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.

Abstract: Various graphite additives were incorporated into the positive battery paste composition to compare their effects on the positive active mass utilization of lead-acid batteries. The disclosure is related to battery paste composition for preparing a lead-acid battery plate comprising a graphite additive selected from the group consisting of globular natural graphite, natural flake graphite, expanded flake graphite, and combinations thereof. The disclosure is also related to a battery paste composition comprising a sodium polymethacrylate dispersant. The disclosure is further related to batteries prepared by these battery paste compositions.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture materials comprising one or more 3D-printed zeolite monoliths for the capture and or removal of CO2 from air or gases in enclosed compartments, including gases or mixtures of gases having less than about 5% CO2. Methods for preparing 3D-printed zeolite monoliths useful as CO2 capture materials and filters, as well as methods of removing CO2 from a gas or mixture of gases in an enclosed compartment using 3D-printed zeolite monoliths are provided.

Abstract: An open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator probe configured to receive an aerosol sample for analysis. A metal post shorts the resonator's inner and outer conductors. A metal plate is spaced apart from an open end of the resonator by a dielectric layer that contains the received aerosol sample. Interrogator circuitry coupled to the resonator transmits an electromagnetic wave within the resonator and generates an electric field at the open end of the resonator. The interrogator circuitry is responsive to the generated electric field for determining a resonance frequency and an impedance of the resonator when the aerosol sample is present in the dielectric layer and is configured to identify virus particles in the aerosol sample as a function of the determined resonance frequency and impedance. A portable aerosol analyzer comprises the open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator and a mouthpiece through which a subject expels a breath sample into the open end of the resonator.

Abstract: Provided are engineered meat products formed as a plurality of at least partially fused layers, wherein each layer comprises at least partially fused multicellular bodies comprising non-human myocytes and wherein the engineered meat is comestible. Also provided are multicellular bodies comprising a plurality of non-human myocytes that are adhered and/or cohered to one another; wherein the multicellular bodies are arranged adjacently on a nutrient-permeable support substrate and maintained in culture to allow the multicellular bodies to at least partially fuse to form a substantially planar layer for use in formation of engineered meat. Further described herein are methods of forming engineered meat utilizing said layers.

Abstract: Coating compositions and methods for using the same are disclosed. The coating compositions can include an aminosilica adsorbent. The coating compositions can adsorb CO2.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for ameliorating glycocalyx damage by administering a neuraminidase inhibitor. Also disclosed are methods for treating endothelial dysfunction and for improving flow mediated dilation.

Abstract: A drinking container system with multiple temperature zones, wherein the container system includes a main body having a sidewall and a bottom that define a phase change material (PCM) module receptacle, and a phase change material (PCM) module having a sidewall that defines a beverage chamber. The PCM module is disposable within the PCM module receptacle such that a beverage egress flow path is defined between the main body sidewall and the PCM module sidewall. The flow path formed in the container can make the beverage achieve the desired drinking temperature. The PCM module sidewall is at least partially filled with a phase change material and is structured and operable to provide a plurality temperature zones within the beverage chamber. Each temperature zone is operable to maintain a temperature of a respective portion of a liquid disposed within the beverage chamber within a respective temperature range.

Abstract: A cast iron alloy is provided with a composition in weight percent (wt. %) of carbon between 2.6 to 3.4 wt. %, silicon between 2.4 to 3.2 wt. %, manganese between 0.3 to 0.6 wt. %, molybdenum between 0.4 to 1.2 wt. %, nickel between 0.6 to 1.75 wt. %, magnesium between 0.01 to 0.075 wt. %, aluminum between 1.8 to 3.5 wt. %, sulfur between 0.003 to 0.025 wt. %, zirconium between 0.001 to 0.02 wt. %, cerium between 0.001 to 0.03 wt. %, lanthanum between 0.0005 to 0.02 wt. %, and a balance of iron and unavoidable trace elements. A part formed from the cast iron alloy is also provided and the part has an Ac1 temperature equal to or greater than 895° C. and a thermo-mechanical fatigue lifetime of at least 10,000 cycles when cycled between 400° C. to 800° C. with a total cyclic strain equal to 0.001 m/m.

Abstract: Described herein are novel conjugates containing an inhibitor (e.g., a PSMA inhibitor, e.g., a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor inhibitor) and metal chelator that are covalently attached to a macromolecule (e.g., a nanoparticle, a polymer, a protein). Such conjugates exhibit distinct properties over the free, unbound inhibitor/chelator construct.

