Abstract: A pivot shaft assembly for a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) is provided. The pivot shaft assembly may include a pivot shaft, a pivot fork extending from the pivot shaft, a VTG lever disposed on the pivot shaft, and a retention collar axially coupled to the pivot shaft such that the VTG lever is axially aligned with the retention collar and the pivot shaft.

Abstract: An improved expansion tank is provided for at least temporarily storing a pumped liquid under pressure, the expansion tank comprising a thin walled outer shell formed of two substantially hemispherical domes joined together, either directly or at the two ends of a central, substantially cylindrical section, and a flexible diaphragm located internally of the tank and secured to the inner surface of the shell of the tank to divide the internal volume of the tank into a fluid-tight section holding a gas under pressure and a fluid-tight section for holding an aqueous liquid under pressure. The improvement comprising diaphragm coupling ring formed as a discrete part of the diaphragm tank that can be fabricated independent of the domes and any cylinder. The diaphragm coupling ring provides a robust, leak-proof seal with the diaphragm, so that it can be connected onto an inner surface of an expansion tank in a separate, secondary operation.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: A method for recording chargebacks in blockchain transactions includes: storing a blockchain comprised of a plurality of blocks, each block being comprised of a block header and data values, where each data value includes a unique transaction identifier and data corresponding to a processed payment transaction; receiving a chargeback request including a specific transaction identifier corresponding to a unique transaction identifier included in a data value in the blockchain; generating a first transaction data value comprising the specific transaction identifier, a first new unique transaction identifier, and data indicating that a chargeback is requested for the corresponding payment transaction; transmitting the first transaction data value to a blockchain node; generating a second transaction data value comprising the specific transaction identifier, a second new unique transaction identifier, and data indicating a resolution for the chargeback for the corresponding payment transaction; and transmitting t

Abstract: A data processing system includes an interrupt controller having a priority level arbitrator and trigger circuitry. The priority level arbitrator and the trigger circuitry operate in parallel to process interrupt signals received by an interrupt signal receiver. The trigger circuitry generates a trigger signal initiating interrupt processing before the priority level arbitrator has completed its arbitration determination at an arbitration-completed time. If the interrupt processing triggered by the trigger signal was inappropriate, then is terminated once the result of the arbitration is known after the arbitration-completed time.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.

Abstract: A tilting pad (80, 180) (TP) journal bearing (30, 32, 132) is used to support a rotating assembly of a turbocharger (10). The TP journal bearing (30, 32, 132) includes a cylindrical outer ring (60, 160) and tilting pads (80, 180) disposed within the outer ring (60, 160). The tilting pads (80, 180) are formed separately from the outer ring (60, 160) and secured thereto during assembly.

Abstract: A turbocharger (10) includes a housing (12, 14, 16) and an actuating mechanism (46) for actuating a device (40) within the housing (12, 14, 16). A pivot shaft (42) has an inside end (48) inside the housing (12, 14, 16) and an outside end (82) outside the housing (12, 14, 16). The pivot shaft (42) is rotatably mounted in a bore (64) in the housing (12, 14, 16) for transmitting an actuating movement from outside the housing (12, 14, 16) to the actuating mechanism (46). A bushing (62) is disposed in the bore (64). The bushing (62) includes an asymmetric portion (68) that extends inside the housing (12, 14, 16) to support the inside end (48) of the pivot shaft (42).

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides novel artificial, non-naturally-occurring double stranded DNA segments (and related methods) capable of acting as decoy binding sites for oncogenic transcription factors and a general method for suppressing aberrant activity of oncogenic transcription factors that promote cancer progression. In various embodiments, the present invention involves the sequestration of targeted oncogenic transcription factors at these artificial, non-naturally occurring engineered transcription factor binding sites, which have been introduced into the cells using oncolytic or other viruses that can be engineered to selectively target cancer cells.

