Abstract: The invention provides methods of regulating gene expression using a light-activated transcription factor. The White Collar Complex, comprised of WC-1 and WC-2 proteins, binds FAD and becomes activated in the presence of light to stimulate transcription of genes operatively-linked to light-responsive regulatory sequences. Regulatory sequences and inducible regulatory system kits are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interference between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed-between the object and the electrode. In another embodiment, a coating comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is applied to a object. Electromagnetic energy causes the coating to generate heat, which melts snow and ice.

Abstract: A plurality of electrodes in a solid object are located proximate to the contact interface between an ice layer and the surface of the solid object. A power source provides a potential difference across the electrodes to generate an electric field at the contact interface, thereby increasing the friction force between the solid object and the ice. Preferably, the power source is in AC power source. A capacitor in series between the power source and the electrodes creates an additional impedance for limiting the AC current to a level safe for human exposure.

Abstract: An alternating electric field at an ice interface generates conductivity AC with a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice. Typically, a first electrode and a second electrode define an interelectrode space containing a stack of freezer packages. Each freezer package has an outer dielectric film and a continuous inner conductive layer coating the inside of the dielectric film. An AC power source provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes. The first and last freezer packages in the stack are proximate to the first and second electrodes, respectively. The AC voltage generates conductivity AC in the inner conductive layers. An alternating electric field between adjacent conductive layers generates conductivity current in the ice, resulting in Joule heat, which melts the ice.

Abstract: New triterpenoid derivatives with various substituents at the C-17 position of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) were synthesized. Among them, 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-onitrile (CNDDO), 1-(2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl) imidazole, 1-(2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl)-2-methylimidazole, 1-(2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl)-4-methylimidazole show extremely high inhibitory activity (IC50=0.01-1 pM level) against production of nitric oxide induced by interferon-&ggr; in mouse macrophages. These compounds can be used in the prevention or treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. All the new triterpenoid derivatives are more potent than previously known CDDO.

Abstract: Proinsulin peptide compounds that modulate an immunological response by T cells of Type I diabetic subjects are disclosed. The proinsulin peptide compounds of the invention are preferably derived from a region of proinsulin that spans the junction between the B chain and C peptide of proinsulin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proinsulin peptide compounds are also disclosed. An immunological response to a proinsulin peptide compound of the invention can be used as an indicator of Type I diabetes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides diagnostic assays for Type I diabetes using the proinsulin peptide compounds. Methods for inhibiting the development or progression of Type I diabetes in a subject by administering a proinsulin peptide compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: Proinsulin peptide compounds that modulate an immunological response by T cells of Type I diabetic subjects are disclosed. The proinsulin peptide compounds of the invention are preferably derived from a region of proinsulin that spans the junction between the B chain and C peptide of proinsulin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proinsulin peptide compounds are also disclosed. An immunological response to a proinsulin peptide compound of the invention can be used as an indicator of Type I diabetes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides diagnostic assays for Type I diabetes using the proinsulin peptide compounds. Methods for inhibiting the development or progression of Type I diabetes in a subject by administering a proinsulin peptide compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating (626) comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is disposed near an object (620). AC current flows through an electrical conductor (624), creating an electromagnetic field. The coating (626) absorbs energy from the electromagnetic field, thereby generating heat, which melts snow and ice on the object (620).

Abstract: This invention provides a screening method for sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) pathway-specific inhibitors using a mutant cultured cell, as well as therapeutic agents for hyperlipemia, arterial sclerosis, obesity or cancer containing an SREBP pathway-specific inhibitor selected by said screening method.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of decomposable soluble products from a slurry of solids in which the slurry is convey axially through the reactor and excess liquid is removed radially through the walls of the reactor. The primary example is the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to form sugars, usually using an acid catalyst. In one variation of the process liquid and possibly steam are added through the inner wall of the reactor to provide additional flow in the radial direction and to control the temperature. Pressures are maintained such that the product stream is thermally quenched due to partial flashing as it leaves the reactor.

