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: Methods and compositions for identifying and using polypeptides that target hepatic stellate cells are described. Embodiments include a targeting composition that may include one or more polypeptides including an amino acid sequence that binds to an insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor. Other embodiments relate to targeting systems that may include a one or more polypeptides including an amino acid sequence that binds to an insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor of hepatic stellate cells. Further embodiments relate to methods for treating health disorders in which the methods include the targeting composition or targeting systems as well as an agent capable of treating the disorder.

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: The present invention provides a method to manufacture nanowires. In various embodiments, a method is provided for producing an oxidized non-zinc metal layer as a heterogeneous seed layer on arbitrary substrate for controlled nanowire growth is disclosed which comprises depositing a metal layer at low temperature on a substrate, oxidizing the metal layer in air ambient or in oxidizing agent, and growing nanowires at low temperatures on oxidized metal layers on virtually any substrate.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low noise thermoelectric dehumidifier that includes a heat pipe array, a condensing heat sink, an air intake duct, and a thermoelectric cooler. A first air flow is directed over the condensing heat sink that is cooled by the thermoelectric cool such that the first air flow is dehumidified by the cooled condensing heat sink. Heat is removed from a hot side of the thermoelectric cooler via the heat pipe array. A second air flow is directed over the heat pipe array such that the heat extracted from the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler is extracted and circulated back into the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a porous material, at least compris-ing the steps of providing a mixture (I) comprising a composition (A) at least comprising at least one polyfunctional isocyanate as component (ai) and at least one mineral acid (aa), and a sol-vent (B), reacting the components in the composition (A) obtaining an organic gel, and drying of the gel obtained. The invention further relates to the porous materials which can be obtained in this way and the use of the porous materials as thermal insulation material and as catalysts.

Abstract: A thermally driven heat pump includes a low temperature evaporator for evaporating cooling fluid to remove heat A first heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a first ejector receives a flow of primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the first ejector for condensing a portion of the cooling fluid vapor An absorber located in the first heat exchanger absorbs cooling fluid vapor into an absorbing fluid to reduce the pressure in the first heat exchanger A second heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a second ejector receives primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the second ejector for condensing the cooling fluid vapor and the primary fluid vapor A separator in communication with the second ejector, the low temperature evaporator and the primary fluid evaporator separates the primary fluid from the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Provided are nanograting structures and methods of fabrication thereof that allow for stable, robust gratings and nanostructure embedded gratings that enhance electromagnetic field, fluorescence, and photothermal coupling through surface plasmon or, photonic resonance. The gratings produced exhibit long term stability of the grating structure and improved shelf life without degradation of the properties such as fluorescence enhancement. Embodiments of the invention build nanograting structures layer-by-layer to optimize structural and optical properties and to enhance durability.

Abstract: Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Abstract: A method for separating an amount of osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided. In particular, method for forming and trapping OsO4 to separate the osmium from a mixture containing the osmium and at least one other additional metal is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a soybean plant with mutations in FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B. Moreover, the present invention is directed to seeds from said plants with altered ratios of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In particular, the present invention is directed to plants where the plants exhibit elevated levels of oleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to genetically modified swine wherein at least one allele of a SIGLEC1 gene has been inactivated and/or at least one allele of a CD163 gene has been inactivated. Genetically modified swine having both alleles of the SIGLEC1 gene and/or both alleles CD163 gene inactivated are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods for producing such transgenic swine are also provided.

Abstract: A solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device including a dielectric and radiation shielding body having an internal cavity, a first electrode disposed a first end of the cavity, and a second electrode disposed at an opposing second end of the cavity and spaced apart from the first electrode such that a micro chamber is provided therebetween.

Abstract: A method for determining the risk of a person falling is provided. The method includes acquiring depth image data that comprises a plurality of frames that depict a person walking through a home, and extracting a foreground object from the depth image data. The method additionally includes generating a three-dimensional data object based on the foreground object, and identifying a walking sequence from the three-dimensional data object. The method further includes generating one or more gait parameters from the identified walking sequence, and comparing the one or more gait parameters against a standard clinical measure of the one or more gait parameters to determine a level of risk at which the person is of falling.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods may be adapted for grafting tissue at a tissue site that may include an elongate housing and a plurality of elongate cutting members. The plurality of elongate cutting members may define a cutting surface at a distal end of the elongate housing. The cutting surface may be adapted to contract from a first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The contraction of the cutting surface from the first diameter to the second diameter may define a tapered profile between the first diameter and the second diameter suitable for obtaining a tapered graft.

Abstract: Herein a Bacillus exosporium molecule delivery (BEMD) system that provides a means to deliver molecules of interest (MOIs) to an environment is disclosed. The system results in the display of MOIs on the exosporium surface of Bacillus family members such that they can be delivered to an environment in a stable and active form. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

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: Increased sensitivity of spectrometers through reducing noise in independent voltage signals via a differential voltage analyzer utilizing a reference wavelength from a wavelength region in which the optical absorption of the sample is negligible. In an embodiment, a grating permits selection of a reference wavelength. In another embodiment, filters permit selection of a reference wavelength. In yet another embodiment, both a grating and a filter permit selection of a reference wavelength. In an aspect, the differential voltage analyzer reduces noise by minimizing a differential voltage between the independent voltage signals and the reference voltage signal by adjusting the value of a cancellation coefficient.

Abstract: A method of producing a grating structure comprises the steps of forming a stamp from flexible plastic material, the stamp including a negative of a periodic grating pattern on a first surface; forming an ink by applying a polymer film to the stamp, the ink including a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface of the ink contacts the first surface of the stamp such that the ink retains a positive of the periodic grating pattern; placing the ink and the stamp on a substrate such that the second surface of the ink contacts an upper surface of the substrate; and removing the stamp from the ink by applying a tensional force to one edge of the stamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mammalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.