Abstract: A new gene family involved in cell cycle regulation was discovered. This family has been termed activators of cyclin-dependent kinases (ACDKs). A number of ACDK genes have been cloned and sequenced. Proteins encoded by ACDK genes specifically were shown to interact with CDKs and pRb, and to upregulate the kinase activity of a CDK using pRb as a substrate. Progression of a cell through the cell cycle can be regulated by modulating ACDK expression in the cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices, kits, and methods for eliminating termite colonies. The kits, devices, and methods employ a termiticidal bait matrix containing a) a termiticide selected such that the termiticide causes death to about 50 to about 100% of termites within about 24 to about 84 days after the termites begin to ingest the termiticide or the bait matrix comprising the termiticide, b) a cellulose containing material, and c) water. The termiticidal bait matrix can be used in a bait station installed in the ground. The kits are suitable to be used by consumers in their homes.

Abstract: Highly purified hepatic stem cells are trans-differentiated into pancreatic endocrine hormone-producing cells by culturing them in vitro in a medium containing high levels of glucose. These trans-differentiated cells express insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide, but not hepatocyte protein Hep-par. When stimulated with glucose, these cells synthesize and secrete insulin, a response enhanced by nicotinamide. Transplantation of these trans-differentiated cells into a hyperglycemic animal normalizes blood sugar levels in the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel estrogen-related steroidal quinols and their use as prodrugs for phenolic estrogens and estrogen analogs. The quinols of the present invention provide improved physicochemical properties, increased bioavailability, and improved distribution into tissues and penetration across the blood-brain barrier when compared to phenolic estrogens and estrogen analogs.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the synergistic degradation of oligosaccharides by endoglucanases. The invention further provides recombinant host cells containing one or more genes encoding endoglucanses which are capable of the synergistic degradation of oligosaccharides. Preferred host cells of the invention are ethanologenic and capable of carrying out simultaneous saccharification and fermentation resulting in the production of ethanol from complex cellulose substrates.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler discharge control device for preventing fluids from being emitted from a fire sprinkler without having to turn off a fluid supply to the fire sprinkler. The control device may be formed from one or more bladders adapted to contain a fluid and one or more valves for passing fluids into and out of the bladder. The bladder may be adapted to fit between a support structure of a fire sprinkler and an exhaust port. Once in position, the bladder may be inflated to cut off fluid flow from an exhaust port of the fire sprinkler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nasal pulse oximeter probes that are configured to be placed across the septum of the nose. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to obtain arterial oxygen saturation and other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined nasal pulse oximeter probe/nasal cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel nasal probe. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: Repeat fixation for medical procedures is accomplished using a non-invasive locator, specifically a face mask. The face mask has at least three fiducial markers on it. By detecting the position of the markers, the position of features within the patient can be determined with great precision. The features can be the location of head or neck cancer or other target to which radiation or other medical procedure is to be applied. Since the face mask has been molded to uniquely fit to the patient's face, it may be removed after an initial imaging of the patient. The face mask may then be re-attached one or more times to the teeth. The face mask is molded to conform to the patient's face by using thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A nematode collected from Diaprepes abbreviatus was identified and described as a new species, Steinernema diaprepesi n. sp. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following characteristics: Males: Spicule averaging 79 (71–90) Fm; the ratio D % (distance from the anterior end/esophagus length×100) about 80; the ratio SW (spicule length/anal body width) about 1.8. Females: Vulva with short, double flapped epiptygma; tail terminus usually with 5 mucrons. Infective juveniles: Body averaging 1002 (880–1133) Fm, EP (distance from anterior end to excretory pore)=74 (66–83) Fm; tail length=83 (65–91) Fm, and E % (EP/tail length)=89.6 78–114). Lateral field pattern variable, the formula for the arrangement of ridges from head to tail is: 2, 6, 7, 8, 4, 2. The portion with 8 ridges is the longest. This new species can be differentiated from the 3 closest species, S. feltiae, S. glaseri, and S. oregonense by characteristics of their sequences.

Abstract: The subject invention provides innovative methods of manipulating the structure and function of egg proteins, preferably albumen, through controlled acid and alkali unfolding and subsequent refolding. The subject invention provides techniques for manipulating egg protein structure to obtain desired optimal properties such as foaming. The subject invention uses a novel approach to induce a conformational change in egg albumen protein (to partially denature these proteins), which advantageously leads to egg albumen protein having improved properties.

Abstract: An automated reactor-based system for treating water includes a reactor having an inlet to provide water at an inlet flow rate into the reactor, structure for adding at least one treatment chemical to the water and structure for dynamically adjusting an output flow rate of the water from the reactor. A controller is communicably connected to the structure for adjusting output flow rate to dynamically control the residence time of the water in the reactor to a predetermined residence time. The controller receives at least one input including the inlet flow rate and generates an output flow rate value to achieve the predetermined residence time. The output flow rate value is communicated to and implemented by the structure for dynamically adjusting output flow rate.