Abstract: A pivot shaft assembly for a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) is provided. The pivot shaft assembly may include a pivot shaft, a pivot fork extending from the pivot shaft, a VTG lever disposed on the pivot shaft, and a retention collar axially coupled to the pivot shaft such that the VTG lever is axially aligned with the retention collar and the pivot shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides cryogels whose porosity, pore size, pore connectivity, swelling agent concentration, and/or specific volume undergoes a change from a first value to a second value in response to an electrical stimulus. The cryogels have interconnected macropores which greatly enhance their ability to rapidly undergo volumetric collapse when subjected to moderate electric fields. The cryogels of the invention can be easily integrated into arrays capable of rapid configurational and chromatic optical modulations, and when loaded with drugs, are able to coordinate the delivery profile of multiple drugs. The cryogel can be prepared by polymerizing an aqueous solution of charged monomers and cross-linker monomers at a temperature below the freezing temperature of the solvent.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for designing a fiber optic network for a plurality of premises in a geographic area that has existing infrastructure. The system includes an input module arranged to electronically receive design outputs comprising geographic locations of nodes in the fiber optic network and arcs extending between the nodes, relative to at least elements of existing infrastructure used as geographic locations for the nodes and the arcs, the elements of the existing infrastructure being associated with characterizing data that characterizes the elements of existing infrastructure; the input module is further arranged to electronically receive validation data corresponding to the elements of the existing infrastructure, the validation data being indicative of validity of the characterizing data. The system includes an optimizer arranged to electronically generate new design outputs by optimizing geographic locations of the nodes and the arcs in the fiber optic network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for designing a fiber optic network for a plurality of premises in a geographic area that has existing infrastructure. The system includes an input module arranged to electronically receive design outputs comprising geographic locations of nodes in the fiber optic network and arcs extending between the nodes, relative to at least elements of existing infrastructure used as geographic locations for the nodes and the arcs, the elements of the existing infrastructure being associated with characterizing data that characterizes the elements of existing infrastructure; the input module is further arranged to electronically receive validation data corresponding to the elements of the existing infrastructure, the validation data being indicative of validity of the characterizing data. The system includes an optimizer arranged to electronically generate new design outputs by optimizing geographic locations of the nodes and the arcs in the fiber optic network.

Abstract: Elevated high mobility group A (HMGA) protein expression in human cancer cells, and especially human pancreatic cancer cells, is correlated with resistance to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. The present invention uses HMGA-targeted AT-rich phosphorothioate DNA (AT-sDNA) aptamers to suppress HMGA carcinogenic activity. Cell growth of human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1 and Miapaca-2) transfected with AT-sDNA were monitored after treatment with gemcitabine. Significant increases in cell death in AT-sDNA transfected cells compared to non AT-rich sDNA treated cells were observed in both cell lines. The data indicates the potential use of HMGA targeted DNA aptamers to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in human cancer treatment, and in particular human pancreatic cancer treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods of audio card programming and testing are disclosed. The programming and testing device comprises a housing, a data storage device contained within the housing, a radio transmission device contained within the housing and adapted to receive data from the data storage device, and an audio transmission device contained within the housing and adapted to receive data from the data storage device.

Abstract: A variable turbine geometry turbocharger (100) with an adjustment ring assembly (45) having an adjustment ring (50) and a series of pivotable guide vanes (30) that are operably connected to the adjustment ring (50). A spring-biased retention clip (60) is between adjacent vane levers (36) and is attached to the adjustment ring (50). The retention clip (60) applies a force against the adjacent vane levers (36) and dampens and reduces movement of corresponding components.

Abstract: Tools providing a flexible selection framework for automated processes. The framework can allow end-users to define their own selection criteria to select a data population to be processed (for example, by a business application). Hence, the tools provide enhanced control over what data is provided to which process. Some such tools employ metadata to define what information the client process needs, how the results will be returned to the client process, and/or what selection tools should be available to select data for the client process, as well as the available data selection tools, which can include both tools provided with a business application as well as third-party and/or user supplied selection tools. The framework might also provide an application programming interface that ensures consistent communication between the population selection engine and the selection tools themselves.

Abstract: A product for a turbocharger assembly is disclosed. A turbine wheel assembly may be adapted to rotate when exposed to a flow of gas. A vane ring may be disposed in the turbine wheel assembly. A plurality of vanes may be mounted to the vane ring. The flow of gas may meet the plurality of vanes at an angle of incidence. The plurality of vanes may be adjustable to selectively change the angle of incidence. The vane ring may have at least one slot adapted to direct a thermal deformation of the vane ring in a selected direction when exposed to the flow of gas.

Abstract: Elevated high mobility group A (HMGA) protein expression in human cancer cells, and especially human pancreatic cancer cells, is correlated with resistance to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. The present invention uses HMGA-targeted AT-rich phosphorothioate DNA (AT-sDNA) aptamers to suppress HMGA carcinogenic activity. Cell growth of human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1 and Miapaca-2) transfected with AT-sDNA were monitored after treatment with gemcitabine. Significant increases in cell death in AT-sDNA transfected cells compared to non AT-rich sDNA treated cells were observed in both cell lines. The data indicates the potential use of HMGA targeted DNA aptamers to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in human cancer treatment, and in particular human pancreatic cancer treatment.