Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has become the vector of choice for the development of novel human gene therapies. High-yield manufacturing of high-quality vectors can be achieved using the baculovirus expression vector system. However, efficient production of rAAV in this insect cell-based system requires a genetic redesign of the viral protein 1 (VP1) operon. In this study, we generated a library of rationally designed rAAV serotype 5 variants with modulations in the translation-initiation region of VP1 and investigated the potency of the resulting vectors. We found that the initiation strength at the VP1 translational start had downstream effects on the VP2/VP3 ratio. Excessive incorporation of VP3 into a vector type decreased potency, even when the VP1/VP2 ratio was in balance. Finally, we successfully generated a potent rAAV vector based on serotype 5 with a balanced VP1/VP2/VP3 stoichiometry.

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The arena of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has for many years been dominated by the defence industries. The reason for this can be attributed to the complexity and cost of designing, constructing and operating of these vehicles. An additional contributing factor is the legislative issues around operating an unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace. However in resent years advances in micro-electronics especially Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and advanced composite manufacturing techniques have placed the design and construction of UAVs in the domain of the commercial civilian users. A number of commercial UAV applications have emerged where the legislative requirements for operating of a UAV in segregated airspace can be met. UAVs are extremely well suited for the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks encountered in performing surveying and surveillance applications. For these tasks the primary design considerations in the design of the UAV would be the propulsion system, the guidance and control system and the payload system. IntroductionThe European Unmanned Vehicle Association identifies five main categories of UAVs (Sarris, 2001):• Close range -fly in a range of less than 25 km. Usually extremely light;• Short range -operate within a range of 25-100km.• Medium range -Able to fly within a range of 100-200km. Need more advanced aerodynamic design and control systems due to their higher operational performance.• Long range -Fly within a range of 200-500km. Require more advanced technology to carry out complex missions. Need satellite link in order to overcome the communication problem between the ground control systems and aircraft created by the curvature of the earth.• Endurance -Operate in a range more than 500km, or can stay in the air for more than 20 hrs. This is considered the most sophisticated of the UAV family due to their high capabilities. This chapter presents design considerations for UAVs which can be categorized as endurance UAVs. The design considerations discussed include the primary UAV systems namely, propulsion system, navigation and control system and sensor payload system.

The source of cell is an important consideration for cell therapy.

Frithia N.E.Br (Mesembryanthemaceae), formerly thought to be a monotypic genus, has been found to comprise two species. Populations from the eastern parts of the distribution range of Frithia pulchra N.E.Br. are recognised as a distinct species,  Frithia humilis PM Burgoyne The genus has a limited distribution, although present in three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga. The two window-leaved species are allopatnc and morphological differences between the roots, leaves, flowers, pollen, capsules and seeds are discussed. A formal description of the new species, an identification key and a distribution map of the two species are provided.