Abstract: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids, as well as nucleic acid expression vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid vectors are provided. In addition, compositions containing M. hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids are provided for use in methods of treating swine to prevent enzootic pneumonia. Furthermore, the invention provides diagnostic tests for the detecting of M. hyopneumoniae infection in swine herds.

Abstract: A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, and includes a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. The laser delivery assembly further includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. Other embodiments use a fiber laser to generate a spark. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a spark in an engine. Yet other embodiments include collecting light from the spark or a flame resulting from the spark and conveying the light for diagnostics. Methods of using the spark delivery systems and diagnostic systems are provided.

Abstract: Toughened compositions from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), preferably PHB reactively blended with maleated poly butadiene and with an epoxidized natural or synthetic rubber are described. The compositions preferably include clay nanoparticles which can be organically modified and can be exfoliated by the blend. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive uses.

Abstract: An accurate and inexpensive integral micro-optical system for coupling and aligning optical fibers with other optical components, such as other optical fibers, diffusers, beam shapers, beam splitters, mirrors, or lenses is disclosed. The micro-optical coupler disclosed comprises one or more fiberport collimators and one or more microlens arrays, optically aligned during fabrication so that an optical fiber, or other source of light, was coupled to another optical fiber, or other light receiver, by simple inserting the optical source in one side of the micro-coupler and inserting the optical receiver in the other side of the micro-coupler. Often the fabrication process for this system can be done in a single lithography procedure. Since the optical axis of each component was aligned during the fabrication step, no subsequent alignment was required.

Abstract: Th invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences which encode polypeptides having PhzO activity, namely, the ability to convert phenazine-1-carboxylic acid to a 2-hydroxylated phenazine, and isolated polypeptides having this activity. The invention is also directed to recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells including the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, including expression in bacterial or plant cells to inhibit fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for making the vaccines that actively or passively protect an equid or other animal against Sarcocystis neurona. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines that provide active immunity which comprise a polypeptide or DNA vaccine that contains or expresses at least one epitope of an antigen that has an amino acid sequence substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona. The present invention further provides a vaccine that provides passive immunity to Sarcocystis neurona comprising polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against at least one epitope of an antigen substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona.

Abstract: Fuel oxygenates comprised of fatty acid or fatty acid ester derivatives which have been reacted with ozone; a base; and a lower alkanol (1 to 8 carbon atoms) are described. The oxygenates comprise ester groups at a point of cleavage by the ozone which provide oxygen in the oxygenate.

Abstract: An epitaxial Ni3FeN film with unique magnetic properties such as single magnetic domain (even in a large scale 0.5?×0.5?), which rotates coherently in response to the desired switching field with a very sharp transition is described. The magnetic hysteresis loop of this new magnetic nitride is close to the perfect ideal square with the same value of saturation magnetization, remnant magnetization, and magnetization right before switching (domain reversal). The switching field is tunable which make this material more attractive for magneto-resistive devices such as MRAM's, read heads and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The, present invention provides useful adhesive compositions having similar adhesive properties to conventional UF and PPF resins. The compositions generally include a protein portion and modifying ingredient portion selected from the group consisting of carboxyl-containing compounds, aldehyde-containing compounds, epoxy group-containing compounds, and mixtures thereof. The composition is preferably prepared at a pH level at or near the isoelectric point of the protein. In other preferred forms, the adhesive composition includes a protein portion and a carboxyl-containing group portion.

Abstract: A switching element combining a self-aligned, vertical junction field effect transistor with etched-implanted gate and an integrated antiparallel Schottky barrier diode is described. The anode of the diode is connected to the source of the transistor at the device level in order to reduce losses due to stray inductances. The SiC surface in the SBD anode region is conditioned through dry etching to achieve a low Schottky barrier height so as to reduce power losses associated with the turn on voltage of the SBD.

Abstract: A lidar and digital camera system collect data and generate a three-dimensional image. A lidar generates a laser beam to form a lidar shot and to receive a reflected laser beam to provide range data. A digital camera includes an array of pixels to receive optical radiation and provide electro-optical data. An optical bench passes the laser beam, reflected laser beam, and optical radiation and is positioned to align each pixel to known positions within the lidar shot. Pixels are matched to form a lidar point-cloud which is used to generate an image.

Abstract: There is disclosed anti-receptor and growth blocking agents to the vitamin B12/transcobalamin II receptor and binding sites. The anti-receptor and growth blocking agents antagonize or modulate the vitamin B12/transcobalamin II receptor or binding sites, causing cellular depletion of vitamin B12, thus inhibiting cell division or causing apoptosis. Anti-receptor and growth blocking agents of the present invention include proteins (such as antibodies and antibody derivatives), peptides and small organic molecules. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-receptor agent is an antibody to the vitamin B12/transcobalamin II receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reepithelialization/wound healing implant device comprising a barrier layer and one or more polymer layers doped with agents that promote one or more processes in reepithelialization/wound healing. The implant: [a] provides a temporary mechanical/chemical barrier to species within the external environment that inhibit epithelial migration (e.g., unbalanced production/expression of granulation tissue, inhibitory proteins); [b] biodegrades at an appropriate rate while tissue remodeling is occurring; and [c] delivers active cytokines and growth factors in a choreographed pattern to promote reepithelialization.

Abstract: Oxygenase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce paclitaxel (Taxol™), related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the oxygenase enzymes.

Abstract: The invention includes an ion mobility spectrometer having a liquid filled drift chamber. The chamber has an ionization region partitioned from and an ion separation region by a reversible ion-migration block. An electrical field within the chamber allows ions to migrate toward the electrode collector. Passage of ions from the ionization region is triggered by reversing the block allowing ions to migrate into the ion separation region. The invention includes a method of ion mobility analysis in liquid phase. Ions are mobilized to migrate through a drift liquid and are detected at an end of a drift chamber. The invention also includes a method of generating ions in a sample. A sample containing molecules in a first solvent is introduced into a second solvent through a charged capillary where the electrically charged sample is electro-disperses to ionize the molecules.

Abstract: A method comprising forming and grafting polymers on carbon nanotubes, a functionalized product and product dispersion produced by the method, a method of forming composites from the functionalized carbon nanotubes, and the composites produced therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides conductive metal-ligand coordination complexes that are useful in a variety of electronic devices. For example, such complexes are useful in organic light emitting devices composed of one or more layers of organic material between two conductors. The use of metal-ligand coordination complexes of the present invention as the cathode, replaces the more typically employed reactive metals, which function as the electron injecting contact, and provides for improved or longer-lived devices.

Abstract: A method and assay system is provided for screening for antimicrobial agents that inhibit or otherwise disrupt the transcription of bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, particularly those in Gram-positive bacteria. The method and assay utilizes purified RNA polymerase, isolated, for example, from either Bacillus subtilis or Escherichia coli, and a template DNA fragment which encodes glycyl-tRNA synthetase, containing the promoter and leader region of the B. subtilis glyQS gene, including the T-Box terminator/antiterminator. Incubation in the presence of nucleotide triphosphates results in synthesis of an RNA transcript initiating at the glyQS promoter and terminating at the leader region terminator. Read-through of the terminator, and synthesis of an extended transcript, is dependent on addition of purified glycyl-tRNA. The method and assay is dependent on the use of the specified tRNA species; non-specific tRNA fails to stimulate antitermination.

Abstract: A method of local temperature measurement in a sample is provided. The method comprises the stimulation, at a location in the sample, of anti-Stokes and Stokes emission from fluorophores which are present at the location in the sample, measuring the intensities of the stimulated radiation and calculating the temperature at the location from the measured intensities. The method can be used to obtain a thermal image of the sample.