Abstract: A device, system and process involve conducting electroporation of microvesicles or exosomes or other target structures in a microfluidic arrangement at pressures that exceed atmospheric pressure. Single as well as multiple flow configurations can be employed. In some cases, the system and its operation are computer-controlled for partial or complete automation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preventing or treating cardiovascular disease (CVD), methods of supporting cardiovascular health, or supporting inflammatory health in a subject by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP). In exemplary aspects, the method comprises administering astaxanthin to the subject at a therapeutically effective amount. In some aspects, the subject also receives a standard of care for CVD or risk management thereof. The present disclosure also provides methods of reducing CRP levels in a subject comprising administering an amount of astaxanthin to the subject, as described herein, wherein the subject is at risk for or suffers from CVD. Additional related methods of altering levels of one or more of: TNF-?, IL-1?, IL-6, INF-?, oxidized LDL, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, FOXO3 activation, and HDL cholesterol, comprising administering astaxanthin to the subject are further provided herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present, invention provide a system and method for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining a home position to reduce hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly is provided for a fuel tank filler neck. The closure assembly is configured to receive a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle and to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank filler neck to the surroundings.

Abstract: A refueling shut-off system is provided for use with a vehicle fuel system including a fuel tank, a fuel tank filler neck, and a fuel vapor recovery canister. The system includes a fill-limit vent valve and a flow-control valve.

Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present, invention provide a system and method for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining a home position to reduce hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery apparatus includes a canister including a housing formed to include a first port exposed to the atmosphere and a second port exposed to fuel tank fuel vapor. A carbon bed is located in an interior region of the housing between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.

Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.

Abstract: Pregnancy in animals such as the pig usually does not continue to term when there are only a few embryos in the uterus. Currently available technology for maintaining pregnancy involves a series of hormone injections, and the failure rate is high. It has now been discovered that pregnancy can be maintained by complementing fertile embryos in the uterus with additional embryos that aren't expected to survive the full term of the pregnancy. Particularly suitable are parthenogenetic embryos, formed by activating and diploidizing unfertilized oocytes. The carrier embryos are engrafted into the uterus of a surrogate female, and the pregnancy continues to term without further intervention—even if the number of fertile embryos are below the minimum litter size. This provides valuable biological material that can be used for transplantation, the production of pharmaceuticals, and for agricultural use.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from within a vehicle fuel tank, which apparatus includes at least a primary and auxiliary liquid separating chamber positioned above a float chamber below a valve outlet. The apparatus includes at least one baffle arranged to intercept and direct filtered fuel droplets from the vapor flow and return the liquid fuel to the fuel tank. The primary and auxiliary liquid separation chambers and associated baffle are positioned to facilitate flow of fuel vapor from the tank yet return liquid fuel to the tank.

Abstract: A control system for digitally monitoring and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a stop/suckback valve. Pressure is sensed in the pneumatic fluid input lines to the pneumatic load, and a closed loop control is used to maintain the pressure at a predetermined level. In an alternative embodiment, the control system is used to ensure equal dispensing in multi-point dispense apparatus. Thus, pressure is sensed downstream of each valve in fluid communication with a respective nozzle. Any pressure differential detected is corrected by appropriate valve adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from within a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus includes a valve container with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber, a valve member formed for movement between an open position allowing fuel vapor flow through outlet and a closed position blocking fuel vapor flow through outlet, and a secondary float valve disposed between inlet and valve member. The valve member includes a central post and wing segments defining flow passages sized to permit fuel vapor flow therethrough and to block momentarily liquid fuel flow therethrough. The secondary float valve moves between an open position allowing fuel vapor flow to the wing segments and a closed position blocking liquid fuel flow to the wing segments.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a valve container with a vapor inlet adapted for communicating with an interior region of the fuel tank and a vapor outlet, a baffle including an upper end coupled to the vapor inlet, an open lower end spaced-apart from the upper end, and a skirt extending between the upper and lower ends, and a float valve disposed in the valve container and movable between an opened position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the vapor outlet and a closed position preventing flow of fuel vapor through the vapor outlet. The skirt of the baffle includes at least one slot therethrough and the float valve is positioned to lie between the vapor inlet and the slot of the baffle when in both the opened and closed positions.