Abstract: This invention provides a screening method for sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) pathway-specific inhibitors using a mutant cultured cell, as well as therapeutic agents for hyperlipemia, arterial sclerosis, obesity or cancer containing an SREBP pathway-specific inhibitor selected by said screening method.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding members of the MRT family of polypeptides which include, in a preferred embodiment, at least one transmembrane domain having at least about 30%, more preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:14 and/or at least one histidine rich domain, are described. The MRT polypeptides of the invention are capable of transporting metals such as Fe(II), Cd, Co, Mn, Pb, Hg and Zn. Transgenic plants in which expression of an MRT polypeptide of the invention is altered are also described. These transgenic plants can be used to remove pollutants from soil or as nutritional supplements to treat iron- or zinc-deficiency. Antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced are also described.

Abstract: A first electrode layer and a second electrode layer cover the surface of an object. The electrode layers are separated by a relatively large interelectrode distance, usually not exceeding 10 mm. Conductive ice or liquid water fills the interelectrode space between the electrodes, providing electrical connection of the electrodes. A DC or a low-frequency AC voltage is applied across the electrodes. The applied voltage causes electrolysis of water molecules at the electrodes, resulting in generation of hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles. Optionally, a DC power supply generates sparks that ignite a mixture of the hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Abstract: The invention includes system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery, coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work.

Abstract: A method for promoting colon health in a subject comprising administering a dose of calcium to the subject that is effective to reduce carcinogenesis. Particularly provided is a method for reducing the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas, comprising administering a dose of calcium carbonate effective to promote colon health. In an example, 1200 mg of elemental calcium (supplied in 3000 mg of calcium carbonate) administered once or twice daily resulted in decreased risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas in patients with a history of colorectal adenomas.

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: A method to automatically and adaptively tune a leaky, normalized least-mean-square (LNLMS) algorithm so as to maximize the stability and noise reduction performance in feedforward adaptive noise cancellation systems. The automatic tuning method provides for time-varying tuning parameters &lgr;k and &mgr;k that are functions of the instantaneous measured acoustic noise signal, weight vector length, and measurement noise variance. The method addresses situations in which signal-to-noise ratio varies substantially due to nonstationary noise fields, affecting stability, convergence, and steady-state noise cancellation performance of LMS algorithms. The method has been embodied in the particular context of active noise cancellation in communication headsets. However, the method is generic, in that it is applicable to a wide range of systems subject to nonstationary, i.e., time-varying, noise fields, including sonar, radar, echo cancellation, and telephony.

Abstract: Proinsulin peptide compounds that modulate an immunological response by T cells of Type I diabetic subjects are disclosed. The proinsulin peptide compounds of the invention are preferably derived from a region of proinsulin that spans the junction between the B chain and C peptide of proinsulin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proinsulin peptide compounds are also disclosed. An immunological response to a proinsulin peptide compound of the invention can be used as an indicator of Type I diabetes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides diagnostic assays for Type I diabetes using the proinsulin peptide compounds. Methods for inhibiting the development or progression of Type I diabetes in a subject by administering a proinsulin peptide compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of lowering plasma levels of &agr;-dicarbonyl precursors of advanced glycation end-products, such as methylglyoxal, in a patient having type 2 diabetes by administrating metformin in a dosage from twenty-five to fifty percent in excess of its antidiabetic therapeutic regimen. The high dosage of metformin acts to reduce plasma levels of &agr;-dicarbonyl compounds by a mechanism distinct from that whereby it exerts its antidiabetic activity.

Abstract: A method for reducing a risk of carcinogenesis in a subject comprising administering a dose of calcium to the subject that is effective to reduce carcinogenesis. Particularly provided is a method for reducing the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas, comprising administering a dose of calcium carbonate effective to reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas. In an example, 1200 mg of elemental calcium (supplied in 3000 mg of calcium carbonate) administered twice daily resulted in decreased risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas in patients with a history of colorectal adenomas.