Abstract: The present invention provides a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), designated F11 receptor (F11R), which is a member of the immunoglobulin super family localized on the surface of human platelets, and determined to effect platelet aggregation, secretion, platelet spreading and cellular adhesion. Cloned F11R cDNA and full length F11R cDNA and amino acid sequences are provided. F11R-antagonists and methods for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, stroke and other clinical disorders involving thrombus formation are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from a disease including cancer, a disease associated with allergic inflammation, or an infectious disease. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: The invention includes RNA complexes comprising at least three monomeric units of an RNA molecule, each monomeric unit comprising an RNA polymer having first and second helical domains that have respective first and second binding sites, wherein the first binding sites are adapted to binding to one another and are not adapted to bind to the second binding sites, and the second binding sites are adapted to binding to one another and are not adapted to bind to the first binding sites; such that the at least three monomeric units are adapted to self-assemble by forming pairs of cognate interactions and so as to form the RNA complex in a circular closed complex. The invention also includes derivatives of these complexes including aptamers, and analytical methods and devices using same.

Abstract: This invention provides low profile distributed antenna which comprises a first and second elongated continuous conductors being kept parallel to each other and forming a transmission line, a plurality of perturbation radiators on the first elongated continuous conductor, wherein a substantial amount of radio frequency energy transmitted by the transmission line radiates from the plurality of perturbation radiators, therefore, the transmission line serves as a low profile distributed antenna.

Abstract: A new starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer, wherein the vegetable oil has been reacted onto the starch backbone using thermal or free radical initiators has been produced in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer can further be reinforced with biofiber in the presence of an optional modifier such as maleic anhydride by reactive extrusion processing to form composites suitable to be injection molded into biodegradable articles.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing nicotine analogs and derivatives are described. In some embodiments the methods utilize an alkyl or aryl silyl-substituted nicotine analog intermediate. Intermediates useful for the synthesis of nicotine and nicotine analogs are also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch based on the magneto-optic effect of magnetic materials is presented. Due to the optical fiber based construction of the switching device it is suitable for optical fiber networks The on-off function of the switch is useful for isolation and connection of node(s) from a fiber optical network without having to turn off a laser. The switch is based on the Faraday Effect exhibited by magneto-optic materials. The all-fiber magneto-optic switch has a beam splitter at the input that splits an incoming signal into orthogonal polarized paths. Each path has at least one magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) controlled by a field. When the field is present, the polarization of the optical beam changes, thereby turning the switch on or off depending on the initial polarization of the beam. A beam coupler couples the orthogonal polarized paths at the output of the all-fiber magneto-optic switch. The MOFR is a bismuth substituted iron garnet.

Abstract: A method of making a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane comprises reacting an aldehyde or acetal having at least one phosphono group substituted thereon with pyrrole to produce a phosphono-substituted dipyrromethane; and wherein the phosphono is selected from the group consisting of dialkyl phosphono, diaryl phosphono, and dialkylaryl phosphono. Additional methods, intermediates and products are also described.

Abstract: A fire retardant composition that includes: a polyolefin and an additive package that includes a brominated polystyrene or decabromodiphenyl ether; a nanoclay; and metal oxide fillers in the nanometer particle range. The compositions can have high weight percentages of the additive package because of the compatibilizing effect of the nanoclay. The nanoclay is preferably a quantenary amine treated nanoclay, wherein the quantenary amine causes exfoliation of the nanoclay. The polyolefin is a polyethylene or a polypropylene and the preferred metal oxide is antimony oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising acyltransferase nucleic acid molecules for altering lipids on the surface of plants, and related methods. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing the amount of free fatty acids, acylglycerols, and other lipids on the surface of a plant. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to increasing activity of a GPAT acyltransferase for altering lipid on the plant surface, for increasing surface lipids, for enhancing environmental stress tolerance, increasing resistance to biotic stress, and providing novel plant lipids for commercial products. In further embodiments, the present invention relates to using an Arabidopsis thaliana GPAT acyltransferase for altering lipid compounds on the surface of a plant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a starch-polyester graft copolymer, for example formed by the reactive blending of a thermoplastic starch (TpS) and/or a modified thermoplastic starch (MTpS) with a biodegradable polyester. The thermoplastic starch includes starch (e.g., a high-amylose starch) and a plasticizer, and can further include a chemical modifier and an optional initiator. The graft copolymer preferably is completely (or substantially completely) biodegradable, for example based on the biodegradability of each of its components. The graft copolymer can be formed into sheets of material that can be subsequently thermoformed, for example into single-use, disposable articles.

Abstract: A radioisotope identification and localization device having at least one radiation detector with three dimensional event localization that utilizes a spatial correlation of projection vectors arising from Compton scattering of gamma ray emissions. Source identification and location is supplied by a reconstruction that searches for solutions with radioactive material of unknown type. Detection, identification and localization does not require full energy deposition. Identification and location of known or unknown radioactive material somewhere in a large active area of interrogation is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the production of docetaxel. Docetaxel is produced by protecting the C(7) and the C(10) hydroxy groups of 10-DAB with a bridging silicon-based protecting group. The resulting 7,10-protected 10-DAB derivative is then derivatized and deprotected to form docetaxel.

Abstract: A control system stabilizes a turret having a gimbal and base and pointing a weapon mounted within the turret. The control system includes computer executable modules to receive turret data and operator commands and to modify operator commands in accordance with a generated line of sight vector and ballistic data. The modules include a time optimal controller to generate modified operator commands. The modules further include a gimbal stabilization controller to generate motor commands to stabilize the turret and point the weapon.

Abstract: Stress-related nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, stress-related fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-stress-related antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel homotropane compounds with CNS activity. These compounds can be used for alleviating symptoms of CNS disorders.

Abstract: A novel nanocatalyst is disclosed containing titanium oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. The catalyst comprises a layer of iron oxide in the gamma form supported on a titanium oxide core. Addition of calcium cations helps to stabilize the iron oxide in the gamma form. The iron oxide layer is on the order of a few nanometers thick on the surface of the titanium oxide core, in an “egg-in-shell” structure. The nanocatalyst is highly active in promoting the oxidation of compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol, other hydrocarbons, chlorinated phenols, and carbon monoxide, even at moderately elevated temperatures. The catalyst remains active in a pyrolytic environment for extended periods of time, and possesses high redox cycling potential. The efficiency of the catalyst is not strongly affected by coking in a combustion environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of peeling produce is described comprising adding an electrically conductive fluid and a produce having a peel to a container and subjecting the fluid and the produce to an electrical field to produce a current sufficient to rupture the peel from the produce.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: A new and distinct peach variety of Prunus persica named ‘NJF15’ is provided. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of large, showy, light pink flowers, flat fruit that ripen in early midseason with mottled red over color on a bright yellow-orange ground color, clingstone fruit with a juicy, nonmelting texture and sweet, spicy flavor, firm fruit that retain their firmness well and trees with regular, heavy production of fruit.