Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides, polynucleotides, expression vectors, infectious clones, virus particles and immunogenic compositions of recombinant alphaviruses which can be used as vaccines. Also provided are methods for eliciting an immune response against alphavirus infection using the immunogenic composition comprising the alphavirus mutants described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing gas exchange of plants. The method includes receiving in a gas analyzer a plurality of test air samples from a leaf chamber corresponding respectively to first and second plant leaf samples received separately and in sequence in the leaf chamber while being exposed to light to form the first and second test air samples, the first and second test air samples being received in sequence in the gas analyzer as an integrated gas stream, and the gas analyzer analyzing the integrated gas stream as it flows therethrough. The measuring apparatus includes a leaf chamber for receiving therein a plant leaf sample to be tested, a pump communicating with the leaf chamber for supplying air thereto, and an analyzer communicating with the leaf chamber for receiving air therefrom and for analyzing the air received.

Abstract: A method of measuring a biomechanical parameter of soft biological tissue is described. The method includes a pre-measurement process wherein an impulse applying device applies a pre-pressure to a surface of the tissue via an end portion contacting the tissue surface. While maintaining the pre-pressure, the device generates at least two impulses separated by a time interval, each impulse causing the end portion to impart to the tissue an action with certain parameters, each action inducing a response of the tissue. A value of a biomechanical parameter of the tissue is determined from each response induced. A determination is made as to whether the determined values of the biomechanical parameter are sufficiently similar to each other to indicate that the pre-pressure, the parameters of the end portion actions and the time interval are acceptable for use in a measurement process to be conducted on the surface of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a membrane-permeable construct for transport of cargo across a lipid membrane and subsequent delivery of cargo into cells, wherein the construct comprises a cell penetrating amino acid sequence and a fatty acid chain attached to the N terminus thereof, wherein the cell penetrating amino acid sequence comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or comprises a modified sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the cell penetrating amino acid sequence comprises two or more histidine residues by substitution to its N-terminal part and/or addition to its N-terminus, and wherein the cell penetrating amino acid sequence is optionally chemically modified at the C terminus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vaccine comprising live attenuated Zika virus comprising a partly codon deoptimized viral genome, a Zika virus comprising a partly codon deoptimized viral genome, as well as their use in methods of treatment and prevention of viral infection. is deoptimized along the nonstructural ZIKV coding region. In some embodiments, the non-structural region of the viral genome is codon deoptimized, and preferably one or more of the genes NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5 are codon deoptimized.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polypeptides, polynucleotides, expression vectors, infectious clones, virus particles and immunogenic compositions of recombinant alphaviruses which can be used as vaccines. The present disclosure also relates to methods for eliciting an immune response against alphavirus infection using the immunogenic composition comprising the alphavirus mutants described herein.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a treatment of posture of body parts in which a local mechanotherapeutic stimulus is applied includes an elastic material which is to be worn over the part of the body, a pressure regulating support, a pressure applicator and a pressure sensor. The support is fixed to the elastic material and passes over a region where mechanotherapeutic stimulus is to be applied. The sensor is rigidly attached to the pressure applicator and they are together received in a pocket. The sensor senses pressure and hence a stimulus applied to the part as a result of the tension in the support, the sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the pressure applied, providing the opportunity to change the stimulus to within a given range based on the feedback from the sensor. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing speech data for a speech event, wherein the speech data comprises a visible component and an audible component. The method comprises identifying a first visible feature within the visible component that corresponds to a predetermined visible speech feature and determining a first time corresponding to the occurrence of the first visible feature during the speech event. The method further comprises determining a measurement of a characteristic of the audible component at a second time during the speech event, which has a predefined temporal relationship to the first time at which the first visible feature occurred, and using the determined measurement of a characteristic at the second time to output an evaluation of an attribute, with which the predetermined visible speech feature is associated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a capacitor having carbon or metal electrodes and an electrolyte which is also a source of electropolymerisable anions. Applying a sufficiently positive voltage, a thin dielectric layer forms at the positive electrode, enabling the use of cell voltages higher than 3.5 V. The construction and characteristics of capacitors with 5, 6.3, and 10 V of cell voltages, having reduced graphene oxide electrodes and an ionic liquid electrolyte, are shown.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 strain DSM 14241 for use in preventing, alleviating the symptoms of or treating, alone or as an adjuvant component, a metabolic syndrome related disorder selected from prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The effect may be achieved by simultaneously: decreasing the level of glycated haemoglobin HbA1c, decreasing or preventing low-grade inflammation on a cellular level and increasing the level of adiponectin.

