Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and agents for modulating adipogenesis. More particularly, the present invention relates to molecules that modulate the level or functional activity of inosine-5? monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and to their use in modulating the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and/or the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes for treating or preventing adiposity-related conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, lipoma, lipomatosis, cachexia or lipodystrophy or the loss of adipose tissue in trauma or atrophic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modulating expression of a genetic sequence by introducing, creating or deleting one or more pseudo-translation initiation sites in the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA, upstream of the authentic translation initiation site of an open reading frame. Expression of the genetic sequence can be further modulated by introducing, creating or removing Kozac or Kozac-like sequences proximal to the pseudo-translation initiation site(s). Moreover, expression can be manipulated by the introduction, creation or removal of a termination signal prior to the authentic translation initiation site or after this site but in a different reading frame relative to the reading frame determined by the authentic translation initiation site. Nucleic acid molecules useful for practicing the present methods are also provided. The present invention further provides a method for detecting a disease condition associated with a particular level of expression of a gene or other genetic sequence.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object includes the steps of forming a mixture that contains a binder and a least one of aluminum or a first aluminum-base alloy into a green composite, removing the binder from said green composite, forming a porous perform structure, reacting the aluminum or first aluminum base alloy with nitrogen to form a rigid and continuous skeleton and infiltrating the porous structure with molten aluminum or second aluminum base alloy to form the three-dimensional object with near theoretical density. The green composite may be formed by an additive process such as computer aided rapid prototyping, for example, selective laser sintering. The method facilitates the rapid manufacture of aluminum components by an inexpensive technique that provides high dimensional stability and high density.

Abstract: This invention relates to cyclized conotoxin peptides, processes for their preparation and their pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object includes the steps of forming a mixture that contains a binder and a least one of aluminum or a first aluminum-base alloy into a green composite, removing the binder from said green composite, forming a porous preform structure, reacting the aluminum or first aluminum base alloy with nitrogen to form a rigid skeleton and infiltrating the porous structure with molten aluminum or second aluminum base alloy to form the three-dimensional object with near theoretical density. The green composite may be formed by an additive process such as computer aided rapid prototyping, for example selective laser sintering. The method facilitates the rapid manufacture of aluminum components by an inexpensive technique that provides high dimensional stability and high density.

Abstract: The present invention provides 2-pyridylcarboxaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PCIH) analogues suitable for use as an in vivo iron chelators, the PCIH analogue having Formula 1: wherein R1 is an aromatic or heterocyclic group and R2 is either H or OH; isomers thereof or salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing the analogues; and uses of the analogues in the treatment of iron-overload diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated heparan sulphate and use thereof to stimulate bone cell growth and differentiation. The invention also relates to use of heparan sulphate with implants, prosthesis and bioscaffolds to repair and regenerate bone. Such use may be for repair of damaged tissue including bone tissue, for example damage resulting from injury or defect.

Abstract: This invention relates to cyclised conotoxin peptides, processes for their preparation and their pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A method of assessing the psychological or physiological state by analyzing language cues captured from a patient. The language cues may be semantic cues (speech or written text) or visual cues (expression or body language). Key features are extracted from the language cues and compiled into a data file which is submitted to one or more pre-taught machine learning algorithms. The output of the machine learning algorithms are combined to determine the psychological or physiological state of the patient. The method of teaching the machine learning algorithms is also described. In the preferred form there are three machine learning algorithms including a support vector machine, a decision tree learning algorithm and a neural network.

Abstract: A method of producing a weakly branched silica membranes coated onto a substrate using a two-step catalysed hydrolysis sol-gel process. A tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)/ethanol solution is formed and placed in an ice bath. An acid/water solution is formed and added to the TEOS/ethanol solution, to form a TEOS/ethanol/acid/water solution, which inturn is refluxed. A two-step sol is prepared by adding water and nitric acid to the refluxed TEOS/ethanol/acid/water solution and initiating a two-step sol-gel process. From the two-step sol a membrane film layer is deposited on a substrate, for use in a number of applications, including selective separation of gases.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to DNA encoding an anti-microbial protein from Macadamia integrifolia and variants of the protein that are less sensitive to Ca++. The invention further relates to constructs comprising the DNA, and host cells, plants and plant material comprising such constructs.

Abstract: O-medium alkyl esters of diflunisal and related compounds are disclosed having anti-platelet activity, hydroxy radical scavenging properties, enhanced hepatic clearance and low ulcerogenic potential. These compounds have general formula (I) wherein n equals 3-13.

Abstract: Bi-planar coil assemblies are disclosed which have DSV's whose centers are offset by distances D from the origins of x,y,z-coordinate systems, where said origins of x,y,z-coordinate systems are coincident with the geometric centers of the coils. The distances D can be of the order of 10-20 centimeters or more. The bi-planar coil assemblies can be used in MRI applications to reduce the feeling of claustrophobia experienced by some subjects. The assemblies also can facilitate the imaging of various joints, including the wrist, elbow, ankle, or knee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image texture analysis in which the image is mapped into a first set of binary representation by a monotonically varying operator, such as a threshold operator. Each binary representation in the first set of binary representations is mapped to a further set of binary representations using a second monotonically varying operator, such as a spatial operator. The result of the two mappings is a matrix of binary image representations. Each binary image representation is allocated a scalar value to form an array of scalar values which may be analysed to identify defined texture characteristics.

Abstract: A self-advancing drilling system comprising a drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus having at least one leading fluid cutting nozzle, an advancing device on the drilling apparatus to provide forward movement to the drilling apparatus, the drilling system further comprising a drill string formed from recoverable flexible hose and a steering device having at least one jet nozzle.

Abstract: This invention relates to treatment of papillomavirus infections. Primarily there is provided a method of treatment of an existing papillomavirus (PV) infection which includes the step of administration of PV VLPs selected from the group consisting of PV L1 VLPs and PV L1/L2 VLPs to a patient suffering from the PV infection. Suitably the PV infection is characterised by the presence of epithelial lesions. The major infection which is treated are gential warts caused by HPV 6 and HPV 11.

Abstract: New ACC synthase genes from pineapple, papaya and mango are disclosed which have utility as targets for the generation of transgenic plants in which the expression of ACC synthase is substantially controlled to effect the regulation of plant development, and in particular, fruit ripening.

Abstract: Spatial encoding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is achieved by sampling the signal as a function of time in the presence of magnetic field gradients, e.g., X, Y, and Z gradients. The gradient magnets have in the past been assumed to generate a linear gradient, and typical image reconstruction techniques have relied upon this assumption. However, to achieve high speed performance, gradient magnets often sacrifice linearity for speed. This non-linearity, in turn, results in distorted images, the distortion often being sufficiently large to compromise the usefulness of MRI images for stereotaxy or longitudinal studies, where precise volumetric information is required. The disclosure provides practical methods for correcting distorted images resulting from such non-linearity in the gradient fields, as well as distortions resulting from translational, rotational, and/or winding/design errors in the field generating devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides and derivatives thereof useful as selective ?1-adrenoceptor antagonists which ability of inhibiting the agonist action of agonist noradrenaline on the ?1-adrenoceptor is greater than their ability of inhibiting the action of agonist noradrenaline on the other ?-adrenoceptors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the translational efficiency of an individual codon in a cell. The method comprises introducing into the cell a synthetic construct comprising a reporter polynucleotide fused in frame with a tandem repeat of said individual codon, wherein said reporter polynucleotide encodes a reporter protein, and wherein said synthetic construct is operably linked to a regulatory polynucleotide and measuring expression of said reporter protein in said cell to determine the translational efficiency of said codon.