Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that target transferrin receptor. Also provided is the use of these antibodies and antigen-binding fragments as carriers to deliver therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: A digital media apparatus that includes a player and media storage member wherein the apparatus facilitates controlled transmission of digital audio data stored on the media storage member. The player of the present invention includes a receiving area configured to releasably receive and retain a media storage member. The media storage member is operably coupled to the player utilizing a plurality of electrical contacts. The housing of the media storage member has a recess in the upper surface thereof that is configured to receive a graphic art member. The graphic art member is backlit by an illumination element disposed in the housing of the media storage member. A first set of control switches and second set of control switches are located in the media storage member and receiving area respectively and place in an operational mode the apparatus to permit playing of the audio files.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lip conditioning, including a mouthpiece having an opening configured to press against a portion of tissue or lips of a user; and a chamber configured to receive the portion of the tissue or lips of the user through the opening, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate suction within the chamber, and to apply a negative pressure to a portion of tissue or lips of a user.

Abstract: A lip conditioning device for providing enhanced tissue therapy to lip tissue of a user, the device including a mouthpiece having a chamber with a distal end configured to create a seal with a portion of lip tissue of a user; a base portion, connected to the mouthpiece, including a controller in communication with a power source, and a suction device configured to remove air within the chamber; and a set of controls, in communication with the controller, configured to control a mode of operation of the tissue therapy.

Abstract: The disclosed aspects and embodiments provide compositions, systems, and methods for applying a warming cosmetic composition in a manner that provides unexpected levels of temperature increase (on a per mass basis) and prevents aggregation of inorganic components of the composition. In one aspect, a composition is provided that includes an anhydrous medium and at least one exothermic heating agent, wherein the composition is configured to provide increased temperature when exposed to water sufficient to initiate an exothermic reaction and mixing energy, as compared to the composition when exposed to water in the absence of mixing energy.

Abstract: A lip conditioning device for providing enhanced tissue therapy to lip tissue of a user, the device including a mouthpiece having a chamber with a distal end configured to create a seal with a portion of lip tissue of a user; a base portion, connected to the mouthpiece, including a controller in communication with a power source, and a suction device configured to remove air within the chamber; and a set of controls, in communication with the controller, configured to control a mode of operation of the tissue therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lip conditioning, including a mouthpiece having an opening configured to press against a portion of tissue or lips of a user; and a chamber configured to receive the portion of the tissue or lips of the user through the opening, wherein when the apparatus is configured to generate suction within the chamber, and to apply a negative pressure to a portion of tissue or lips of a user.

Abstract: The disclosed aspects and embodiments provide compositions, systems, and methods for applying a warming cosmetic composition in a manner that provides unexpected levels of temperature increase (on a per mass basis) and prevents aggregation of inorganic components of the composition. In one aspect, a composition is provided that includes an anhydrous medium and at least one exothermic heating agent, wherein the composition is configured to provide increased temperature when exposed to water sufficient to initiate an exothermic reaction and mixing energy, as compared to the composition when exposed to water in the absence of mixing energy.

Abstract: A valve for a liquid dispensing system includes a casing having an interior sidewall. A hollow dispensing pin is positioned within the casing. The dispensing pin has a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an interior flow passage. At least one radial dispensing passage extends from the interior flow passage through to the exterior surface at the first end of the dispensing pin. A first plunger is disposed between the interior sidewall of the casing and the exterior surface of the dispensing pin. The first plunger engages both the interior surface of the casing and the exterior surface of the dispensing pin. The first plunger is movable between a closed position blocking any flow through the at least one radial dispensing passage and an open position toward the second end of the dispensing pin spaced from the at least one radial dispensing passage.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus includes a housing having an exterior and an insulated interior cavity. The cavity is accessible through an access opening. A closure is provided for selectively closing the access opening to the cavity. A refrigeration assembly is provided for cooling the cavity. A flow channel is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned on a bottom of the cavity. The second end is positioned on the exterior of the housing. Liquids flow by force of gravity from the cavity to the exterior of the housing. A coupling is positioned at the first end of the flow channel. The coupling is adapted to couple the flow channel with a liquid container positioned within the cavity. A valve is positioned at the second end of the flow channel to control the flow of liquid flowing through the flow channel.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus includes a housing having an exterior and an insulated interior cavity. The cavity is accessible through an access opening. A closure is provided for selectively closing the access opening to the cavity. Means are provided for cooling the cavity. A flow channel is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned on a bottom of the cavity. The second end is positioned on the exterior of the housing. Liquids flow by force of gravity from the cavity to the exterior of the housing. A coupling is positioned at the first end of the flow channel. The coupling is adapted to couple the flow channel with a liquid container positioned within the cavity. A valve is positioned at the second end of the flow channel to control the flow of liquid flowing through the flow channel.