Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for passive collection of sperm having improved motility from a semen sample. The semen sample is contacted with on side of a porous barrier and a nutrient-containing media is contacted with the other side of the porous barrier. More robust sperm migrate from the semen sample through the porous barrier and are collected in a nutrient-containing media.

Abstract: A nonlinear radar system includes a first antenna configured to generate and emit an incident signal having a first frequency, a transponder tag attached to an existing portable object, wherein the transponder tag includes an electromagnetic nonlinear element configured to be detected by the incident signal. Upon being detected by the incident signal, the transponder tag is configured to transmit a reflected return harmonic signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, wherein the reflected return harmonic signal is an on-off keying (OOK) signal. A second antenna is configured to receive the reflected return harmonic signal having the second frequency. The transponder tag includes a conductive layer in electrical communication with the electromagnetic nonlinear element including a Schottky diode.

Abstract: The present invention includes a probe, an assay, a method of detecting, a human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (hNQO1) enzyme activity with a fluorescent probe comprising a quinone propionic acid (QPA) conjugated to dicyanoisophorone (DCP), wherein the hNQO1 reduces the probe to releases a fluorescent DCP, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition and method for decreasing Bacillus anthracis virulence or toxicity comprising: at least one inhibitor that decreases an expression of one or more host genes selected from G6pc, Rgs1, Fosl2, Hcar2, Cxcl2 and Cxcl3, or Serpine1 (PAI-1).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of treating or preventing a condition in a subject by administering to the subject a composition having alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan. In additional embodiments, the method further includes a step of instructing the subject to administer the composition in order to treat or prevent the condition in the subject. In some embodiments, the condition includes, without limitation, hyperglycemia, diet-induced diabetes, high-fat diet-induced diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, extra weight, obesity, hepatic steatosis, and combinations thereof. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to compositions for use in treating or preventing a condition in a subject. In some embodiments, the composition includes alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan.

Abstract: A method of treating a cancer in a patient includes obtaining a sample from the patient, using a C-circle assay to detect a presence of an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype in the sample, and administering an effect amount of at least one of PRIMA-1 or APR-246 to the patient.

Abstract: A pediatric position holder for holding a child in a position is provided. The pediatric position holder includes a central panel extending longitudinally from a cranial portion to a caudal portion, arm flaps extending outwardly from opposing sides of the central panel, and leg flaps extending outwardly from opposing sides of the central panel. The arm flaps each include a proximal arm segment and a distal arm segment extending from the proximal arm segment. The leg flaps each include a proximal leg segment that defines one cutout and a distal leg segment extending from the proximal leg segment. The pediatric restraint is configurable between an initial, open configuration and a second, closed configuration in which the distal arm segments of the arm flaps overlap one another, and the distal leg segment of each of the leg flaps is positioned within the cutout of the respective leg flap.

Abstract: A nonlinear radar system includes a handheld unit including a display screen, a first antenna configured to generate and emit an incident signal having a first frequency, and a second antenna configured to receive a reflected return harmonic signal having a second frequency, as well as a transponder tag is attached to an existing golf ball. Such a transponder tag is in communication with and responsive to the handheld unit, and includes an electromagnetic nonlinear element configured to be detected by the incident signal without the need for a line of sight. Upon being detected by the incident signal, the transponder tag is configured to transmit the reflected return harmonic signal having the second frequency different from the first frequency. The transponder tag is passive and does not require a power source other than incident radiation.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for reducing biofilm present on a surface comprising contacting the surface with a composition under conditions wherein the presence of the biofilm on the surface is reduced and antibiotic activity is increased, wherein the composition comprises at least two glycoside hydrolases and an antibiotic.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject by administering to the subject a composition that includes at least one of the compounds disclosed herein. The cancer to be treated or prevented can include, without limitation, lung cancer, breast cancer, cancers associated with an over-expression of a ral interacting protein, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the compositions of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of treating or preventing a disorder in a subject by administering to the subject a composition that includes one or more of the following active components: a zinc finger protein ZPR1 (ZPR1), an analog thereof, a homolog thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof; an enhancer of expression of ZPR1, an analog thereof, a homolog thereof, or combinations thereof; nucleotides encoding ZPR1, an analog thereof, a homolog thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof; or combinations thereof. The disorder to be treated or prevented may be caused by at least one mutation in the Senataxin (SETX) gene, a downregulation of SETX protein levels, or may include a neurodegenerative disease or disorder. Further embodiments pertain to the aforementioned compositions, which may be suitable for use in treating or preventing one or more of the aforementioned disorders in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and method for a therapeutic treatment that is able to combat triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). The class of urea compounds acts by blocking at inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway, which, as a central regulator of mammalian metabolism and physiology that when inhibited leads to the induction of autophagocytosis. The disclosed compounds are further capable of reinitiating the p53 cycle as well as inhibition of the BNIP3/BNIP3L pathway. The disclosed compounds also shows the ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier where metastases can form. This new drug has the potential to be a powerful new treatment to combat invasive TNBCs.

