Abstract: Applicants have used protein design to develop novel functional protein architectures, termed protein kinase-inducible domains, whose structures are dependent on phosphorylation by specific protein kinases or are dependent on dephosphorylation by specific protein phosphatases. Applicants have designed kinase-inducible domains based on a modular architecture, which allows kinase-inducible domains to be responsive to any specific serine-threonine kinases. Kinase-inducible domains can consist of canonical amino acids, allowing their use as expressible tags of protein kinase activity.

Abstract: A space saving having at least three shelves where objects can be stored that is capable of being positioned over an object or addition items can be stored in an open space under shelves of the unit.

Abstract: A process for removing microorganisms and/or precursors of disinfection by-products from a medium sought to be treated comprising treating the medium with one or more elements capable of forming an oxide, a hydroxide, and/or an oxyhydroxide through corrosion is disclosed. A system for effecting the removal or inactivation of microorganisms and/or disinfection by-product precursors is also contemplated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) a photovoltaic cell by a power converter that provides an output current at voltages useful to operate electronics or charge batteries. This invention also relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) multiple photovoltaic cells by a power combiner that combines the output of the multiple photovoltaic cells into a single output. The power combiner is comprised of multiple power converters, one for each photovoltaic cell. Each power converter used in these methods has an input-regulating element that has an output wave form with a characteristic that is related to the photovoltaic cell voltage and current. As a result only the photovoltaic cell voltage is directly measured in these methods and the photovoltaic cell current is determined indirectly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) a photovoltaic cell by a power converter that provides an output current at voltages useful to operate electronics or charge batteries. This invention also relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) multiple photovoltaic cells by a power combiner that combines the output of the multiple photovoltaic cells into a single output. The power combiner is comprised of multiple power converters, one for each photovoltaic cell. Each power converter used in these methods has an input-regulating element that has an output wave form with a characteristic that is related to the photovoltaic cell voltage and current. As a result only the photovoltaic cell voltage is directly measured in these methods and the photovoltaic cell current is determined indirectly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit for rendering a glass surface water repellent. This invention is particularly directed to a kit for coating a windshield of a vehicle to render the windshield water repellent.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for monitoring QTL effects and marker assisted selection (MAS) involving providing a recursively determined correlation between one or more markers and a phenotype of interest.

Abstract: An audio output apparatus includes: an audio codec outputting an analog audio signal corresponding to a digital audio signal from a system controller; a switch unit having a first end coupled to the audio codec through a capacitor, and a grounded second end; and a switch controller triggered by a trigger signal to output a control signal to a control end of the switch unit such that the switch unit couples the capacitor to ground in response to the control signal. The trigger signal is generated by one of the system controller, the audio codec, and a power circuit supplying electric power to the system controller, the audio codec and the switch controller upon occurrence of a condition associated with pop noise, and is outputted to the switch controller before the pop noise is generated, such that the pop noise is conducted to ground via the switch unit.

Abstract: Methods for the reduction or prevention of oxidative stress in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising astaxanthin and/or Vitamin E are described. Also described are compositions comprising astaxanthin and/or Vitamin E, the compositions being effective for the reduction or prevention of oxidative stress in an animal.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: Applicants have used protein design to develop novel functional protein architectures, termed protein kinase-inducible domains, whose structures are dependent on phosphorylation by specific protein kinases or are dependent on dephosphorylation by specific protein phosphatases. Applicants have designed kinase-inducible domains based on a modular architecture, which allows kinase-inducible domains to be responsive to any specific serine-threonine kinases. Kinase-inducible domains can consist of canonical amino acids, allowing their use as expressible tags of protein kinase activity.

Abstract: A percutaneous intra-aortic ventricular assist device is adapted for implantation in an aorta that has a luminal wall, and includes a tubular stent body, an inner tubular body, a vane member, a carrier member, a rib unit, a first pulled string, a second pulled string, an alternately pulling mechanism, and a synchronizing member.

Abstract: Compounds comprising peptides and peptidomimetics capable of binding the C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. These compounds display improved complement activation-inhibitory activity as compared with currently available compounds. Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose phosphatase enzymes and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to iron deficient growth conditions. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct disease-tolerant plants or identify and counterselect disease-susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Phytophthora root rot infection that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance are provided. Methods of identifying resistant, and susceptible plants, using the markers are provided. Methods for identifying and isolating QTL are a feature of the invention, as are QTL associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance.

Abstract: This invention concerns a fluorometer preferably combined with a thermal cycler useful in biochemical protocols such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA melting curve analysis. The present fluorometer features a low heat-generating light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), having a one-to-one correspondence to each of a plurality of sample containers, such as capped PCR tubes in a standard titer tray. The fluorometer of the present invention further comprises an optical path between each LED and its correspondingly positioned container, and another optical path between each fluorescing sample within the positioned container and an optical signal sensing means. The instrument can be computer controlled.

Abstract: A process for the production of sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas and chlorine gas which comprises (1) forming an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, (2) placing the sodium chloride solution in a cell having two compartments separated by a separator, (3) subjecting the cell to a direct electrical current of about 3-24 volts and 0.1-500 K amperes; thereby generating hydrogen gas, chlorine gas and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and wherein the electrical current is generated by a solar panel.

Abstract: Markers associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance are provided. Methods of identifying resistant, and susceptible plants, using the markers are provided. Methods for identifying and isolating QTL are a feature of the invention, as are QTL associated with Sclerotinia stem rot resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides novel molecular genetic markers in soybean, where the markers are useful, for example, in the marker-assisted selection of gene alleles that impart disease-resistance, thereby allowing the identification and selection of a disease-resistant plant. The markers also find use in positional cloning of disease-resistance genes.