Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating cancer using mGluR8 inhibitors, such as mGluR8 inhibitory antibodies and small molecules. The invention also features compositions containing mGluR8 inhibitors, methods of diagnosing patients with mGluR8-associated cancer, and methods of predicting the response of cancer in a subject to treatment with mGluR8 inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods for agricultural use, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host nematode or arthropod (e.g., honeybee or silkworm), the alteration resulting in an increase in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is beneficial to the host. By promoting favorable microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may be used to increase the fitness of a variety of beneficial nematodes or arthropods, such as bees and silkworms, utilized in agriculture and commerce.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for food and feed applications, e.g., for targeting one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect, the modulation resulting in an increase in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes a modulating agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is beneficial to the host. By promoting favorable microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the modulating agent described herein may be used to increase the fitness of a variety of insects utilized in human food or animal feed industries.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to pharmaceutical compositions and preparations of curons and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods useful for animal health, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect (e.g., arthropod, e.g., insect, e.g., pathogen vector), the alteration resulting in a decrease in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is detrimental to the host. By disrupting microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may be used to decrease the fitness of a variety of insects that carry vector-borne pathogens that cause disease in animals.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the fitness of a host invertebrate (e.g., insect, mollusk, or nematode) by altering interactions between the host and one or more micoorganisms resident in the host. The invention features a composition including a modulating agent (e.g., a polypeptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or combinations thereof) that can induce changes in the host's microbiota in a manner that modulates (e.g., increases or decreases) host fitness. The modulating agent described herein may modulate the fitness of a variety of invertebrates that are important for agriculture, commerce, and/or public health.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating cancer using P2RX2 inhibitors, such as P2RX2 inhibitory antibodies, among others. The invention also features compositions containing P2RX2 inhibitors, methods of diagnosing patients with P2RX2-associated cancer, and methods of predicting the response of cancer in a subject to treatment with P2RX2 inhibitors.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns machines that convert rotating motion to reciprocation, and vice-versa, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to reciprocating piston machines. Some embodiments include a crankshaft defining a crankshaft-drive and at least one radially extending piston-journal spaced from the crankshaft-drive, and a piston configured to pivotally engage the piston-journal. The piston defines a cylindrical head and an elongate body. Some embodiments further include a drive-member defining a central-axis-of-rotation and being rotatably engageable with the crankshaft-drive. Some embodiments also include a block defining one or more cylinders for receiving one or more pistons. The drive-member rotates when the piston reciprocates, and vice-versa.

Abstract: A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.

Abstract: A system, method and corresponding software application installed on communication devices of the system for communicating a media-based call alert command from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert command preferably conveys media content that is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Alternatively, the media-based call alert command need not convey the media content itself, but instead convey media identification information that identifies media content that is locally or remotely accessible by the called-party device for playback prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert command is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: A video inspection system for hazardous environments is provided, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a valve for introducing pressurized gas into the housing, connected to the housing; and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across the view opening; a camera for recording visual images through the view opening, mounted within the housing; and a power supply, for powering the camera, mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the camera. A method for operating the above system is also provided, including the steps of substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of the housing; sealing the housing, eliminating external connections thereto; introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of the housing until the pressure in the housing reaches a desired level; and operating the camera within the housing. The system may also be operated as a portable lighting system without the camera.

Abstract: A livestock chute including a pair of opposite side frames positioned in spaced relation and each having a first and a second end. First and second end panels extend transversely between and interconnect the side frames. The second end panel is longitudinally movable relative to the side frames between the first and second ends thereof. An enclosure for an animal is formed by the side frames and the end panels, the enclosure being accessible through an access member mounted on one of the side frames and movable between open and closed positions.