Abstract: Polypeptides were identified among translated coding sequences from a metagenomic cow rumen database, that were shown to provide xylose isomerase activity in yeast cells. The xylose isomerase activity can complete a xylose utilization pathway so that yeast can use xylose in fermentation, such as xylose in biomass hydrolysate.

Abstract: Fluoroalkyl silanes are a class of compounds useful for various industrial purposes. For example, fluoroalkyl silanes which have hydrolysable groups (called hydrolysable fluoroalkyl silanes), are compounds useful as surface treatment agents which provide durable hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. In general, hydrolysable fluoroalkyl silanes can be represented with the following formula: (RO—)3Si—RT wherein R is H or an alkyl; and RT is a monovalent organic compound terminated by a perfluoroalkyl group. When used to coat a surface, the (RO—)3 moiety reacts (via hydrolysis) with various chemical groups of the surface (e.g., hydroxyl, amine, or other reactive groups) thereby bonding the fluoroalkyl silane to the surface The RT moiety comprises a divalent organic linking group which links the silicon atom to a terminal group rich in fluorine atoms whose unique electronic properties impart desirable hydrophobic and oleophobic properties in a surface coating.

Abstract: A method for preparing a multilayer package comprising a substrate and a composition having a moisture vapor permeation value of at least 200 g-mil/m2/24 h and barrier to liquid water. The method comprises melt blending an organic acid-modified ionomer with an ethylene-containing copolymer and a copolymer comprising a dicarboxylic acid derivative as a comonomer to provide a composition and applying the composition to the substrate in a molten condition and allowing the composition to cool and solidify.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium ear mold. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells, including silicon solar cells, and methods and compositions for making such photovoltaic cells are provided. A silicon substrate having p-type silicon base and an n-type silicon layer is provided with a silicon nitride layer, an exchange metal in contact with the silicon nitride layer, and a non-exchange metal in contact with the exchange metal. This assembly is fired to form a metal silicide contact on the silicon substrate, and a conductive metal electrode in contact with the metal silicide contact. The exchange metal is from nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and combinations thereof, and the non-exchange metal is from silver, copper, tin, bismuth, lead, antimony, arsenic, indium, zinc, germanium, gold, cadmium, berrylium, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Several endogenous genes have been identified in Escherichia coli, the overexpression of which increases recombinant peptide production. Increasing the copy number of aroB, aroK, proB, or crl increases the amount of a recombinant peptide produced by a host cell.

Abstract: There is provided high temperature flame retarded polyamides which provide superior properties in molded articles while maintaining high flow in the molding process. The resin compositions include, in addition to the polyamide and flame retardant, talc and at least one inorganic reinforcing agent and/or filler other than talc. Processes for their preparation and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Near-Azeotropic blends of:pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane with one or more of chlorodifluoromethane, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane, and perfluorocyclopropane;chlorodifluoromethane and pentafluoroethane with one or more of ethane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, propylene, and difluoromethane;chlorodifluoromethane with 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, propane and pentafluoroethane, or 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and octafluoropropane;and pentafluoroethane with fluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, along with their use as refrigerants.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to molecular and oligomeric organo-silicon compounds bearing fluorine atoms, soluble in fluorinated solvents and useful as precursors to network materials.