Abstract: Improving the balance of beneficial gut microbiota of an animal by providing a composition containing beta-casein, wherein at least 75% by weight of the beta-casein is a beta-casein variant that has a proline at position 67 of the beta-casein amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a detector such as a nanopore and an enzyme are provided. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a detector, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A light waveguide cable having powder embedded in the outer surfaces of plastic material such as central members, open ribbon carriers, or buffer tubes. Powder is deposited during the extrusion or after subsequent reheating.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the chin of subject suspended from a hooded hair dryer is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated member of a flexible material having a pair of spaced apart protrusions of a flexible resilient material, such as a foam rubber. The protrusions are separated by a distance roughly corresponding to the width of the subject's chin. In operation, the apparatus is suspended from the hood of the hair dryer to allow adjustments of the apparatus about the head of the subject.