Abstract: Disclosed are new effects of increased gdhA gene expression on plants that are susceptible to Aspergillus and Fusarium virguliforme infection. Plants transformed with the gdhA gene are resistant to aflatoxin accumulation following Aspergillus infection, and to root rot following F. virguliforme infection. The resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and root rot in gdhA+ plants is coincident with drought tolerance and resistance of the plants to certain herbicides. Methods for controlling aflatoxin contamination and root rot in crop plants, and for screening plants putatively transformed with gdhA, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the formation of fatty acid alkyl esters, which may be used as biodiesel. In particular, the invention provides an esterification process in which a lipid material is contacted with an alcohol in the presence of a metal halide or metal alkoxide conjugated to a solid support. Also provided is a transesterification process in which a lipid material is contacted with an alcohol in the presence of an N-heterocyclic carbene. Also provided is a combination esterification and transesterification process in which a lipid material is contacted with a metal halide or metal alkoxide conjugated to a solid support, and then is contacted with an N-heterocyclic carbene or an alkaline catalyst.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the production of biodiesel. In particular, provided is an esterification process in which an alcohol reacts with free fatty acids in a lipid material comprising free fatty acids and glycerides in the presence of an immobilized zirconium(IV) metal salt to form fatty acid alkyl esters. Also provided is combination process in which an esterification reaction converts the free fatty acids in a lipid material to fatty acid alkyl esters and a transesterification reaction converts the glycerides in the material to fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting an interaction between an analyte and a biomolecule. The method comprises separating at least one biomolecule according to its isoelectric point in the presence of a given analyte and detecting an interaction between the analyte and a biomolecule using fluorescence anisotropy. The method may further comprise collecting the analyte-biomolecule complex and analyzing the biomolecule.

Abstract: Nano-reagents with catalytic activity are provided herein. The nanocatalyst comprises at least one amino acid attached to a nanoparticle, wherein the reactive side chain of the amino acid catalyzes a chemical or biological reaction. Methods of using these nano-reagents to catalyze reactions in solution or in multiple phases are also provided, as are methods of making these nanocatalysts.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for forming a chemical modulation of a substance present in a fluid stream, which utilize a movable device, such as a movable heater, to induce changes in the retention of a chemical substance flowing through the modulator tube. The modulator tube has an inlet, a first portion in communication with the inlet, a second portion in communication with said first portion, and an outlet in communication with said second portion. The method involves causing a chemical modulation by moving retention alteration device relative to a modulator tube.

Abstract: A practical device and method of performing comprehensive multi-dimensional chemical separation using a first dimension of a two-dimensional chromatograph to generate a chromatogram in a time comparable to or even faster than common practice while the second dimension generates multiple chromatograms each in a time comparable to the fastest prior art chromatography. The transfer of sample portions from the first dimension to the second dimension is by any one of several sample stream modulation techniques. These techniques accumulate portions of sample between the first and the second dimensions transferring them as very sharp concentration pulses analogous to fast injections, without loss of sample and with a substantial improvement in sensitivity.