Abstract: A method for identifying non-host nucleic acid sequence using sequence data. The method of identifying non-host nucleic acid can include sequencing a sample into sequences and associating the sequences with a host genome and then exclude any sequences that are associated with the host genome. The method can then associate the sequences with any known genomes and exclude any sequences that are associated with any known genome. The remaining sequences can be used as seed sequences to assemble a non-host nucleic acid.

Abstract: There provided an actuator employing laminated composite materials which exhibit both large deformation and high power output. In order to achieve the invention, the actuator comprises a pair of substrates having different coefficients of thermal expansion and an insulating layer disposed between said pair of substrates; and an elastic layer disposed between said plurality of laminated composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel compound that is structurally similar to curcumin and has a suppressive effect on A? aggregation, a degradative effect on A? aggregates, an inhibitory effect on ?-secretase, and a protective effect on neurons. The novel compound is a compound represented by the following general formula (Ia) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl group or the like, and R2 represents a 1H-indol-6-yl group or the like.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel protein interaction reporter (PIR) compounds (e.g., formulas I and II), comprising at least two protein reactive moieties (e.g., N-hydroxysuccinamide), each linked to a reporter moiety (e.g., mass reporter) by a covalent labile bond that is differentially cleavable with respect to peptide bonds (e.g., by a method such as collisional activation in a mass spectrometer, activation by electron capture dissociation (ECD), photoactivation, etc.), wherein the reporter moiety is operatively releasable from the PIR agent upon cleavage of the labile bonds, the released reporter moiety having a characteristic identifying property or label (e.g., m/z value). Particular PIRs comprise a mass reporter moiety, and further comprise an affinity group, (e.g., biotin), linked to the PIR (e.g., to the mass reporter moiety) by a selectively cleavable bone (e.g. photo-labile bond)).

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal whose genome comprises a stable integration of a transgene that encodes at least one Fas-ligand protein operably-linked to a tetracycline-inducible promoter includes cells that express the transgene and undergo apoptosis. The transgenic non-human animal can be used to screen for compounds that inhibit apoptosis and to identify cells that are capable of differentiating in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some embodiments of the invention, methods for treating COPD comprise administering PGI2 or a prostacyclin analog to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane comprising a polymer component and a macrocyclic compound, wherein the macro-cyclic compound is functionalised with one or more ion-conducting groups is disclosed. The membrane is suitable for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of vesiculated polymer particles, the method comprising: preparing a dispersion of polymerisable particles within a continuous aqueous phase, the polymerisable particles having a structure that is defined by an outer organic phase that comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers and surrounds an inner aqueous phase, said inner aqueous phase defining a single void within the polymerisable particle, wherein a RAFT agent functions as a stabiliser for the outer organic phase within the continuous aqueous phase, and wherein a RAFT agent functions as a stabiliser for the inner aqueous phase within the outer organic phase; and polymerising the one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers under the control of a RAFT agent functioning as said stabiliser to form the aqueous dispersion of vesiculated polymer particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the ceramide synthesis pathway and various diseases and disorders associated therewith, such as insulin resistance and inflammation.

Abstract: A process for preparing high initial modulus and high tensile strength polyamide fibers is described. The process comprises complexing the polyamide with a Lewis acid, dry-jet wet spinning the complexed fibers, drying the spun fibers for a period of time, drawing the fibers, and soaking the fibers in solvent to remove the Lewis acid. High molecular weight nylon 6,6 fibers prepared according to the described process show initial moduli of up to 30.1 GPa and tenacities of up to 2.5 GPa.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel compositions and methods based on novel calpastatin (CAST) genetic markers, such as missense mutations in exon 3 that result in G48D or P52L substitutions (NM_174003.2:c.271G>A and 283C>T), a G/T substitution in intron 3 (AAFC02060381.1:g.2110G>T) and a GAAA repeat in intron 8 (AAFC02060381.1:g.6700[(GAAA)4]+[(GAAA)5]. Particular aspects provide novel markers for fertility (e.g., daughter pregnancy rate, DPR) and longevity (e.g., productive life, PL) in, for example, dairy cattle. Additional aspects provide for novel methods comprising marker-assisted selection to improve fertility and/or longevity in dairy cattle. Therefore, in particular embodiments, a combination of genetic selection based on one or more of the novel CAST markers, and high PTA potentials of milk production traits, provides for improved reproductive traits in association with continued high milk production traits.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening chickens to determine those more likely to have a lean or fat phenotype. The invention also provides methods of screening chickens to identify a polymorphism associated with a fat or lean phenotype.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for head mounted stereoscopic 3-D display devices using the tunable focus liquid crystal micro-lens array eye to produce eye accommodation information. A liquid crystal display panel displays stereoscopic images and uses tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array to change the diopter of the display pixels to provide eye accommodation information. The head mounted display device includes a planar display screen, planar tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array and planar black mask. The display device may optionally include a bias lens. In an embodiment, the display device also includes a backlight and a prism sheet for displaying the images on the display screen. The display screen, tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array, black mask and optional backlight and prism may be flat or curved.

Abstract: Non-volatile resistance-switching oxide films, and devices therewith, are disclosed. One embodiment of a suitable device is composed of a SRO-CZO thin film having a thickness of from about 6 to about 30 nm, and composed of from about 3 to about 10 molar % of a SrRuO3 conducting oxide dopant and from about 90 to about 97 molar % of a CaZrO3 insulating oxide material.

Abstract: The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate monocyte differentiation into fibrocytes and to detect monocyte defects. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other fibrosing diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes encoding proteins involved in prokaryotic type or plastid division and/or morphology and the encoded proteins, and in particular to isolated Ftn2 (ARC6), ARC5, and Fzo-like genes and polypeptides. The present invention also provides methods for using Ftn2 (ARC6), ARC5, and Fzo-like genes, and polypeptides.

Abstract: Efficient traditionally appearing ceiling fan blades with aerodynamical upper surfaces and wide tip ends for ceiling fans with blades formed from plastic and/or wood and/or separately attached surfaces that run at reduced energy consumption that move larger air volumes than traditional flat shaped ceiling fan blades. And methods of operating the novel ceiling fans blades for different speeds of up to and less than approximately 250 rpm. The novel blades twisted blades can be configured for ceiling fans having any diameters from less than approximately 32 inches to greater than approximately 64 inch fans, and can be used in two, three, four, five and more blade configurations. The novel fans can be run at reduced speeds, drawing less Watts than conventional fans and still perform better with more air flow and less problems than conventional flat type conventional flat and planar upper and lower surface blades.

Abstract: A frequency shift keying modulator having sigma-delta modulated phase rotator is disclosed, which includes a phase-locked loop for generating a voltage-controlled signal; a multi-phase generator for receiving the voltage-controlled signal and generating N phase-shift signals having same frequency according to the voltage-controlled signal, the N phase-shift signals having a same phase shift between the phase-shift signals adjacent to each other; a sigma-delta modulator for receiving transmission data and randomly outputting a modulation bit at a modulation clock according to the transmission data; and a phase rotator for receiving the N phase-shift signals and selectively outputting one of the N phase-shift signals and a frequency-divided signal according to the modulation bit, wherein the frequency of the frequency-divided signal is 1 / ( 1 + n N ) of the frequency of any one of the N phase-shift signals.

Abstract: A site specific recombination system and methods of use thereof are disclosed for manipulating the genome of higher plants.