Abstract: The present invention provides mutant RSV F molecules, such as those that can be, or are stabilized, in a pre-fusion conformation by the introduction of one or more DT cross-links. The present invention also provides methods of making such mutant RSV F molecules, compositions comprising such mutant RSV F molecules, and methods of use of such mutant RSV F molecules, for example in vaccination methods, therapeutic methods, and antibody production methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate comprising a biomolecule linked to a fatty acid via a linker wherein the fatty acid has the following Formulae A1, A2 or A3: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Ak, n, m and p are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the conjugate of the invention such as GDF15 conjugate, and its therapeutic uses such as treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders or diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, pancreatitis, dyslipidemia, alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis and other progressive liver diseases, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease, diabetic complications (including but not limited to chronic kidney disease), neuropathy, gastroparesis and other metabolic disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a training lab that can be used as a teaching platform for individuals to learn electronic maintenance, such as transformer maintenance. The training lab can be either stationary or mobile, or can switch between the two modes. Modified transformers, or other equipment, can be incorporated into the lab to improve training.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised shields to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of stakes extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a training lab that can be used as a teaching platform for individuals to learn electronic maintenance, such as transformer maintenance. The training lab can be either stationary or mobile, or can switch between the two modes. Modified transformers, or other equipment, can be incorporated into the lab to improve training.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a training lab that can be used as a teaching platform for individuals to learn electronic maintenance, such as transformer maintenance. The training lab can be either stationary or mobile, or can switch between the two modes. Modified transformers, or other equipment, can be incorporated into the lab to improve training.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with multiple holes for receiving liquid therethrough, The holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with multiple stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A ventilated plant propagation assembly provides a propagation tray that supports plant life, and a dome that covers the plants. The assembly allows for selective control between a ventilated position that allows aeration inside the dome, and a sealed position that restricts aeration inside dome. The dome laterally slides, so that depressions at the dome edges selectively interlock with ribs at the tray edges. Thus, when the dome edge slides offset from the tray edge, the dome depression engages the tray ribs, creating a seal at the junction of tray and dome. Conversely, slidably aligning the dome with the tray urges the tray ribs against the dome flange. This pushes the dome up to create a gap between the tray flange and the flat surface of the dome flange. The gap enables aeration inside dome by creating a passageway for air to flow through the edges between dome and tray.

Abstract: A ventilated plant propagation assembly provides a propagation tray that supports plant life, and a dome that covers the plants. The assembly allows for selective control between a ventilated position that allows aeration inside the dome, and a sealed position that restricts aeration inside dome. The dome laterally slides, so that depressions at the dome edges selectively interlock with ribs at the tray edges. Thus, when the dome edge slides offset from the tray edge, the dome depression engages the tray ribs, creating a seal at the junction of tray and dome. Conversely, slidably aligning the dome with the tray urges the tray ribs against the dome flange. This pushes the dome up to create a gap between the tray flange and the flat surface of the dome flange. The gap enables aeration inside dome by creating a passageway for air to flow through the edges between dome and tray.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first and a second geometrically shaped container each having an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Second container is configured to be positioned within first container such that base portion of second container sets atop base portion of first container and is secured therein from an open position to a closed position thereby forming a single unit. Each base portion is configured with a plurality of elongated holes for receiving liquid therethrough such that holes of first and second container are offset from one another for blocking light from penetrating therethrough when second container is secured within first container in closed position.

Abstract: The present application is directed to carbon materials comprising an optimized pore structure. The carbon materials comprise enhanced electrochemical properties and find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, as electrode material in ultracapacitors. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A top dripping and bottom wicking assembly and method of operation feeds a reservoir that controllably drips liquid nutrient solution from above a plant, and also uses capillary action of a planar wick member to draw the liquid nutrient solution into a plant growing medium and plant roots. The assembly works to controllably drip the liquid nutrient onto the plant through sized and dimensioned drip holes that form in the reservoir, while simultaneously dispersing the liquid nutrient solution through a planar wick member to disperse liquid nutrient solution to a plant growing medium and the roots of the plant. Stakes hold the reservoir above the plant. The wick member is flat and forms a central opening to allow passage of the plant. A plant support member retains the plant in an upright position. The plant support member forms wicking holes to enable passage of liquid nutrients from the wick.

