Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of matter formulated to work in conjunction with CO2 gas for identifying the exact leak site location of small and large leaks in sealed systems. The leak finding compositions of matter foam, or are in the form of a foam, when applied to the one or more external surfaces of a system, that is closed and pressurized with CO2, where a leak site location is suspected. This foam then changes color from a first color to a second color over the exact leak site.

Abstract: Methods and materials for measuring the composition of plant biomass and predicting the efficiency of conversion of such biomass to various end products under various processing conditions are disclosed. For example, methods and materials for identifying plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate, as well as materials and methods for processing plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate are disclosed. Also disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems that provide improved economic efficiencies to biorefineries.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a near-infrared (NIR) model to predict the amount of accessible carbohydrate material in a feedstock sample. The NIR model is generated by subjecting a set of biomass calibration feedstock samples to near infrared spectroscopy which produces NIR spectroscopic data, measuring the chemical compositions of each said calibration feedstock sample by wet chemical techniques, and measuring the total amount of monosaccharides and disaccharides solubilized by each said calibration feedstock sample after processing under a defined pretreatment condition or defined enzyme load condition. The method is then applied to NIR spectral data obtained from a test feedstock sample to predict the amount of accessible carbohydrate material in the test feedstock sample.

Abstract: Methods and materials for measuring the composition of plant biomass and predicting the efficiency of conversion of such biomass to various end products under various processing conditions are disclosed. For example, methods and materials for identifying plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate, as well as materials and methods for processing plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate are disclosed. Also disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems that provide improved economic efficiencies to biorefineries.

Abstract: A method for processing a resource allocation request associated with an application running at a set top box, by identifying all resources required to complete the resource allocation request and acquiring all the identified resources if the resources are available.

Abstract: Recombinant or substantially pure preparations of H. pylori polypeptides are described. The nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides also are described. The H. pylori polypeptides are useful for diagnostics and vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the specific activity of a glycosyl hydrolase on a substrate, comprising replacing a hydrophobic surface binding amino acid of the hydrolase with a positively charged amino acid; and a method for increasing the specific activity of a glycosyl hydrolase on a substrate, comprising replacing an active site associated glycosyl-stabilizing amino acid of the hydrolase with an amino acid, the replacing amino acid not strongly retarding cellobiose from leaving the active site. The invention further provides mutant glycosyl hydrolases, which include Y245G, Y42R, and W82R.

Abstract: A combination head/hair band and the hair gathering device(s) comprised of two or more joined flexible textile loops featuring adjustable circumferences. The first loop is intended to wrap around the users head and serve as a head/hair band. The second loop or loops is/are attached to the primary loop at the location(s) from which gathered hair, i.e. ponytail/pigtails/hair braid(s), are intended to be secured. The gathered hair is routed through the second loop(s) and secured by tensioning of slide device(s) defining the loop circumferences. In the one embodiment, a single length of a flexible textile cordage is routed over the wearers head and both ends are then routed through a first slide device positioned underneath the hair at the back of the head. The hair is then gathered and the cord ends are routed around opposite sides of the gathered hair, and tensioned and secured with a second slide device. The device is very elegant in its simplicity and effectiveness in restraining the hair.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods useful for genetic engineering of plant cells to provide expression in the plastids of a plant or plant cell of cellulose degrading enzymes.

Abstract: The gene encoding Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1 endoglucanase is cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. A new modified E1 endoglucanase enzyme comprising the catalytic domain of the full size E1 enzyme demonstrates enhanced thermostability and is produced by two methods. The first method of producing the new modified E1 is proteolytic cleavage to remove the cellulose binding domain and linker peptide of the full size E1. The second method of producing the new modified E1 is genetic truncation of the gene encoding the full size E1 so that the catalytic domain is expressed in the expression product.

Abstract: The gene encoding Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1 endoglucanase is cloned and expressed in heterologous microorganisms. A new modified E1 endoglucanase enzyme is produced along with variants of the gene and enzyme. The E1 endoglucanase is useful for hydrolyzing cellulose to sugars for simultaneous or later fermentation into alcohol.

Abstract: A purified low molecular weight endoglucanase II from Acidothermus cellulolyticus (ATCC 43068) is disclosed. The endoglucanase is water soluble, possesses both C.sub.1, and C.sub.x types of enzyme activity, a high degree of stability toward heat, and exhibits optimum temperature activity at about 81.degree. C. at pH's from about 2 to about 9, and at a inactivation temperature of about 100.degree. C. at pH's from about 2 to about 9.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching insulation penetrating connectors to the ends of flat multiple pair cables has a sheath stripping station and a connector attaching station. Spaced knives slit the sheath crosswise of the cable and translate in the direction of the cable to strip the sheathing while conductor separating and engaging combs engage on each side of the cable one conductor of each pair of conductors prior to complete removal of the severed sheath end but operative upon complete sheath removal to separate the conductors into two planar arrays diverging in opposite directions from the general plane of the cable. A carriage holding the cable with bared end is arranged to translate from the sheath stripping station to the connector attaching station where connector holding jaws are articulable for the purpose.