Abstract: A vaccine and method of vaccination for conferring immunity to Q fever is described. The vaccine comprises a polypeptide with a sequence of SLTWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 7) (m1E41920) or SPPWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 8) (m1E44), or at least 90% identity to m1E41920 or m1E44. Constructs are also provided for use in vaccination and treatment of Q fever. A method to identify and generate new vaccines to prevent diseases caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria is also described.

Abstract: An eccentric weightlifting machine that includes a first pole connected to a first weight and to a device acted on by a user, a second pole connected to a second weight and to a motor, wherein the motor lifts the second pole in response to movement of the first pole by the user, and a latch configured to latch the first pole to the second pole during an eccentric exercise portion of a weightlift.

Abstract: A power circuit substantially canceling ripples at the source. The power circuit includes a switching circuit configured to control a power flow between an input and an output, a main storage element electrically connected in series with the switching circuit, and a resonant tank electrically coupled to the switching circuit and configured to compensate for switching ripples in the main storage element. Aspects of the invention can be applied to a converter circuit or to an inverter circuit.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensing compound for separately detecting and visualizing one or more monoamine neurotransmitters in cells, the fluorescence sensing compound having the following formula: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylene, aryl, cycloalkyl; wherein R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkylene, aryl, cycloalkyl, cyano, azido; and wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of (CH3)2Si, O, N, S, and CH2.

Abstract: Processes for preparing compositions comprising pharmaceutical agents encapsulated in nanoparticles which provide improved physicochemical and biological properties are described. Also described are compositions comprising water soluble pharmaceutical agents which provide extended release of the pharmaceutical agent. Processes are described for preparing compositions which increase the aqueous availability of compounds with low water solubility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cluster boron compounds and their use as sodium channel blockers. The invention also provides methods for making and using the compounds.

Abstract: High-resolution 3D optical polarization tractography (OPT) images of the internal fiber structure of a target tissue. Manipulation of dual-angle imaging data of the fiber orientation inside a target tissue leads to the determination of 3D imaging properties of the target tissue, allowing transmission of the 3D image properties of the target tissue to an OPT processor to produce high-resolution 3D images.

Abstract: A transgenic soybean resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), or parts thereof, including an artificial DNA construct encoding a serine hydroxymethyltransferase protein (e.g., GmSHMT).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for improving the efficiency of artificial activation of unfertilized mammalian oocytes by reducing the intracellular concentration of Zn2+ in the oocyte. The methods of the invention may additionally comprise a preceding step of increasing the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in the oocyte prior to reduction of the intracellular Zn2+ concentration. The invention further provides unfertilized oocytes activated by the disclosed methods and viable mammalian animals produced from unfertilized oocytes activated by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated sensor network are described. In one embodiment, sensor data may be accessed from a plurality of motion sensors and a bed sensor deployed in a living unit for a first time period. An activity pattern for the first time period may be identified based on at least a portion of sensor data associated with the first time period. The activity pattern may represent a physical and cognitive health condition of a person residing in the living unit. Additional sensor data may be accessed from the motion sensors and the bed sensor deployed for a second time period. A determination of whether a deviation of the activity pattern of the first time period has occurred for the second time period may be performed. An alert may be generated based on a determination that the derivation has occurred. In some embodiments, user feedback is captured on the significance of the alerts, and the alert method is customized based on this feedback. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and low-cost detection method for screening a biological sample for one or more desired bacterial species. The inventive method employs a two-step multiplex real-time PCR assay that comprises an internal amplification control and specific primer sets to detect and discriminate bacterial species based the unique melting temperatures of specific DNA sequences of each strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method for the synthesis and purification of 1) the polyhedral borane decahydrodecaborate and dodecahydrododecaborate anions and their salts and 2) amines and amine boranes. The organoammonium halide is combined with alkali metal tetrahydroborate to form organoammonium tetrahydroborate, which upon pyrolysis provides organoammonium decahydrodecaborate and organoammonium dodecahydrododecaborate.

Abstract: A thruster operable in a chemical mode or in an electrospray mode using the same liquid monopropellant for operation in both modes is described having a multiplicity of a microthrusters made of a catalytic material having a bore therethrough, where, when operated in the chemical mode, the microthrusters are heated to decompose the monopropellant the monopropellant flows therethrough to generate relatively high thrust. An extractor is positioned downstream of the outlet ends of the microthrusters, such that when the system is operated in its electrospray mode the flowrate of the monopropellant through the microthrusters is substantially lower than in the chemical mode and the extractor is energized with an electric field so that ions and droplets are discharged from the microthrusters and accelerated so as to yield a relatively high specific impulse.

Abstract: A switchable radiation source device includes a primary source assembly that emits primary radiation, and a target assembly in which, upon irradiation of the target assembly by the primary radiation, secondary radiation or radioactivity is produced. An alignment, proximity or exposure of the primary source assembly to the target assembly is adjustable to control irradiation of the target assembly by the primary radiation and thereby control the production of secondary radiation or radioactivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to 3D printed zeolite scaffolds. The zeolite scaffolds can be used as a catalyst for methanol to olefin (MTO) conversion and hydrocarbon cracking processes.

Abstract: Novel photocleavable drug conjugates for forming drug depots comprise drugs attached to photocleavable groups. In one embodiment, the drug is linked via photocleavable group(s) to a polymer chain to form a photocleavable drug-polymer conjugate that generally forms the depot matrix. In another embodiment, the drug is crosslinked via photocleavable group(s) to themselves to form a photocleavable drug conjugate that generally forms the depot.

Abstract: Media, kits, and methods for cultivation of mammalian embryos from fertilized oocyte stage to blastocyst stage in the presence of N-benzyl-3,5-dicarbethoxy-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine. The use of this supplement improves the early embryonic development, in particular the quality of zygotes and the blastocyst formation. The supplemented media can be used with pigs, humans, or other mammals N-benzyl-3,5-dicarbethoxy-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine may be added to known media, and used for with vitro fertilization methods.

Abstract: Catalysts and processing useful in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) are provided. Catalyst are composed of nickel (Ni) nanoparticles supported on a hollow fiber substrate, such as an ?-Al2O3 hollow fiber. The nickel (Ni) nanoparticles can be deposited onto the hollow fiber substrate support by atomic layer deposition. If desired, one or more layers of an overcoat of a promoter can be applied to increase catalyst performance such as in the reforming of methane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved therapy for the treatment of cancer, which comprises the step of altering cell membrane lipid composition by treating a cancer cell with an enzyme inhibitor which inhibits enzymes regulating the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. One preferred protein target in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway to inhibit is oxidosqualene cyclase. In some forms, inhibitors of one or more pathways are combined with an existing chemotherapeutic agent to combat drug resistance and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of conventional therapy.

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.