Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cardiology. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes. In a specific embodiment, a method for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes comprises the step of administering an effective amount of an ALMS1 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine or immunogenic composition that can be administered to latently infected individuals to prevent reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection caused by species of the tuberculosis complex microorganisms (Mycobacterium tuberculosis., M. bovis, M. africanum), The invention is based on a number of M. tuberculosis derived proteins and protein fragments which are constitutively expressed in different stages of the infection. The invention is directed to the use of these polypeptides, immunologically active fragments thereof and the genes encoding them for immunological compositions such as vaccines.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a material capture element, which has a generally closed conical deployed shape and a narrow end disposed at or proximate the first end of the device. The material capture element includes a wide end facing the second end of the device, the material capture element having a zone of wider radial dimension which provides a first vessel contact site. A plurality of wire tethers are coupled to the wide end and extend to the second end. The wire tethers define a substantially open passageway for blood and provide a second vessel contact site. The first and second contact sites are spaced longitudinally from one another to provide stability. A first retrieval element is disposed at the first end and coupled to the narrow end, while a second retrieval element is disposed at the second end and coupled to the wire tethers.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable voltage probe that measures voltage transitions along an array element. The measured voltage is used to determine a distance of travel of the at least one voltage probe along the fuel cell stack from the speed of the probe and the timing of the transitions.

Abstract: An armature assembly comprising an armature body and a number of armature ring segments mounted on the armature body, wherein the armature assembly comprises a number of insertion interface elements and a number of complementary receiving interface elements for mounting an armature ring segment onto the armature body; whereby an insertion interface element is realized to engage with a complementary receiving interface element in a direction essentially parallel to a rotation axis of the armature; and wherein an insertion interface element is formed as an integral part of the armature body or as an integral part of an armature ring segment. A method of assembling an armature is also described, and a wind turbine comprising such an armature assembly is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to antigen from Chlamydia trachomatis which are recognized by specific antibodies from individuals infected with Chlamydia or which can induce T cells from the same individuals to secrete gamma-interferon. The T cell reactive antigens are present in a whole-cell lysate and have apparent molecular weights of 5-12, 16-20, 25-35 and 58-74 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The antigens of the invention are believed to be useful in vaccines but also as diagnostic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient vaccine against a Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). The vaccine is based on recombinant fusion molecules that are capable of generating a high titered neutralizing antibody response that is protective against various Ct serovars. Our invention furthermore describe the combination of these antibody promoting fragments with Ct antigens that are targets for T cells with the aim to provide a vaccine that activate both arms of the immune system.

Abstract: A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and having means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for amplifying or attenuating signals in a specific direction of propagation without adversely affecting the electroneurographic activity being measured.

Abstract: A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for rejection of signals originating from biological interference sources without adversely affecting the electroneurographic activity being measured.

Abstract: A magnet loading apparatus for loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine is described. The apparatus includes positioning means realized to hold a magnet pole piece of a plurality P of magnet pole pieces in place relative to its designated position on the field; and a transfer means realized to simultaneously transfer a plurality P of magnet pole pieces from the positioning means onto the field of the electric machine. Also described is a method of loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a handle and a head having a flexible support from which cleaning elements extend. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face, the cleaning elements including bristles and wall-like elements and being movable in the outward direction from the head; wherein the cleaning elements comprise a row of first cleaning elements substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a central region of the flexible support; and wherein some of the wall-like cleaning elements laterally radiate from the central region of the flexible support.

