Abstract: A sensor implant system comprises a shunt body comprising a central flow portion configured for placement at least partially within an opening of a tissue wall and the sensor implant system comprises a sensor implant device comprising a sensor body. The sensor implant device is configured for placement within the opening of the tissue wall and between the central flow portion of the shunt body and an inner wall of the opening of the tissue wall.

Abstract: Covalently cross-linked pilus polymers displayed on the cell surface of Gram-positive bacteria are assembled by class C sortase enzymes. These pilus-specific transpeptidases located on the bacterial membrane catalyze a two-step protein ligation reaction—first, cleaving the LPXTG motif of one pilin protomer to form an acyl-enzyme intermediate, and second, joining the terminal threonine to the nucleophilic lysine residue residing within the pilin motif of another pilin protomer. Informed by the high-resolution crystal structures of corynebacterial pilus-specific sortase (SrtA) and by developing structural variants of the sortase enzyme whose catalytic pocket has been unmasked by activating mutations, we have developed new reagents capable of forming isopeptide bonds in vitro. The reagents disclosed herein can catalyze ligation of isolated SpaA domains in vitro provide a facile and versatile new platform for protein engineering and bio-conjugation that has major implications for biotechnology.

Abstract: Covalently cross-linked pilus polymers displayed on the cell surface of Gram-positive bacteria are assembled by class C sortase enzymes. These pilus-specific transpeptidases located on the bacterial membrane catalyze a two-step protein ligation reaction—first, cleaving the LPXTG motif of one pilin protomer to form an acyl-enzyme intermediate, and second, joining the terminal threonine to the nucleophilic lysine residue residing within the pilin motif of another pilin protomer. Informed by the high-resolution crystal structures of corynebacterial pilus-specific sortase (SrtA) and by developing structural variants of the sortase enzyme whose catalytic pocket has been unmasked by activating mutations, we have developed new reagents capable of forming isopeptide bonds in vitro. The reagents disclosed herein can catalyze ligation of isolated SpaA domains in vitro provide a facile and versatile new platform for protein engineering and bio-conjugation that has major implications for biotechnology.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed for attaching a display item to either an existing hitch box or to a hitch ball bolt, with the display item comprising a toy, light, character, sign, a fan, or other related item. The toys used with the present invention could vary widely and could easily be tied to seasonal holiday celebrations. Toys or signs could be lighted via an existing hitch electrical connection. The signs could vary widely in content, and could include the make and model of a vehicle, various sayings, names, catch phrases, and other types of sayings or slogans. Light-only attachments for collision avoidance or decorative purposes can be utilized with either an existing hitch box or to a hitch ball bolt and can also be lit via the existing hitch electrical connection.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lighting controller, a switching circuit operates to selectively couple a bank of electronic ballasts to an AC power source (100-277 Volts, 50-60 Hertz). The switching circuit comprises a pair of relays, preferably connected in parallel, with one of such relays having a controllably conductive device, such as an electronic switch, and preferably a triac, connected in series therewith. With the relays open, an air gap isolates the power source and ballasts. In closing the relays in sequence, one relay provides a conductive path from the power source to the triac. After a suitable delay to allow the relay contacts to stabilize in the closed position, the triac is triggered to provide a conductive path from the power source to the ballasts, and a large current surge (as much as 300 amps) flow to the ballasts. After the current surge has subsided, the other relay is closed to provide a direct conductive path between the power source and ballasts.