Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: Porcine pestivirus designated herein as atypical porcine pestivirus (“APPV”) (Genbank accession no. KR011347.1). Immunogenic compositions to induce an immune response against porcine pestivirus infection in a pig are described, which APPV antigenic agents (e.g., isolated whole virus, derivatives thereof, functional fragments thereof, and combinations of the foregoing). Methods of vaccinating against porcine pestivirus infection using the immunogenic compositions are also described. The methods can be also applied for clinical research and/or study, including diagnostic methods for detecting pestivirus infection using monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to APPV epitopes.

Abstract: Genetically-modified plants having increased tolerance to heat stress are described. Methods of producing such genetically-modified plants are also disclosed. The genetically-modified plants comprise exogenous nucleic acid encoding a thermostable protein having starch synthase activity. Genetically-modified plants have increased yield when grown under elevated conditions as compared to control plants.

Abstract: A composite material comprising graphene or reduced graphene oxide and a polymer-derived ceramic material, such as SiOC, is provided. The composite materials can be used to construct anodes (16), which can be used in batteries (10), particularly lithium ion batteries. The anodes exhibit relatively high charge capacities at various current densities. Moreover, the charge capacity of the anodes appears exceptionally stable even after numerous charging cycles, even at high current densities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wheat plants having grain with high ?-glucan content, methods for constructing said wheat plants, grain therefrom and uses thereof. Wheat lines homozygous for the HvCslF6 gene from barley having five times the fiber content and an increased ?-glucan content of TA5790, TA5792, and TA5795 are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid-filled hollow optical fiber cell broadly includes a hollow-core optical fiber and a fluid. The optical fiber presents first and second fiber ends and a longitudinal passageway that extends continuously between the fiber ends. The fluid occupies the passageway, with the fiber ends being closed to hermetically seal the fluid within the optical fiber. The first fiber end has a rounded closed shape formed by at least partly melting the first fiber end to form melted fiber material, with the fiber material being permitted to solidify without splicing the first fiber end to another fiber so that the fiber material terminates the passageway at the first fiber end.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for producing sorghum crop plants that are resistant to herbicides. In particular, the present invention provides for sorghum plants, plant tissues and plant seeds that contain altered acetolactate synthase (ALS) genes and proteins that are resistant to inhibition by herbicides that normally inhibit the activity of the ALS protein.

Abstract: Provided is a 3D micro lithography-printing system using tilting and rotational UV-LEDs, in which a lithography module provided with LED lens for irradiating ultraviolet light for lithography is provided rotatable or revolvable in a left and right horizontal direction, and a substrate stage with a lithography object mounted thereto is provided movable forward and backward, changeable in forward and backward angles, and horizontally rotatable left and right, and thus, by changing the irradiation direction of ultraviolet light in a three-dimensional manner, a high-aspect ratio pillar and a 3D structure can be formed. In addition, various types of 3D structure can also be formed through a multi-layer lithography to a lithography object, and micro-forming within a range of approximately 5 ?m is also possible.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wheat plants having grain with high ?-glucan content, methods for constructing said wheat plants, grain therefrom and uses thereof. Wheat lines homozygous for the HvCslF6 gene from barley having five times the fiber content and an increased ?-glucan content of TA5790, TA5792, and TA5795 are disclosed.

Abstract: A new species of circovirus, porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), was identified from sows with clinical symptoms normally associated with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection and in aborted fetuses. Molecular and serological analysis suggest PCV3 commonly circulates in U.S. swine. The present disclosure provides immunological compositions and methods related to the production and administration of such compositions.

Abstract: Starch spherulites are produced by debranching of amylopectin-containing starch into short linear ?-1,4-linked glucans (e.g., short-chain amylose, SCA). The debranched linear glucans are directly converted into spherulites by heating the debranched starch mixture followed by cooling and crystallization to form well-developed spherulites. The spherulites exhibit controlled enzyme digestibility.