Abstract: A heat loss protection lid for a thermal liquid container system, wherein the heat loss protection lid comprises a central body, a liquid ingress opening formed within the central body, a liquid dispensing opening formed within one of a peripheral edge of the central body or a lip formed around the peripheral edge of the central body. and a concealed air intake hole.

Abstract: Described herein are novel emulsion liquid membranes useful for extracting pollutants from industrial wastewater and water. The emulsion liquid membranes include, in various phases, at least one of nanoparticles, an ionic liquid, and combinations of nanoparticles and ionic liquids. Use of the present emulsion liquid membranes enhances the separation and the stability of the ELM method for pollutant extraction and recovery from wastewater and water.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing metal-ceramic composite material powder comprising ball milling metal powder and ceramic nanoparticles to yield a metal-ceramic composite powder comprising ceramic nanoparticles embedded in a metal matrix powder particles; wherein the ball milling is performed using a ceramic milling media and a milling vessel having a ceramic interior surface. Metal matrix nanocomposite powders comprising ceramic nanoparticles imbedded in metal matrix powder particles; wherein the metal matrix powder particles have a spherical shape; wherein there is uniform distribution the ceramic nanoparticles; wherein the nanocomposite powders have good flowability.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal alloy component. The method comprises heating a shaped metal component and an alloying element source of vapor-phase transportable alloying element species in a reactor in the presence of a vapor-phase transport agent, wherein the heating is conducted under conditions which cause the vapor-phase transportable alloying element species to diffuse into the shaped metal component; and forming a metal alloy component alloyed with element species from the alloying element source.

Abstract: A method of depositing a nanoscale-thin film onto a substrate is disclosed. The method generally comprises depositing a layer of a solid or gaseous state functionalizing molecule onto or adjacent to the first surface of the substrate and exposing the first surface to a source of ionizing radiation, thereby functionalizing the first surface of the substrate. Once the layer of functionalizing molecule is removed, a nanoscale-thin film is then deposited onto the functionalized first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cast iron alloy is provided with a composition in weight percent (wt.%) of carbon between 2.6 to 3.4 wt.%, silicon between 2.4 to 3.2 wt.%, manganese between 0.3 to 0.6 wt.%, molybdenum between 0.4 to 1.2 wt.%, nickel between 0.6 to 1.75 wt.%, magnesium between 0.01 to 0.075 wt.%, aluminum between 1.8 to 3.5 wt.%, sulfur between 0.003 to 0.025 wt.%, zirconium between 0.001 to 0.02 wt.%, cerium between 0.001 to 0.03 wt.%, lanthanum between 0.0005 to 0.02 wt.%, and a balance of iron and unavoidable trace elements. A part formed from the cast iron alloy is also provided and the part has an Ac1 temperature equal to or greater than 895° C. and a thermo-mechanical fatigue lifetime of at least 10,000.00 cycles when cycled between 400° C. to 800° C. with a total cyclic strain equal to 0.001 m/m.

Abstract: A reaction cell for a flow battery having flow channels positioned within a recess of a non-porous and non-brittle housing that is also a dielectric. Positioning the flow channels within the recess eliminates the need for end plates, gaskets, and insulators of conventional designs. A current collector and an electrode within the recess have areas approximately equal to the area of the recess such that they fit within the recess and maximize the contact area between them.

Abstract: A beverage container lid comprising a body having drinking hole and an air hole, and a slide-seal automatic Open and Close retention mechanism that comprises a sealing arm pivotally connected to the body, a movement and position retention linkage structured and operable to move the sealing arm between an Opened and a Closed position, a control mechanism slidingly disposed within the body and operably connected to the movement and position retention linkage such that movement of the control mechanism will control movement of the sealing arm between the Opened and Closed positions, and a biasing device structured and operable to exert constant force on the sealing arm, such that force exerted by the biasing device in combination with the structure and operation of the movement and position retention linkage will selectively retain the sealing arm in the Opened position and in the Closed position.

Abstract: In an industrial robot, an external high-precision metrology tracking system, such as a laser tracker system, is used to directly measure robot kinematic errors and corrections are implemented during processing so that the end effector of the robot may be accurately positioned so that a tool or other object carried by the robot effector can carry out a designated function, such as machining a workpiece or other operation requiring that the effector be accurately positioned with respect to a workpiece.