Abstract: The objective of this invention is to create a double thyA folA knockout Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain for antifolate screening against DHFR of malaria and other parasites. This strain is used together with a plasmid expressing DHFR-TS from the desired pathogenic organism, which constitutes an anti-DHFR assay against the pathogenic organism of interest. The benefit of this invention is that there is no interference from either host DHFR or trimethoprim, a bacterial DHFR inhibitor. This tool is easy to use and maintain. It provides quick and reliable results as compared with conventional anti-malarial and anti-parasitic assays. This invention should facilitate discovery of new anti-DHFR compounds against malaria and other parasitic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastic compounds for preparing films in a masterbatch containing zeolite with surfaces modified by silylation reaction. The films can be obtained through thermoplastic processing by blending the masterbatch with polymers such as polyolefins and polystyrene. The masterbatch includes styrene-b-(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-styrene copolymers with styrene to ethylene-ran-butylene content of 12:88 to 14:86, and zeolites surfaces modified by silylation reaction with organosilane compound, in 30% to 70% by weight of copolymer with zeolite. The organosilane formula is R1nSiR2R3-n, where R is methoxy, ethoxy or chloro group, R1 is methyl group, R2 is functional group capable of a forming ?-? interaction from phenyl, phenylethyl, vinyl, or propyl methacrylate groups, and n is 0 and 2.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (?4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.

Abstract: A synthetic method for preparing dual curable (e.g., thermal and light curable) silicone compositions is provided. The first step being a chemical modification of silanichydride bonds in cyclic siloxane monomer by the hydrosilylation reaction with acrylate-/methacrylate-containing allylic monomer. The second step being a ring-opening polymerization of the acrylate-/methacrylate-functionalized cyclic siloxane monomer with siloxane monomers using an oligosiloxane as a chain terminator.

Abstract: A zero power standby system for controlling electric appliances is able to wait for switch on instructions without any power consumption. This is done by a remote controller (1) transmitting power in the form of an electromagnetic field, light, or audio signal to a power receiving section (2) of a control signal receiving device (13). The power receiving section will then use the received power to force a multi-switch section (7) to connect between a power supply and a control signal receiving section (9) and a control signal processing section (3) and put the appliance into its usual running mode. When a user desires to turn off the electric appliance, the system stops supplying power to the control signal receiving section (9) and the control signal processing section (3) by turning off multi-switch section (7) and putting the electric appliance back to its zero power standby mode (i.e. consuming no power). Therefore, wasting of electrical energy in the standby mode is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A gas-timing control method for depositing metal oxynitride and transition metal oxynitride (Mx(ON)y) films on glass and flexible substrates using reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering, without substrate heating. A system includes a sputtering chamber, substrates, targets, three mass flow controllers controlled respective flow rates of argon, nitrogen and oxygen gases alternately and intermittently into the sputtering chamber, and a radio frequency generator with 13.56 MHz which irradiated in the sputtering chamber to decompose sputtering gases. The flow rate ratio of oxygen+nitrogen/argon is at least 0.02, the flow rate ratio of oxygen/nitrogen is at least 0.01, and the sequence timing of argon, nitrogen and oxygen gases alternately or mixed into the sputtering chamber at least 1 sec.

Abstract: The aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline-is the major potent flavor component of all aromatic rice and other plants. This present invention provides transgenic plants in which 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is synthesized at a level greater than in naturally occurring non-aromatic varieties. The transgenic plants have reduced expression of the Os2AP gene and protein, resulting in an aromatic phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition for topical application, preferably for treating acne, and a method for using the composition. The composition comprises a photocatalyst mixture comprising a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide, and sodium perborate, magnesium silicate, and citric acid. The photocatalyst mixture is in an amount effective as an antimicrobial under visible light. The method comprises applying the composition to a target area of the skin and exposing the area to visible light.

Abstract: The aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is the major potent flavor component of all aromatic rice. This present invention provides nucleic acids associated with grain aroma, including isolated nucleic acids containing SEQ ID NO:2 and cells containing such nucleic acids. These nucleic acids encode betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH2).

Abstract: A method for producing a solar cell including the steps of forming a p-type microcrystalline silicon oxide layer on a glass substrate using a PECVD method and raw gases comprising Silane gas, Diborane gas, Hydrogen gas and Carbon Dioxide gas. The method may employ a frequency of between about 13.56-60 MHz. The PECVD method may be performed at a power density of between about 10-40 mW/cm2 and a pressure of between about 0.5-2 Torr, and with a ratio of Carbon Dioxide to Silane of between about 0.10-0.24; a ratio of Diborane to Silane of 0.10 or less, and a ratio of Silane to Hydrogen of 0.01 or less. A tandem solar cell structure may be formed by forming top and bottom layers by the method described above, and placing the top layer over the bottom layer.

