Abstract: A system and method of operating a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a tape drive for reading and writing data to a magnetic tape medium of a tape storage media device, and an auxiliary memory emulator for receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory and for rerouting the commands to perform the I/O operations on the magnetic tape medium of the tape storage media device. The method includes receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory on a tape storage media device, wherein the tape storage media device includes a magnetic tape medium and does not include the auxiliary memory, and routing the I/O commands to the magnetic tape medium provided in the tape storage media device.

Abstract: Recombinant organisms are provided comprising genes encoding a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and/or a glycerol-3-phosphatase activity useful for the production of glycerol from a variety of carbon substrates. The organisms further contain disruptions in the endogenous genes encoding proteins having glycerol kinase and glycerol dehydrogenase activities.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: Recombinant organisms are provided comprising genes encoding a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and/or a glycerol-3-phosphatase activity useful for the production of glycerol from a variety of carbon substrates. The organisms further contain disruptions in the endogenous genes encoding proteins having glycerol kinase and glycerol dehydrogenase activities.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for the enzymatic production of glycolic acid from glycolonitrile. These methods include: 1) use of Acidovorax facilis 72W nitrilase mutants having improved nitrilase activity for converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid, and 2) methods to improve catalyst stability and/or productivity. The methods to improve catalyst stability/productivity include use of reaction stabilizers, running the reactions under substantially oxygen free conditions, and controlling the concentration of substrate in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus is a lightweight and portable exercise device that enhances the active care and rehabilitation of patients participating in programs of therapeutic exercise as other individuals who may wish to use the device for general physical fitness and exercise. The exercise apparatus comprises at least one resistance band secured to an anchor device, and handles with attachment rings, hooks, etc. to secure the handles to the resistance band(s). The anchor device is used to secure the exercise apparatus to either a door frame or to some other immovable object. The device is versatile enough to allow the user to employ a wide range of different type handles in order to achieve the desired exercise effect. Resistance can be easily varied and will increase linearly as the muscle shortens and becomes more efficient.

Abstract: This invention relates to nitrilase mutants having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles to 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. More specifically, the Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase gene was mutated using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create nitrilase enzymes having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles (e.g., 3-hydroxybutyronitrile or 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile) to the corresponding 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. A process using these improved mutants to produce the 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of low-copy number plasmids comprising restriction endonuclease recognition sites useful for cloning at least three different genes or operons, each flanked by a terminator sequence, the plasmids containing variants of glucose isomerase promoters for varying levels of protein expression. The materials and methods are useful for genetic engineering in microorganisms, especially where multiple genetic insertions are sought.

Abstract: A foam pad attachment device comprising a perforated neoprene backed cloth material to allow heat to dissipate from exterior surface of cloth material. The cloth bonnet is wrapped and secured over commercial foam pad or adhered to the front surface of a commercial foam pad to be used in conjunction with a high-speed rotary buff/polish machine.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a tape cartridge having a magnetic tape medium and a tape drive for reading and writing data to the magnetic tape medium of the tape cartridge. Performance data associated with specific operating loci (e.g., bands, directions, tracks, segments, etc.) of the tape drive and tape medium are collected, analyzed, and stored, allowing for analysis and detection of trends over time. In one example, tape usage events are monitored and when they cross a threshold the system may remove particular tapes in a preventative maintenance approach to reduce system outage. Performance data is collected and analyzed with a portion of the performance data being saved to emulated medium auxiliary memory (EMAM) on the magnetic tape, and a portion of the of the performance data saved in non-volatile storage in the drive.

Abstract: A system (10) and method by which an orthodontic appliance (25) is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient (12), preferably from a model (20) of the patient's mouth, to produce a three-dimensional digitized model (26) of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. Then a computer (30) calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions.

Abstract: A system (10) and method by which an orthodontic appliance (25) is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient (12), preferably from a model (20) of the patient's mouth, to produce a three-dimensional digitized model (26) of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. Then a computer (30) calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a tape drive for reading and writing data to a magnetic tape medium of a tape storage media device, and an auxiliary memory emulator for receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory and for rerouting the commands to perform the I/O operations on the magnetic tape medium of the tape storage media device. The method includes receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory on a tape storage media device, wherein the tape storage media device includes a magnetic tape medium and does not include the auxiliary memory, and routing the I/O commands to the magnetic tape medium provided in the tape storage media device.

Abstract: A system and method by which an orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for preferably scanning a model of the patient's mouth to produce two or three dimensional images and digitizing contours and selected points. A computer may be programmed to construct archforms and/or to calculate finish positions of the teeth, then to design an appliance to move the teeth to the calculated positions. The appliance may include archwires and brackets. Machine code is generated and appliances are automatically produced that will straighten the teeth of the patient. Custom placement jigs may also be automatically designed and fabricated and are provided with the custom appliance to position the appliance on the patient's teeth.

Abstract: When selamectin is administered to a female animal over a period commencing during pregnancy and ending during lactation, endo- and ecto-parasite infestations are either treated or prevented in that animal's offspring, avoiding the problems of treating the offspring directly. This leads to improvements in the compliance of dosing and hence the efficacy of treatment and reduces the number of doses to be administered leading to economic benefits and greater convenience.

Abstract: A system and method by which an orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for preferably scanning a model of the patient's mouth to produce two or three dimensional images and digitizing contours and selected points. A computer may be programmed to construct archforms and/or to calculate finish positions of the teeth, then to design an appliance to move the teeth to the calculated positions. The appliance may include archwires and brackets. Machine code is generated and appliances are automatically produced that will straighten the teeth of the patient. Custom placement jigs may also be automatically designed and fabricated and are provided with the custom appliance to position the appliance on the patient's teeth.

Abstract: A method for developing a conceptual design for a product or service involves defining conceptual design project goals and parameters and then creating a project team representing several diverse types of intelligences. The team is directed to generate multi-faceted ideas embodying brand, product or service, and marketing communications concepts in accordance with the project goals and parameters. The diverse intelligences represented on the team results in a greater variety, freshness and depth of ideas generated by the team for use in marketing and advertising the product or service. Better quality and more innovative concepts can be developed faster and more completely that have broader appeal to diverse intelligences than by using conventional methods.

Abstract: A system (10) and method by which an orthodontic appliance (25) is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient (12) , preferably from a model (20) of the patient's mouth, to produce a three-dimensional digitized model (26) of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. Then a computer (30) calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions.