Abstract: A low density foam material and methods for making such, comprising self-assembled graphene oxide in foam is described having high performance acoustic absorption as well as increased moisture insulation and fire-retardant properties. The graphene oxide material is inserted or distributed within openings of open cell/pore foam material resulting in a novel foam material that has increased acoustic absorption properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and products for reducing adhesions. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of reducing adhesions in a subject, the method comprising exposing a region in the subject susceptible to formation of an adhesion to an agent having iron chelation and/or antioxidant activity, thereby reducing adhesions in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culture media for oocytes and uses thereof. Specifically, media for culturing an oocyte in vitro are disclosed, wherein said media comprise granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The presence of GM-CSF in the media increases the maturation and/or developmental competence of the oocyte making it suitable for use in subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Methods for increasing the maturation and/or developmental competence of an oocyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bicycle frame and associated bicycle components, and to reducing the aerodynamic drag of these. In one aspect, there is provided an elongate structural member of a bicycle frame, the member comprising a lengthwise extending leading edge, the leading edge comprising at least a pair of forwardly extending protrusions spaced apart lengthwise therealong. In one form, the protrusions comprise tubercles, a series of which are spaced apart lengthwise along the leading edge, and which further extend to at least one side of the leading edge so as to transition into a chordwise extending rib.

Abstract: A system for generating an optical frequency standard is described. The system is based on a two-color approach and includes a first laser source that generates a first laser output at a first frequency and a second laser source that generates a second laser output at a second frequency corresponding. The first and second laser outputs are then respectively input into first and second harmonic generators to form frequency-doubled first and second laser outputs. The system also includes a two-color stabilization arrangement to stabilize the sum of the frequencies generated by first and second laser sources, including, for example, an interaction region incorporating a laser active material. The interaction region can be a gas reference cell and the laser active material can be Rubidium (in vapor form) having a two-photon transition.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing the condition of a pipeline in a pipeline system is disclosed. The method includes generating a pressure wave in the fluid being carried along the pipeline system at a generation location along the pipeline system, detecting a first pressure wave interaction signal at a first measurement location along the pipeline system resulting from an interaction of the pressure wave with localised variations in the pipeline and then detecting synchronously a second pressure wave interaction signal at a second measurement location along the pipeline system resulting from the interaction of the pressure wave with localised variations in the pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and products for reducing the viability of microorganisms, and to methods and products for preventing and/or treating microorganism infections. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for reducing viability of a microorganism. The method comprises exposing the microorganism to an effective amount of an iron chelator and subsequently exposing the microorganism to an effective amount of a non-iron porphyrin, thereby reducing the viability of the microorganism.

Abstract: A system for generating an optical frequency standard is described. The system comprises a first laser source for generating a first laser output at a first frequency, a first second harmonic generator receiving as an input the first laser output to generate a frequency-doubled first laser output at a doubled first frequency, a second laser source for generating a second laser output at a second frequency different from the first frequency and a second harmonic generator receiving as an input the second laser output to form a frequency-doubled second laser output at a doubled second frequency.

Abstract: A system for generating a pressure signal in a pipeline system containing a pressurised fluid is disclosed The system includes a discharge valve in fluid communication with the pressurised fluid of the pipeline system to allow fluid from the pipeline system to discharge and an electronic controller to dynamically control a degree of opening of the discharge valve to selectively vary the discharge valve between a plurality of valve opening states to generate the pressure signal in the pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polysaccharide synthases. More particularly, the present invention relates to (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan synthases. The present invention provides, among other things, methods for influencing the level of (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan produced by a cell and nucleic acid and amino acid sequences which encode (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan synthases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polysaccharide synthases. More particularly, the present invention relates to (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan synthases. The present invention provides, among other things, methods for influencing the level of (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan produced by a cell and nucleic acid and amino acid sequences which encode (1,3;1,4)-?-D-glucan synthases.

Abstract: A method of segmenting chromatin particles in a nucleus of a cell by locating regional minima in an image, computing a zone of influence (ZOI) around each regional minimum, and segmenting a single chromatin blob within each ZOI using a region growing procedure. The method can be used as the basis of a method of qualitatively characterizing the distribution of nuclear chromatin by computing features for individual chromatin particles. Chromatin features can be synthesized from the features of individual particles and particle features can be synthesized into nucleus features and slide features. The method is useful for detecting malignancy associated changes and changes during neoplasia. The method may also be used more generally to assess chromatin patterns in living cells during the cell life cycle. This makes it possible to measure alternations in the evolving patterns that result from pathological or environmental influences.

Abstract: Altered IGFBPs are able to bind IGF, but the release is inhibited by resistance to protease cleavage and/or reduced binding to extracellular matrix (ECM). Alterations have been made in IGFBP-2 to the linker domain in particular and to two amino acid motifs found to be important for ECM binding. IGF-1 mediated proliferation of cancer cells have been inhibited by use of the altered IGFBPs.

Abstract: Estimating one or more optical characteristics of a Device-Under-Test (DUT). The method, includes directing an optical wavefront, generated by a source, towards a test location and generating at least one ray from the wavefront at the test location. Then for each ray at two or more measurement planes, each measurement plane transverse to the direction of travel of the wavefront and beyond the test location relative to the source at different optical path distances, measuring respective points of intersection of the ray with the measurement planes with and without the DUT at the test location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data, the method comprising determining a signal form of signals present in the data, making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least signal temporal position, and determining the energy of the signals from at least the form and the parameter estimates.

Abstract: A method of treating an infertility condition in humans or mammals, by exposure of a prospective mother to TGF beta or derivative or analog of TGF beta. The exposure is advantageously in conjunction with one more antigens of a prospective father so that a hyporesponsive immune reaction is mounted to the one or more antigens of the prospective father.

Abstract: Altered IGFBPs are able to bind IGF, but the release is inhibited by resistance to protease cleavage and/or reduced binding to extracellular matrix (ECM). Alterations have been made in IGFBP-2 to the linker domain in particular and to two amino acid motifs found to be important for ECM binding. IGF-1 mediated proliferation of cancer cells have been inhibited by use of the altered IGFBPs.

Abstract: Estimating one or more optical characteristics of a Device-Under-Test (DUT). The method, includes directing an optical wavefront, generated by a source, towards a test location and generating at least one ray from the wavefront at the test location. Then for each ray at two or more measurement planes, each measurement plane transverse to the direction of travel of the wavefront and beyond the test location relative to the source at different optical path distances, measuring respective points of intersection of the ray with the measurement planes with and without the DUT at the test location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit arrangement to convert fixed, or grounded resistors, to floating resistors. In particular, the circuit arrangement provides for the coupling of active electrical resistance devices to provide a relatively high value electrical resistance between two non-grounded nodes of the circuit arrangement in the order of Giga-ohms. The invention further provides for the magnitude of the floating electrical resistance to be determined by the magnitude of electrical current supply thus providing a means to select the magnitude of the floating electrical resistance by selecting by selecting the magnitude of electrical current supply. The circuit arrangement requires relatively few active devices and consumes a relatively small amount of electrical power in operation.

Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘VELA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility, large kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include medium to late harvest time, well-sealed soft shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.