Abstract: The present application provides a system or kit for printing tempered chocolate. The system includes a first heated vessel for maintaining chocolate therein untempered, and a second heated vessel in fluid communication with the first heated vessel for maintaining chocolate therein within the range of about 84 degrees Fahrenheit and about 92 degrees Fahrenheit and tempered with about 0.5% to about 3% type V crystals. The system further includes a syringe pump configured to pump tempered chocolate and a nozzle. The system further includes a three-way valve for selectively coupling the syringe pump and the second vessel, or the nozzle and the syringe pump, in fluid communication to direct the tempered chocolate from the second vessel through the nozzle. The system further includes a control system for controlling the system such that the chocolate flowing from the nozzle includes greater than about 3% type V crystals.

Abstract: A radiation detector is provided. In a further aspect, a detector employs a Parallel Plate Avalanche Counter (“OPPAC”) which includes an anode film, a parallel cathode film and multiple optical photo-detectors, such as photo-sensors and/or photo-multipliers. A method of using a radiation detector is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (20) and a method for manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The thermoelectric device (20) includes a hot shoe (24) and a cold shoe (28) disposed about the hot shoe. A heat conducting member (32) formed of a thermoelectric material extends between the hot shoe (24) and the cold shoe (28) and generates electricity in response to a temperature difference therebetween. The hot shoe (24) is heated and expands at a greater rate than the cold shoe (28) does during operation. The structural and spatial relationship of the hot shoe (24) and the cold shoe (28) maintains the thermoelectric material of the heat conducting member (32) in compression during operation of the thermoelectric device (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound, and method of inhibiting the activity of a Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP) comprising contacting the FABP with a compound, having the structure:

Abstract: The invention provides an antibacterial compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, as well as an antibacterial compound of formula (II) or a salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, X, Y and n have any of the values defined in the specification.

Abstract: Water-soluble, cell-permeable nanomicelles containing ceramides and a steviol glycoside, such as rubusoside, are disclosed. The ceramide-steviol glycoside complex has high water solubility, and can be used for treating cancers with p53 mutations. Preliminary results have shown that the Cer nanomicelles are effective in restoring p53 protein expression, and that they are functionally dominant over p53 mutants. The novel nanomicelles restore a wild-type phenotype, and have very low toxicity to noncancerous cells. The novel Cer nanomicelles may be used in treating p53-associated cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA, DNA, etc.) motif which interacts with a ligand. The method includes providing a plurality of ligands immobilized on a support, wherein each particular ligand is immobilized at a discrete location on the support; contacting the plurality of immobilized ligands with a nucleic acid motif library under conditions effective for one or more members of the nucleic acid motif library to bind with the immobilized ligands; and identifying members of the nucleic acid motif library that are bound to a particular immobilized ligand. Also disclosed are methods for selecting, from a plurality of candidate ligands, one or more ligands that have increased likelihood of binding to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a particular nucleic acid motif, as well as methods for identifying a nucleic acid which interacts with a ligand.

Abstract: The present invention features, inter alia, constructs for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to a patient. The constructs can include a nanoparticle, a targeting agent that specifically binds a targeted tissue or cell, a therapeutic moiety, and a hydrogel. The constructs can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of bowel diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid that mediates RNA inhibition (RNAi), and the invention is directed to treatments for IBD that combine the positive aspects of such agents {e.g., siRNAs) with the safety of a biodegradable polymeric delivery system to facilitate specific targeting of colonic tissues and cells. As the constructs can be formulated for oral administration, they are well tolerated and offer advantages with regard to patient compliance.

Abstract: A positive electrode comprising ?-VOPO4 and/or Nax(?-VOPO4) wherein x is a value from 0.1 to 1.0 as an active ingredient, wherein the electrode is capable of insertion and release of sodium ions and a reversible sodium battery containing the positive electrode are provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating free-standing polymeric nanopillars or nanotubes with remarkably high aspect ratios. The nanopillars and nanotubes may be used, for example, in integrated microfluidic systems for rapid, automated, high-capacity analysis or separation of complex protein mixtures or their enzyme digest products. One embodiment, preferably fabricated entirely from polymer substrates, comprises a cell lysis unit; a solid-phase extraction unit with free-standing, polymeric nanostructures; a multi-dimensional electrophoretic separation unit with high peak capacity; a solid-phase nanoreactor for the proteolytic digestion of isolated proteins; and a chromatographic unit for the separation of peptide fragments from the digestion of proteins.

Abstract: A robotic submersible includes a housing having a body and a tail. In another aspect, a pump and a pump tank adjust the buoyancy of a submersible housing. In a further aspect, a first linear actuator controls the pump and/or a buoyancy, and/or a second linear actuator controls a position of a battery and/or adjusts a center of gravity. Another aspect includes a pump and at least one linear actuator that control gliding movements of the housing. In still a further aspect, a motor couples a tail with a body, such that the motor controls the movements of the tail to create a swimming movement. Moreover, an additional aspect provides a controller selectively operating the pump, first actuator, second actuator, and motor to control when swimming and gliding movements occur.

Abstract: A metal air flow battery includes an electrochemical reaction unit and an oxygen exchange unit. The electrochemical reaction unit includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an ionic conductive membrane between the anode and the cathode, an anode electrolyte, and a cathode electrolyte. The oxygen exchange unit contacts the cathode electrolyte with oxygen separate from the electrochemical reaction unit. At least one pump is provided for pumping cathode electrolyte between the electrochemical reaction unit and the oxygen exchange unit. A method for producing an electrical current is also disclosed.

Abstract: An animal restraining harness or jacket and a method of use thereof, for protecting the shoulder and upper abdomen when experimental/surgical procedures are performed and when the experimental/surgical sites must be protected from biting, scratching, and other unwanted contact. The jacket generally includes a shoulder region and collar extensions, where the shoulder region is connected to the collar extensions. The collar extensions are wrapped and secured around the collar or neck area of the animal, and the shoulder region is wrapped and secured around the shoulder and torso area of the animal. Preferably, the collar extensions and shoulder region are secured on the dorsal side of the animal, thus providing a dorsal gap therebetween. This harnesses the animal effectively and prevents escape from the restraining jacket.

Abstract: When flights meet disaster in the mid-air, the cause of the mishap is unknown immediately. Teams are dispatched in difficult conditions to retrieve the flight data recorder (FDR) also known as black box. Until the black box is found, the exact cause of the crash cannot be determined. Sometimes it may take years to find the black box. For example, Air France flight 447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on Jun. 1, 2009. The cause of the accident remained unknown mainly because the black box was missing. It was found after almost two years in May 2011. The delay in finding the flight data creates risks for future flights if the crash occurred due to a manufacturing defect in the model of the plane. The ability to reach the data without the burden and need for a physical black box has obvious benefits.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope, a filter, and a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR are provided, with methods to use the same. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses, a secondary mirror, a primary mirror including an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal. The filter includes an etalon and a first filter. The micropulse differential absorption LIDAR includes first and second laser signals, a laser transmission beam selection switch, a first laser return signal switch, and a toggle timer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex and iridium pincer complexes. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of prostate associated disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursors that are useful for forming metal-containing films are provided. These compounds include triazapentadienyl, ?-imino enolate compounds and ?-imino ketone compounds having formulae 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An ALD method using the precursors is also provided.

Abstract: A compound includes the structure of general Formula II, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or solvates thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3, are independently selected from the group consisting of null, hydroxy, alkoxy, and halo, or R1 and R2 taken together form a cyclic boronate ester and R3 is null; wherein when four bonds to boron are present, boron bears a formal negative charge and the structure further comprises a countercation that is potassium or sodium, X1, X2, X3, and X4 are independently selected from the group consisting of O, CH, and N, with the proviso that no more than two of combined O and N are selected, and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and halogen, any of which may be optionally substituted. Such compounds can increase glucose uptake by cells and preferably do not substantially increase adipogenesis.