Abstract: Disclosed is a haptic controller that includes a base, a control member, a control support that is adapted to enable a variable force to be applied at one or more points, and a connection member that connects the control member to the base. The controller features two parallel-axis pivots that connect the connection member to the base and to the control member. The controller also includes damper elements that are arranged respectively between the base and the connection member, and between the connection member and the control member. The damper elements damp the pivoting of the connection member and of the control member when a force is applied to the control support.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for priming plants, thereby achieving an enhancing resistance by providing these plants with a gene construct comprising a DNA sequence coding for an RKS receptor. The resistance can then be induced by contacting said plants with the pathogen or with a signal compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enhancing resistance in plants by providing these plants with a gene construct comprising a DNA sequence coding for a receptor for a systemic signal compound, wherein such a systemic signal compound is one or more of the group consisting of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and brassinosteroids. The resistance can the be induced by contacting said plants with said signal compound. Preferably, the receptor is an RKS receptor, salicylic acid receptor or jasmonic acid receptor. Also combinations and/or chimaeric receptors can be applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the expected value of the quality features in agricultural and horticultural product and a method for predicting the expected optimal time of harvest by comparing expression parameters at the moment prior to harvest or during the postharvest path of genes and/or proteins related to such quality features for that agricultural and horticultural product, with (a) predetermined calibration line(s). The invention also comprises the markers M8, GAST and GDSL motif lipase and the uses thereof, as well as antibodies against them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conferring tolerance to abiotic stress to plants or plant cells. This is done by introducing a gene coding for an RKS protein, especially a gene coding for an RKS subgroup II protein, more specifically RKS1, RKS4 or truncated RKS4, or a gene from RKS subgroup III, more preferably RKS12. The effect of overexpression of the RKS gene may be enhanced by additionally treating the plant with a brassinosteroid compound.

Abstract: Described herein are zymogens, methods of use for zymogens, and devices that incorporate zymogens. The zymogens include a substrate and an enzyme. The substrate can inhibit the enzyme and is a target for a protein produced by a microorganism. When the substrate is modified by a protein produced by a microorganism, the enzyme is activated. The zymogens can be used to amplify detection assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing a genomic region of an organism, comprising four major parts. The first part involves the isolation of mRNA from a selected organism that is used for the preparation of small single stranded DNA fragments with one adaptor containing an affinity label. These DNA fragments are used in part three. In the second part, genomic DNA from the same or a related organism is isolated. This genomic DNA is fragmented and ligated to adaptor molecules. In the third part, these genomic fragments are hybridized with single stranded DNA fragments from part one, and the hybrids formed in this process are used for synthesis of DNA fragments. These fragments will be used in part four which involves sequencing of these fragments using one of the available high throughput sequencing methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to modulate plant growth or development by modifying genes in plants. The invention among others relates to modifying RKS genes or gene products as found in Arabidopsis thaliana or other plants. The invention provides a method for modulating a developmental pathway of a plant or plant cell comprising modifying a gene or modifying expression of said gene, wherein said gene is encoding a protein belonging to a signaling complex comprising RKS protein, ELS protein, NDR/NHL protein, SBP/SPL protein and RKS/ELS ligand protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to modulate plant growth or development. The invention provides a method for modulating a developmental transition of a plant comprising modulating expression of a RING-H2 protein or functional fragment thereof in said plant or parts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conferring tolerance to abiotic stress to plants or plant cells. This is done by introducing a gene coding for an RKS protein, especially a gene coding for an RKS subgroup II protein, more specifically RKS1, RKS4 or truncated RKS4, or a gene from RKS subgroup III, more preferably RKS12. The effect of overexpression of the RKS gene may be enhanced by additionally treating the plant with a brassinosteroid compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to the filed of regeneration of cells, self-renewal of (micro-organisms), and the vegetative propagation of plant parts such as plant tissues or organs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for priming plants, thereby achieving an enhancing resistance by providing these plants with a gene construct comprising a DNA sequence coding for an RKS receptor. The resistance can then be induced by contacting said plants with the pathogen or with a signal compound.

Abstract: An environmental friendly and non toxic method for selection of transformed cells from a population consisting of transformed and non-transformed cells. The method comprises the following steps a) introducing into a cell at least one desired nucleotide sequence and at least one selection-nucleotide sequence to obtain a genetically transformed cell, wherein the selection-nucleotide sequence comprises a region which codes for a protein involved in the metabolizing of trehalose; b) placing a population with transformed and non-transformed cells into contact with trehalose and/or derivative thereof; and c) selecting the transformed cells from the population on the basis of the capacity of the transformed cells to metabolize the trehalose and/or derivative.

Abstract: A method for expressing proteins as a fusion chimera with a domain of p26 or alpha crystallin type proteins to improve the protein stability and solubility when over expressed in bacteria such as E. coli is provided. Genes of interest are cloned into the multiple cloning site of the Vector System just downstream of the p26 or alpha crystallin type protein and a thrombin cleavage site. Protein expression is driven by a strong bacterial promoter (TAC). The expression is induced by the addition of 1 mM IPTG that overcomes the lac repression (lac Iq). The soluble recombinant protein is purified using a fusion tag.

Abstract: A method for expressing proteins as a fusion chimera with a domain of p26 or alpha crystallin type proteins to improve the protein stability and solubility when over expressed in bacteria such as E. coli is provided. Genes of interest are cloned into the multiple cloning site of the Vector System just downstream of the p26 or alpha crystallin type protein and a thrombin cleavage site. Protein expression is driven by a strong bacterial promoter (TAC). The expression is induced by the addition of 1 mM IPTG that overcomes the lac repression (lac Iq). The soluble recombinant protein is purified using a fusion tag.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence or absence of a prokaryotic microorganism are provided, comprising the steps of identifying a protein, such as a microbial-specific protease that characterizes the presence of a specific prokaryotic microbe and thereby provides a marker for that microbe; detecting the protease that is a marker for the presence of a specific prokaryotic microbe by cleaving a substrate when the protease is present; and signaling the presence of that protease when cleavage has occurred. More specifically, the method comprises identifying at least one outer membrane protein or a secreted protein that is unique to a particular microbial pathogen such as for example Listeria monocytogenes and that is substrate specific.

Abstract: A method for expressing proteins as a fusion chimera with a domain of p26 or alpha crystallin type proteins to improve the protein stability and solubility when over expressed in bacteria such as E. coli is provided. Genes of interest are cloned into the multiple cloning site of the Vector System just downstream of the p26 or alpha crystallin type protein and a thrombin cleavage site. Protein expression is driven by a strong bacterial promoter (TAC). The expression is induced by the addition of 1 mM IPTG that overcomes the lac repression (lac Iq). The soluble recombinant protein is purified using a fusion tag.