Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter relates to an artificial RNA nanostructure molecule and method to treat brain tumor in a subject. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a RNA nanostructure containing a multiple branched RNA nanoparticle, a brain tumor targeting module, and an effective amount of a therapeutic agent. Further, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method of using the RNA nanostructure composition to treat brain tumor in a subject having or at risk of having brain tumor.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions are provided that can inhibit microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). The compounds and compositions can reduce inflammation in a subject, such as inflammation caused by an inflammation disorder or symptoms thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound are also provided. Furthermore, methods are provided for reducing inflammation and/or inhibiting mPGES-1. The methods can comprise administering an effective amount of the composition to a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing perovskite-based devices, such as solar cells. In ambient air includes steps of forming a perovskite film on a substrate by spin-coating, the perovskite film having a turbid point when the perovskite film transitions from transparent to turbid in appearance, and dropping an antisolvent on the perovskite film during an antisolvent window having a start time five seconds before the turbid point and an end time one second before the turbid point. The method also includes the step of measuring the current relative humidity of the ambient air at the time of manufacture and adjusting the antisolvent window or optimum drop time of the antisolvent based upon the current relative humidity.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter generally relates to RNAi-based methods and compositions for pest control of the highly invasive Emerald Ash Borer. The disclosed matter also relates to a composition which includes dsRNA directed towards target genes and a method of administering said composition.

Abstract: Mithramycin side chain carboxylic acid (MTM-SA) derivative are provided, which include a substituted amino acid derivative, a substituted amino acid dipeptide derivative, or an unsubstituted dipeptide derivative. The MTM-SA derivatives are useful for treatment of cancer or neuro-diseases associated with an aberrant erythroblast transformation-specific transcription factor. Unique MTM-SA derivatives have increased selectively toward ETS transcription factor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modified nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), such as and compositions thereof, as well as methods useful for treating retinal damage and/or retinal degradation/retinal degeneration, for inhibiting inflammasome activation by Alu RNA associated with a cell, for reducing ATP-induced permeability of a cell, for reducing an amount of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in a cell, and for reducing an amount of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in a cell.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions are provided that can inhibit microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). The compounds and compositions can reduce inflammation in a subject, such as inflammation caused by an inflammation disorder or symptoms thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound are also provided. Furthermore, methods are provided for reducing inflammation and/or inhibiting mPGES-1. The methods can comprise administering an effective amount of the composition to a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A combination of redox active compounds is useful in connection with a rechargeable battery and includes a first redox active compound having a first solubility, and a second redox active compound having a second solubility, wherein the combination has a third solubility that is greater than one or both of the first solubility and the second solubility.

Abstract: A single stage clarifier mixing assembly includes a housing having a circular sidewall and a center axis, a mixing section in the housing, a clarifier section overlying and axially aligned with the mixing section along the center axis within the housing, an inlet delivering an inlet stream to the mixing section and an agitator. The agitator is adapted for mixing the inlet stream in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recovering an amine solvent from an acid gas stream. The apparatus includes a water wash recovery column, a nozzle for spraying water wash and an amine nucleation agent into the water wash recovery column and an inlet port for introducing acid gas into the water wash recovery column adjacent the lower end thereof. The method includes the steps of treating the acid gas stream in the water wash recovery column with a counter-current flow of water wash in an amine nucleation agent, discharging treated acid gas from an upper end of the water wash recovery column and collecting water wash, amine nucleation agent and entrained amine solvent from the acid gas stream and a sump at a lower end of the water wash recovery column.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a first screen, defining a first flow passageway, a second screen, defining a second flow passageway, and a third screen defining a third flow passageway. The second screen is positioned between the first screen and the third screen. The first flow passageway is aligned with the third flow passageway and the second flow passageway is offset from the first flow passageway and the third flow passageway.

Abstract: An equivalent circuit architecture and attendant methods for generating a physically unclonable function (PUF) response include a plurality of devices capable of generating a voltage output, a voltage source, and a microcontroller adapted to receive the voltage output from each device of the plurality of devices. The devices may be energy harvesting devices or sensors. The microcontroller is configured to determine an average peak voltage for predefined groups of the plurality of devices, to compare summation voltage values for the predefined groups, and from that information to output response values defining a 128-bit PUF response. The microcontroller determines a peak voltage of each device of the plurality of devices an equal number of times to generate the 128 bit PUF response value, this preventing biasing the response towards any individual device or group of devices.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing blood flow include: an ocular lens; a light source; a digital video camera; a biosensor; a trigger; and a computer. The ocular lens is for viewing a fundus of an eye. The light source is for illuminating the fundus. The digital video camera is for imaging the fundus. The biosensor is for sensing a pulse waveform. The computer is configured for: recording input frames and pulse waveform data in response to an input from the trigger; defining a low-pass frequency and a high-pass frequency from the pulse waveform data; stabilizing the input frames; enhancing contrast of the input frames; separating the input frames into sub-channels; conducting eulerian video magnification for color amplification using the inputs of image sampling rate, the low-pass frequency, the high-pass frequency, and an amplification factor; reconstructing the sub-channels into output frames; and combining the output frames with the input frames.

Abstract: A continuous solvent extract process is provided for concentrating rare earth elements from leachates generated from coal sources. The process involves solvent extraction which utilizes an organic extractant mixed into an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of wet spinning poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene):poly (styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS fibers produces PEDOT:PSS fibers having a unique combination of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and Young's modulus properties.

Abstract: Provided are method for treating age-related macular degeneration (AGE), and/or preventing the occurrence or progression thereof in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject in need thereof a composition that has an effective amount of an inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (RTase) activity. Also provided are methods for protecting retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, retinal photoreceptor cells, and/or choroidal cells; methods for treating geographic atrophy of the eye, and/or for preventing occurrence or progression thereof; and pharmaceutical compositions for treating AGE and/or GA and/or for preventing the occurrence or progression thereof; and/or for protecting RPE cells, retinal photoreceptor cells, and/or choroidal cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are a glucan kinase polypeptide, an isolated polynucleotide, and a method for processing starch. The glucan kinase polypeptide comprises an isolated polypeptide including a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:22, fragments thereof, variants thereof, and combinations thereof. The isolated polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 21, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, and a combination thereof. The method for processing starch comprises providing a glucan dikinase; exposing a starch to the glucan dikinase; and collecting the starch that has been exposed to the glucan dikinase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process of selective precipitation for the purpose of recovering rare earth elements from acidic media derived from coal and coal byproducts via two main steps of sequential precipitation and selective precipitation. An intermediary step of re-precipitation can be included to further increase RRE concentrations, as well as improve contaminant metal removal.