch canister within the chassis chamber.

Abstract: An environmental safety paint stripping composition comprising dichloroethylene, aromatic alcohols and ethers, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, thickeners, wax solvents and water. This paint stripping composition is particularly useful in stripping paint and other polymeric coatings from metal substrates such as aluminum and it alloys.

Abstract: Described are novel Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL Y-50798 and Y-50799, that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type K. marxianus NRRL Y-1109 cultures. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were incubated under anaerobic conditions on xylose or glucose medium for a period of 5 months at 46° C. before being selected. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol given their ability to ferment at temperatures at 46° C. and above.

Abstract: A method of depositing solder material onto a substrate. The method includes adjusting a pressure within a vacuum chamber, the substrate being supported within the vacuum chamber. A temperature of the substrate is reduced such that the absolute temperature of the substrate is no greater than 20% of a melting temperature of the solder material The absolute temperature is maintained while solder material is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: An explosive device test fixture which includes a horizontal accelerator having a track, a main sled, and a mini-sled. The main sled is able to be travel on the track, and has main sled rails. The mini-sled is smaller than the main sled such that the mini-sled can travel along the main sled rails. When the horizontal accelerator is actuated it fires a pulse. The pulse causes the main sled to travel along the track, while the mini-sled remains stationary causing the main sled to hit the mini-sled and simulate acceleration forces on the mini-sled similar to acceleration forces in an actual explosion.

Abstract: We have now discovered a novel process for the removal or extraction of metal species from a variety of solid, liquid or gas phase materials. Metal species may be removed by contacting the material suspected of containing one or more metals with a thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof for a period of time and under conditions effective for the sequestration of the metal species by the thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof. The thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising sequestered metal species may then be separated and recovered from the treated material. Moreover, following the treatment of aqueous liquids or mixtures, or suspensions or dispersions of solids in aqueous liquids, the resultant thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising the sequestered metal species is insoluble in water and forms a separate layer from the aqueous liquid phase, which layer may be readily removed.

Abstract: A composition (useful for attracting Halyomorpha halys) containing (3R,6R,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3R,6R,7R,10R)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3S,6S,7R,10R)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, and optionally a carrier material or carrier. The composition may also contain (3R,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3R,6S,7R,10R)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3S,6R,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, (3S,6R,7R,10R)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol where the composition contains a 3:1 ratio of cis-epoxybisabolenols:trans-epoxybisabolenols produced from (R)-citronellal. These compositions were based on the newly discovered aggregation pheromone components: (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol. The composition may also contain methyl(2E,4E,6Z)-decatrieonate.

Abstract: A recoilless bucking bar system that includes a cylindrical housing with a first housing end and a second housing end, a tip adaptor shaft with a neck portion and a mouth portion, a spring, and compression springs. The neck portion has a neck portion first end and a neck portion second end. The neck portion first end is partially disposed within the cylindrical housing. The mouth portion can grip a bucking bar tip. The gripped bucking her tip is able to be inserted in a space such that the system can be used as a bucking bar. The spring is axially disposed within the cylindrical housing at the second housing end. The spring communicates with the neck portion first end, and is axially aligned to the tip adaptor shaft. The compression springs are disposed around the circumference of the neck portion that is partially disposed within the cylindrical housing.