Abstract: This disclosure provides the nucleic acid and protein sequences of novel P450 oxygenases that utilize, at least, taxoid substrates, including taxadiene isomers. The disclosed oxygenases, such as a taxoid 5?-hydroxylase, hydroxylate, at least, the C5 position of a taxoid. Also provided are methods of introducing oxygen at the C5 position of a taxoid and methods of producing the anti-cancer drug, paclitaxel (also known as Taxol™), and other taxoids, such as paclitaxel intermediates.

Abstract: The amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of a ?5-desaturase enzyme and a ?8-desaturase enzyme are disclosed. The nucleic acid sequences can be used to design recombinant DNA constructs and vectors. These vectors can then be used to transform various organisms, including for example, plants and yeast. The transformed organisms will then produce polyunsaturated fatty acids. The amino acid sequences are useful for generating enzyme-specific antibodies that are useful for identifying the desaturases.

Abstract: Methods of forming a nano-structure for electron extraction are disclosed. One method of forming a nano-structure comprises irradiating an area on a first surface of a thermal conductive film to melt the area across the film. The film is insulated on a second surface to provide two-dimensional heat transfer across the film. The liquid density of the film is greater than the solid density thereof. The method further comprises cooling the area inwardly from the periphery thereof to form a nano-structure having an apical nano-tip for electron extraction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for cross-talk cancellation for multi-lane fluorescence detectors. The invention may be implemented in accordance with a variety of systems, including systems for multi-capillary electrophoresis. The present invention is based on a special calibration procedure for determination of a channel cross-talk matrix and enables an accurate separation of the fluorescence emitted from individual capillary lanes. The proposed method for cross-talk calibration and removal is very useful for design and development of multi-lane single photon counting detection systems.

Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.

Abstract: Novel cap-independent translational enhancers (CITEs) from monocot-infecting members of the virus family Tombusviridae (e.g. Maize necrotic streak virus) are provided. The CITEs can be used to produce uncapped mRNA that is efficiently translated into protein, for example, in wheat germ extract or in transgenic cereals or grasses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flame retardant additive comprising carbon based nanotudes having flame retardant properties. The flame retardant additive of the invention includes up to about 25% by weight of the carbon-based nanotube. An embodiment of the invention is directed to a polymer including the flame retardant additive of the invention which comprises an effective amount of carbon based nanotubes. The invention also relates to a method of improving the flame retardant properties of a material, the method including adding to the material an effective amount of the flame retardant additive of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods for rewarding a user of a web-based application, comprising: providing a web-based application accessible by a plurality of users via an interface, wherein the application interface provides for user-directed posting and retrieval of content relating to the application; monitoring use by the plurality of users of user-specific content; assessing a value of the user-specific content; determining an incentive or reward, based on the assessed value of the user-specific content; and providing the specific user with the determined incentive or reward. Also provided is a computer network apparatus or system for rewarding a user of a web-based application. Further provided are methods of data mining, comprising: providing a web-based application (e.g.

Abstract: Mycobacterial proteins from culture filtrate or cytosol are disclosed as being useful B cell antigens for early diagnosis of mycobacterial disease, particularly in humans. These proteins include four that had not previously been recognized as B cell antigens (LppZ protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv3006; SodC protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv0432; BfrB protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv3841 and TrxC protein encoded byMtb gene Rv3914). Antigenic compositions include these proteins and/or peptide fragments thereof, in various combinations with each other or with one or more of a set of 10 additional Mtb proteins known to be antigens (in paricular early antigens. Methods and kits for using these antigenic composition for early diagnosis of mycobacterial infection and disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-precision multiplication methods include storing a first operand and a second operand as a first array and a second array of n words. A first weighted sum is determined from multiple subproducts of corresponding words of the first operand and the second operand. The methods may further include iteratively determining a next weighted sum from a previous weighted sum and a recursively calculated intermediate product. The disclosed methods can be used in a variety of different applications (e.g., cryptography) and can be implemented in a number of software or hardware environments.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided semiconductor devices such as a Schottky UV photodetector fabricated on n-type ZnO and MgxZn1-xO epitaxial films. The ZnO and MgxZn1-xO films are grown on R-plane sapphire substrates and the Schottky diodes are fabricated on the ZnO and MgxZn1-xO films using silver and aluminum as Schottky and ohmic contact metals, respectively. The Schottky diodes have circular patterns, where the inner circle is the Schottky contact, and the outside ring is the ohmic contact. Ag Schottky contact patterns are fabricated using standard liftoff techniques, while the Al ohmic contact patterns are formed using wet chemical etching. These detectors show low frequency photoresponsivity, high speed photoresponse, lower leakage current and low noise performance as compared to their photoconductive counterparts. This invention is also applicable to optical modulators, Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETs) and more.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences are disclosed that may be used to impart herbicide resistance to green plants. The sources of novel herbicide resistance were originally isolated in mutant rice plants. The sequences impart pre-emergence resistance, post-emergence resistance, or both pre-emergence resistance and post-emergence resistance to multiple herbicides. To date, resistance has been demonstrated against at least the following herbicides: imazethapyr, imazapic, imazapyr, imazamox, sulfometuron methyl, imazaquin, chlorimuron ethyl, metsulfuron methyl, rimsulfuron, thifensulfuron methyl, pyrithiobac sodium, tribenuron methyl, and nicosulfuron. Green plants transformed with these sequences are resistant to these herbicides and to derivatives of these herbicides, and to at least some of the other herbicides that normally inhibit acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), particularly imidazolinone and sulfonylurea herbicides.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention can involve a method of synthesizing ?-amino-?-caprolactam. The method can comprise heating a salt of L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol. In other embodiments, the present invention can involve methods for synthesizing ?-caprolactam. The methods can comprise heating a salt of L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol and deaminating the reaction product. In various embodiments, the invention can include methods of converting biomass into nylon 6. The methods can comprise heating L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol to produce ?-amino-?-caprolactam, deaminating to produce ?-caprolactam and polymerizing into nylon 6, wherein the L-lysine is derived from the biomass. In other embodiments, the present invention can include methods of making nylon 6. The methods can comprise synthesizing ?-caprolactam and then polymerizing, wherein the ?-caprolactam is derived from L-lysine.