Abstract: A thrombus removal apparatus (10) includes a catheter (12) having at its distal end (14) a solenoid coil section (16) within which there is disposed a piercing element (20) made of electromagnetic material. Within the solenoid coil section (16) there is provided a solenoid coil (26) which can be powered to generate an electromagnetic field which causes the piercing element (20) to reciprocate into and out of the coil section (16), in practice to pierce into and fragment a thrombus disposed in a patient's vessel. An aspiration unit may be provided for aspirating thrombus fragments into the assembly (10) for removal from the patient's vasculature. The apparatus (10) is able to remove dense thrombus material from within a patient, which cannot be otherwise removed by means of thrombolytic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vaccines with adjuvants comprising cationic liposomes where neutral lipids has been incorporated into the liposomes to change the gel-liquid phase transition and thereby modifying the IgG sub-type response and enhancing the CD8 response of the liposomal adjuvant. This technology can be used to increase the production of IgG2 antibodies. This sub-type of antibodies (IgG2 in mice corresponding to IgG3 in humans) have been shown to selectively engage Fc activatory receptors on the surface of innate immune cells leading to enhanced proinflammatory responses and thereby a more efficient immune response with higher levels of protection in animal models of e.g. malaria and Chlamydia. The use of adjuvants which selectively give rise to higher levels of IgG2 antibodies will improve the effect of vaccines e.g. against intracellular infections. Furthermore the technology can be used to induce a CD8 response which has been reported to improve the effect of vaccines against e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cardiology. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes. In a specific embodiment, a method for inducing proliferation of cardiomyocytes comprises the step of administering an effective amount of an ALMS1 inhibitor.

Abstract: In order to provide a containing and conditioning system for an agricultural product, such as seeds or grains, which system reduces an amount of energy used upon containing and conditioning the agricultural product and also improves the quality of the agricultural product, there is disclosed a containing and conditioning system for an agricultural product, which may include seeds or grains. The system includes a container for containing the agricultural product, a conditioning device for conditioning the agricultural product, a stirring device for stirring the agricultural product, the stirring device including at least one wireless sensor for sensing characteristics of the agricultural product, which may include humidity and/or a temperature, and a control device operable for controlling said system in response to said characteristics.

Abstract: An animal waste collection device is able to illuminate the area where a pet has left fecal matter at night by a battery operated lighting system build into the device. The device consists of two separate lighting systems, one operated by either of two momentary switches located in the handle of the device located on the right end and the left end of the handle. When either button is depressed the general area where the pet has left the fecal matter is illuminated by two LED lights, one of each side of the device. The operator will pull the operating handle upward to open the two opposing jaws of the device. On the opening of the jaws, two additional LED lights will illuminate, activated by a micro switch sensing the opening of the waste collection jaws over the fecal matter being collected. On collection of the fecal matter into the hopper of the device, the operator releases the activation handle and the two LED lights illuminating the hopper area turn off.

Abstract: Here we identify MMG and its alpha- and ketomycolic acid derivatives as highly bioactive lipids derived from M. bovis BCG (Copenhagen) capable of stimulating and activating human DC's at exceedingly low doses. In addition to their direct role as immunostimulators of human DC's we demonstrate their use in the development of a new generation of adjuvants suitable for human administration. We furthermore identify a number of highly active synthetic MMG analogues with great potential in cancer treatment, and for vaccine adjuvants against both infectious disease and disorders like Alzheimers disease.

Abstract: Vaccination with the combination of Ag85B-TB10.4 and IC31® adjuvant generated a high amount of polyfunctional CD4+T cells expressing high levels of IFN-?, TNF-?, and IL-2. This in turn led to significant protection against infection with M. tuberculosis in the mouse aerosol challenge model of tuberculosis. Both the immunogenicity of the vaccine and its ability to protect against TB infection was highly dependent on the antigen dose. Thus, whereas the standard antigen dose of 5 ?g, as well as 15 ?g, did not induce significant protection against M. tuberculosis, reducing the dose to 0.5 ?g increased both the immunogenicity of the vaccine as well as its protective efficacy to a level comparable to that observed in BCG vaccinated mice. Thus, the IC31® adjuvant, with the specified antigen dose, can induce a strong protective Th1 response against M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Therapeutic vaccines comprising polypeptides expressed during the latent stage of mycobacteria infection are provided, as are multiphase vaccines, and methods for treating and preventing tuberculosis.

Abstract: This invention comprises an animal waste collection device with a battery operated dual illumination system capable of illuminating the area where a pet has left fecal matter at night. System 1 has dual LED lights located on either side of the device which are operated via dual switches in the handle. These lights allow the operator to see the fecal matter. System 2 is comprised of lights located within the pick-up area of the device and is automatically activated when the pick-up device is opened. These lights automatically turn off when the device closes. Once the operator has captured the fecal matter he can release the switch turning off the device. The device has reflective tape on both sides causing oncoming traffic to see the operator walking. System 1 lights may be activated when vehicles approach as an added safety feature.