Abstract: The present invention provides a method and means to change fatty acid and ultimately triacylglycerol production in plants and algae. Methods of the invention comprise the step of altering the activity levels of the committed step for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCase). More specifically, methods of the invention directly enhance the activity of ACCase by down-regulating the biotin/lipoyl attachment domain containing (BADC) genes through biotechnology or selective breeding approaches.

Abstract: A thermal liquid container system comprising a main body, a phase change material (PCM) liner disposed within the main body having a PCM disposed therein, a liquid reservoir defined by PCM liner, a liquid dispensing partition disposed within the liquid reservoir such that the liquid reservoir is partitioned into a temperature conditioning channel and a liquid retention chamber, and a lid comprising a liquid ingress and a liquid dispensing opening, the temperature conditioning channel for placing a liquid passing therethrough in thermal contact with the PCM whereby thermal energy is exchanged between the liquid flowing through the temperature conditioning channel and the PCM such that the liquid is dispensed at a temperature that is within a desired temperature range determined by the selected PCM melting temperature.

Abstract: An improved ultra-fast cooling system is disclosed for cryopreservation of biomaterials. The ultra-fast cooling system is designed to uniformly vitrify or partially vitrify biomaterials, including but not limited to, human biomaterials, proteins, peptides, cells, stem cells, antibodies, neurons, human tissue, organs, cornea, skin, retina, eggs, sperm, embryos, body fluids, blood, serum, lymph fluid, animal tissue, plant biomaterials, plant tissue, germ plasma, pollen, plant sap, and bioengineered tissue, without cryoprotectants or with a low concentration of cryoprotectants. Cooling rates are sufficient to uniformly cryopreserve biomaterials, and can be used in diagnostic cytology and biological cryofixation applications. Other materials also can be cooled uniformly, such as inorganic materials for processing.

Abstract: Nanogels and methods of synthesizing and using these nanogels are provided. The nanogels are formed by mixing a building block (e.g., polymer), crosslinker, preferably a target (e.g., biomedical compound or molecule), and a solvent in a multi-inlet vortex mixer, so as to cause the polymer and crosslinker to react and form a chemically crosslinked polymer network. In embodiments including a target, the target will be interspersed in and among that network and can be physically embedded and/or chemically bound therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel oocyte maturation medium or/and embryo culture medium with a chemically defined supplement to produce matured oocytes at high efficiency. The inventive medium or supplement comprises three growth factors, namely, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a synergistic combination. Methods for oocyte and embryo culture are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides amphiphilic peptide chaperones. Also provided are their incorporation into pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use for preventing or reducing a source of stress in cells and for the treatment of disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified plants and methods for producing modified plants having a modified 5?-untranslated region of small auxin upregulated protein flooding tolerance (SAUR_FT) gene. Modified plants disclosed herein have at least one of an increased root system architecture, an increased waterlogging tolerance, an increased drought tolerance, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Agents for decontaminating and/or neutralizing organophosphorus compounds (e.g., nerve agents, pesticides) and methods of using those agents are disclosed. Preferred agents comprise aminoguanidine imines, and these agents do not require a strongly alkaline environment to be effective. The aminoguanidine imines can hydrolytically decontaminate substantially all of the target organophosphorus compound(s) in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to devices and methods for capturing micrometer scale objects from a fluid flow, and more particularly, to devices and methods for capturing cells. The devices generally comprise an array of posts configured and arranged to selectively direct the micrometer scale objects toward trapping channels defined between posts in which the micrometer scale objects can be trapped, and to direct smaller particles through bypass channels around the posts. Methods for using the devices to trap cells, analyze cells and treat cancer are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: A heat exchanging liquid container system comprising a main body; a phase change material (PCM) module disposable within the main body; a PCM disposed within the PCM module; a liquid reservoir defined by the main body and/or the PCM module configured to have liquid disposed therein having a first temperature; and a temperature conditioning channel formed along a wall of the PCM module and/or through the PCM module such that the temperature conditioning channel is in thermal contact with the PCM. The temperature conditioning channel configured to provide a flow path through which the liquid can flow to dispense the liquid from the liquid reservoir such that the liquid will be in thermal contact with the PCM while being dispensed. The PCM configured to exchange thermal energy with the liquid and thereby condition the liquid to be dispensed at a second temperature that is within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to novel functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) that are used, for example, for enhanced recovery and separation of rare earth elements from aqueous solutions. The liquids and processes disclosed herein lead to greater separation efficiency, increased stability of separation materials, increased selectivity, and a reduced amount of waste materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite material with a high dielectric constant. In certain embodiments, the composite material of the invention is biocompatible and is used in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable antenna, probe, sensor or electrode. In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a biocompatible conductive or semi-conductive filler comprising filler particles dispersed within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. The filler particles may comprise an electrically insulating coating.