Abstract: Semiconductor structures are provided comprising a substrate and a epitaxial layer formed over the substrate, wherein the epitaxial layer comprises B; and one or more element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf and Al and has a thickness greater than 50 nm. Further, methods for integrating Group III nitrides onto a substrate comprising, forming an epitaxial buffer layer of a diboride of Zr, Hf, Al, or mixtures thereof, over a substrate; and forming a Group III nitride layer over the buffer layer, are provided which serve to thermally decouple the buffer layer from the underlying substrate, thereby greatly reducing the strain induced in the semiconductor structures upon fabrication and/or operation.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of 2-substituted-7-boryl indoles and compounds therefrom. The compounds are intermediates to functionalized indoles, both natural and synthetic which are cytotoxic agents, anticancer and antiviral agents.

Abstract: A simple, external in-line valve for use in microfluidic devices constructed of elastomer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is described. The actuation of the valve is based on the principle that flexible polymer walls of a liquid channel can be pressed together by the aid of a permanent magnet and a small metal bar. In the presence of a small NdFeB magnet lying below the channel of interest, the metal bar is pulled downward simultaneously pushing the thin layer of PDMS down thereby closing the channel stopping any flow of fluid. The operation of the valve is dependent on the thickness of the PDMS layer, the height of the channel, the gap between the chip and the magnet and the strength of the magnet. The microfluidic channels are completely closed to fluid flows commonly used in microfluidic applications. The valve allows for fabrication of a “thin chip” that allows for detection of chromophoric species within the microchannel via an external fiber optics detection system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses eleven reduced dimensionality (RD) triple resonance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments for measuring chemical shift values of certain nuclei in a protein molecule, where the chemical shift values encoded in a peak pair of an NMR spectrum are detected in a phase sensitive manner. The RD 3D HA,CA,(CO),N,HN NMR and RD 3D H,C,(C-TOCSY-CO),N,HN NMR experiments are designed to yield “sequential” connectivities, while the RD 3D H?/?,C?/?,CO,HA NMR and RD 3D H?/?,C?/?,N,HN NMR experiments provide “intraresidue” connectivities. The RD 3D H,C,C,H-COSY NMR, RD 3D H,C,C,H-TOCSY NMR, and RD 2D H,C,H-COSY NMR experiments allow one to obtain assignments for aliphatic and aromatic side chain chemical shifts, while the RD 2D HB,CB,(CG,CD),HD NMR experiment provide information for the aromatic side chain chemical shifts.

Abstract: Polymers (i.e. polyesters, polyamides, polythioesters, polyanhydrides, or a mixture thereof) which degrade hydrolytically to provide a combination of a beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin) and a beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., clavulanic acid) (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) are provided. Methods of producing these polymers, intermediates useful for preparing these polymers, and methods of using these polymers to deliver a combination of a beta-lactam antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) to a host are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides the identification of a truncation polymorphism of the mdr1 gene that is linked to ivermectin sensitivity in subjects, such as collies. Also provided are methods for detecting drug transport sensitivity in a subject, and animal models and in vitro cell systems using cells from animals having an mdr1 truncation.

Abstract: Ipomoea batatas ‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Red’ is a moderately compact cultivar producing many shoots and having dense foliage. This cultivar is distinguishable from other cultivars by its small to medium-sized, heart-shaped, red-purple to red-bronze colored leaves. The plant has good vigor, but is less vigorous than Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’ and ‘Blackie’, and unlike these cultivars, ‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Red’ may be grown in containers with other species. The production of flowers by ‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Red’ is relatively rare even under short day conditions.