Abstract: A power switching mechanism for selectively connecting a robotic system having two-degrees-of-freedom power input to a robot tool having a plurality of actuators. The two-degrees-of-freedom power input comprises a translation power input and a power shaft rotation input. The switching mechanism comprises an axially displaceable connector mounted to the power shaft rotation input for rotating therewith. An indexing mechanism is connected to the power shaft rotation input and is axially movable sequentially between a neutral position and an actuator engaging position for each actuator. The axially displaceable connector engages any one of the actuators in response to movement of the axial translation of the two-degrees-of-freedom power input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Pseudozyma spp. for the production of recombinant polypeptides, proteins or peptides, by genetically transforming fungi with a plasmids or appropriate DNA expression vector.

Abstract: A process for making a multiphase polymeric film having a lamellar structure with controlled permeability and/or controlled mechanical properties, comprising the steps of: preparing a molten blend made of a first polymer phase dispersed in a second polymer phase which is a matrix polymer phase incompatible with the said first phase and of a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of DEM, MAH, DEM-g-SEBS, MAH-g-SEBS, DEM-g-PP and MAH-g-PP; extruding the molten blend through a flat die provided with an exit and stretching the so extruded blend downwards said exit at a preselected stretching ratio to produce the said multiphase polymeric film, and solidifying the extruded film sufficiently rapidly to preserve the lamellar structure and the multiphase polymeric films thereby obtained. Granules with a lamellar structure are obtained by grinding the so obtained multiphase polymeric film and are useful for preparing shaped articles with improved physical properties.

Abstract: This invention provides an actuation system for a highly underactuated gripping mechanism with ten degrees of freedom, which requires only two actuators, one for actuating the opening and closing of three fingers and the other for the orientation of two rotatable fingers with synchronization. Underactuation between the fingers is provided by a one-input/three-output differential which is associated with an orientation mechanism so that an orientation-fixed finger is deactivated when the two orientatable fingers are rotated to face each other for a pinch grasp. Each finger is enabled to be self-locked in its closing and opening action when the power is off. This feature is important, especially for the fingers actuated by a differential mechanism for the underactuation between the fingers. In one embodiment of the invention, planetary gearing system is used for the differential.

Abstract: The present biotechnological approach for the production of polyhydroxyalkanotes (PHAs) uses microbial systems. The high production costs makes them substantially more expensive than synthetic plastics. Engineering a novel pathway in eucaryotic cell systems is a beneficial alternative to the production of PHAs in bacteria. This pathway will initially produce free (C8) fatty acids from the fatty acid synthetic pathway through the action of thioesterase, that will then add a CoA moiety to the free fatty acid through the action of an acyl-CoA synthetase, that will produce 3-ketoacyl-CoAs from the acyl-CoA through the action of a thiolase, that will produce R-(−)-OH-acyl-CoAs from the 3-keto acid CoAs through the action of a dehydrogenase isoform from yeasts. These R-(−)-3-OH-acyl-CoAs will finally be used as substrate for the PHA synthase reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the assessment of ultraviolet radiation UV effects on sunscreen-treated and non-treated human skin using a more sensitive technique.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for compensating the floating differential capacitance appearing between two recording microelectrodes is presented. It is shown how this floating capacitance can be neutralized so that current in any microelectrode can be injected without any significant cross-talk picked up by the other. It is a fully symmetrical compensation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Candida albicans gene (CSA1) encoding a surface protein. The present invention also relates to the surface protein and methods for using the protein or the gene for the detection, prophylaxis or treatment of candidal infection. The protein encoded is a surface antigen of Candida albicans yeast and mycelial forms, respectively. The mycelial surface antigen was shown to be present predominantly in the terminal third of the hyphal structures. CSA1 is a gene coding for a unique surface antigen.

Abstract: The optical device provides dispersion adjustment or compensation using resonant coupling between a first waveguide and a second waveguide which has a variable thickness and a significantly different index of refraction. The two waveguides are optically coupled about a lateral coupling surface, and as light propagates down the waveguide, it passes from one waveguide to the other at a predetermined position along the propagation axis depending on the thickness of the second waveguide. Mode converters are used at the input and output of the device to provide for more efficient operation. The first waveguide can be made of silica and the second waveguide of silicon, thus providing a differential in the index of refraction of about 2. For dispersion compensation, in which shorter wavelengths need to be retarded with respect to longer wavelengths, the profile of the thickness of the second waveguide is such that shorter wavelengths spend more time in the silicon than do longer wavelengths.