Abstract: A system and method for fluorescence spectral imaging of target material to detect the presence of a contaminant (such as aflatoxin in corn) is provided. An ultraviolet light source is coupled with a light-excluding compartment. The fluorescence from the UV excited target passes through a filter (liquid crystal tunable, acoustic-optic tunable, a filter wheel, or other wavelength splitting device) and a lens, to a spectral imaging camera. Fluorescence spectral image data from the camera are analyzed by a computer and presented in human-readable form. Aflatoxin detection in contaminated corn kernels is based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift in the spectral range from 451 nm to 500 nm. Aflatoxin contamination level within the target material is quantified based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift and computed corn kernel pixel statistics.

Abstract: Two distinct methods are disclosed and claimed for synthesizing glyceollin I plus glyceollin II as a mixture and as their pure forms. Stereochemical isomers and various synthetic intermediates are also synthesized and claimed for their novel compositions of matter. All compounds and their mixtures are claimed for use in formulations that are useful to treat or prevent cancer, or that have utility as selective estrogen receptor modulators, such formulations including enhanced or medical foods, dietary supplements and ethical pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure demonstrates the molecular effects of glyceollins on human prostate cancer cell LNCaP to further elucidate its potential effects on prostate cancer prevention. The glyceollins inhibited LNCaP cell growth similar to that of the soy isoflavone genistein. The growth inhibitory effects of the glyceollins appeared to be due to an inhibition on G1/S progression and correlated with an up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor A1 and B1 mRNA and protein levels. By contrast, genistein only up-regulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor A1. In addition, glyceollin treatments led to down-regulated mRNA levels for androgen responsive genes. In contrast to genistein, this effect of glyceollins on androgen responsive genes appeared to be mediated through modulation of an estrogen- but not androgen-mediated pathway.

Abstract: The flavonoid family of phytochemicals, particularly those derived from soy, has received attention regarding their hormonal activity and their effects on human health and disease. The types and amounts of these compounds in soy and other plants are controlled by both constitutive expression and stress-induced biosynthesis. The health benefits of soy may therefore be dependent upon the amounts of the various hormonally active phytochemicals present. We have identified increased biosynthesis of the isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds, Glyceollins I, II and III, in soy plants grown under stressed conditions (elicited soy), which exhibit marked anti-estrogenic effects on ER function.

Abstract: A system and method for fluorescence spectral imaging of target material to detect the presence of a contaminant (such as aflatoxin in corn) is provided. An ultraviolet light source is coupled a light-excluding compartment. The fluorescence from the UV excited target passes through a filter (liquid crystal tunable, acoustic-optic tunable, a filter wheel, or other wavelength splitting device) and a lens, to a spectral imaging camera. Fluorescence spectral image data from the camera is analyzed by a computer and presented in human-readable form. Aflatoxin detection in contaminated corn kernels is based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift in the spectral range from 451 nm to 500 nm. Aflatoxin contamination level within the target material is quantified based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift and computed corn kernel pixel statistics.

Abstract: Two distinct methods are disclosed and claimed for synthesizing glyceollin I plus glyceollin II as a mixture and as their pure forms. Stereochemical isomers and various synthetic intermediates are also synthesized and claimed for their novel compositions of matter. All compounds and their mixtures are claimed for use in formulations that are useful to treat or prevent cancer, or that have utility as selective estrogen receptor modulators, such formulations including enhanced or medical foods, dietary supplements and ethical pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The flavonoid family of phytochemicals, particularly those derived from soy, has received attention regarding their hormonal activity and their effects on human health and disease. The types and amounts of these compounds in soy and other plants are controlled by both constitutive expression and stress-induced biosynthesis. The health benefits of soy may therefore be dependent upon the amounts of the various hormonally active phytochemicals present. We have identified increased biosynthesis of the isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds, Glyceollins I, II and III, in soy plants grown under stressed conditions (elicited soy), which exhibit marked anti-estrogenic effects on ER function.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying and distinguishing fungal species, a hyperspectral imaging scanner is used to acquire hyperspectral image data for radiation obtained from a sample area in which at least one unknown fungal species is present. A computer compares the acquired hyperspectral image data with spectral signature data stored in a digital library, which includes spectral signature data for each one of a group of known fungal species, and identifies the fungal species, based on the result of such comparison. The spectral signature data stored in the digital library take into account, for each fungal species, spectral variations that can occur due to at least one of environmental and temporal influences. The computer comparison includes a pixel-by-pixel analysis of the degree of difference between acquired hyperspectral image data and the spectral signature data, so that a spatial distribution of identified fungal species can be determined for a sample area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making plants resistant to plant pathogens by transformation of host cells with a nucleic acid encoding a nonheme haloperoxidase. Transgenic plants which express a nonheme chloroperoxidase thereby resulting in enhanced resistance to phytopathogens are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to two lipopeptides a1 and a2 produced by Bacillus subtilis and their use as an anitfungal agent against Aspergillus flavus. Both peptides are cyclic, acidic and have broad range of antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Both peptides belong to the Bacillomycin D family. A method and composition for controlling aflatoxin contamination in plants susceptible to alflatoxin-producing fungi, like Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus is also disclosed.