Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of avian reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides a method of activating an egg in a shell. The invention also provides a method of activating an egg in a shell, whereby a live chick is hatched.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of regulating the destruction of mRNA molecules containing an AU-rich element (ARE), for example, methods of stimulating the degradation of an mRNA molecule encoding TNF-?, and methods of inhibiting the degradation of an mRNA molecule encoding GM-CSF. Also provided are methods for identifying compounds that regulate the destruction of mRNA molecules containing AREs.

Abstract: Conveyor (1), comprising a number of supporting bodies (10) arranged successively in an array in order to form transporting positions for objects (P) for transporting between two successive supporting bodies (10), wherein the form of the supporting bodies (10) is suitable for urging the objects (P) into a transverse position relative to the direction of movement (B).

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises a stack having a first face, an opposed second face and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stack comprises a plurality of layers, each layer having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface, wherein the plurality of layers of the stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is connected to the piezoelectric layer and defines an opening extending a second predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the stack. A plurality of first kerf slots are defined therein the stack, each first kerf slot extending a predetermined depth therein the stack and a first predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. In one example, the lens includes a curved prismatic surface that can be oriented toward or away from the underlying light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain substituted heterocycles of Formula (I) which are useful in the treatment of diseases related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, such as type 2 diabetes, adipocyte differentiation, uncontrolled proliferation, such as lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer or cancers in general; and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: A method for producing polymers with controlled molecular weight and desired end functionalities and the resulting polymers. The method comprises a) forming a microemulsion comprising monomer, water, and an effective amount of an effective surfactant, b) adding to the microemulsion an amount of a water-soluble photo-initiator system wherein the initiator system produces one type of monomer-soluble radical active centers and wherein the radical active centers contain desired end group functionalities for a polymer or oligomer, and c) illuminating the microemulsion to photoinitiate polymerization of the monomer wherein the illuminating is according to a temporal and spatial illumination scheme, and wherein the amount of the initiator system and the temporal illumination scheme are chosen to produce a desired molecular weight of the polymer or oligomer. The microemulsion can further comprise an effective amount of an effective co-surfactant. The method can be used to produce polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A boat propeller comprising a central hub member and an inner hub assembly that defines a longitudinally extending bore having an inner surface. The exterior surface of the central hub member is sized and shaped for disposition therein the bore of the inner hub assembly in a complementary fashion. In one aspect, the propeller may also comprise a plurality of resilient spacer members positioned such that that the exterior surface of the central hub member is spaced from the inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a new diagnosis method for detecting the extend of a inflammatory, fibrotic or cancerous disease in a patient, in particular liver fibrosis, in particular in a patient infected with hepatitis C virus, by using the serum concentration of easily detectable biological markers. The invention is also drawn to diagnosis kits for the implementation of the method.