Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for modulating ligand gated ion channel (LGIC) activity. For example, modified LGICs including at least one LGIC subunit having a modified ligand binding domain (LBD) and/or a modified ion pore domain (IPD) are provided. Also provided are exogenous LGIC ligands that can bind to and activate the modified LGIC, as well as methods of modulating ion transport across the membrane of a cell of a mammal, methods of modulating the excitability of a cell in a mammal, and methods of treating a mammal having a channelopathy.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for controlling ligand gated ion channel (LGIC) activity. For example, modified LGICs including at least one LGIC subunit having a modified ligand binding domain (LBD) and/or a modified ion pore domain (IPD) are provided. Also provided are exogenous LGIC ligands that can bind to and activate the modified LGIC, as well as methods of modulating ion transport across the membrane of a cell of a mammal, methods of modulating the excitability of a cell in a mammal, and methods of treating a mammal having a channelopathy.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for controlling ligand gated ion channel (LGIC) activity. For example, modified LGICs including at least one LGIC subunit having a modified ligand binding domain (LBD) and/or a modified ion pore domain (IPD) are provided. Also provided are exogenous LGIC ligands that can bind to and activate the modified LGIC, as well as methods of modulating ion transport across the membrane of a cell of a mammal, methods of modulating the excitability of a cell in a mammal, and methods of treating a mammal having a channelopathy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compounds and methods for inhibiting Caspase 6 and the treatment of diseases, pharmaceutical composition including a compound as described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and methods of inhibiting human Caspase 6 protein activity, the method including: contacting the human Caspase 6 protein with a compound as described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microorganism expressing Haematococcus pluvialis-derived geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase; and a method of producing carotenoid or a material having carotenoid as a precursor using the microorganism.

Abstract: A memory device includes clock signal generation circuitry, and first integrated level shifter and latch circuitry. The clock signal generation circuitry receives a first clock signal and an isolation signal, and generates a second clock signal based on the first clock signal and the isolation signal. The isolation signal corresponds to a power state of a power supply associated with the first clock signal. The first integrated level shifter and latch circuitry receives an input signal in a first power supply domain, and latches a value the input signal based on the second clock signal. Further, the first integrated level shifter and latch circuitry outputs, based on the latched value, an output signal in a second power supply domain different than the first power supply domain.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing retinol, the method comprising the step of culturing a microorganism of the genus Yarrowia in a medium containing an antioxidant; a method of increasing retinol production; a method of producing retinoids; a medium composition for a microorganism of the genus Yarrowia for producing retinol, the composition comprising an antioxidant; a composition for producing retinol, the composition comprising the microorganism or a culture thereof and an antioxidant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microorganism expressing Dunaliella salina-derived geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase; and a method of producing carotenoid or a material having carotenoid as a precursor using the microorganism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing retinol, the method comprising culturing a microorganism of the genus Yarrowia in a medium comprising a non-ionic surfactant; a method of increasing retinol production; and a method of producing retinoids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase variant; a polynucleotide encoding the variant; a vector including the polynucleotide; a microorganism including any one or more of the variant, the polynucleotide, and the vector; and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for modulating ligand gated ion channel (LGIC) activity. For example, modified LGICs including at least one LGIC subunit having a modified ligand binding domain (LBD) and/or a modified ion pore domain (IPD) are provided. Also provided are exogenous LGIC ligands that can bind to and activate the modified LGIC, as well as methods of modulating ion transport across the membrane of a cell of a mammal, methods of modulating the excitability of a cell in a mammal, and methods of treating a mammal having a channelopathy.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating contextual communications that includes creating a contextual resource that is initially associated with at least at first communication session; receiving an incoming communication request and establishing a second communication session; associating the second communication session with the contextual resource; setting contextual information of the contextual resource; performing at least one contextual communication action.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating contextual communications that includes creating a contextual resource that is initially associated with at least at first communication session; receiving an incoming communication request and establishing a second communication session; associating the second communication session with the contextual resource; setting contextual information of the contextual resource; performing at least one contextual communication action.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and authenticating a physical article to a virtual environment. A physical article, such as a decorative pin used in gameplay or some purchased article with anti-counterfeiting tag information, may be scanned by a mobile device and verified by a mobile device application. Such a process may uniquely identify a product as being associated with one particular customer, which may limit counterfeiting and may also allow the article to be incorporated in some form into a game or other virtual environment, such as in the form of an accessory for a game character.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel beta-carotene 15,15?-oxygenase variant, a microorganism including the variant, a method for producing a retinoid using the microorganism, a composition for producing a retinoid, and use of the variant or microorganism for producing a retinoid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for determining whether a patient exhibiting acute gastroenteritis will benefit from treatment with therapeutic agents that inhibit Norovirus genogroup I (GI) or Norovirus genogroup II (GII). The methods disclosed herein are based on detecting Norovirus genogroup I (GI) and Norovirus genogroup II (GII) in a stool sample without extracting viral nucleic acids from a clinical specimen prior to performing real-time reverse transcription PCR. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A tribometer and technique for determining torque at a physical interface of multiple rotating components. The tool and technique include aligning components about a rotational axis for independent rotation of each component. The components are in physical interface during the rotating with a resultant frictional torque. The torque may be measured by one or more torque meters during the rotating. This measured torque may be compared against an estimated torque for tool accuracy. Further, parameters such as load, temperature, component material, rotating rpm differentials and others may be varied to determine effect on measured frictional torque.

Abstract: A container including a storage chamber within which is located at least one concentrated product housed; a mixing chamber coupled to the storage chamber and capable of storing a pump dispenser assembly, wherein the storage chamber is isolated from the mixing chamber. Also included is a reversible middle section capable of connecting the pump dispenser at the center opening with the container mouth opening.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating contextual communications that includes creating a contextual resource that is initially associated with at least at first communication session; receiving an incoming communication request and establishing a second communication session; associating the second communication session with the contextual resource; setting contextual information of the contextual resource; performing at least one contextual communication action.