Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel, polynucleotides isolated from dwarf plants. The dwf4 polynucleotides that encode all, or a portion of, a DWF4 polypeptide, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that mediates multiple steps in synthesis of brassinosteriods. The present invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides that encode regulatory regions of dwf4. Uses of the dwf4 polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention relates to wireless biotelemetry of low level bioelectric and biosensor signals by means of directly modulating the backscatter of a resonant circuit. Low level electrical analog or digital signals are directly applied to a resonant circuit containing a voltage-variable capacitor such as a varactor diode, that proportionally shifts the resonant frequency and so amplitude of radiofrequency backscatter in a way that represents analog bioelectric or biosensor waveform data. By strongly driving the resonant circuit with a radiofrequency source, a voltage variable capacitance can be caused to amplify the bio-signal level by a parametric process and so provide sufficient sensitivity to telemeter for low millivolt and microvolt level signals without additional amplification. A feature of the device is its simplicity and that it accomplishes both modulation and preamplification of low level sensor signals by the same variable capacitance circuit which reduces the device size and power consumption.
Abstract:
A hardware/software system and method that collectively enables virtualization of the host computer's native I/O system architecture via the Internet and LANs. The invention includes a solution to the problems of the relatively narrow focus of iSCSI, the direct connect limitation of PCI Express, and the inaccessibility of PCI Express for expansion in blade architectures.
Abstract:
A switchable bandpass filter includes a coupled line segment (comb) including a plurality of coupled transmission lines of substantially equal lengths that are each connected or otherwise coupled to the common RF ground at their first end, a plurality of adjustable capacitors each coupled proximate a second end of respective ones of the transmission lines, and a plurality of shunt switches coupled to points along a length of each of the transmission lines. Shunt switches may be implemented by various device technologies including MEMS and FET switches and PIN diodes. The adjustable capacitors may be implemented as an array or tree of switched capacitors using suitable switching components (e.g., as previously enumerated) or by other suitable electrically controllable devices such as varactors or varactor arrays. A differential switchable filter may be formed by the symmetric repetition of individual bandpass filter modules.
Abstract:
The invention relates to compositions and methods for making and using recombinant bacteria that are capable of regulated attenuation and/or regulated expression of one or more antigens of interest.
Abstract:
A method for generating electrical current using a fuel cell includes flowing a first flow that includes a fuel and an electrolyte through a first channel. The fuel is oxidized at an anode to generate electrons for conduction to a load and oxidation products that remain in the first flow. The method includes flowing a second flow that includes an oxidizer and an electrolyte through a second channel that is open to the first channel. A cathode receives electrons from the load and the oxidation products, and the oxidizer is reduced to form reduction products and complete an electrochemical circuit. The plurality of exchange zones are positioned and the flows are oriented within their respective first and second channels such that the first and second flows contact one another intermittently at the exchange zones to enable transport of the reduction and oxidation products to the anode and cathode.
Abstract:
As the richest source of astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant and coloring agent, the unicellular green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, is being commercially exploited. A major constraint in the Haematococcus production system, however, is the thick, rigid cell walls associated with astaxanthin-rich cysts (or aplanospores). The thick walls prevent the extraction of cellular materials and consequently reduce the bioavailability of astaxanthin. Using a physical, chemical, or enzymatic method to disrupt the cell wall has proven to be very expensive and also introduce the risk of oxidation of astaxanthin by atmospheric oxygen The present invention provides a novel method for solving this problem by introducing two genetically modified Haematococcus pluvialis mutants. These two mutants, named as D 13-17 and N54-22, contain remarkably reduced amounts of cell wall materials, but retain the growth potential and ability to accumulate astaxanthin as high as the wild type strain. Organic solvent extraction efficiency assay has demonstrated that cellular astaxanthin can be more effectively and efficiently extracted from the cell wall-deficient mutants than from the wild type, suggesting that the mutants may provide better bioavailability of astaxanthin to humans and animals. The said mutants can be used for production of natural astaxanthin for human and animal consumption
Abstract:
A method of analysing a sample includes providing a first part of the sample and a second part of the sample. A first analysis is conducted on the first part of the sample and the results of the first analysis are considered. A second analysis is conducted on the second part of the sample, the second analysis being conducted according to a procedure using a value for each of one or more characteristics of the procedure. The consideration of the results of the first analysis is used to determine whether the value for one or more of the characteristics of the procedure is changed to a different value. The second analysis is started before the results of the first analysis are obtained.
Abstract:
Orthoborate salts suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium batteries and methods for making the electrolyte salts are provided. The electrolytic salts have one of the formulae (I). In this formula anionic orthoborate groups are capped with two bidentate chelating groups, Y1 and Y2. Certain preferred chelating groups are dibasic acid residues, most preferably oxalyl, malonyl and succinyl, disulfonic acid residues, sulfoacetic acid residues and halo-substituted alkylenes. The salts are soluble in non-aqueous solvents and polymeric gels and are useful components of lithium batteries in electrochemical devices.