Abstract: The present technology provides transcription factors for modifying plant metabolism and nucleic acid molecules that encode such transcription factors. Also provide are methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate alkaloid production in plants and for producing plant and plant cells having altered alkaloid content. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating nicotine biosynthesis in plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted delivery of biotherapeutics are provided. The compositions comprise bile-sensitive St. thermophilus bacteria modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Biotherapeutic agents released by the St. thermophilus bacteria disclosed herein include AQ and AQR rich peptides. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a St. thermophilus bacterium modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Administration of the St. thermophilus bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The bacterium may be modified to express and release AQ or AQR rich peptides which subsequently inhibit cellular apoptosis or reduce mucosal damage. Thus, methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including C. difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted delivery of biotherapeutics are provided. The compositions comprise bile-sensitive St. thermophilus bacteria modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Biotherapeutic agents released by the St. thermophilus bacteria disclosed herein include AQ and AQR rich peptides. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a St. thermophilus bacterium modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Administration of the St. thermophilus bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The bacterium may be modified to express and release AQ or AQR rich peptides which subsequently inhibit cellular apoptosis or reduce mucosal damage. Thus, methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including C. difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the phase difference or time difference between two signals is presented. In some embodiments two sample and hold (S/H) circuits are arranged as a cooperating system that alternately samples a first signal using the second as a reference. Chopping may be used at the input or output of the S/H circuits. In some embodiments, accurate measurement of digital signal phase differences, such as between two square waves, is obtained without the problems associated with traditional pulse-generation techniques that fail at high frequencies and short pulse lengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioproduction of glutamine rich peptides. These peptides are used for rehydration and nutrition therapy in patients and for enhanced nutrition in animals. The peptides may be used as individual peptides or combined with other peptides in oligopeptides or proteins. Compositions of glutamine rich peptides and nucleic acid sequences for producing such peptides, as well as methods of production and use, are described.

Abstract: An N-bit DAC converts an N-bit digital word to an analog voltage. An n-bit modified string DAC, including no more than 2n taps, receives as an input, n MSBs of the N-bit digital word and provides the analog voltage as an output. An m-bit interpolating DAC, coupled to the n-bit modified string DAC, receives as an input, m LSBs of the N-bit digital word, and provides an analog output to the string DAC. Preferably, n=m=N/2. In an embodiment, the interpolating DAC includes first and second current DACs, each of which provides current to or from the n-bit modified string DAC, depending on the level of the LSBs.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transmit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: Chimaeric DNA sequence which encodes: 1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant and 2) a protein or polypeptide that is heterologous to the transit peptide. The chimaeric DNA sequence can be used as a vector for transforming a plant cell so that a chimaeric precursor of the heterologous protein or polypeptide is produced in the cytoplasm of the cell and the chimaeric precursor then transports the heterologous protein or polypeptide in vivo into a chloroplast of the cell.

Abstract: A chimaeric DNA sequence comprising:a) a nucleic acid sequence coding for a chimaeric protein or polypeptide comprising in sequence:1) a transit peptide of a cytoplasmatic precursor of a chloroplast protein or polypeptide of a plant species, and,2) a protein or polypeptide of interest which is different from a mature chloroplast protein or polypeptide contained in a natural cytoplasmatic precursor thereof, and,b) a promoter upstream of the nucleic acid sequence recognized by polymerases endogenous to a plant, whereby the chimaeric DNA sequence can be expressed in cells of the plant under the control of the promoter and the protein or polypeptide of interest can be translocated in the chloroplasts of the cells of the plant.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter of the successive-approximation type wherein the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a charge-redistribution, binary-weighted switched-capacitor array for producing the analog output for comparison with the analog input signal. A second switched-capacitor DAC is employed to develop error correction signals to be combined with the analog signal from the A/D conversion DAC. The conversion DAC array is connected to one input terminal of the comparator, and the error-correction DAC array is connected to the other comparator input terminal, an arrangement which reduces the number of capacitors required while providing symmetrical capacitance loading of the comparator input circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit two terminal temperature transducer providing an accurate current output that is linearly related to absolute temperature over an extended temperature range. The circuit is of the type using first and second transistors having conductive areas of different sizes, and control transistors for supplying equal currents through the first and second transistors to operate them at different current densities, and a resistor responsive to the base-to-emitter voltages of the first and second transistors for developing currents therethrough proportional to absolute temperature. Improved accuracy over an extended temperature range is provided in a two terminal device by means of a third transistor coupled to the first and second transistors to generate another controlled current varying linearly with absolute temperature to be combined with the currents through the first and second transistors to form an output current.