Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied to ice (530) to generate a resistive AC having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice at interface (554). A first electrode (510) and a second electrode (514) proximate to the interface are separated by an electrical insulator (512). An AC power source (520) provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes to create the alternating electric field. A portion of the capacitive AC associated with the alternating electric field is present in the interfacial ice as conductivity (resistive) AC, which causes dielectric loss heating in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion and allows for the determination of optimized pretreatment conditions. Additionally, ethanol yields from a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation process are improved 5-25% by treatment with a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein. Thus, a more efficient and economical method of processing lignin containing biomass materials utilizes a polypeptide/protein treatment step that effectively blocks lignin binding of cellulase.

Abstract: A method for purifying PrPc, a purified preparation of PrPc and methods and kits for identifying the presence of PrPc are provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing neuroendocrine cancers via detecting the presence of N-methyl D-asparate-associated (NMDA) glutamate receptors type 1 and/or type 2. Methods for preventing and treating neuroendocrine cancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for injecting sensed presence into social networking applications includes receiving sensor data associated with a user (102), inferring a presence status of the user based upon analysis of the sensor data, storing the sensor data and presence status within a database, and sending the presence status to a social networking server (126) to update the user's presence information for the social networking applications based upon the user's preferences. A system for injecting sensed presence into social networking applications includes at least one sensor (110) proximate to a user, the at least one sensor being used for collecting sensor data associated with the user, a presence server (116) for receiving and storing the sensor data, an inference engine for analyzing the stored data and to infer a presence status for the user, and a presentation engine for presenting the information to the user and other users.

Abstract: A method of selecting ions includes generating a group of ions, accelerating the group of ions through a flight region towards an electronic mass selector grid, and selectively varying a voltage applied to the electronic mass selector grid, such that only a selected subset of the group of ions passes through the grid. An apparatus for selecting ions includes an ion generator, an ion accelerator for accelerating ions into a flight region, and an electronic mass selector grid responsive to an applied voltage to pass a subset of the ions from the flight region. An apparatus for detecting a threat molecule includes an ion generator for generating ions from a mixed gas stream, an ion accelerator for accelerating the ions into a flight region, and an electronic mass selector grid. The grid passes only a subset of the ions, such as ions and/or ionized fragments of the threat molecule.

Abstract: Biphasic alloys, formed through a spinodal decomposition process, are disclosed. The alloys have improved strength and hardness, over single phase alloys, due to coherency strain between the phases. They are prepared from readily available transition metals, and they can be used to make large, high-strength parts, for example, of types that cannot be made by extrusion, forging or cold working techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant Toxoplasma gondii which exhibits enhanced homologous recombination. The mutant of the present invention is a knockout in the KU80-dependent nonhomologous end-joining pathway which finds application in generating T. gondii gene knockouts and gene replacements for use in vaccine and drug development.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying agents that modulate the GTPase activity of AS160. In the instant assay, AS160 or the GAP domain thereof is contacted with a test agent, in the presence of GTP-bound Rab (2A, 8A, 8B, 10, or 14), and the AS160 GAP domain-mediated hydrolysis of GTP to GDP is monitored.

Abstract: CDDO-compounds in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents induce and potentiate cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cell. One class of chemotherapeutic agents include retinoids. Cancer therapies based on these combination therapies are provided. Also provided are methods to treat graft versus host diseases using the CDDO compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the specific inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) using agents which inhibit the synthesis or expression of MMP-1. Such agents are useful for suppressing invasion or metastasis of a tumor cell and in the treatment, prevention and management of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting opioid tolerance and opioid withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the amplification of PrPsc for use in increasing the sensitivity of identifying the presence of PrPsc in a sample.

Abstract: Methods for inducing antigen-specific T cell tolerance are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a T cell with: 1) a cell which presents antigen to the T cell, wherein a ligand on the cell interacts with a receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function; and 2) an antagonist of the receptor on the surface of the T cell which inhibits interaction of the ligand on the antigen presenting cell with the receptor on the T cell. In a preferred embodiment, the cell which presents antigen to the T cell is a B cell and the receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function is gp39. Preferably, the antagonist is an anti-gp39 antibody or a soluble gp39 ligand (e.g., soluble CD40). The methods of the invention can be used to induce T cell tolerance to a soluble antigen or to an allogeneic cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides applicators for performing thermokeratoplasty. One embodiment of such applicators includes two generally tubular electrical conducting elements coaxially disposed relative to one another and separated by an electrically insulating element having a selected thickness. At least a portion of each conducting tube is coated with an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material, e.g., anodized aluminum, so as to electrically insulate the conducting tubes from corneal tissue upon placement of the applicator on a subject's cornea while facilitating extraction of heat from the cornea.

Abstract: This invention describes novel tricyclic-bis-enone derivatives (TBEs), such as TBE-31, TBE-34, TBE-45 and water-soluble TBEs. The methods of preparing these compounds are also disclosed. The inventors demonstrate the ability of these new TBEs to inhibit proliferation of human myeloma cells, inhibit the induction of iNOS in cells stimulated with interferon-?, induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), induce CD11b expression—a leukemia differentiation marker, inhibit proliferation of leukemia cells, induce apoptosis in human lung cancer, and induce apoptosis in other cancerous cells. The TBEs of this invention are expected to be useful agents for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, inflammation, and pathologies involving oxidative stress.

Abstract: A pulse system for detaching ice includes a power supply for applying a high-power heating pulse to the interface between ice and an object such as a cold plate of an ice making system, an ice-container, a heat-exchanger, a refrigerator surface or an airplane wing. Pulse heating may be generated within a metal foil or resistive film disposed upon an object to be deiced, or a capillary tube proximate the object to be deiced. An interfacial layer of ice is melted and the ice is released from the object. A force, for example gravity, pressure of vaporization or mechanical scraping, removes the ice from the object.

Abstract: A system and method reduces AC losses in a magnetic coil with a magnetic core with one or more gaps. A foil winding is formed with one or more cavities and is positioned about the magnetic core such that the cavities are adjacent to the gaps.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing sporadic neoplasia of the colon are provided. The compositions provided are based on administration of acetylsalicylic acid.