Abstract: Provided are previously uncharacterised markers of cancers, for example colorectal cancers, and uses of these as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cancers, and in particular colorectal cancers. The markers are SEQ ID NO: 1—hnRNP-K; SEQ ID NO:2—HMG-1; SEQ ID NO:3—proteasome subunit alpha type 1; SEQ ID NO:4—bifunctional purine biosynthesis protein; SEQ ID NO:5—ST11; SEQ ID NO:6—annex in IV; SEQ ID NO:7—60 kDa heat shock protein; SEQ ID NO:8—T complex protein 1 beta subunit; SEQ ID NO:9—T complex protein 1 epsilon subunit; SEQ ID NO: 10—mortalin; and SEQ ID NO: 11—TER-ATPase. The invention further provides related methods and materials for the use of the markers in therapeutic intervention in colorectal and other cancers e.g. to specifically target neoplastic cells without causing significant toxicity in healthy tissues, and to provide methods for the evaluation of the ability of candidate therapeutic compounds to modulate the biological activity of cancerous cells from the colon, rectum and other tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a MUC1 cytoplasmic tail peptide or portion thereof. These peptides are useful for inducing an immune response to MUC1-expressing tumor cells and thus for preventing or treating cancer.

Abstract: A parametric process is provided for producing visible light at a second wavelength including pumping an optical fiber (4) with input light (1) at a first wavelength of less than one micron, which is longer than the second wavelength, and wherein the optical fiber (4) has zero group velocity dispersion at a third wavelength in the visible or near infrared region and longer than the first wavelength. An optical amplifier that uses the parametric process for producing light at second wavelength is also provided. The optical fiber (4) may be a photonic crystal fiber. The parametric process is tuneable by adjusting the frequency of the zero group velocity dispersion, the frequency of the first wavelength or the birefringence of the optical fiber (4).

Abstract: An arrangement for a MALDI sample plate for ion mass spectroscopy is disclosed. The sample is configured to shape the hypersonic explosion which creates the ions generated in a MALDI-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The MALDI sample plate includes a glass wafer formed from a plurality of clad glass fibers and has a first planar surface. The plate also has a plurality of micro-wells formed in the glass wafer. The micro-wells extend to a depth that is less than the thickness of the glass wafer and act to hold a spot sample in a manner that prevents spreading, maximizes the formation of ions, and shapes the resulting ion cloud to improve ion migration.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, audio descriptions, 3D rendered snapshots, etc., may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes of the finding within the database. At the end of the expert's evaluation of the image(s), the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the efficient and reproducible generation of clone animals of all developmental stages. Also provided are methods of use of the same in reproductive and therapeutic cloning protocols.

Abstract: The invention comprises a trampoline including a flexible mat, a plurality of resiliently flexible rods each having a lower end retained in a frame of the trampoline and an enlarged upper end, and a plurality of fittings coupled to the mat about a periphery of the mat and including on or in an underside of each fitting a socket cavity which receives the upper end of a flexible rod so that the upper ends of the flexible rods are pivotally connected to the periphery of the mat, the fitting also including an entry into the socket cavity for the enlarged upper end of the flexible rod through an upper side of the fitting and a restricted entry towards the socket cavity for a part of the flexible rod below said enlarged upper end and through which the rod upper end cannot pass, to one side of the fitting and defined between opposed side or underside parts of the fitting.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises first and second switch elements including respective first and second electrically conductive flexible domes for selectively making electrical connections. The second switch element is disposed adjacent the first switch element with an electrical conductor therebetween. An actuator is movable for exerting force on the second switch element via a spring, and for exerting force on the first switch element via the spring and the second switch element. The second flexible dome may have an actuating force that is less than the actuating force of said first flexible dome.

Abstract: A site specific recombination system and methods of use thereof are disclosed for manipulating the genome of higher plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to benzofuran derivatives and analogs, as well as compositions containing the same and to the use thereof for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections and diseases associated therewith, particularly those viral infections and associated diseases caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: Recombinant enteroviruses for use as vaccines or vectors, which are modified in tropism or virulence, are disclosed. Also disclosed are DNA constructs comprising enterovirus-derived molecular determinants of tropism or virulence for use in targeting genes of interest to specific cells or tissues. The recombinant enteroviruses and DNA constructs comprise molecular determinants of tropism and virulence localized in specific domains of the 5?NTR of the enteroviral genome.

Abstract: A method to make libraries of hybrid polynucleotide molecules of two parental polynucleotide molecules utilizing single-stranded DNA was invented. Example of the method comprises several steps: (i) preparation of two single-stranded polynucleotide molecules comprising sequences containing one or more parts of homology and one or more parts of heterology, (ii) random or non-random fragmentation of said polynucleotides, (iii) hybridization of the fragmented molecules followed by de novo polynucleotide synthesis (i.e. polynucleotide chain elongation) on the hybridized molecules, (iv) separation of the chain elongation products (i.e. double-stranded polynucleotide molecules) into single-stranded polynucleotide molecules (denaturation) (v) hybridization of the resultant single-stranded polynucleotide molecules followed by de novo polynucleotide synthesis on the hybridized molecules, and (vi) repeating at least two further cycles of steps (iv) and (v).

Abstract: A fishing reel drag system may comprise a drag housing having a cavity and fixed rotationally relative to a shaft or a spool. A driven member adjacent the cavity is rotatable relative to the drag housing and with the other of the shaft or spool. A drag stack of washers in the cavity includes a plurality of friction washers keyed to the drag housing or the driven member and at least one metal washer keyed to the other of the drag housing or driven member. A cam and follower move the driven member to bias the drag stack for exhibiting friction. A spring biases the drag stack for producing a desired level of friction and an actuator actuates the cam and follower. The actuator may disengage the spool from the drag stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for continuous casting of edible cellulose-containing film sheets having unique physical characteristics. The cellulose film sheets have diverse applications in the processed food industry.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including; telescoping inner and outer members; a release collar circumferentially encircling the outer member; at least one rotatably mounted pawl disposed in the outer member; the at least one rotatably mounted pawl being depressed into at least a first depression formed circumferentially in the inner member by the release collar; and the at least one rotatably mounted pawl being movable between unlocked and locked positions. A vibration damper for the hold open rod is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing expression levels and secretion of heterologous fusion proteins in a host cell are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a metal tool having controlled porosity is disclosed. The process includes the step of preparing metal powder by gas atomization. The metal powder is filled into a metal container. The powder-filled container is placed in a metal vessel and surrounded with glass frit. The metal vessel is then heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the glass frit. The metal vessel is then compacted under sufficient pressure to partially consolidate the metal powder so as to retain porosity therein in an amount sufficient to permit air to vent through the metal tool.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Corylus plant named ‘Red Dragon,’ characterized by its outwardly spreading plant habit, twisting stems, rich dark burgundy-colored leaves, burgundy color of the catkins and leaf buds, and resistance to eastern filbert blight caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Muller.