Abstract: A system for manufacturing a thermoplastic prepreg product includes a belt or conveyor, a prepreg applicator that positions a thermoplastic prepreg atop the belt or conveyor, a foam applicator that applies a foam mixture atop the thermoplastic prepreg, a heating mechanism that heats the thermoplastic prepreg and the foam mixture to cause the foam mixture to react atop the thermoplastic prepreg, and a laminator that is configured to press the thermoplastic prepreg and foam mixture to control a thickness of the resulting thermoplastic prepreg product. The thermoplastic prepreg includes a fabric, mat, or web of fibers and a thermoplastic material that is impregnated within the fabric, mat, or web of fibers. The thermoplastic material is formed from in situ polymerization of monomers and oligomers. The foam mixture includes an isocyanate, a polyol blend, and a blowing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a use of Combretum micranthum extract in cosmetics. Processes such as a solvent extraction method and a chromatographic method are specifically used, it is found that a Combretum micranthum plant or its extract has the effects of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, post-sun repair, repair of skin barrier, repair of UV-induced DNA damage, whitening, fading spots and anti-glycation and the like. The prepared Combretum micranthum extract can be added into cosmetics as an active ingredient thereof. The cosmetic or drug containing the Combretum micranthum extract has the efficacies of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, post-sun repair, repair of skin barrier, repair of UV-induced DNA damage, whitening, anti-freckle and resisting saccharification and the like, thereby achieving the effect of skin care and beauty.

Abstract: The composition includes a cyclic, unsaturated compound, preferably a polyphenol derivative. It reduces the synthesis of melanin by inhibiting the activity and expression levels of tyrosinase and related proteins, thereby preventing and limiting the content and distribution of melanin in mammalian skin. It also induces autophagy of melanosome, thereby restricting the synthesis, storage and transfer of melanin from melanocyte to keratinocyte. The dual modes of action allow for the efficacy of the composition at low dosage without causing toxicity to lighten skin and treat disorders associated with hyperpigmentation.

Abstract: The composition includes a cyclic, unsaturated compound, preferably a polyphenol derivative. It reduces the synthesis of melanin by inhibiting the activity and expression levels of tyrosinase and related proteins, thereby preventing and limiting the content and distribution of melanin in mammalian skin. It also induces autophagy of melanosome, thereby restricting the synthesis, storage and transfer of melanin from melanocyte to keratinocyte. The dual modes of action allow for the efficacy of the composition at low dosage without causing toxicity to lighten skin and treat disorders associated with hyperpigmentation.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic plant, seed, or progeny, genetically engineered to overexpress one or more exogenous 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGS1) in an amount effective to enhance growth and/or seed yield relative to a control plant. Also provided are methods of enhancing plant growth and/or seed yield by genetically engineering a plant to overexpress one or more exogenous HMGS1 in an amount effective to enhance growth and/or seed yield relative to a control plant. The plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, and the one or more exogenous HMGS1 comprise an amino acid sequence at least 77% identical to Brassica juncea HMGS1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6. Further provided are methods of screening for a functional variant of Brassica juncea HMGS1.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA in cells both in vivo and in vitro via the administration of extracts and compounds derived from the seeds of Pycnanthus angolensis Warb. (P. Kombo), commonly known as African nutmeg. These extracts and compounds, namely, kombo butter, kombo butter acid extract, sargaquinoic acid, sargachromenol, and sargahydroquinoic acid, are also useful in the treatment and prevention of a battery of adverse health conditions in human, animal, and avian subjects that are advanced by the production of nitric oxide or its metabolites and/or by the activity of cyclooxygenase-2. Methods for the isolation of kombo butter acid extracts are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic products, comprising extracts of Morus alba, which have a whitening effect. According to the present invention extracting powdered Morus alba twig with aqueous ethanol provides an extract comprising oxyresveratrol and mulberroside A. Extracts enriched in oxyresveratrol or mulberroside A, as well as purified oxyresveratrol and mulberrocide A may be also be obtained. The extracts or purfied compounds may be added to conventional skin care cosmetics to give whitening cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA in cells both in vivo and in vitro via the administration of extracts and compounds derived from the seeds of Pycnanthus angolensis Warb. (P. Kombo), commonly known as African nutmeg. These extracts and compounds, namely, kombo butter, kombo butter acid extract, sargaquinoic acid, sargachromenol, and sargahydroquinoic acid, are also useful in the treatment and prevention of a battery of adverse health conditions in human, animal, and avian subjects that are advanced by the production of nitric oxide or its metabolites and/or by the activity of cyclooxygenase-2. Methods for the isolation of kombo butter acid extracts are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for prevention or treatment of disease are provided which comprise analogs of Resveratrol.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which are derived from extracting the pulp of Noni fruit with butanol. The butanol extract of Noni fruit contains active glycoside compounds which are useful in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for prevention or treatment of disease are provided which comprise analogs of Resveratrol.