Abstract:
Recombinant lentiviral vectors containing at least: a lentiviral backbone comprising essential lentiviral sequences for integration into a target cell genome; a nucleic acid encoding a CCR5 RNAi; and an expression control element that regulates expression of the nucleic acid encoding the CCR5 RNAi element, are provided by this invention. In an alternative aspect, the vector also contains polynucleotides encoding TRIMS alpha and HIV TAR decoy sequences along with gene expression regulation elements such as promoters operatively linked to the polynucleotides. The vectors are combined with packaging plasmid and envelope plasmids and optionally conjugated to cell-specific targeting antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods for using the compositions are further provided herein.
Abstract:
A novel hybrid maize variety designated 31P41 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 31P41 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 31P41 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 31P41, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 31P41. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 31P41 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating process material includes a vessel into which process material can be introduced, an arrangement for introducing steam into the interior of the vessel to heat and impart moisture to process material in the vessel, and several fluid transport conduits extending helically through the vessel for conveying heated fluid through the vessel between opposite ends of the vessel in order to raise the temperature and pressure within the vessel to treat the material while also allowing the moisture content of the process material to be reduced. The fluid transport conduits are also configured to contact the process material and assist in treating and densifying the material. The vessel can also be adapted to be pivoted so that the forward end of the vessel can be selectively positioned above and below a horizontal position. The vessel can also be interconnected with one or more similarly configured vessels to define a system for treating process material. The system can include an arrangement that allows steam and heat from a hot vessel to be conveyed to a cold vessel. A method for treating process material can include introducing process material into two different vessels, raising the temperature within one of the vessels through the introduction of steam to heat the material in the vessel, and reducing the temperature in the one vessel while also increasing the temperature in the other vessel by venting the interior of the one vessel to the interior of the other vessel.
Abstract:
A method for incentivizing learning comprising the steps of selecting an educational component (55) for a user, selecting at least one condition (56-64) for interchanging between the educational component and an entertainment component for the user, enabling access to the entertainment component (85), interrupting the entertainment component (88), providing the educational component to the user after the interruption (89), and resuming the entertainment component or maintaining the educational component as a function of the condition for interchanging between the educational component and the entertainment component (90). The condition for interchanging from the educational component to the entertainment component may be a function of the results of a test, and the test may have a difficulty level and the difficulty level may increase as a function of the number of interruptions of the entertainment component. Also provided is a system for incentivizing learning comprising an entertainment component (19), an educational component (18), and a control (16) programmed to allow a password holder to select at least one condition for interchanging between the educational component and the entertainment component for a user.
Abstract:
A joint seal comprises two elastomeric elements, configured to fit as a nested assembly within the gap between adjacent slabs. The outer element (the "outer seal") is a generally U-shaped channel (with sides and a bottom), and performs the actual sealing function. The outer surfaces of the channel sides are formed with a series of longitudinally-extending fins, which frictionally engage the slab edges. The inner element ("the core") is formed as a generally rectangular tube that provides a structural strength for the seal assembly. It includes a tubular outer wall and an internal truss-type framework consisting of a number of interconnected webs. The seal assembly is installed under compression.
Abstract:
A plant stake is disclosed comprising a telescoping post supported on legs that swing pivotally from the base of the post into engagement with the ground. Ground anchor members are provided at the end of the legs for securing the post in a position such that the post may be aligned vertically by adjustment of the legs. A basket is suspended from beneath the post, the basket being used to support or grow tuberous plants. The basket is hoisted from a level slightly below ground level up to the base of the post by means of a hoist such as a threaded shaft having a rotatable flange thereon on which the basket may be secured, the threaded shaft threadably engaging either the flange or the post along the longitudinal axis of the post.
Abstract:
A miniature electrical relay, particularly for telecommunications systems, has the armature releasably attached to the armature hinge spring by arranging for the armature and hinge spring to be of U formation, the ends of the legs of the armature and hinge overlapping, and with projections on one of the sets of legs engaging in recesses in the other set of legs. This avoids brazing or other more permanent ways of attachment and reduces fatigue fractures.
Abstract:
A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool including a housing, a drive shaft mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the housing and having a longitudinal drive axis, and a saw blade releasably interconnected with the drive shaft. The saw blade clamping arrangement includes a blade support mechanism with first and second slots crosswise intersecting slots configured to selectively receive the saw blade in first and second orientations. The clamping arrangement also includes a tubular actuator rotatable about the longitudinal drive axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuator including a locking cam surface, and a locking member operatively associated with the actuator, and movable between a locked position that selectively locks the blade in one of the first and second orientations and an unlocked position that releases the blade, the locking member including a follower surface driven by the locking cam surface.
Abstract:
An identification document manufacturing method makes an identification document with an optically variable security feature by forming a lens structure in the document's lamination layer along with image information. The method provides image information arranged to include at least two different images. The method uses pressure to form a lens profile in a laminate, including combining the laminate with ink representing the image information to form the document. The document is formed together with the laminate and ink such that the lens profile enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles. An information bearing document comprises a core layer, an image layer depicting at least two different images, and a laminate layer. The laminate layer is pressed on the core layer such that it forms a lens profile that enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles.
Abstract:
A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool including a drive shaft and a saw blade releasably interconnected with the drive shaft for reciprocating motion along a longitudinal axis. The saw blade clamping arrangement includes a support mechanism interconnected with the drive shaft, the support mechanism configured to selectively receive the saw blade in first and second orientations, an actuator mounted on the drive shaft and rotatable relatively to the drive shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuator including first and second locking cam surfaces, and first and second locking members operatively associated with the actuator, and movable between a locked position that selectively locks the blade to the corresponding first and second orientations and an unlocked position that releases the blade. The first and second locking members including first and second follower surfaces driven by the respective first and second locking cam surfaces.