Abstract: Disclosed are inoculants that include Bacillus bacteria and induce production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by a plant that has been treated with the inoculant.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for producing saccharides and ethanol from biomass feedstock that includes (a) producing an enzyme composition by culturing a fungal strain(s) in the presence of a lignocellulosic medium, (b) using the enzyme composition to saccharify the biomass feedstock, and (c) fermenting the saccharified biomass feedstock to produce ethanol. The process is scalable and, in certain aspects, is capable of being deployed on farms, thereby allowing local production of saccharides and ethanol and resulting in a reduction of energy and other costs for farm operators. Optional steps to improve the biomass-to-fuel conversion efficiency are also contemplated, as are uses for byproducts of the process described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbiocidal compositions that include spore-forming strains of Bacillus. The compositions may be utilized to treat or prevent disease in aquatic animals such as farmed fish or crustaceans.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response against an infection or a disease. The compositions typically include biodegradable particles having an average effective diameter that such that the biodegradable particles are phagocytosed by antigen presenting cells when the biodegradable particles are administered to a subject in need thereof. Optionally, the compositions include one or more of an adjuvant, an apoptosis inhibitor, and an antigen. The compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce a cell-mediated response, such as a T-helper cell response, and/or a humoral response against a pathogen or a disease. In some embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce preferentially a Th1 response versus other types of immune responses such as a Th2 response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of cell cultures and tissues from undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells using three-dimensional biomimetic materials. The resultant cell cultures or tissues can be used in any of a number of protocols including testing chemicals, compounds, and drugs. Further, the methods and compositions of the present invention further provide viable cell sources and novel cell delivery platforms that allow for replacement of diseased tissue and engraftment of new cardiomyocytes from a readily available in vitro source. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful production of cell cultures and tissues, systems and components used for the same, and methods of using the resultant cell and tissue compositions.

Abstract: Stable nanoparticle compositions comprising buprenorphine and at least one biodegradable polymer. The disclosure also provides methods of controlling pain in an animal and methods of treating addiction in a human utilizing the stable nanoparticle compositions, as well as pharmaceutical formulations comprising the stable nanoparticle compositions. The stable nanoparticle compositions are capable of releasing buprenorphine over several days, weeks, or months following administration. The stable nanoparticle compositions of buprenorphine utilize biodegradable polymers capable of degrading into non-toxic components in the body of an animal and may be excreted in the urine of the animal following their metabolism in the body. The stable nanoparticle compositions can advantageously provide sustained release of buprenorphine in the body after a single administration without the need for surgical removal of implanted matrices subsequent to depletion of the drug.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.

Abstract: An animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is imaged in precise increments over at least 360 degrees. The animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is supported within a subject holder. The subject holder has an elongated portion or tube for holding securely the animal, specimen or imaging phantom. The subject holder is connected to an actuator motor driver. The actuator motor driver causes the subject holder to rotate at the precise increments, and an image of the animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is captured at each increment. The subject holder limits movement of the subject being imaged at each increment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of an anterior load carriage stability and mobility support system, and more particularly to marching band equipment and marching drum stability and mobility support belt for a marching drummer in K-12 primary or secondary, a collegiate, a drum and bugle corps or the like. A device capable of providing a support mechanism for the lumbar region of a user's back that allows for load distribution from loads placed anteriorly and inferiorly to the drummer's body. A preferred embodiment of the device includes a large piece and two smaller pieces of neoprene fabric, dual straps sewn along the sides of the belt, removable commercial grade closed cell foam sheets, and two plastic tubing for a sturdy structure with flexibility and versatility, and Velcro® sewn along the straps and on the obverse side of the belt for easy and secure attachment of the straps.

Abstract: Disclosed are attenuated bacteria, compositions comprising attenuated bacteria, and vectors and methods for preparing attenuated bacteria. The attenuated bacteria may include attenuated Aeromonas hydrophila for use in vaccinating aquatic animals such as channel catfish against Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS).

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: A composite prepreg yarn designed and constructed is a very large, strong yarn with resin infused throughout, which can be used to prepare composite preforms via conventional Maypole braiding or other textile processes. The invention increases the loads that can be transmitted by the cured yarn in a composite structure, decreases the stickiness that can prevent their use in braiding and other textile processes, provides protection to the high-strength fibers from abrasion that is encountered during and after composite preform manufacturing via braiding.

Abstract: A braided, open structure composite made with large prepreg tow can be cured without bonding at the yarn crossovers and after removal from the mandrel, it can be used directly as a spring in which the spring constant in bending, torsion, tension or compression can be controlled by the geometry of the braided structure as well as the size of the structural elements. Alternatively the spring may be curved in multiple directions to form complex shapes and then crossovers can be re-bonded to make more rigid open structure composites that would be difficult or impractical to manufacture by conventional techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include treated biodiesel glycerin. The disclosed compositions may be utilized as soil-amendments for controlling pests, weeds and for enhancing growth of plants. The biodiesel glycerin utilized in the disclosed compositions may be treated by one or more steps including neutralization, heating, refluxing, condensing, and distilling.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of an anterior load carriage stability and mobility support system, and more particularly to marching band equipment and marching drum stability and mobility support belt for a marching drummer in K-12 primary or secondary, a collegiate, a drum and bugle corps or the like. A device capable of providing a support mechanism for the lumbar region of a user's back that allows for load distribution from loads placed anteriorly and inferiorly to the drummer's body. A preferred embodiment of the device includes a large piece and two smaller pieces of neoprene fabric, dual straps sewn along the sides of the belt, removable commercial grade closed cell foam sheets, and two plastic tubing for a sturdy structure with flexibility and versatility, and Velcro® sewn along the straps and on the obverse side of the belt for easy and secure attachment of the straps.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel compounds with activity as PPAR?/? and PPAR? dual agonists. The disclosure also provides methods of treating diabetes mellitus and methods of treating Alzheimer's disease utilizing the novel compounds, as well as pharmaceutical formulations comprising the novel compounds.

Abstract: Many factors contribute to dogs superior olfactory capabilities as compared to humans. Studies explored this aspect at the cellular and behavior levels; however, the cognitive-level neural substrates linking them have never been explored. Since sedated dogs cannot sniff, the present application illustrates the cognitive-level linking neural substrate using fMRI of conscious dogs. The head motion of the canine is accounted for by behavioral training and optical motion tracking. The olfactory bulb is commonly activated in both awake and anesthetized dogs, while parietal and frontal structures are activated only in the former and subcortical structures only in the latter. Comparison of low and high odor intensity shows differences in both the strength and spatial extent of activation in higher cognitive structures. Unlike humans, neural structures even at the top of the cognitive hierarchy are modulated by odor concentration in dogs.

Abstract: Disclosed are inoculants that include Bacillus bacteria and induce production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by a plant that has been treated with the inoculant.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of semiconductor devices including a polar insulation layer capped by a non-polar insulation layer, and methods of fabrication of such semiconductor devices, are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a semiconductor device may comprise a semiconductor substrate, a polar insulation layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate and comprising a Group V element configured to increase a carrier mobility in at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate, and a non-polar insulation layer disposed above the polar insulation layer.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of microdevices and methods of manufacturing such microdevices are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method of manufacturing one or more microdevices may include forming a liquid dispersion containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), depositing the liquid dispersion containing the CNC on a substrate, drying the liquid dispersion containing the CNC to form a solid film on the substrate, where the liquid dispersion contains a sufficient concentration of CNC to form a continuous solid film having a controlled microstructure, and processing the solid film to form the one or more microdevices on the substrate.