Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5A activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel compound extracted from antrodia Cinnamomea and related compounds of formula (1), and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of formula (1) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The invention further comprises the method of inhibit cancer cells by administering an effective amount of the compound of formula (1).

Abstract: The gloss of iced frozen baked goods once thawed, is enhanced by coating the baked goods with shellac prior to freezing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for forming a coating on the external surface of a solid chocolate or chocolate-coated product. The method comprises applying at least one layer of a coating composition comprising a solvent selected from water, ethanol, and isopropanol, or any combination thereof and one or more film forming agents to the external surface of the product, and then drying the coating composition to provide a dried coating or film on the external surface of the chocolate. The dried coating renders the external surface of the chocolate more resistant to abrasion or scuffing during processing, packaging, storage, and/or transport. The coating composition of the present invention cures or dries in 30 minutes or less. In certain embodiments, the film or coating cures in 15 minutes or less. In certain embodiments, the film or coating cures in 10 minutes or less.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of increasing the enzymatic rate of hydrolysis of starch substrates. In certain embodiments the method comprises contacting a starch substrate with one or more amylase family enzymes in the presence of greater than 0.001 mM manganese ions. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting a starch substrate with one or more glucoamylase and/or ?-amylase enzymes in the presence of greater than 0.001 mM calcium ions (Ca++). In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting the starch substrate with a ?-amylase in the presence of greater than 0.001 mM manganese ion, calcium ion, magnesium ion (Mg++), strontium ion (Sr++), barium ion (Ba++) or any combination of said metal ions. In certain embodiments the method comprises contacting the starch substrate with a glucoamylase in the presence of greater than 0.001 mM manganese ion, calcium ion, lithium ion (Li+), potassium ion (K+), or any combination of said metal ions.