Abstract: The invention relates to methods to select animals, such as mammals, in particular, domestic animals such as breeding animals or animals destined for slaughter, for having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties, in particular, related to muscle mass and/or fat deposition or, in the case of mammals, to teat number. The invention provides a method for selecting an animal for having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties comprising testing the animal, a parent of the animal or its progeny for the presence of a nucleic acid modification affecting the activity of an evolutionary conserved CpG island, located in intron 3 of an IGF2 gene and/or for the presence of a nucleic acid modification affecting binding of a nuclear factor to an IGF2 gene.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement and method permits time-sensitive data to be transmitted through a packet-switched network and arrive synchronously at separate end points without synchronising all payload carrying nodes in the network. This is achieved by propagating a timing reference through the network from the sending node to the end nodes, each end node adjusting that phase of its local frequency generator to this timing reference. The sending node then sends data structure information to the end nodes, enabling the end nodes to regenerate the timing and structure of the synchronous data stream. Finally delay information is sent to each end node that allows the end nodes to adjust the start of synchronous data transmission by an amount such that all will commence transmission substantially simultaneously. With this information the end nodes independently recreate a signal in synchronisation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analysing animal products. In particular methods for differentiating animal products on the basis of breed origin or validating an animal product are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotor means (5) for centrifuging reaction vessels containing samples in a thermocycling device. The rotor means (5) comprise/-s at least one fan blade (18) which force ambient gas to pass to samples. The intention also, relates to a thermocycling device for centrifuging reaction vessels containing samples comprising said rotor means (5).

Abstract: Methods for determining coat color genotypes in pigs are provided. In particular, these methods are based on determining whether a mutation is/is not present at one or more exon/intron splice sites of the KIT gene. Kits for carrying out such methods are also described.

Abstract: Methods for determining the KIT genotype of pigs are provided. These methods are useful in determining coat colour genotype, breed determination and for screening pigs to determine those likely to produce larger litters, and/or those less likely to produce large litters. Kits for use in such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for forming particle mat from lignocellulose-containing particles in the production of sheet material are disclosed including providing a flow of lignocellulose-containing particles from a supply source at an elevated height, depositing the flow of lignocellulose-containing particles from that height by means of gravity onto a forming belt at a lower height, and retarding the flow of lignocellulose-containing particles as it passes from the upper height to the lower height. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: PRKAG3 nucleotide and amino acid sequence variants and methods of detecting such sequence variants are described. Methods for providing risk estimates for development of a metabolic disease also are described and are based on the presence or absence of PRKAG3 sequence variants in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising a felt of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, intended to be placed under a wood floor, especially of the laminate type, so as to absorb the noise of impact against the wood floor.

Abstract: A method and system enables a packet-switched data communication in a wireless communications system to be quickly and easily reestablished after interruption. The computer communications protocol that has been negotiated during the establishment of the packet-switched data communication may be saved upon interruption and later restored. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless subscriber activates a call-waiting-type service along with an option to retain a packet-switched data communication. Thereafter, the subscriber may be engaged in a data communication on a packet data channel of the wireless communications system. Acceptance of a subsequent incoming, circuit-switched voice call causes the data packet session to be suspended, but the negotiated parameters of the computer communications protocol are saved. After the subscriber terminates the voice call, another data packet session is established with the saved parameters without needing to renegotiate the computer communications protocol parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic distance measuring device which measures the propagation time to and from a target of a shor pulse of a trasmitted electromagnetic beam from a radiation source comprising a microchip laser, and comprising objective optical system (6; 16; 21); for the reflected beam from the target and a detecting unit (9; 13; 20) to which the received beam is transmitted. Means (4, 5; 15) is provided for making the transmitted and the receiving electromagnetic beam coaxial. Means (6, 10, 12; 14, 16; 21, 22) are also provided for focusing the received beam onto the detecting unit (9; 13; 20). A means (3) makes the transmitted electromagnetic beam simultaneously as narrow and as collimated as possible in order to get a well-defined radiation measuring spot on the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems having flexible genetic information storage, processing, and analysis structures. The disclosed systems can be securely and independently accessed and used multiple researchers and research groups. Such systems can facilitate the collaboration of genetic researchers and research groups.

