Abstract: Apolipoprotein A-1 Milano (ApoA-1M), the protein component of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) mimic with promising potential for reduction of atherosclerotic plaque, is produced on a large scale by expression in E. coli. Significant difficulty with clearance of host cell proteins (HCPs) was experienced in the original manufacturing process, despite lengthy purification. Analysis of purified protein solutions and intermediate process samples led to the identification of several major HCPs, and a bacterial protease causing the production of a truncated species of ApoA-1M co-purifying with the product. Deletions in these genes from the original host strain succeeded in substantially reducing the levels of HCPs without adversely affecting overall fermentation productivity, contributing to a much more efficient and robust new manufacturing process.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining first and second user interface areas, a touch-sensitive display disposed in the first user interface area, and a conductive structure disposed along the housing in the second user interface area. The electronic device further includes a capacitive touch controller disposed within the housing and coupled to the conductive structure, the capacitive touch controller being configured to capture user interaction with the conductive structure, and a transceiver disposed within the housing and coupled to the conductive structure, the transceiver being configured for radio frequency (RF) communications. The conductive structure is configured for operation as an antenna to support the RF communications.

Abstract: A repeater system for wireless communications applications is, in one aspect, programmable and controllable in a manner that enables multi-user, multiband, and multi-protocol operation. The repeater system includes a repeater coupled to an inside antenna system and to an outside antenna system, either or both of which may be adaptive. Inside cellular phones are coupled via links (that may be cellular or non-cellular) to the repeater and to a control unit, which is itself connected by a link to the repeater. The repeater includes a repeater core coupled to a control component. The core is constructed from a number of modules, the selection of which determines the operation and functionality of the repeater core. Core modules, selectively enabled by a user, establish one or more of the following modes of operation: passive, single-frequency active (SFA), Up/Down Converter (UDC), Remote Wireless Modem (RWM), and Shared-Identity repeater operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling nutrient concentration levels in a fermentation broth containing bacteria or a yeast and a nutrient is disclosed. A computer calculates the nutrient consumption rate of the broth for selected intervals of time between successive samples in real time by comparing the nutrient concentrations of the samples. Thus, the computer having the capability to predict an estimated rate at which the nutrient concentration is expected to decrease at selected sample intervals. Further, adding fresh nutrient to the fermentation broth at a rate and quantity based on the estimated rate to control nutrient concentration levels. Furthermore, a means for obtaining a series of samples and measuring nutrient concentrations is also disclosed.