Abstract: Xanthochymol and garcinol, isoprenylated benzophenones purified from Garcinia xanthochymus fruits, showed multiple activities against fungal biofilms. Both compounds effectively prevented emergence of fungal germ tubes and were also cytostatic, with MICs of 1 to 3 ?M. The compounds therefore inhibited development of hyphae and subsequent biofilm maturation. Xanthochymol treatment of developing and mature biofilms induced cell death. In early biofilm development, killing had the characteristics of apoptosis. These activities resulted in failure of biofilm maturation and hyphal death in mature biofilms. In mature biofilms, xanthochymol and garcinol caused the death of biofilm hyphae, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 30 to 50 ?M. Additionally, xanthochymol-mediated killing was complementary with fluconazole against mature biofilms, reducing the fluconazole EC50 from greater than 1,024 ?g per ml to 13 ?g per ml.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel curcumin derivatives in which one or two of the phenolic groups have been modified.

Abstract: In the present invention, different strategies are used to improve the bioavailability of triterpene glycosides and triterpenes including, for example, (a) a covalent approach involving modification with polyethylene glycol and (b) a formulation approach involving non-covalent encapsulation in antibody targeted pol(DL-lactic acid) nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating brain insulin resistance and/or diseases associated therewith in a subject in need thereof. The methods include providing a composition comprising a dual GLP-1 receptor/GIP receptor (GLP-1R/GIPR) agonist and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject to treat brain insulin resistance and diseases associated therewith.

Abstract: A method of treating liver cancer using a peptide based on venom from a terebrid snail, terebrid variegata, is described. The venom has a general formula of TRX3CCGCYWNGSKDVCSQSCC (SEQ ID NO: 1) and variants thereof are described.

Abstract: A method for treating, preventing or ameliorating breast cancer is provided by administering a synergistic amount of digitoxin and either actein or an extract of black cohosh comprising triterpene glycosides, and optionally another chemopreventive agent which may be paclitaxel. Methods for treating or preventing a neoplasia using a synergistic combination, and compositions of a synergistic combination of a cardiac glycoside and either actein or an extract of black cohosh comprising triterpene glycosides, and optionally another chemopreventive agent which may be a taxane are also provided. The compositions may also be used in a method for modulating Na+K+ATPase activity. In addition, a method for inhibiting the progression or development of breast cancer in vivo by administering either actein or an extract of black cohosh comprising triterpene glycosides and optionally at least one other chemoprotective agent is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a superhydrophobic surface. Methods of fabrication are disclosed including laminating an optically transparent polymer sheet with hydrophobic nanoparticles such that the nanoparticles are partially embedded and partially exposed. The resulting assembly remains optically transparent. Additional methods include the lamination of nanoparticles to flexible fabrics and the production of molded articles using nanoparticle-treated molds.

Abstract: A method for providing a therapeutic benefit for a subject having a cancer is provided. A compound with an arene ruthenium (II) compound with an iminophosphorane ligand is administered to the subject.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery. Controlled delivery of an anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive drug is achieved by an enzyme-triggered drug release mechanism via degradation of encapsulated hydrogels. The hydro- and organo-gelators are synthesized in high yields from renewable resources by using a regioselective enzyme catalysis and a known chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory drug, curcumin, is encapsulated in the gel matrix and released by enzyme triggered delivery. The release of the drug occurs at the physiological temperature and control of the drug release rate is achieved by manipulating the enzyme concentration and temperature. The by-products formed after the gel degradation clearly demonstrated the site specificity of degradation of the gelator by enzyme catalysis.

Abstract: Thermal storage systems that preferably do not create substantially any additional back pressure or create minimal additional back pressure and their applications in combined cycle power plants are disclosed. In one embodiment of the method for efficient response to load variations in a combined cycle power plant, the method includes providing, through a thermal storage tank, a flow path for fluid exiting a gas turbine, placing in the flow path a storage medium comprising high thermal conductivity heat resistance media, preferably particles, the particles being in contact with each other and defining voids between the particles in order to facilitate flow of the fluid in a predetermined direction constituting a longitudinal direction, arrangement of the particles constituting a packed bed, dimensions of the particles and of the packed bed being selected such that a resultant back pressure to the gas turbine is at most a predetermined back pressure.

Abstract: A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacyl-ethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant; (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder; and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a high capacity compact gel documentation system for documenting different types of electrophoresis gels or other translucent objects using ultraviolet light. The system includes a base with a scanning surface having a transparent bottom surface. A light source is connected to a conveying mechanism, disposed below the transparent bottom surface, to move the light source over the length of the transparent bottom surface. An image capture device receives a reflected image and provides it to a microprocessor. Moreover, separate interchangeable filters allow for documentation of UV and white light gel captures, alleviating the need for separate transilluminators and hoods with filters and cameras.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for use in treating or preventing neoplasia, comprising an effective actein. The present invention also provides a composition for use in treating or preventing neoplasia, comprising an effective anti-neoplastic amount of an ethyl acetate extract of black cohosh. The present invention further provides a combination of anti-neoplastic agents, comprising an effective anti-neoplastic amount of an ethyl acetate extract of black cohosh and an effective anti-neoplastic amount of at least one additional chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent. Methods for treating and preventing neoplasia are also provided.

Abstract: Human cathepsin L inhibitors and probes containing a vinyl sulfonate ester moiety are described. The inhibitors are highly potent (low nM affinity), selective, and cell permeable, and can inhibit ultra-low concentration of active cathepsin L. The developed probes are highly sensitive and can detect an ultra-low amount of probe-labeled active cathespin L.

Abstract: A method for storing the energy of a nuclear power plant in which the nuclear core is cooled by gases or liquid heat transfer media. The hot heat transfer liquid is stored directly in storage tanks. When needed, it is used for heating a power plant. The heat of a compressed gas heat transfer medium such as helium is stored by passing the compressed gas through tanks filled with heat-resistant solids and recovered by passing the same type of gas in a second circuit in a reverse direction. Through the hot tanks to the power plant and back. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A laser projection system including one or more pluralities of laser sources, each plurality of laser sources emitting light having substantially a different predetermined wavelength in the visible range, a fiber optic laser beam combiner combining outputs of at least one of the pluralities of laser sources into one optical fiber, a fiber-optic delivery component coupled to the one optical fiber and one or more spatial light modulators, and one or more homogenizing optical elements, and one or more optical lens system for projecting the associated images on a screen.

Abstract: A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacylethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings. The subject matter disclosed herein relates to enhancers of amidohydrolase activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the process of heat and/or mass transfer operations in packed beds and embodiments of applications of the methods are disclosed herein below. In one instance, the method results in the profile of the quantity representative of the heat and/or mass transfer operation having a propagating substantially sharp front.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for providing a stretchable power source and corresponding device. The device has at least two stretchable fabrics with silver-coated fibers. Each fabric has cathodic and anodic materials, respectively, deposited between the fibers. The fibers are sealed with an elastomeric pouch having an electrolyte. The stretchable power source has substantially no change in discharge capacity when stretched from 0% strain to 100% strain.