Abstract: A method of treating and/or preventing Rift Valley fever, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), formula (IV), formula (V), formula (VI), formula (VII) or formula (VIII), or a salt thereof, to a subject need thereof; a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), formula (IV), formula (V), formula (VI), formula (VII) or formula (VIII), or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of compound WMA-RV1, compound WMA-RV2, compound MA-RV3, compound WMA-RV4, compound WMA-RV5, compound WMA-RV6, compound WMA-RV7, or compound WMA-RV8, or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A heat exchanging thermal liquid container system that comprises a main body at least partially defining a liquid reservoir structured and operable to retain a liquid, and a phase change material (PCM) liner comprising a PCM liner PCM having a selected melting temperature, and/or at least one PCM pod. Each of the at least one PCM pod(s) comprising a respective PCM pod PCM having a respective selected melting temperature. Wherein the PCM liner and/or the at least one PCM pod are disposable within the liquid reservoir such that when a liquid is disposed within the liquid reservoir the liquid will contact at least one of the PCM liner and the at least one PCM pod such that thermal energy can be exchanged between the liquid and the respective at least one of the PCM liner PCM and the at least one PCM pod PCM.

Abstract: Provided here is a method of manufacturing a lattice electrode useful in an energy storage device such as a battery or capacitor. A lattice electrode useful in an energy storage device such as a battery or capacitor also is provided, along with energy storage devices such as batteries or capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and means to change fatty acid and ultimately triacylglycerol production in plants and algae. Methods of the invention comprise the step of altering the activity levels of the committed step for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCase). More specifically, methods of the invention directly enhance the activity of ACCase by overexpression of ?-CT or a catalytic portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention broadly relates techniques for imaging and medical diagnosis and, more particularly, to the fabrication of flexible plasmonic gratings and the use thereof in detection of biomarkers. A first aspect of the invention provides for techniques for the fabrication of novel, flexible plasmonic gratings that can be inexpensively fabricated onto fiber optic cables, flexible films and substrates with non-uniform surfaces to enhance the imaging resolution. A second aspect of the invention provides for an ultra¬high sensitivity (single molecule counting) biomarker detection platform useable for medical diagnosis based on a fluorescent sandwich ELISA assay performed on a plasmonic grating platform incorporated with a fluorescence detection unit.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a human respiratory system to facilitate investigating the functioning of the respiratory system, such as the generation and effects of secondhand smoke. An aerosol generator, which may include an atomizer, is configured to generate an aerosol. A series of filter media includes, in order, an inhaling extrathoracic filter media, an inhaling tracheobronchial filter media, an alveolar filter media, an exhaling tracheobronchial filter media, and an exhaling extrathoracic filter media. Each filter media includes one or more layers of a material having a fiber diameter and a weight that simulate the corresponding region of the respiratory system. A conduit may be configured to define a path for the aerosol from the aerosol generator through the series of filter media. An instrument, such as a scanning mobility particle sizer, may be used to measure a property of a secondhand aerosol exiting the exhaling extrathoracic filter media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel oocyte maturation medium or/and embryo culture medium with a chemically defined supplement to produce matured oocytes at high efficiency. The inventive medium or supplement comprises three growth factors, namely, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a synergistic combination. Methods for oocyte and embryo culture are also provided.