Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a non-naturally occurring miRNA having a stem-loop structure comprising a scaffold derived from a first endogenous miRNA (e.g., miR-196a-2 or miR-204), a mature strand derived from a second endogenous miRNA, and a star strand sequence that is at least partially complementary to the mature strand sequence. The present disclosure also provides a non-naturally occurring miRNA having a stem-loop structure comprising a scaffold derived from an endogenous miRNA (e.g., miR-196a-2 or miR-204), a mature strand designed t be at least partially complementary to a target RNA, and a star strand sequence that is at least partially complementary to the mature strand sequence. The methods and compositions of the disclosure may be used to mediate gene silencing via the RNAi pathway.
Abstract:
Processor based systems and methods of defining a scenario event comprising the steps of identifying an event having an event attribute and generalizing the event attribute to define a generalized event whereby the generalized event is the scenario event. In some embodiments, the steps further comprise identifying a first and second event, generalizing a first and second event attribute to define a first and second generalized event and connecting the first and second generalized event in a continuous envelope to create a scenario envelope. Also disclosed are processor based systems and methods of monitoring an activity comprising the steps of monitoring an activity having an activity attribute and comparing the activity attribute to an event envelope to determine a status of the activity relative to the event envelope.
Abstract:
A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.
Abstract:
A stabilization and support strut for use in rescue operations in buildings, trenches, vehicle accidents, and the like has secure deployment features including first and second inter-fitting collar assemblies, the first collar assembly including a first collar, circumferentially based spring-biased piston-retaining pins mounted in the collar for fitting into orifices in a piston body, and a locking pin for precluding rotation and axial movement of the first collar on the strut; and the second collar assembly including a second collar rotatingly secured on the barrel with a portion of the second collar underlying the first and having a circumferentially inclined ratchet surface for snugly engaging the piston-retaining pins upon rotation of the second collar, the second collar further including rotatable studs for engaging the barrel and precluding rotation of the second collar about the barrel when snug against the piston-retaining pins.
Abstract:
A computer implemented method of activating a process. The method includes the steps of generating one or more first plug-ins each configured to activate a target process, dynamically registering the first plug-ins with a second plug-in, and permanently storing information relating to each registered first plug-in. A server computer in a client-server computer system that includes one or more first plug-ins each configured to activate a target process, and a second plug-in configured to dynamically register the first plug-ins and to permanently store information relating to the registered first plug-ins.
Abstract:
A user object is created via an administrator interface. The user object indicates access to system resources for an individual user. The user object is provided a permission time period specifying when a user associated with the object can access the system resource with a computing device. To access the resource, the computing device would generate a request or attempt to access the system resource. In response the request or access attempt, the user object is read to determine when the user of the computing device can access the resource. The user of the computing device could be provided access to the resource during the time period and denied access to the resource outside of the time period.
Abstract:
An extended life ball transfer unit has a housing with a well of generally cup-shaped configuration with at least the lower portion of its surface being defined by a pair of radii mutually offset to opposite sides from its vertical axis to generate a gothic church arch cross section. A passage extends therethrough at the base of the housing well. Sealed in the well is a spherical conveyor ball having a radius of smaller length than the radii defining the lower surface of the well, and the well defining radii having their origins above the center of the conveyor ball. A multiplicity of spherical bearing balls is disposed between the conveyor ball and at least the lower portion of the well. The bearing balls support the conveyor ball and transferring the load from the conveyor ball to the housing over an annular area defined by an arc of about 5-15° with its center spaced about 30°-40° upwardly from the passage. A annular cap is seated in the upper portion of the well and has an inner surface portion bearing against the surface of the conveyor ball to provide a sealing action limiting debris from passing into the lower portion of the well.
Abstract:
A computerized method and system for implementing such method, the method comprising establishing a card payment instrument account for an approved customer and an investment account for the benefit of the approved customer. A rebate is calculated periodically based on credit card usage and the rebate is applied to fund the investment account periodically. The rebate is the only flnding of the investment account accomplished through the card payment instrument account.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for a card payment instrument providing that a percentage of consumer spending is rebated to the consumer for payment of premiums or the like for an account with an insurance company. In one version, an applicant provides a benefiting insurance account number to which the rebate is credited based on the rebate amount. The rebate is automatically submitted by the card issuer to the insurance account and, depending on the sizes of the rebate and premium, the cardholder may receive a bill reflecting a reduced premium or even a credit from the insurance concern. In another version, the rebate is submitted as a two-party check which can be cashed by the consumer or submitted by the consumer to the insurance company for cashing.
Abstract:
A rescue tool as incorporated into a portable unit both the tool operating mechanism and the hydraulic power means necessary to provide a self-contained tool. An elongated tool body comprises the rescue tool mechanism and its associated hydraulic actuator unit, an air/oil intensifier pump for driving the hydraulic actuator unit, the control valves for the pump, and an air valve for actuating the hydraulic control valves to their control positions, whereby the only hose connection to the portable unit is a single air hose for supplying high pressure air.