Abstract: The present invention relates generally to modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal crystal proteins, also referred to as mutant toxins, with enhanced toxicity against a variety of insect genera, particularly mosquitos. The invention provides modified Bt Cry4Ba proteins, or mutant toxins, which have toxicity-enhancing sequence modifications at one or more positions within the amino acid sequence of the protein. The invention also provides polynucleotides encoding modified Cry4Ba proteins. The invention also provides insecticidal compositions comprising mutant toxins with a new or broadened insecticidal spectrum, and insecticidal compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding the modified Cry4Ba proteins.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to describe a novel approach for converting 3-dimensional, synthetic micro- and nano-templates into different materials with a retention of shape/dimensions and morphological features. The ultimate objective of this approach is to mass-produce micro- and nano-templates of tailored shapes through the use of synthetic or man-made micropreforms, and then chemical conversion of such templates by controlled chemical reactions into near net-shaped, micro- and nano-components of desired compositions. The basic idea of this invention is to obtain a synthetic microtemplate with a desired shape and with desired surface features, and then to convert the microtemplate into a different material through the use of chemical reactions.

Abstract: Prion protein binding materials and methods for using the binding materials to detect or remove a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The binding materials are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), recombinant prion protein (PrPr), and proteinase resistant prion protein (PrPres). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the binding materials.

Abstract: The present invention features a fiber optic imaging system for generating a customized spectral response comprising (a) an optional optical source for generating optical energy, (b) an optical system for focusing multi spectral optical energy to form a focal surface; (b) a fiber optic element for conveying the optical energy, wherein the fiber optic element has an input end optically coupled to the focal surface to receive the optical energy and an output end to transmit the conveyed optical energy; and (c) a spectral filter optically coupled to at least one of the input and output ends of the fiber optic element, wherein the spectral filter has a filter passband configured to provide the fiber optic element with a pre-determined wavelength transmittance capacity, such that only pre-determined wavelengths of the optical energy are transmitted through the output end, thus achieving a customized spectral response.

Abstract: Compounds which are active against viruses have the following formulas: wherein B is a purine or pyrimidine heterocyclic ring or base. In a preferred embodiment, the purine include 6-aminopurine (adenine), 6-hydroxypurine (hypoxanthine), 2-amino-6-hydroxypurine (guanine), 2,6-diamino-purine, 2-amino-6-azidopurine, 2-amino-6-halo substituted purines such as 2-amino-6-chloropurine, 2-amino-6-fluoropurine, 2-amino-6-alkoxypurines such as 2-amino-6-methoxypurine, 2-amino-6-cyclopropylaminopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylamino or 2-amino-6-dialkylamino substituted purines, 2-amino-6-thiopurine, 2-amino-6-alkylthio substituted purines, 3-deazapurines, 7-deazapurines and 8-azapurines. The pyrimidine incorporates cytosine, uracil and thymine, 5-halo substituted cytosines and uracils, 5-alkyl substituted cytosines and uracils including derivatives with a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group and 6-azapyrimidines.

Abstract: An adhesive composition made by reacting a soy protein with at least one compound under conditions sufficient for introducing additional phenolic hydroxyl functional groups, amine functional groups, and/or thiol functional groups into the soy protein structure.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for producing ammonia are provided. One embodiment has uses a plurality of environments and an electrode configured to be exposed to the plurality of environments. The electrode is configured to receive hydrogen while being exposed to one of the environments, reduce nitrogen while being exposed to another environment, and allow the hydrogen and nitrogen to react with each other to form ammonia. Other embodiments provide for simultaneous hydrogen oxidation and nitrogen reduction at the same electrode, which in turn react for formation of ammonia.

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: Methods for screening monoclonal antibodies to CTLA4, monoclonal antibodies to human CTLA4, therapeutic compositions containing the same.

Abstract: Polymers with a hydrolytically labile polymer backbones with non-toxic biocompatible diphenolic repeating units having the structure: wherein R9 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid group or the benzyl ester thereof; and non-toxic biocompatible diphenolic repeating units having the structure: wherein R12 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid ester group selected from straight and branched alkyl and alkylaryl esters containing up to 18 carbon atoms and ester derivatives of biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds covalently bonded to the polymer, provided that said ester group is not a benzyl group or a group that is removed by hydrogenolysis. Implantable medical devices and treatment methods using the polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides (including analogs and derivatives thereof) corresponding to residues 96-110 and 35-47 of ras-p2 1, which peptides have attached thereto a membrane-penetrating leader sequence. The subject peptides, analogs and derivatives thereof are useful in treatment of cancers and have been shown to induce phenotypic reversion of pancreatic cancer cells to non-cancerous cells. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more subject peptides are also provided by the present invention. The present invention further provides replication incompetent Adenovirus (AdV) vectors comprising a promoter sequence and a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject peptide. Methods of treating cancer by administering one or more subject peptides, pharmaceutical compositions, and/or AdV vectors are also provided.

Abstract: Substituted oxazolidinone of the formula: wherein R2 is alkyl selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl moieties, are described. The compounds are antibacterial.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that each encode a geranyl diphosphate synthase protein, wherein each isolated nucleic acid molecule hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 under conditions of 5×SSC at 45° C. for one hour. The present invention also provides isolated geranyl diphosphate synthase proteins, and methods for altering the level of expression of geranyl diphosphate synthase protein in a host cell.

Abstract: Techniques for producing an optical broadband frequency sweep or chirp, include generating a narrowband frequency chirp and a frequency-shifted replica. The narrowband chirp has an optical carrier frequency, a pulse duration and a pulse bandwidth. A frequency-shifted replica is generated by frequency shifting the narrowband chirp by a frequency shift. Adding the frequency-shifted replica after a start of the narrowband chirp by a delay generates a broadband frequency chirp. Alternatively, the frequency-shifted replica is generated by frequency shifting a constant frequency pulse, and modulating the frequency-shifted pulse to generate narrowband chirps that are added to form the broadband chirp.

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: An alkali metal chalcogenide, particularly K6Sn5Zn4S17, is described as useful in a process for the removal of mercury ions or other metal ions, particularly the selective removal of mercuric or other soft metal ions from water. The resulting metal chalcogenide is new. The invention can be used for the removal of mercury ions from potable water and other metal ion contaminated solutions, or from gaseous fluids.

Abstract: A mass air flow sensor for an internal combustion engine is provided. The sensor has a pair of opposed nozzles. A converging nozzle has a first conical throughbore having a first throughbore axis, the first throughbore has first and second apertures, the first aperture has a diameter greater than the second aperture. The diverging nozzle has a second conical throughbore having a second through axis. The throughbore has third and fourth apertures, with the third aperture having a diameter greater than the fourth aperture. A first hotwire sensor positioned within the first aperture. A second hotwire sensor positioned within the second aperture.

Abstract: An extrusion process for producing a uniform and highly expanded food product is disclosed. The uniform expansion ratio possessed by the extruded product provides a consistent texture and has application in a wide variety of food consumables, ranging from snacks to breakfast cereals.

Abstract: An adaptive hybrid energy system is provided. The system includes a first DC energy source that generates a first DC electrical output by converting a first type of energy into an electrical output. Additionally, the system includes at least a second DC energy source that generates a second DC electrical output by converting a second type of energy into an electrical output. The system further includes a cascaded multilevel converter electrically connected to the first and second DC energy sources to convert a DC electrical output into a sinusoidal electrical output when at least one of the first and second DC energy sources is operable.

Abstract: A new and distinct peach variety of Prunus persica named ‘NJF16’ 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, bright golden-yellow fruit that are devoid of over 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.