Abstract: PRKAG3 nucleotide and amino acid sequence variants and methods of detecting such sequence variants are described. Methods for providing risk estimates for development of a metabolic disease also are described and are based on the presence or absence of PRKAG3 sequence variants in a biological sample.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling a load, such as an automotive component or the like, includes a jack assembly 12, a stand 16, and a platform assembly 14 that can be secured to the load and transferred between the jack assembly and stand. The jack assembly 12 includes a wheeled base supporting a piston-and-cylinder assembly. The stand 16 includes a beam 114 supported on a column 116 for relative height adjustment, and a docking tube 110 or the like supported at a free end of the beam. The platform assembly 14 presents a receiver block 48 sized for receipt on a receiver pin 46 of the jack assembly, and a docking pin 108 or the like sized for receipt in the docking tube 110 of the stand. As such, the load can be secured to the platform assembly and transferred between the jack assembly and the stand so that the load can be serviced and replaced.

Abstract: An adjustment device for an item of furniture comprises two relatively mutually movable parts of which the one is elongate, cylindrical and longitudinally displaceable in relation to the other. A helical spring is disposed with pretensioning about a split sleeve which grips the cylindrical portion. At least one end of the spring is disposed for cooperation with an abutment in communication with the second part. An operating device is connected to the spring for realizing, on actuation between the ends of the spring and about the center axis of the spring, a relative rotational movement which is counter-directed to the pretensioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding canine leukocyte integrin &bgr;-2 subunit having a Cys36Ser missense mutation, wherein the missense mutation is indicative of a carrier of canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying dogs which are carriers of or are affected with canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency. This method includes obtaining a biological sample from a dog and testing the biological sample for a Cys36Ser missense mutation in a gene encoding leukocyte integrin &bgr;-2 subunit, wherein the missense mutation in one allele is indicative of a carrier of canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency and the missense mutation in both alleles is indicative of a dog affected with canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Abstract: Coat color is important to the pig breeding industry for a number of reasons. It is therefore desirable to develop populations of pigs which will breed true for coat color. However, establishing such populations would be time-consuming and costly using traditional test mating programs. It is therefore desirable to determine the coat color genotype of individual pigs. The inventors have shown that the KIT gene in pigs is involved with coat color determination. Specifically, the inventors have discovered that the difference between the I, IP, and i alleles of the coat color determining gene is duplication of at least part of the KIT gene in the I and IP alleles. Further, the inventors have discovered that the difference between the I and IP alleles is that, although both I and IP have a duplication in the KIT gene, only I and not IP exhibits a deletion in one of the duplicated regions.

Abstract: A surveying system is presented comprising a surveying equipment and a radio navigation unit comprising a radio navigation antenna and a radio navigation receiver, both removably connectable both on the survey equipment and on a survey object. The object is provided with at least one target for the surveying equipment to be directed to. A removable panel co-operates with the radio navigation unit and with the survey equipment. The panel comprises a computer provided with a program system adapted for operating both the radio navigation receiver and the surveying equipment.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a novel combustion chamber which has an improved air supply and also ensures an optimum incident flow to the burners when the mass flows of cooling and combustion air are different. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the at least one cooling duct (10) is extended right into the plenum (13) and is formed inside the plenum (13) as a diffuser (14) having an orifice (12) leading into the plenum (13). The at least one opening (15, 15') in the burner dome (4) is arranged in the region of the diffuser (14) or directly downstream of its orifice (12). A bypass duct (16, 16') having an orifice (17, 17') leading into the plenum (13) follows downstream of each opening (15, 15'). The orifice (17, 17') of each bypass duct (16, 16') is oriented at least approximately in parallel with the orifice (12) of the diffuser (14) and is also designed so as to be offset step-like to the outside.

Abstract: A wall structure for interior sound and thermal insulation of rooms. The wall structure comprises at least one insulating member (26a, 26b, 26c) and fastening profiles (10, 28) consisting of metal. These are intended partly for the mutual affixing of members laterally, partly for affixing of each member to floor and ceiling. Especially, each member comprises a soft insulating sheet and a thereto fastened, rigid support sheet. The fastening profiles intended for affixing of the member to floor and ceiling are of L-type and the fastening profiles (28) intended for mutual affixing of members are of T-type. One portion of each L-profile is intended for installation to floor and ceiling respectively and the other for installation in an area between the insulating sheet of the member and its support sheet.