Abstract: The current invention relates to a kit for detecting melanoma. More particularly, it relates to an isolated polypeptide vGAF as a biomarker for detection of melanoma, which is also a DNA repair protein, and can be used for treatment of melanoma, specifically skin cutaneous melanoma. The invention encompasses novel methods and compositions for detection, prevention and treatment or melanoma, specifically skin cutaneous melanoma using vGAF.

Abstract: Provided are microorganisms and plants that express or overexpress enzymes that catalyze the conversion of a four carbon metabolite (malate) to acetyl-CoA. Also provided are methods of generating such organisms and plants and methods of synthesizing biomass, biofuel, oil, chemicals and biochemicals using such organisms and plants.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the computer implemented method evaluates the sustainability of land development plan. The computer implemented method applies sustainability data to the land planning and engineering design elements of a land development plan to generate sustainability measures. These sustainability measures may include environmental impacts such as carbon footprints, energy consumption, and increased storm water runoff. In addition, the computer implemented method estimates the costs involved in investing in sustainable land development and construction, provides a cost benefit analysis, compares the sustainability of numerous land development plans, and calculates the near and long term effects of sustainable land development on a land site. This real time analysis will allow developers, municipalities, and residents to quantify land planning decisions without expending significant time and money in a cumbersome land planning process.