Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting at least one glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate using Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of glucosinolates, such as glucoraphanin, to isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, leads to the stimulation of the Nrf2/Keap pathway and phase II enzymes, providing chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, for administration to subjects for increasing isothiocyanate (e.g., sulforaphane) production, increasing the expression of genes regulated by the Nrf2 transcription factor, including phase II enzymes, decreasing inflammation, and treating or preventing an inflammatory disorder or a cancer.

Abstract: Surgical tools and assemblies are employed for use in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. A surgical tool assembly includes a handle assembly and a frame assembly. The handle assembly and frame assembly are designed and constructed to have an articulation input joint and a grounding joint between them. A pitch rotational degree of freedom and a yaw rotational degree of freedom are provided by way of the articulation input joint. The handle assembly is translationally constrained relative to the frame assembly by way of the grounding joint. Intermediate bodies and joints can be provided in certain surgical tool assemblies and architectures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting pulse power on two wire pairs, the pulse power comprising a plurality of high voltage pulses with the high voltage pulses on the wire pairs offset between the wire pairs to provide continuous power, performing low voltage fault detection on each of the wire pairs between the high voltage pulses, and transmitting data on at least one of the wire pairs during transmittal of the high voltage pulses. Data transmittal is suspended during the low voltage fault detection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting at least one glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate using Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of glucosinolates, such as glucoraphanin, to isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, leads to the stimulation of the Nrf2/Keap pathway and phase II enzymes, providing chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, for administration to subjects for increasing isothiocyanate (e.g., sulforaphane) production, increasing the expression of genes regulated by the Nrf2 transcription factor, including phase II enzymes, decreasing inflammation, and treating or preventing an inflammatory disorder or a cancer.

Abstract: Methods for upcycling crosslinked sodium polyacrylate to pressure sensitive adhesives via (a) mechanochemical chain-shortening and esterification or (b) esterifying with high conversion with a Fischer esterification process are disclosed. Also disclosed is a pressure sensitive adhesive prepared by the disclosed methods and articles comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive, including, but not limited to, pressure sensitive tape, a bandage, a label, note pads, a decal, a stamp, an envelope, a sticker, packaging, automobile trim, and a film.

Abstract: Methods for upcycling crosslinked sodium polyacrylate to pressure sensitive adhesives via (a) mechanochemical chain-shortening and esterification or (b) esterifying with high conversion with a Fischer esterification process are disclosed. Also disclosed is a pressure sensitive adhesive prepared by the disclosed methods and articles comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive, including, but not limited to, pressure sensitive tape, a bandage, a label, note pads, a decal, a stamp, an envelope, a sticker, packaging, automobile trim, and a film.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting oleuropein to hydroxytyrosol using Lactobacillus pentosus strain OL79 or active variants thereof are provided. The composition can comprise oleuropein or oleuropein-containing substrate such as olives or an extract thereof. Methods for increasing an amount of hydroxytyrosol and providing antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-platelet aggregation function, cardiovascular protective effects, and/or therapeutic effects on diseases or conditions associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, or platelet aggregation are also provided.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a trailer having a crank jack with a jack housing and a jack leg into a hydraulic jack includes removing mechanical components from within the jack housing, the mechanical components comprising gearing of the crank jack, placing a hydraulic cylinder within the jack housing, wherein the hydraulic cylinder comprises a main cylinder and a ram piston extending outwardly therefrom as the main cylinder is filled with pressurized fluid, securing the hydraulic cylinder by fastening a top portion of the hydraulic cylinder to the jack housing using a fastener inserted through a hole in a platform positioned within the jack housing, and further securing the hydraulic cylinder by fastening the ram piston to the jack leg using a bolt extending through a pre-existing hole in the jack leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial compositions containing Lactobacillus, and methods for reducing growth of microbes that cause infection, such as urogenital tract infection and for treating or preventing the same using the compositions thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting at least one glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate using Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of glucosinolates, such as glucoraphanin, to isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, leads to the stimulation of the Nrf2/Keap pathway and phase II enzymes, providing chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising Bacillus subtilis 839, Bacillus subtilis CO4_4, Pediococcus pentosaceus M3_H01, and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus M2_H12, or active variants thereof, for administration to subjects for increasing isothiocyanate (e.g., sulforaphane) production, increasing the expression of genes regulated by the Nrf2 transcription factor, including phase II enzymes, decreasing inflammation, and treating or preventing an inflammatory disorder or a cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting at least one polyphenol to protocatechuic acid (PCA) using Bacillus subtilis 1579, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of polyphenols, such as quercetin, to PCA can decrease inflammation, decrease cortisol levels, and increase milk quality and milk production quantity in milk-producing agricultural animals. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising B. subtilis 1579, or an active variant thereof, for administration to humans for decreasing inflammation or for administration to milk-producing agricultural animals for decreasing inflammation, decreasing cortisol levels, and increasing milk quality and milk production.

