Abstract: A financial close automation (FCA) system receives or retrieves account data from one or more enterprise resource planning products (ERPs). The FCA examines the balance sheet for a given account and determines whether the account is auto-certifiable, and whether the unknown balance is below a threshold amount. If the answer to either inquiry is no, the FCA generates a task for the general ledger owner to provide an explanation for the discrepancy. A task is the created for a manager to review the provided explanation. If the manager does not approve of the provided explanation, additional information may be required. Once the manager approves the provided explanation for the discrepancy, the account is certified. If the account is auto-certifiable and the unknown balance is below the threshold amount, the account is auto-certified.

Abstract: Metering dispensers include a body configured to hold a flowable composition in a chamber, a drive screw coupled to the body, and a plunger threadingly coupled to the drive screw. The plunger includes at least two annular lips that form a fluid seal with the chamber as the plunger travels along the drive screw through the chamber. A base is rotationally coupled to the body with a cam that contacts at least one tab extending externally from the body so that the tab enters at least one low point on the cam by traveling over a trailing edge of the low point, and the trailing edge then prevents the tab from exiting the low point in the direction of the trailing edge.

Abstract: A part formed by an additive manufacturing process consist of regions of voids, regions of solid material, and regions of non-uniform lattice cells, where each lattice cell includes bars. The regions are spatially distributed throughout the part as a function of load conditions such that the solid material is distributed in regions of first load paths and the non-uniform lattice cells are distributed in regions of second load paths lower in magnitude than the first load paths. Diameters of each bar of a non-uniform lattice cell are sized as a function of at least one of a resolution unit of the additive manufacturing process and part performance requirements. The diameters of the bars of the non-uniform lattice cells are classified into clusters with an average diameter size being assigned to all non-uniform lattice cells in the same cluster.

Abstract: A part formed by an additive manufacturing process is provided, which consists of three (3) regions: regions of voids with no material; regions of solid material; and regions of non-uniform lattice cells. The regions are spatially distributed throughout the part as a function of load conditions such that the solid material is distributed in regions of first load paths and the lattice cells are distributed in regions of second load paths lower in magnitude than the first load paths. The lattice cells are tailored to the additive manufacturing process constraints and machine resolution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a non-naturally occurring microorganism that includes a gene encoding a MucK transporter protein, where the microorganism is capable of catabolizing terephthalic acid (TPA). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gene encoding the MucK transporter protein may contain at least one mutation, relative to a reference gene encoding a reference MucK transporter protein.

Abstract: An article includes a body that has a solid shell that encloses an interior region. The interior region has a solid sub-region, a lattice sub-region, and a hollow sub-region that are exclusive of each other and distributed based on load path. In an example, the article is a spoiler cap, such as for the spoiler on a vehicle.

Abstract: An article includes a body that has a solid shell that encloses an interior region. The interior region has a solid sub-region, a lattice sub-region, and a hollow sub-region that are exclusive of each other and distributed based on load path. In an example, the article is a spoiler cap, such as for the spoiler on a vehicle.

Abstract: A part formed by an additive manufacturing process is provided, which consists of three (3) regions: regions of voids with no material; regions of solid material; and regions of non-uniform lattice cells. The regions are spatially distributed throughout the part as a function of load conditions such that the solid material is distributed in regions of first load paths and the lattice cells are distributed in regions of second load paths lower in magnitude than the first load paths. The lattice cells are tailored to the additive manufacturing process constraints and machine resolution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are enzymes useful for the dealkylation of aromatic substrates, including the conversion of guaiacol or guaethol to catechol. Methods of converting aromatic substrates found in lignin-based feedstocks such as pyrolysis oil into products such as catechol are also disclosed. Also presented herein are methods for rapidly evolving and optimizing genetic regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are enzymes useful for the dealkylation of aromatic substrates, including the conversion of guaiacol or guaethol to catechol. Methods of converting aromatic substrates found in lignin-based feedstocks such as pyrolysis oil into products such as catechol are also disclosed. Also presented herein are methods for rapidly evolving and optimizing genetic regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that contain a chimeric papillomavirus virus-like particle (VLP) in combination with a DNA molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide epitope. The chimeric papillomavirus VLP is assembled from an L1 protein or polypeptide and a chimeric protein or polypeptide containing at least a portion of the L2 protein and a protein or polypeptide including an immunogenic epitope. The composition is useful for inducing an enhanced immune response against a pathogen or a tumor.

Abstract: A method for forming a molding compound including simultaneously chopping a non-synthetic reinforcement member and a synthetic reinforcement member and forming a hybrid reinforcement member from the chopped non-synthetic and synthetic reinforcement members. The hybrid reinforcement member can be molded into a molding compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that contain a chimeric papillomavirus virus-like particle (VLP) in combination with a DNA molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide epitope. The chimeric papillomavirus VLP is assembled from an L1 protein or polypeptide and a chimeric protein or polypeptide containing at least a portion of the L2 protein and a protein or polypeptide including an immunogenic epitope. The composition is useful for inducing an enhanced immune response against a pathogen or a tumor.

Abstract: A method for forming a molding compound including simultaneously chopping a non-synthetic reinforcement member and a synthetic reinforcement member and forming a hybrid reinforcement member from the chopped non-synthetic and synthetic reinforcement members. The hybrid reinforcement member can be molded into a molding compound.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dispersing and exfoliating fillers in a thermoplastic polymer by sonicating a mixture of the thermoplastic polymer and the filler. The method of the present invention is particularly useful in dispersing layered silicate clays in thermoplastic polymers. A reinforced composite comprising a filler dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer is also disclosed. In another variation, the method of the invention is incorporated into conventional plastic extruder and injection molding equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a photo compact disk (CD) 10 combined with a disk reading system or player 62 in which the disk 10 has a user markable surface on the opposite side of the disk 10 from the picture information storage surface or layer. The user markable side includes a first space 12 for indicating the contents of the photo CD. A second area 14 is provided for indicating how the photos stored on the CD should be displayed. The second area 14 is divided into tracks 18-24 and each track is divided into photograph frame regions 21. Each picture stored on the compact disk has one four quadrant user markable region 21 where the quadrants indicate whether the picture should be skipped, turned clockwise or counterclockwise 90 degrees or turned 180 degrees before display. The printing which outlines the areas and provides photograph numbers is LED light transparent. The photo CD player 62 includes an LED scanner 64 for scanning the second area as the CD rotates.

Abstract: A travel pillow is described for use with seats which provide an accommodating headrest. This pillow cushions the user's neck and head in a cavity and thus provides support against `head-rolling` and the sudden `head-drooping` which usually results when a traveler attempts to sleep while sitting in a generally upright position.

Abstract: A mock-owl display and a seed kit for preparing same which comprises: sunflower seeds and rice adfixed to a flat support which is in the shape of an owl. To enhance the desired effect there is also used: two simulated eyes, a twig for a perch and cutouts to represent an owl's beak and talons.The sunflower seeds represent the owl's feathers and by adfixing them to the support in various positions there is obtained a three dimensional effect and a feathered appearance which is unique and visually appealing.

Abstract: A display consisting essentially of: (1) a transparent container, such as a bowl, within which is placed (2) a whipped wax in solid form, the surface of which is irregular but which otherwise conforms to the contours of said container and into which is impressed (3) various objects so as to afford a visually pleasing scene.