Abstract: Attenuated vaccines to protect vertebrate animals and people against tick-born rickettsial, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species infections is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods to modify the organism to achieve the desired immunity through the modification of a novel genetic region involved in pathogenesis. These compounds represent a needed vaccine against an organism causing life-threatening febrile illness in humans and animals, and also represent the potential to develop new classes of drugs targeting the gene products of genes Ech_0660, Ech_0379, and Ech_0230, and their homologs of other related rickettsial pathogens.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and/or bacterial activity in dairy production, which indicate issues with the milk itself or issues related to the health of the cow. The methods generally comprise contacting a milk sample with a nanoplatform assembly to create an assay solution, and detecting spectral changes in the assay solution that are triggered by enzymatic activity (when present) in the sample. The nanoplatform assembly comprises a first particle, a second particle, and a linkage therebetween, wherein the linkage comprises a protease consensus sequence (the sequence of amino acids cleaved by the protease), or an ester linkage (cleaved by a protease or lipase). A plurality of second particles can also be linked to the first particle. Test strips are also described, which undergo a visual color change in the presence of the target enzyme in the milk sample.

Abstract: A nanoplatform assembly for detection of arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and/or tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The nanoplatform comprises an oligopeptide, which is used as a linker between two particles. More preferably, the linker is comprised of an oligopeptide containing a substrate for the target enzyme, where the substrate is chemically or physically modified by the target enzyme (but not cleaved). A central particle with a plurality of oligopeptide-tethered detectable particles and a plurality of directly attached detectable particles is described. Posttranslational modification of the oligopeptide leads to changes in the detectable signals from the first and/or second particles in the nanoplatform, which can be correlated to enzyme activity and concentration.

Abstract: A microfluidic exosome profiling platform integrating exosome isolation and targeted proteomic analysis is disclosed. This platform is capable of quantitative exosomal biomarker profiling directly from plasma samples with markedly enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Identification of distinct subpopulation of patient-derived exosomes is demonstrated by probing surface proteins and multiparameter analyzes of intravesicular biomarkers in the selected subpopulation. The expression of IGF-1R and its phosphorylation level in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient plasma is assessed as a non-invasive alternative to the conventional biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Detection of ovarian cancer also is assessed. The microfluidic chip, which may be fabricated of a glass substrate and a layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane), includes a serpentine microchannel to mix a fluid and a microchamber for the collection and detection of exosomes.

Abstract: A protein conferring resistance to Fusarium Head Blight disease (FHB) is described, along with the DNA sequence of the corresponding gene and mRNA copy (cDNA). The cDNA of Fhb1 gene can be used to produce genetically-modified plants having increased resistance to FHB, particularly in wheat, barley and other plants affected by the disease. The protein has antifungal properties and inhibits fungal growth, thereby providing a means for reducing DON toxin in grains. Conserved functional domains are identified in the protein. Genetically-modified plants having increased resistance FHB are also described, along with methods for producing such genetically-modified plants.

Abstract: Reactant materials for use in the synthesis of compounds comprising a non-metal and hydrogen, and methods of making and using the same are provided. The reactant materials generally comprise first and second non-metals, metals, a cation, and a transition metal, and can be formed and used in reactions occurring at relatively low-pressure conditions using heat energy that can be supplied via solar radiation. In particular, the reactant materials can be used in the synthesis of ammonia and various hydrocarbon compounds using air, water, and sunlight.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering in vivo hyperthermia treatments to a subject and methods of performing such treatments are provided. The apparatus comprises an imaging device, such as an MRI scanner, a microwave applicator, and a controller to target particular tissues within the subjects body for hyperthermia treatment. The microwave applicator emits microwave energy toward the target tissue and the imaging device provides real-time feedback as to the position of the applicator relative to the target tissues and thermometry data so as to permit real-time adjustment of the applicators operating parameters.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions useful for vaccination against a target influenza strain, and method and kits for using the same. The vaccines comprise a live attenuated influenza virus that is synthetically constructed based upon a backbone platform derived from a bat influenza strain, and heterologous surface proteins HA and NA derived from the target influenza strain. The live attenuated virus is non-reassortant with native, circulating influenza strains, and can be used to create vaccines for humans and other animals.

Abstract: The new and distinct zoysiagrass variety described herein is a Z. matrella x Z. japonica F1 hybrid named ‘KSUZ 0802’. ‘KSUZ 0802’ can be distinguished by its superior turf quality, fine-textured leaves, increased resistance to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus Ghyllenhaal), and cold tolerance that is comparable to zoysiagrass varieties adapted to the transition zone growing region in the U.S.