Abstract: Electrodes, separators, half-cells, and full cells of electrical energy storage devices are made with electrospinning and isostatic compression. The electrical energy storage device may include electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs, also known as “supercapacitors”), hybrid supercapacitors (“HSCs”), Li-ion capacitors and electrochemical storage devices, Na-ion capacitors and electrochemical storage devices, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and still other capacitors and electrochemical storage cells.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin double-structured composite corrosion resistant and/or passivating coatings that consist of a thin metal oxide-hydroxide subcoating prepared by anodizing the metal substrate materials near-surface part and then provided with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) topmost nanocoating, of e.g. oxide, nitride, carbonate, carbide etc. or their mixes or laminates, or laminates with ceramic and metallic layers, or laminates with inorganic or organic polymers and ceramic layers.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin double-structured composite corrosion resistant and/or passivating coatings that consist of a thin metal oxide-hydroxide subcoating prepared by anodizing the metal substrate materials near-surface part and then provided with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) topmost nanocoating, of e.g. oxide, nitride, carbonate, carbide etc. or their mixes or laminates, or laminates with ceramic and metallic layers, or laminates with inorganic or organic polymers and ceramic layers.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a treatment of posture of body parts in which a local mechanotherapeutic stimulus is applied includes an elastic material which is to be worn over the part of the body, a pressure regulating support, a pressure applicator and a pressure sensor. The support is fixed to the elastic material and passes over a region where mechanotherapeutic stimulus is to be applied. The sensor is rigidly attached to the pressure applicator and they are together received in a pocket. The sensor senses pressure and hence a stimulus applied to the part as a result of the tension in the support, the sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the pressure applied, providing the opportunity to change the stimulus to within a given range based on the feedback from the sensor. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluorescent probes for screening and characterization of compounds binding to protein kinase CK2, measurement of concentration of the catalytically active form of CK2 and imaging of CK2 activity in cells and tissues. The CK2-selective probe of the present invention interacts with binding sites of both substrates of the catalytic subunit of CK2 and therefore can be used for characterization of all inhibitors binding to the active site of CK2 in the binding/displacement assay. The high affinity of the probe affords the detection of the enzyme at low concentration and characterization of inhibitors in a wide affinity range. The invention also relates to the application of the probes for mapping and monitoring of CK2 activity in cells, tissues and live organisms.

Abstract: The present invention prescribes a new sol-gel method of preparing and formation of the metal oxide microtubes. According to the method firstly is prepared the precursor sol from metal oxides or mixtures of metal oxides and alkoxides, thereafter from the precursor sol are extruded the fibres, which are gelatinised afterwards until the inner sol which is less viscous of fibres is converted to thinner wall until alcohol from the precursor is left trough walls. The metal oxide microtubes are applicable as to conduct liquids or gasses, as ionic conductors, as catalyst carriers and as light emitters.

Abstract: Method of preparation of surface coating of variable transmittance and an electro-optical layered appliance including the same comprises dispersing of liquid crystal microdroplets in hydrolyzable and polymerizable precursors and applying obtained mixture on a surface by spraying. Applying the material to the surface by spraying is intrinsically related to the synthesis processes because the properties of the surrounding environment (i.e. content of water and acidity, UV radiation) and the chemical reactions that take place during spraying have considerable influence on the properties (i.e. driving voltage, thickness of obtained layer). Obtained layered appliance comprises of a matrix material with dispersed microdroplets of liquid crystal obtained by the described method, electrically conductive transparent electrodes with contacts, a dielectric material, substrate and covering layers.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel molecular complexes with photoluminescent probes whose specific association with purine-binding proteins leads to increased emission of long lifetime luminescence, and the application of the probes for monitoring activity of protein kinases (PKs) and other purine-binding proteins, screening of compounds as inhibitors of PKs and characterization of inhibitors targeted to the kinase, and methods of manufacturing of such probes. The invention concerns also the use of the improved method for monitoring activity of protein kinases in living cells, characterization of inhibitors of protein kinases, analysis of protein kinase-based disease biomarkers and other tasks of biological and medical importance.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluorescent probes for screening and characterization of compounds binding to protein kinase CK2, measurement of concentration of the catalytically active form of CK2 and imaging of CK2 activity in cells and tissues. The CK2-selective probe of the present invention interacts with binding sites of both substrates of the catalytic subunit of CK2 and therefore can be used for characterization of all inhibitors binding to the active site of CK2 in the binding/displacement assay. The high affinity of the probe affords the detection of the enzyme at low concentration and characterization of inhibitors in a wide affinity range. The invention also relates to the application of the probes for mapping and monitoring of CK2 activity in cells, tissues and live organisms.

Abstract: In the current invention a method for the preparation of an oxide material was described that involves bringing the sol onto the substrate, the gelation of the solution and thermal treatment of the gel. Alkoxides are used as precursor materials for the sol preparation and substrate free structures are employed for the manufacturing of the oxide material. A gel film with thickness ranging from 5 nm to 1 ?m is created onto the sol layer. The gelled film is separated into pieces by self organizing and the gelled part is disconnected from the substrate. Substrate free tubular structures with diameters ranging from 0.01-100 ?m are formed of the gel film which are then heated at temperature range of 200-1600 C during a period of 5 minutes to 10 hours. The manufactured oxide materials are employed as catalysts, gas sensors, stationary phases of chromatographic columns, composite materials, thermal isolation materials and micro- or nano electronic mechanical systems (MEMS or NEMS) components.