Abstract: Molecular Graphene (MG) of a physical size and bonding character that render the molecule suitable as a channel material in an electronic device, such as a tunnel field effect transistor (TFET). The molecular graphene may be a large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) employed as a discrete element, or as a repeat unit, within an active or passive electronic device. In some embodiments, a functionalized PAH is disposed over a substrate surface and extending between a plurality of through-substrate vias. Heterogeneous surfaces on the substrate are employed to direct deposition of the functionalized PAH molecule to surface sites interstitial to the array of vias. Vias may be backfilled with conductive material as self-aligned source/drain contacts. Directed self-assembly techniques may be employed to form local interconnect lines coupled to the conductive via material. In some embodiments, graphene-based interconnects comprising a linear array of PAH molecules are formed over a substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to depolymerization of polymers and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for de-crosslinking polyacrylate salt-based polymers and other polymers and compositions made from de-crosslinking polyacrylate salt-based polymers and other polymers.

Abstract: Methods for upcycling crosslinked sodium polyacrylate to pressure sensitive adhesives via (a) mechanochemical chain-shortening and esterification or (b) esterifying with high conversion with a Fischer esterification process are disclosed. Also disclosed is a pressure sensitive adhesive prepared by the disclosed methods and articles comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive, including, but not limited to, pressure sensitive tape, a bandage, a label, note pads, a decal, a stamp, an envelope, a sticker, packaging, automobile trim, and a film.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of reducing the formation of acrylamide in a thermally processed food product and to cooked food products with reduced acrylamide. The method comprises providing a food product or food intermediate in need of reduction of formation of acrylamide during thermal processing and applying a bran composition to the food product or food intermediate in an amount effective to reduce formation of acrylamide during thermal processing to a level that is lower than if the composition had not been applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of reducing the formation of acrylamide in a thermally processed food product and to cooked food products with reduced acrylamide. The method comprises providing a food product or food intermediate in need of reduction of formation of acrylamide during thermal processing and applying a bran composition to the food product or food intermediate in an amount effective to reduce formation of acrylamide during thermal processing to a level that is lower than if the composition had not been applied.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a trailer having a crank jack with a jack housing and a jack leg into a hydraulic jack includes removing mechanical components from within the jack housing, the mechanical components comprising gearing of the crank jack, placing a hydraulic cylinder within the jack housing, wherein the hydraulic cylinder comprises a main cylinder and a ram piston extending outwardly therefrom as the main cylinder is filled with pressurized fluid, securing the hydraulic cylinder by fastening a top portion of the hydraulic cylinder to the jack housing using a fastener inserted through a hole in a platform positioned within the jack housing, and further securing the hydraulic cylinder by fastening the ram piston to the jack leg using a bolt extending through a pre-existing hole in the jack leg.

Abstract: A system for retrofitting a trailer having a crank jack with a jack housing and a drop leg includes a hydraulic cylinder including a main cylinder and a ram piston extending outwardly therefrom as the main cylinder is filled with pressurized fluid, a first mounting ear on the hydraulic cylinder and a second mounting ear on the hydraulic cylinder, the first mounting ear opposite the second mounting ear, a cylinder port positioned orthogonally to the first mounting ear and the second mounting ear and positioned between the first mounting ear and the second mounting ear, and a conversion foot sized and shaped to fit within the jack housing and adapted to support the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Molecular Graphene (MG) of a physical size and bonding character that render the molecule suitable as a channel material in an electronic device, such as a tunnel field effect transistor (TFET). The molecular graphene may be a large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) employed as a discrete element, or as a repeat unit, within an active or passive electronic device. In some embodiments, a functionalized PAH is disposed over a substrate surface and extending between a plurality of through-substrate vias. Heterogeneous surfaces on the substrate are employed to direct deposition of the functionalized PAH molecule to surface sites interstitial to the array of vias. Vias may be backfilled with conductive material as self-aligned source/drain contacts. Directed self-assembly techniques may be employed to form local interconnect lines coupled to the conductive via material. In some embodiments, graphene-based interconnects comprising a linear array of PAH molecules are formed over a substrate.

Abstract: A system for retrofitting a trailer having a crank jack with a jack housing and a drop leg includes a hydraulic cylinder including a main cylinder and a ram piston extending outwardly therefrom as the main cylinder is filled with pressurized fluid, a first mounting ear on the hydraulic cylinder and a second mounting ear on the hydraulic cylinder, the first mounting ear opposite the second mounting ear, a cylinder port positioned orthogonally to the first mounting ear and the second mounting ear and positioned between the first mounting ear and the second mounting ear, and a conversion foot sized and shaped to fit within the jack housing and adapted to support the hydraulic cylinder.