Abstract:
An engineered bacterial strain expressing dehydrogenases capable of oxidizing D- sorbitol to 2-keto-gulonic acid is provided by the present invention. Methods of using same in a one-pot synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are also described.
Abstract:
Immunogenic compositions that elicit immune responses against Francisella orientalis antigens are provided. In particular, immunogenic compositions comprising Francisella orientalis IglC and/or GroEL immunogenic polypeptides and/or recombinant polynucleotides encoding the Francisella orientalis IglC and/or GroEL immunogenic polypeptides, and/or microalgae expressing the Francisella orientalis IglC and/or GroEL immunogenic polypeptides are provided. Immunogenic compositions may further comprise other Francisella orientalis immunogenic polypeptides and/or immunogenic polypeptides from other pathogens causing disease in fish. The immunogenic compositions may also include one or more adjuvants. Additionally, methods of using the immunogenic compositions in applications including immunization and vaccination are provided.
Abstract:
A non-enzymatic glucose sensor was fabricated by immobilization of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), or iridium (Ir) particles on a redox polymer on a Pt electrode. Specifically, Pt or Au, particles were electrodeposited on polyvinylferrocenium (PVF + ) matrix from a K 2 PtCl 6 or KAuCl 4 solution followed by electrochemical reduction of the Pt or Au particles. Alternatively, Ir particles may also be electrodeposited on polyvinylferrocenium (PVF + ) matrix followed by electrochemical reduction of the Ir particles. The as-prepared Pt/PVF or Au/PVF or lR/PVF modified Pt electrode provides a non-enzymatic glucose sensor characterized by one or more qualities of improved sensitivity, high selectivity, stability, fast response, and reproducibility. The applicability of the proposed sensor was confirmed from the successful determination of glucose concentration in various juice samples.
Abstract:
A micro-grid system blending utility power with power from multiple renewable sources including energy storage devices provides power factor correction using the renewable sources and energy storage devices by adjustment of associated converters, A controller maximizes power factor correction by utility source subject to a cost weighting of penal ties for exceeding a power factor threshold.
Abstract:
A system that characterizes majors and academic courses with vectors that can be matched to testable student interests is provided. Majors and courses can then be recommended by a matching of student interests with characterized courses. The system combines elements of both psychology and technology, to greatly reduce the challenge of selecting courses and majors, by automating parts of the complex selection process to produce understandable options. Improved matching of majors and courses to individuals can provide multiple benefits including improved educational outcomes, enhanced student retention, and significant reduction in student debt.
Abstract:
A cleaning composition contained within a dissolvable package is provided. The package is formed at least partially of a water-soluble film material and the cleaning composition therein, which can be an organic composition, is formed without water to avoid degrading the package, in use, the package is contacted with water to dissolve the package and expose the cleaning composition contained therein.
Abstract:
Solvents for macromolecules generally believed to be insoluble in their pristine form are identified by generation of a 'solvent resonance' in the relationship between solvent quality (deduced by Rayleigh scattering) and an intrinsic property of solvents. A local extreme of the solvent resonance identifies the ideal intrinsic property of an ideal solvent which may then be used to select a particular solvent or solvent combination. A solvent for graphene is used in the production of transparent conductive electrodes.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time in an imaging system. An object orientation marker (30), preferably a retro- grate reflector (RGR), is placed on the head or other body organ of interest of a patient (P) during a scan, such as an MRI scan. The marker (30) makes it possible to measure the six degrees of freedom (x, y, and z-translations, and pitch, yaw, and roll), or "pose", required to track motion of the organ of interest. A detector, preferably a camera (40), observes the marker (30). and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the camera (40) is sent to the scanner (120) via an RGR processing computer (50) and a scanner control and processing computer (100), allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position (in real-time) for motion of the patient (P). This invention also provides for internal calibration and for co-registration over time of the scanner's and tracking system's reference frames to compensate for drift and other inaccuracies that may arise over time.
Abstract:
The present invention provides imidazobenzodiazepine derivatives and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of memory deficit related conditions and/or enhancement of cognizance. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes compounds, salts and prodrugs thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of these conditions.
Abstract:
The co-administration of antibiotics and calcium channel blockers in appropriate dose can produce a synergistic antimicrobial effect due to the ability of the calcium channel blocker to convert cryptic forms of chronic bacterial infections to a non-cryptic form. In particular, the effectiveness of L-type calcium channel blockers has been demonstrated with respect to converting chronic bacterial infections to non-cryptic forms. However, decrease or increase of intracellular calcium below or above certain levels results in a decrease in NO production. Since NO can produce desirable effects including, for example, desirable vascular changes and antimicrobial effects, it can be advantageous to control administration of calcium channel blockers to transform cryptic bacterial infections to non-cryptic forms while providing for desirable levels of NO production.