Abstract: Modified cells suitable for the production of ergot alkaloids include engineered recombinant cells having one or more genes that code for one or more enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway from tryptophan to D-lysergic acid (DLA). Methods of culturing the engineered recombinant cells can be used for the production of DLA and other ergot alkaloids.

Abstract: A system prepares a work schedule for a retail establishment. The system includes (a) a user interface for each of a plurality of employees to each specify time periods that the employee is available for work assignment; (b) a system of sensors installed in the retail establishment to detect customer traffic; and (c) a scheduler providing a preliminary work schedule that includes work assignments for the employees over a predetermined time period, based on the time periods specified by each employee and the customer traffic detected by the system of sensors. The systems's scheduling and employee management process predicts and recommends adequate staffing requirements based on customer traffic, purchasing data, and employee performance. The system also includes a tool for measuring and quantifying the impact of efficient scheduling on the retail store's revenue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appointment invitation method comprising: sending via a messaging module an invitation message comprising a time information, as well as an optional attendee information and/or an optional location information, for an appointment from an inviter to at least one invitees; receiving via the messaging module one or more responses from the at least one invitees indicating an acknowledgement, acceptance, desirable amendment, or rejection to the appointment; and determining the appointment or negotiating/rescheduling the appointment based at least partly on the one or more responses received from the at least one invitees until the appointment is determined. The present invention enables a better utilization of time by transferring real time and more interactive communications for negotiating and determining various kinds of appointments between desired attendees while preventing disclosure of undesired personal particulars thereof.