Abstract: The present invention relates to supplemented serum-containing cell culture media that provides enhances ARPE-19 cell growth and/or improves the yield of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) grown in ARPE-19 cell cultures. The media of the invention includes two additives, a hormone (e.g., a glucocorticoid hormone such as dexamethasone) and a growth factor (e.g., EGF). The invention further provides methods of producing HCMV in such growth media.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine is provided having a plurality of cylinders that are disposed about a crankshaft at an angle substantially parallel to the crankshaft (e.g., to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft), resulting in a substantially constant and optimal power stroke angle. The engine may include eight cylinders and sixteen pistons disposed in a 360 degree pattern every 45 degrees around the crankshaft. The cylinders may be positioned substantially parallel to the crankshaft resulting in a relatively constant and optimal power stroke (e.g., at 90 degrees), thereby producing higher torque and horsepower compared to combustion engines with varying power stroke angles. Each cylinder may have two opposing pistons. Specifically, each cylinder may include two pistons that move in opposite directions during the power stroke, thereby producing a simultaneous thrust at two different points, which is applied to the crankshaft on every power stroke.