Abstract: The present invention includes nucleic acids, proteins, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) Virus Like Particles (VLP), and methods of making a Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) Virus Like Particles (VLP) comprising: inserting one or more nucleic acids into a lentiviral backbone, wherein the nucleic acid encodes one or more Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) proteins; transfecting the one or more nucleic acids into the lentiviral backbone into a cell line; culturing the transfected cell line under conditions in which the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) Virus Like Particles (VLP) are released from the cell line; and isolating the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) Virus Like Particles (VLP) from a culture supernatant.

Abstract: Methods for optimization of liquid oil production by huff-n-puff in shale reservoirs to achieve an improved (and optimal) oil recovery factor. The process determines and utilizes the optimum huff and puff times, number of cycles and soaking time under practical operation and reservoir conditions. The huff time in the process is a period so long that the pressure near the wellbore reaches the set maximum injection pressure during the huff period. The puff time in the process is the time required for the pressure near the wellbore to reach the set minimum production pressure during the puff period. Soaking is typically not necessary during the huff-n-puff gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. The number of huff-n-puff cycles is determinable by the time in which the economic rate cut-off is reached.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the electrochemical up-cycling of polymers. A slurry including a mixture of solid plastics flows through an electrochemical cell, which, through an applied potential, the plastics are converted into pure hydrogen, fuels, gasolines, and oxygen hydrogenated compounds that can be used for the synthesis of advanced materials and/or for easier biochemical/thermal degradation. Such methods and systems enables converting plastic waste to into fuels, chemicals, and high value products.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to bioink compositions that are operational to form an artificial tissue. The bioink may include materials that are completely or primarily derived from humans, such as human tissues. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to artificial tissues that include a plurality of cells and a bioink of the present disclosure, where the bioink is embedded with the cells, and the artificial tissue is in the form of a three-dimensional structure. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making the artificial tissues of the present disclosure by applying a plurality of cells and a bioink onto a surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing or promoting germination of bacterial spores, and yeasts are disclosed herein. The composition of the present invention comprises an extract obtained from banana or any member belonging to the genus Musa that may be used alone or in a growth medium to promote and enhance germination of bacterial spores, growth of bacterial, yeast, and fungal cell cultures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for solid-state 2D optical phased arrays (OPAs), which are fabricated from In-rich In1-xGaxN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs). In-rich InxGa1-xN alloys possess the unique properties of exceptionally high free-carrier-induced refractive index (n) change and low optical loss. InGaN/GaN MQW pixels play the role of using a very small fraction of a laser beam to modulate the phase of the laser beam. The phase of each MQW pixel in the OPA is controlled independently via electro-optic effect through the integration between OPA pixels with a Laterally Diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) integrated circuit driver to achieve the manipulation of the distribution of optical power in the far field. The present invention is applicable to a wide range of applications, including the operation of LIDAR systems, laser weapons, laser illuminators, and laser imaging systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separation of LOX and other commercially valuable components, such as LAr from liquefied air, which consists primarily of LN2. Strong magnetic field gradient and gravity are used to separate LOX from liquefied air, based upon the different magnetic properties of LOX and LN2. The apparatus and method employ a magnetic field gradient to levitate the LN2 and LAr diamagnetic components of liquid air while accelerating the paramagnetic LOX component toward the bottom to achieve oxygen separation. In other embodiments, a leak valve system can be used.