Abstract:
Various embodiments are described herein for a device and method for an adaptive controller for a power system. The adaptive controller has a parameter identification module and an adaptive control module. The parameter identification module determines values for parameters of a power system model based on a constrained parameter identification technique, errors between actual and estimated power system outputs and a control signal. The adaptive control module applies an adaptive pole-shift technique to generate a control signal to shift poles of the power system model. The control signal is sent to a power flow control device to alter power flow in the power system during a disturbance.
Abstract:
An isolated steroidogenesis modified cell comprising one or more steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid operatively linked to a promoter, wherein the steroid biosynthesis knock down nucleic acid reduces the expression of a gene selected from the group CYP21A2, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, 3-βHSD1, 3-βHSD2, 17-βHSD1, StAR, HMGR, CYP11 B2, CYP11 B1, 5α-Reductase 2, SULT1 E1, CYP3A4 and UTG1A1, wherein the cell comprises reduced expression of one or more of said genes. The cells are useful for identifying endocrine disruptors. Accordingly, the disclosure includes in a further aspect a screening assay for identifying an endocrine disruptor comprising: a) contacting a cell described herein with a test substance; b) determining a level of at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity;wherein a modulation in the level of the at least one steroid or steroidogenic gene mRNA or enzyme activity compared to a control is indicative that the test substance is an endocrine disruptor.
Abstract:
A novel strain of Trichoderma harzianum called TSTh20-1 is described. TSTh20-1 is useful in promoting plant growth, increasing water use efficiency of plants and in remediation of soil or water.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) antigens are disclosed. The compositions include a multiple epitope fusion protein comprising more than one epitope of an immunogenic STEC protein from more than one STEC serotype. Additional compositions include at least two purified STEC proteins, wherein the STEC proteins are selected from a full-length STEC protein, an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof, wherein at least one of the STEC proteins generates antibodies that react with STEC 0157 and at least one other STEC serotype.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods that inhibit non-enzymatic protein glycation and/or inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). The compositions comprise peptides derived from the Aktl protein, said peptides comprise an ammo acid sequence selected from CLQ or CLQWTTVER. Furthermore, the compositions are useful for treating advanced glycation endproduct (AGE)-related diseases.
Abstract:
Methods for recovery of recyclable water and/or fermentation co-products from thin stillage process streams. Microbial metabolites and/or plant derivatives and/or plant extractives are removed from thin stillage after which, recyclable water is recovered from the processed thin stillage. Thin stillage is commingled with one or more polar organic solvents to react microbial metabolites and/or plant derivatives and/or plant extractives with the organic solvents. The reacted organic solvents are then separated from the processed thin stillage. Thin stillage may be commingled with an oil to react with certain organic compounds, after which, the reacted oil is separated from the processed thin stillage is further extracted with one or more polar organic solvents. Alternatively, thin stillage may be first processed with one or more polar organic solvents, and then processed with an oil. Useful organic compounds may recovered from the reacted oil and from the reacted organic solvents.
Abstract:
An A-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified at position -134 relative to the ATG start codon, in the Pro-Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (PMCH) gene of Bos taurus and Bos indicus animals of both British and Continental type, is associated with changes in the average fat and grade fat. The A allele occurred in 67 % of cattle examined and was associated with higher average fat and grade fat levels. The cattle industry may make use of these findings to genetically select for, and/or sort, cattle using this SNP.
Abstract:
In various aspects, the invention provides methods for cyclizing proteins, including methods for enhancing the stability of cyclized proteins under cytosolic conditions. The invention also provides various methods for using the cyclized proteins. For example, cyclized proteins of the invention may be used in screening assays analogous to the yeast two hybrid assay. Selected embodiments of the invention provide cyclized single chain variable fragment (ScFv) molecules, including molecules in the form of an immunoglobulin fold.
Abstract:
The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid hydroxylases. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors including hydroxylase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for the production of hydroxyl fatty acids such as 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (ricinoleic acid).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process of preparing fatty alkyl esters (biodiesel), glycerin and lithium soap comprising: a) transesterifying an oil, fat or grease with a solution of lithium base in a monohydric aliphatic alcohol to produce fatty alkyl esters and a lithium alkaline glycerin; b) separating the fatty alkyl esters and the lithium alkaline glycerin and utilizing the lithium alkaline glycerin to saponify fatty alkyl compounds to produce glycerin and lithium soap; and c) optionally, separating the glycerin and lithium soaps.