Abstract: Composite structure fabrication systems and methods. The systems include a plurality of ply carriers, each of which is configured to support at least one ply segment, and an elongate forming mandrel, which defines an elongate ply forming surface that is shaped to define a surface contour of the composite structure. The systems further include a carrier transfer device, which is configured to selectively convey a selected ply carrier from a ply kitting area to an intermediate location, and a forming machine, which is configured to deform the selected ply carrier and a respective ply segment over a selected portion of the elongate ply forming surface. The forming machine further is configured to separate the selected ply carrier from the respective ply segment and return the selected ply carrier to the carrier transfer device. The methods include methods of operating the systems.

Abstract: Composite structure fabrication systems and methods. The systems include a plurality of ply carriers, each of which is configured to support at least one ply segment, and an elongate forming mandrel, which defines an elongate ply forming surface that is shaped to define a surface contour of the composite structure. The systems further include a carrier transfer device, which is configured to selectively convey a selected ply carrier from a ply kitting area to an intermediate location, and a forming machine, which is configured to deform the selected ply carrier and a respective ply segment over a selected portion of the elongate ply forming surface. The forming machine further is configured to separate the selected ply carrier from the respective ply segment and return the selected ply carrier to the carrier transfer device. The methods include methods of operating the systems.

Abstract: Composite structure fabrication systems and methods. The systems include a plurality of ply carriers, each of which is configured to support at least one ply segment, and an elongate forming mandrel, which defines an elongate ply forming surface that is shaped to define a surface contour of the composite structure. The systems further include a carrier transfer device, which is configured to selectively convey a selected ply carrier from a ply kitting area to an intermediate location, and a forming machine, which is configured to deform the selected ply carrier and a respective ply segment over a selected portion of the elongate ply forming surface. The forming machine further is configured to separate the selected ply carrier from the respective ply segment and return the selected ply carrier to the carrier transfer device. The methods include methods of operating the systems.

Abstract: A ladder includes a pair of generally curved side rails arranged in a spaced apart manner, a plurality of fixed rungs disposed between the side rails, a plurality of pairs of rung supports, and a plurality of hinged rungs. Each of the pairs of rung supports is horizontally aligned with each other and disposed on respective inner sides of the side rails. The rung supports are spaced apart from the fixed rungs along lengths of the side rails. Each rung support includes a flanged end portion having an aperture therein. Each hinged rung is associated with a respective pair of rung supports. Each hinged rung has a first end pivotally coupled to the flanged end portion of a first rung support in the respective pair of rung supports such that each hinged rung is pivotal between a secured position between the rung supports and a retracted position.

Abstract: A ladder includes a pair of generally curved side rails arranged in a spaced apart manner, a plurality of fixed rungs disposed between the side rails, a plurality of pairs of rung supports, and a plurality of hinged rungs. Each of the pairs of rung supports is horizontally aligned with each other and disposed on respective inner sides of the side rails. The rung supports are spaced apart from the fixed rungs along lengths of the side rails. Each rung support includes a flanged end portion having an aperture therein. Each hinged rung is associated with a respective pair of rung supports. Each hinged rung has a first end pivotally coupled to the flanged end portion of a first rung support in the respective pair of rung supports such that each hinged rung is pivotal between a secured position between the rung supports and a retracted position.

Abstract: Composite structure fabrication systems and methods. The systems include a plurality of ply carriers, each of which is configured to support at least one ply segment, and an elongate forming mandrel, which defines an elongate ply forming surface that is shaped to define a surface contour of the composite structure. The systems further include a carrier transfer device, which is configured to selectively convey a selected ply carrier from a ply kitting area to an intermediate location, and a forming machine, which is configured to deform the selected ply carrier and a respective ply segment over a selected portion of the elongate ply forming surface. The forming machine further is configured to separate the selected ply carrier from the respective ply segment and return the selected ply carrier to the carrier transfer device. The methods include methods of operating the systems.

Abstract: Several embodiments described herein are drawn to methods of identifying an analyte on a subject's skin, methods of generating a fingerprint, methods of determining a physiological change in a subject, methods of diagnosing health status of a subject, and assay systems for detecting an analyte and generating a fingerprint, by nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants.

Abstract: Methods of preparing microparticles for transformation of plant cells with compositions of interest, and compositions comprising the prepared particles and the associated compound(s) of interest are provided. Further provided are methods to deliver compositions of interest to plant cells for transient or stable incorporation in the genome, and any transformed plant cells, plants, and seeds produced thereby.

Abstract: Methods of preparing microparticles for transformation of plant cells with compositions of interest, and compositions comprising the prepared particles and the associated compound(s) of interest are provided. Further provided are methods to deliver compositions of interest to plant cells for transient or stable incorporation in the genome, and any transformed plant cells, plants, and seeds produced thereby.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising one or more selectin binding molecule covalently linked to a hydrophilic polymer, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for their use in treating anti-inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Methods for the targeted integration of nucleotide sequences into a plant are provided. Transfer cassettes comprising nucleotide sequences of interest flanked by non-identical recombination sites are used to transform a plant comprising a target site. The target site contains at least a set of non-identical recombination sites corresponding to those on the transfer cassette. Exchange of the nucleotide sequences flanked by the recombination sites is effected by a recombinase.

Abstract: A clear overlay for a sewn-in tag on a garment allows a tag to be flatly secured to the garment while still displaying the information on the tag. The clear overlay includes an adhesive attached to one side for permanently affixing the overlay to a garment. The clear overlay may include either a pressure activated adhesive or a thermal activated adhesive. The pressure activated adhesive includes a paper backing for preventing the adhesive from collecting dust, dirt, and the like. The tag may be removed and relocated to a more appropriate location on the garment where.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants.

Abstract: Genes, nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies, marker sets, and arrays are provided. Methods of detecting conditions associated with elevated cholesterol and lipid, as well as during adipogenesis, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of transgenic plants is provided in which a vector carrying a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is introduced into cells, the cells are screened for the protein and transformed cells are selected and regenerated. The cellular toxicity of the green fluorescent protein is circumvented by regulating expression of the gene encoding the protein or directing the protein to a subcellular compartment where it is not toxic to the cell. DNA constructs are provided for cell transformation in which the expression of a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is placed under the control of an inducible promoter. In addition, DNA constructs are provided in which a nucleotide sequence encoding the green fluorescent protein is operably linked to a signal sequence which directs the expressed protein to a subcellular compartment where the protein is not toxic to the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering RecA content and/or composition of plants. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded proteins that are homologous to bacterial RecA genes. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. The plant recA polynucleotides and their cognate products are useful for gene targeting in maize and other plant species and for use as a molecular marker.

Abstract: A quantitative and functional DNA ligase assay is disclosed. The assay involves the disruption, using restriction enzymes, of a plasmid containing a reporter gene, followed by a ligation step performed in the presence of the biological sample being assayed for DNA ligase activity. The ligation reaction products are then subjected to a coupled transcription-translation reaction, and the extent of DNA ligation is then quantified.