Abstract: The invention includes a genetic construct and a mutant dengue virus, designated as strain MBU 01-2002, which is a mutant dengue virus generated by genetic modification of the 13-amino acid sequence just proximal to the pr-M junction within the prM coding region of the genome. The modification involves increasing the number of positively charged amino acids and abolishing the negatively charged amino acids in this pr-M junction sequence. The mutant dengue virus strain MBU 01-2002 possesses less prM protein on the viral envelope than the prototype dengue virus, is capable of inducing infected C6/36 cells to fuse at neutral pH, is as efficient as the prototype virus in the intracellular multiplication, but is defective in its release from infected cells.

Abstract: A synthetic method for preparing dual curable (e.g., thermal and light curable) silicone compositions is provided. The first step being a, chemical modification of silanichydride bonds in cyclic siloxane monomer by the hydrosilylation reaction with acrylate-/methacrylate-containing allylic monomer. The second step being a ring-opening polymerization of the acrylate-/methacrylate-functionalized cyclic siloxane monomer with siloxane monomers using an oligosiloxane as a chain terminator.

Abstract: The aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline-is the major potent flavor component of all aromatic rice. This present invention provides transgenic rice plants in which 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is synthesized at a level greater than in naturally occurring non-aromatic varieties. The transgenic plants have reduced expression of the Os2AP gene and protein, resulting in an aromatic phenotype.

Abstract: A method for producing a solar cell including the steps of forming a p-type microcrystalline silicon oxide layer on a glass substrate using a PECVD method and raw gases comprising Silane gas, Diborane gas, Hydrogen gas and Carbon Dioxide gas. The method may employ a frequency of between about 13.56-60 MHz. The PECVD method may be performed at a power density of between about 10-40 mW/cm2 and a pressure of between about 0.5-2 Torr, and with a ratio of Carbon Dioxide to Silane of between about 0.10-0.24; a ratio of Diborane to Silane of 0.10 or less, and a ratio of Silane to Hydrogen of 0.01 or less. A tandem solar cell structure may be formed by forming top and bottom layers by the method described above, and placing the top layer over the bottom layer.

Abstract: The invention includes a genetic construct and a mutant dengue virus, designated as strain MBU 01-2002, which is a mutant dengue virus generated by genetic modification of the 13-amino acid sequence just proximal to the pr-M junction within the prM coding region of the genome. The modification involves increasing the number of positively charged amino acid and abolishing the negatively charged amino acid in this pr-M junction sequence. The mutant dengue virus strain MBU 01-2002 possesses less prM protein on the viral envelope than the prototype dengue virus, is capable of inducing infected C6/36 cells to fuse at neutral pH, is as efficient as the prototype virus in the intracellular multiplication, but is defective in its release from infected cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (?4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.

Abstract: Three new alkaloids, Hirsutellones A, B, and C, are produced in cultures of fungus such as Hirsutella nivea strain BCC 2594 and Trichoderma sp. strain BCC 7579. The Hirsutellones exhibited potent growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Ra strain) with an MIC value of 0.78 ?g/ml, while showing weak or no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Therefore, Hirsutellones and pharmaceutical compositions containing Hirsutellones may be useful for the treatment of tuberculosis. Also described herein are methods of isolating the Hirsutellones.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a 3-halogen atom, and R2 represents a straight-chain alkyl group containing up to 6 carbon atoms, a straight-chain alkyl group containing up to 3 carbon atoms with unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring, or alkoxycarbonyl substituent at the end position, or aryloxyalkoxyalkyl group have been found to possess antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum lines, including those resistant against pyrimethamine and other antifolates. The compounds themselves, methods of making these compounds, and methods of using these compounds are all disclosed.

Abstract: The aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline-is the major potent flavor component of all aromatic rice. This present invention provides transgenic rice plants in which 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is synthesized at a level greater than in naturally occurring non-aromatic varieties. The transgenic plants have reduced expression of the Os2AP gene and protein, resulting in an aromatic phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that applies the latest technology related to compression, rendering, and geographical data processing to present an interactive interface to users, which enables them to efficiently manipulate maps and queries for information over the World Wide Web. The method includes a World Wide Web application to display GIS information and obtains user input, and a server application to process user input and to communicate with the database to retrieve or store data.