Abstract: Methods for producing biliverdin in a microorganism, methods for producing biliverdin from a non-animal source, cells for producing biliverdin and methods for producing cells for producing biliverdin are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained from the amnion and their methods of obtaining and culturing. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising amnion-derived stems cells (ADSCs) and to methods of using ADSCs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the interaction of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular fatty acid binding protein (FABP). The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate binding of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate expression of an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for treatment of a neurological disorder comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate the interaction of an endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP.

Abstract: The time/temperature history of a food tray or pouch heated by microwave energy applied through a waveguide can be accurately assessed on positioning and stabilizing a shielded data logger in an orientation where the base of the data logger is located generally close to zero depth (near the side wall) and the tip projects to the cold spot in the tray or pouch. A frame can be used to assure stability of orientation in a pouch while bracing can be used to assure stability in a tray. The properly configured food tray or pouch can serve as an accurate witness device for food items being processed in a similar manner under microwave heating for, e.g., sterilization or pasteurization.

Abstract: Bicyclic sesquiterpene compounds exhibiting antifungal characteristics are formulated into antifungal compositions for use in the treatment of fungal infections in humans, animals, and plants. Particularly, sesquiterpene alcohols derived from drimane have been discovered to possess broad-spectrum antifungal characteristics. Exemplary antifungal sesquiterpene compounds include albicanol and drimenol, which have been shown effective against a number of pathogenic fungi.

Abstract: Improved methods of native chemical ligation are provided. The methods involve reacting a thioacid (e.g. a peptide thioacid) with an aziridinyl compound (e.g. an aziridinyl peptide) under mild conditions without the use of protecting groups, and without requiring that a cysteine residue be present in the ligation product. Initial coupling of the thioacid and the aziridinyl compound yields a ligation product which contains an aziridinyl ring. Subsequent opening of the aziridinyl ring (e.g. via a nucleophilic attack) produces a linearized and modified ligation product.

Abstract: A beam steering apparatus includes a first beam steering stage and at least a second beam steering stage arranged in-line with the first beam steering stage. The first beam steering stage includes a first polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a first periodic director pattern, and the second beam steering stage includes a second polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a second periodic director pattern. In nonmechanical embodiments, a polarization selector may be arranged to provide a circularly polarized input beam incident on the first polarization grating. In mechanical embodiments, at least one of the first polarization grating and the second polarization grating may be operable to be independently rotated about an azimuth thereof. Related methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating or inhibiting infection of Clostridium difficile. The methods and compositions generate rapid immune responses that inhibit future infection, and/or neutralize the toxicity caused by C. difficile infection.

Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the binding of anthrax lethal factor with protective antigen comprising contacting the anthrax lethal factor with a compound having the structure:

Abstract: A luminescent device including an emission layer having luminescent nanoclusters is provided. The luminescent nanoclusters can be phosphorescent metal halides. The luminescent device can emit IR, NIR, colored, or white light and be pumped electrically or optically. A method for manufacturing a luminescent device including an emission layer having luminescent nanoclusters is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are provided that include chitosan and a modified carbohydrate. The modified carbohydrate includes a carbohydrate component and a cross linking agent. The modified carbohydrate has increased carboxyl content as compared to an unmodified counterpart carbohydrate. A carboxyl group of the modified carbohydrate is covalently bonded with an amino group of chitosan. The compositions of matter provided herein may include cross linked starch citrate-chitosan and cross linked hemicellulose citrate-chitosan, including foams thereof. These compositions yield excellent absorbency and metal chelation properties. Methods of making cross linked modified carbohydrate-chitosan compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst complex or ligand, and compositions thereof, for use in a variety of organic reactions having high reactivity and enantioselectivity. The catalyst is a N-heterocyclic carbene having three fused rings with first and second rings being six-membered rings and the third being a five-membered ring. The first ring is fused to the second and has four substituents. The second ring has two nitrogens flanking a carbene atom with one nitrogen bound to a substituent. The carbene atom may optionally be bonded to a metal. The third ring is fused to the second ring and contains two nitrogens. The third ring of the catalyst has a double bond and two substituents on adjacent non-fused carbons. A non-fused nitrogen of the third ring is partially bonded to another substituent. Methods for the synthesis and use of the catalyst embodiments of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A multi-sensing fuel injection system for internal combustion engines. The system includes a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the internal combustion chamber. The fuel injector is electrically insulated from an engine body of the internal combustion engine by way of a first electrically insulated member. A second electrically insulated member is provided for fixedly disposing the fuel injector within the combustion chamber. The electrical insulation of the fuel injector, in conjunction with the integration of an ion sensing circuit including a resistor and a power source for supplying voltage to the fuel injector, allows for a full measurement of the ionization current.

Abstract: Provided are methods of enhancing an immune response and methods for reducing the recruitment of monocytes to a lymph node by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an antigen. The invention also provides relate methods for amplifying vaccine immunity by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an vaccine. The invention also provides related methods of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by administering to an individual with cancer an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an anti-tumor preparation. In addition, related compositions comprising an ARB or a compound of Formula (I) and an antigen, vaccine, or anti-tumor preparation are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a product from an oil feedstock, such as a biodiesel product, and a heterogeneous catalyst system used to form said product is disclosed. This catalyst system, which has a high tolerance for the presence of water and free fatty acids (FFA) in the oil feedstock, may simultaneously catalyze both the esterification of FAA and the transesterification of triglycerides present in the oil feedstock. The catalyst system is comprised of a mixture of zinc oxide and a second metal oxide. The zinc oxide includes a mixture of amorphous zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanocrystals, the zinc nanocrystals having a mean grain size between about 20 and 80 nanometers with at least one of the nanocrystals including a mesopore having a diameter of about 5 to 15 nanometers. Preferably, the second metal oxide is a lanthanum oxide, the lanthanum oxide being selected as one from the group of La2CO5, LaOOH, and combinations or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the concentration of zooplankton in a continuous zooplankton culture system. The system may include a transmissiometer, a sample tube, a first sample containing water and microalgae, and a second sample containing water, microalgae, and zooplankton. The concentration of zooplankton in the system may be calculated by comparing the transmissiometer output from the first sample and the second sample, wherein each of the outputs are obtained by moving each sample into the sample tube such that the transmissionmeter is positioned to take a reading across the tube.