Abstract: A plant incubator apparatus and method of growing plants includes a sloped lower plant housing. The lower plant housing has multiple lower depressions and a lower locking periphery. An upper plant housing is coplanar to the lower plant housing, and has multiple upper depressions that receive a plant growing medium. The depressions are in communication to enable flow of liquid and air. An upper locking periphery detachably mates with the lower locking periphery to form a slot for air circulation. A light guard fits over the upper plant housing to block light from striking a plant from at least one direction. A valve assembly is at the drainage end of the lower plant housing. The valve assembly is in communication with the upper depressions of the upper plant housing to indicate liquid levels and drain excess liquid. A liquid regulation device having a timer automatically controls drainage of liquid.

Abstract: A top feeding wicking apparatus and system for dispersing liquid through plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container having a bottom, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound for receiving liquid therethrough. Container has a center opening for receiving a plant and container bottom is configured with at least one hole for receiving liquid therethrough. A geometrically shaped lid having a top, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound from an underside of lid is configured to be adjoined to container. A geometrically shaped base layer and wicking layer each having an inner wall and an outer wall and a center opening for receiving plant with a longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of base and wicking layers on plant or to allow removal of base and wicking layers from plant.

Abstract: Provided herein are FDC-SP polypeptides and methods of using such polypeptides. Methods include, but are not limited to, altering IgA concentration in a subject, treating a subject having signs of a disorder that includes excessive IgA production, identifying a compound that decreases the concentration of IgA in an animal, and identifying a compound that treats a condition associated with increased levels of IgA. Also provided herein is an animal that has decreased expression of an endogenous FDC-SP coding sequence. The animal may develop pathophysiological features of IgA nephropathy, and/or may display increased IgA in serum, saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or a combination thereof; increased IgA expressing B lymphocytes in circulation, lymphoid tissue, or a combination thereof; or increased IgA production in vitro by isolated B lymphocytes.

Abstract: A plant incubator apparatus and method of growing plants comprises a sloped lower plant housing. The lower plant housing has multiple lower depressions and a lower locking periphery. An upper plant housing is coplanar to the lower plant housing, and has multiple upper depressions that receive a plant growing medium. The depressions are in communication to enable flow of liquid and air. An upper locking periphery detachably mates with the lower locking periphery to form a slot for air circulation. A light guard fits over the upper plant housing to block light from striking a plant from at least one direction. A valve assembly is at the drainage end of the lower plant housing. The valve assembly is in communication with the upper depressions of the upper plant housing to indicate liquid levels and drain excess liquid. A liquid regulation device having a timer automatically controls drainage of liquid.

Abstract: A resealable container with bayonet locking mechanism and method of use seals articles inside an enclosed region, and restrict access to the enclosed region with a bayonet locking mechanism that rotatably locks and unlocks to selectively release a handle. The handle carries a slider device across a pair of interlocking strips on open edges of the resealable container. The resealable container comprises a body portion having walls joined together to define an enclosed region. An elongated closure portion extends across open edges of body portion to regulate access inside. The elongated closure comprises a first and second interlocking strip that detachably mate for fastening and separating the open edges. A handle carries a slider device in a first direction along the elongated closure portion to fasten the interlocking strips, and a second direction to separate the strips. A bayonet locking mechanism locks and releases the handle to inhibit movement.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first and a second geometrically shaped container each having an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Second container is configured to be positioned within first container such that base portion of second container sets atop base portion of first container and is secured therein from an open position to a closed position thereby forming a single unit. Each base portion is configured with a plurality of elongated holes for receiving liquid therethrough such that holes of first and second container are offset from one another for blocking light from penetrating therethrough when second container is secured within first container in closed position.

Abstract: A top feeding wicking apparatus and system for dispersing liquid through plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container having a bottom, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound for receiving liquid therethrough. Container has a center opening for receiving a plant and container bottom is configured with at least one hole for receiving liquid therethrough. A geometrically shaped lid having a top, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound from an underside of lid is configured to be adjoined to container. A geometrically shaped base layer and wicking layer each having an inner wall and an outer wall and a center opening for receiving plant with a longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of base and wicking layers on plant or to allow removal of base and wicking layers from plant.