Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating viral replication through double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi), wherein the antiviral methods and compositions preferentially target opposite strand replication intermediates of single-stranded RNA viruses.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nanosized objects (i.e., nanoparticles) in which at least one observable marker, such as a radioisotope or fluorophore, is incorporated within the nanosized object. The nanosized objects include, for example, metal or semi-metal oxide (e.g., silica), quantum dot, noble metal, magnetic metal oxide, organic polymer, metal salt, and core-shell nanoparticles, wherein the label is incorporated within the nanoparticle or selectively in a metal oxide shell of a core-shell nanoparticle. Methods of preparing the volume-labeled nanoparticles are also described.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that facilitates construction project bidding over a computer network. In one aspect, a construction project supervisor system may verify one or more aspects of bidder information before bidding. A bidder may submit payment information, an electronic mail address, and a telephone number to be verified. Verification may include utilizing the payment information to process a payment, and/or sending a verification code to the electronic mail address and/or telephone number. In one embodiment, the issuance of a bid bond associated with the prospective bid may be required to complete the verification process.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that facilitates construction project bidding, document distribution, and project management over a computer network. The system enables a project supervisor to efficiently transmit new project information and associated construction project files to one or more planroom provider systems. Each planroom provider system may make project information and associated construction project files available for transfer and viewing by one or more potential bidders connected to the planroom provider system over a public or private network. The planroom provider system(s) may provide a reference or link back to the project supervisor system to enable the potential bidder to bid on the construction project once the project information and project files have been reviewed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that facilitates construction project bidding over a computer network. In one aspect, a construction project supervisor system may verify one or more aspects of bidder information before bidding. A bidder may submit payment information, an electronic mail address, and a telephone number to be verified. Verification may include utilizing the payment information to process a payment, and/or sending a verification code to the electronic mail address and/or telephone number. In one embodiment, the issuance of a bid bond associated with the prospective bid may be required to complete the verification process.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nanosized objects (i.e., nanoparticles) in which at least one observable marker, such as a radioisotope or fluorophore, is incorporated within the nanosized object. The nanosized objects include, for example, metal or semi-metal oxide (e.g., silica), quantum dot, noble metal, magnetic metal oxide, organic polymer, metal salt, and core-shell nanoparticles, wherein the label is incorporated within the nanoparticle or selectively in a metal oxide shell of a core-shell nanoparticle. Methods of preparing the volume-labeled nanoparticles are also described.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nanosized objects (i.e., nanoparticles) in which at least one observable marker, such as a radioisotope or fluorophore, is incorporated within the nanosized object. The nanosized objects include, for example, metal or semi-metal oxide (e.g., silica), quantum dot, noble metal, magnetic metal oxide, organic polymer, metal salt, and core-shell nanoparticles, wherein the label is incorporated within the nanoparticle or selectively in a metal oxide shell of a core-shell nanoparticle. Methods of preparing the volume-labeled nanoparticles are also described.

Abstract: An anti-viral compounds effective against viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family, wherein the anti-viral compounds are 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol derivative compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyl, benzyl, alkyl, aryl, sulfonyl, phosphonyl, silyl, R6 is at least one of alkyl or branched alkyl, heteroalkyl or aryl, R6? is a bridging group selected from at least one of bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl, bicycle[3.2.1]octyl, oxa analogs, admonyl and cubyl, n?=2-10, n?=1-10, enantiomers and stereoisomers of said compounds and physiologically acceptable salts or solvates of said compounds, enantiomer or stereoisomer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a new Raman enhancing reagent and a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for rapid and ultra-sensitive detection and identification of perchlorate (ClO4?) and other anions such as technetium (TcO4?), uranium and nitrate in environmental samples. The method involves the synthesis of controlled gold nanoparticles which are modified with amine functional groups such as 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol and N,N,N-trimethylaminethiol. These functionalized Au nanoparticles were found to be reactive with perchlorate and other anions and can be used to detect these anions by Raman spectroscopy at ultra low concentrations in complex environmental matrices. This invention overcomes the limitations of currently-available analytical techniques by offering an inexpensive, rapid, ultra-sensitive, and real-time identification and detection of perchlorate and other anions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating viral replication through double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi), wherein the antiviral methods and compositions preferentially target opposite strand replication intermediates of single-stranded RNA viruses.

Abstract: The invention provides flavivirus replication inhibitors of WNV and other flaviviruses, such as, for example, JEV, SLEV, AV, KV, JV, CV, YV, TBEV, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4, YFV and MVEV. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions including one or more such flavivirus replication inhibitors. The invention further provides methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with flavivirus replication including administering one or more such inhibitors or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating viral replication through double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi), wherein the antiviral methods and compositions preferentially target opposite strand replication intermediates of single-stranded RNA viruses.

Abstract: An anti-viral compounds effective against viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family, wherein the anti-viral compounds are 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol derivative compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyl, benzyl, alkyl, aryl, sulfonyl, phosphonyl, silyl, R6 is at least one of alkyl or branched alkyl, heteroalkyl or aryl, R6? is a bridging group selected from at least one of bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl, bicycle[3.2.1]octyl, oxa analogs, admonyl and cubyl, n?=2-10, n?=1-10, enantiomers and stereoisomers of said compounds and physiologically acceptable salts or solvates of said compounds, enantiomer or stereoisomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the construction of sub-genomic HCV replicon systems that may provide the foundation for generating HCV replicons of all six major genotypes and subtypes to facilitate screening, testing, and evaluating anti-infective agents for HCV disease(s).

Abstract: A method is described to decompose perchlorate in a FeCl3/HCl aqueous solution such as would be used to regenerate an anion exchange resin used to remove perchlorate. The solution is mixed with a reducing agent, preferably an organic alcohol and/or ferrous chloride, and can be heated to accelerate the decomposition of perchlorate. Lower temperatures may be employed if a catalyst is added.

Abstract: A method is described to decompose perchlorate in a FeCl3/HCl aqueous solution such as would be used to regenerate an anion exchange resin used to remove perchlorate. The solution is mixed with a reducing agent, preferably an organic alcohol and/or ferrous chloride, and can be heated to accelerate the decomposition of perchlorate. Lower temperatures may be employed if a catalyst is added.

Abstract: A method for regenerating strong-base anion exchange resins utilizing a sequential chemical displacement technique with new regenerant formulation. The new first regenerant solution is composed of a mixture of ferric chloride, a water-miscible organic solvent, hydrochloric acid, and water in which tetrachloroferrate anion is formed and used to displace the target anions on the resin. The second regenerant is composed of a dilute hydrochloric acid and is used to decompose tetrachloroferrate and elute ferric ions, thereby regenerating the resin. Alternative chemical displacement methods include: (1) displacement of target anions with fluoroborate followed by nitrate or salicylate and (2) displacement of target anions with salicylate followed by dilute hydrochloric acid. The methodology offers an improved regeneration efficiency, recovery, and waste minimization over the conventional displacement technique using sodium chloride (or a brine) or alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins sorbed with perchlorate may be regenerated by a combination of chemical reduction of perchlorate to chloride using a reducing agent and an electrochemical reduction of the oxidized reducing agent. Transitional metals including Ti, Re, and V are preferred chemical reagents for the reduction of perchlorate to chloride. Complexing agents such as oxalate are used to prevent the precipitation of the oxidized Ti(IV) species, and ethyl alcohol may be added to accelerate the reduction kinetics of perchlorate. The regeneration may be performed by continuously recycling the regenerating solution through the resin bed and an electrochemical cell so that the secondary waste generation is minimized.