Abstract: A method to increase carotenoid production in carotenogenic microbial host cells is provided by down-regulating or disrupting glycogen synthesis. Disruption of glycogen synthase activity in a carotenogenic microbial host cell significantly increased carotenoid production. Carotenogenic microorganisms are also provided that have been optimized for the production of carotenoid compounds through the down-regulation and/or disruption of glycogen synthase activity.

Abstract: A system and method for networked exchange are disclosed. A system for networked exchange comprises an internal proxy (140); an exchange processor (120) in communication with the internal proxy (140); a database (130) in communication with the internal proxy (140); an external proxy (150) in communication with the internal proxy (140); and, a communications network (110) connected to the external proxy. A method for networked exchange comprises 8 steps. Those steps are (1) specifying a mode of operations for an exchange; (2) identifying a commodity for the exchange; (3) listing information about the commodity; (4) accessing of the listing by a potential purchaser; (5) accessing the network based exchange by the potential purchaser; (6) processing information generated by the potential purchaser, the information comprising a negotiation; (7) concluding the negotiation; and, (8) clearing the concluded negotiation.

Abstract: A system and method for networked exchange are disclosed. A system for networked exchange comprises an internal proxy (140); an exchange processor (120) in communication with the internal proxy (140); a database (130) in communication with the internal proxy (140); an external proxy (150) in communication with the internal proxy (140); and, a communications network (110) connected to the external proxy. A method for networked exchange comprises 8 steps. Those steps are (1) specifying a mode of operations for an exchange; (2) identifying a commodity for the exchange; (3) listing information about the commodity; (4) accessing of the listing by a potential purchaser; (5) accessing the network based exchange by the potential purchaser; (6) processing information generated by the potential purchaser, the information comprising a negotiation; (7) concluding the negotiation; and, (8) clearing the concluded negotiation.

Abstract: A method to increase carotenoid production in carotenogenic microbial host cells is provided by down-regulating or disrupting glycogen synthesis. Disruption of glycogen synthase activity in a carotenogenic microbial host cell significantly increased carotenoid production. Carotenogenic microorganisms are also provided that have been optimized for the production of carotenoid compounds through the down-regulation and/or disruption of glycogen synthase activity.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining and characterizing the presence of damage or abnormalities resulting from or concomitant with systemic hypertension in subject. This method is comprised of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) may be acquired by photography. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation may be automated or involve the active participation of a human. The ocular images may be classified into either a normal or clinical group or compared to an algorithm of hypertensive symptoms. The ocular images may, additionally, be processed and have the pertinent characteristics extracted to make the classification more exact.

Abstract: A natural antioxidant, Coenzyme Q8, is produced in methanotropic bacteria. However, current processing techniques for methanotrophic biomass leads to the oxidation of the natural antioxidant. The present methods process the dried methanotrophic biomass so that more of the reduced form (i.e. the form having antioxidant activity) is retained. The increased levels of reduced Coenzyme Q8 should increase the shelf life of animal feed produced from the methanotrophic biomass and may alleviate the need to supplement animal feed formations (i.e. fish feed) with additional antioxidants.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject for medical conditions includes causing light to impinge on at least one eye of the subject, directing reflected light from such light beam to photosensors, converting the received reflected light to corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a processor. Processing the signals by effecting a comparison between stored information regarding the medical condition and the data provided by the monitoring to determine if an undesired medical condition exists and, if so, communicating such result. The cycle is repeated at predetermined intervals which may be short or prolonged. The method may be employed for a wide variety of medical conditions and preferably is employed with frequent cyclic monitoring for conditions such as miosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and blood flow related conditions. A related apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A knob accessory for a round thermostat of the type having a centrally located thermostat adjustment knob, has a relatively large diameter which allows easier adjustment of the thermostat setting for people who have difficulty in rotating an adjustment knob having detents to indicate thermostat settings. The knob accessory latches onto the standard adjustment knob with a detent mechanism which also allows removing the knob.