Abstract: A turbine engine system and a method for using the turbine engine system that includes at least one low-pressure compressor, at least one high-pressure compressor, at least one low-pressure turbine, and at least one high-pressure turbine. In addition, the turbine engine system includes an absorption refrigeration system that is used to pre-cool an air-gas mixture before it enters the high-pressure compressor. As such, the pre-cooled mixture is easier to compress, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the turbine engine. Additionally, the exhaust heat from the air-gas mixture that is pre-cooled may be used to drive the absorption refrigeration system. Lastly, water, may be extracted from the evaporator of the absorption refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device is provided that can obtain both point and integrated samples of a body of fluid at various depths. The device includes an easy to use and reliable closure mechanism that does not rely on a traditional messenger mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic animal cage monitoring system includes at least one sensor disposed proximate to a cage for detecting conditions within the cage. The sensor data is transmitted by a wireless transmitter system to at least one remotely located device. The system can simultaneously monitor a plurality of cages. A method for remotely monitoring the conditions associated with an animal within a cage includes the step of obtaining sensor data based on at least one condition within the cage and wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to at least one remote location.

Abstract: A high strength multi-layer polymeric article having a low wear surface includes a base polymer layer, and a polymer composite capping layer disposed on the base polymer layer. The capping layer includes a first polymer including a transfer film forming polymer, and a second polymer different from the first polymer for strengthening this polymer composite mixed with the first polymer. The first polymer provides at least 10 weight % of the composite capping layer. A transition layer composite including the first and second polymer is interposed between the capping layer and the base polymer layer, at least a portion of the transition layer providing a non-constant first or second polymer concentration. A wear rate of the article is <10?7 mm3/Nm. The first polymer can be PTFE and the second polymer can be a polyaryletherketone (PEEK).

Abstract: A method of homogeneously forming metal chalcogenide nanocrystals includes the steps combining a metal source, a chalcogenide source, and at least one solvent at a first temperature to form a liquid comprising assembly, and heating the assembly at a sufficient temperature to initiate nucleation to form a plurality of metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. The plurality of metal chalcogenide nanocrystals are then grown without injection of either the metal source or the chalcogenide source at a temperature at least equal to the sufficient temperature, wherein growth proceeds substantially without nucleation to form a plurality of monodisperse metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. An optional nucleation initiator can help control the final size of the monodisperse crystals. Such synthesis, without the need for precursor injection, is suitable for the industrial preparation of high-quality nanocrystals.

Abstract: A composite MOS transistor (100) includes a first MOS sub-transistor (105) having a first gate dielectric thickness (106), and a second MOS sub-transistor (155) in series connection with the first MOS sub-transistor having a second gate dielectric thickness (107). The second gate dielectric thickness (107) is substantially thicker than the first gate dielectric thickness (106) preferably being at least 50% thicker. Composite MOS transistors generally provide a breakdown voltage (Vds) approaching that of the second MOS sub-transistor (155) and a threshold voltage, transconductance and drive current all approaching that of the first MOS sub-transistor (105), such as being within 20%, and preferably within 10%, of the reference parameter. A level shifting circuit includes first and at least a second drive transistor, wherein the drive transistors are composite MOS transistors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using pulsed laser ablation to prepare coated drug particles of uniform size and thickness. The coated drug particles ranged in size from several nanometers to several millimeters in diameter size, and were coated with organic polymer particle having average diameter sizes from about 1 to 50 nm. In illustrative embodiments, coated drug particles or drug delivery particles are disclosed comprising a biodegradable or biocompatible polymer coating having controlled thickness and controlled coating uniformity, that offer superior pharmaceutical properties for controlled delivery and increased bioavailability.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for monitoring delivery of anesthesia (inhalational and intravenous) and detecting the depth of anesthesia wherein at least one anesthetic agent is absorbed in patient's bloodstream during the administration of anesthesia, which includes sampling inspired and expired gas; analyzing the gas for concentration of at least one substance indicative of the anesthetic agent using sensor technology such as free (unmetabolized) anesthetic agent or its metabolites; determining the effect of the agent based on that concentration; and determining depth of anesthesia based thereon.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel biopesticides and their use to control cockroaches, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants. Specifically, highly virulent isolates of Beauveria bassiana in an agricultural composition, can be used to effectively control these pests. Exemplified are Beauveria bassiana No. 447, ATCC 20872, and Beauveria bassiana Sp111, ATCC 74038. Also described are unique formulations which are highly effective for delivering biocontrol agents to target pests. By using these novel compositions, target pests can be controlled without the environmental and public safety hazards presented by chemical control agents.