Abstract: Polynucleotides comprising genetic regulatory elements, as well as constructs, host cells, and transgenic organisms comprising the same are described. The polynucleotides can control the expression of an operably linked gene in a host cell or organism, such as a plant cell or a plant. Methods of using the polynucleotide to control the expression of an operably linked gene of interest in a plant or plant cell are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, i.e. aneuploidy. In addition, the present invention provides methods to determine when there are insufficient fetal cells for a determination and report a non-informative case. The present invention involves quantifying regions of genomic DNA from a mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying DNA polymorphisms from the mixed sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear compositions and ophthalmic compositions suitable for drug delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprise a galactomannan polymer such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar, hyaluronic acid, and a cis-diol such as sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the to compositions also comprise a borate compound.

Abstract: An air powered landing gear supports a front end a trailer when it is deployed. A cylindrical rod is secured to an underside of the trailer, and a collar assembly rotates around the rod. A leg assembly is rigidly affixed to and extends downwardly from the collar assembly. A pneumatic cylinder extends between the trailer and the leg assembly and is configured to rotate the landing gear from a deployed position, wherein the landing gear supports the front end of the trailer, to a stowed position, wherein the landing gear is rotated upwardly toward the trailer.

Abstract: Methods and structures are disclosed for self-automating a process of determining a device's location based on its network address. A computing device includes a network interface configured to communicate with a physical port of a network switch and a memory configured to store a plurality of different initialization protocols each associated with a corresponding network address of a plurality of network addresses. Each of the initialization protocols may be associated with a different physical location. The computing device also includes a processor configured to attempt to connect to the network switch via the network interface using a network address from the stored plurality of network addresses. In response to connecting with the network switch using the network address, the processor identifies a corresponding initialization protocol associated with the network address and executes the corresponding initialized procedure.

Abstract: A pressure/force sensor comprises a diaphragm structure including a sensing element and a lead structure extending from the diaphragm structure and including first and second traces electrically coupled to the sensing element. The diaphragm structure and the lead structure include a circuit assembly comprising a common insulating layer and a common conductor layer on the insulating layer. The conductor layer includes at least a portion of the sensing element and at least the first trace.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a wheel hub having a radially-outer diameter and a plurality of splines that are spaced apart around the radially-outer diameter. A brake disc is mounted on the wheel hub and has a radially-inner diameter and a plurality of pockets that are spaced apart around the radially-inner diameter. The pockets receive the splines such that the brake disc rotates with the wheel hub. Each pocket has opposing axially-extending side walls. Each side wall has an outwardly-chamfered outboard end and an inboard locking recess. A plurality of spacers are radially disposed between the splines and pockets. Each spacer has opposing arms connected together by a brace. Each arm has an outwardly-chamfered end and outwardly-projecting locking foot which together mate with the outwardly chamfered outboard end and inboard locking recess, respectively, so as to lock the spacer in the pocket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for levitating populations of moieties, cells, or other such units using one or more magnets in a microfluidic environment are provided. These systems and methods may be used to, for example, separate or sort heterogeneous populations of the units from one another, to assembly a multi-unit assembly during the levitating of the units, and to evaluate samples at the point of care in real-time. These systems and methods may also utilize a frame that enables an imaging device, such as a smartphone, to capture the units in real time as they are manipulated in the system.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules comprising novel synthetic Intergenic Sequence Regions for use in plants to reduce the interaction of a first transgene expression cassette on a second transgene cassette when inserted between the first transgene cassette and second transgene cassette. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising the novel synthetic Intergenic Sequence Regions. The invention also provides methods to reduce the interaction between transgene expression cassettes using the novel synthetic Intergenic Sequence Regions.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a multi-layer multi-color scintillation based detector element to image a tumor of a patient using a process of determining residual energies of positively charged particles after passing through the patient, the process comprising the steps of: (1) transmitting the positively charged particles at known energies through the patient and into a multi-layer detector element; (2) detecting first and second secondary photons, resultant from passage of the positively charged particles, respectively from a first layer of a first scintillation material and a second layer of a second scintillation material at two respective layer depths, where the first wavelength range differs from the second wavelength range; (4) determining residual energies of the positively charged particles, using output from the step of detecting; and (5) relating the residual energies to body densities to generate an image.

Abstract: A furnace system includes a heat exchanger and a burner assembly including a burner enclosure fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger. The burner assembly is configured to receive a fluid, ignite the fluid to produce combustion byproducts, and direct the combustion byproducts to the heat exchanger. The furnace system also includes a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure within the burner enclosure. The furnace system is configured to operate based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electrode tab is described. The electrode tab including a base layer and an outer layer disposed on the base layer. The base layer including a sensor.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: Systems and methods of performing multiplex PCR on low and ultra-low quantities of starting template using custom primer sequences having a homotag. In some embodiments, these primers are capable of amplifying over 100 targets simultaneously and/or are capable of amplifying targets from low quantities of starting template. Along with these primers, sequencing methods are provided capable of sequencing the targets from numerous individuals, simultaneously. Additionally, methods for analyzing the sequencing results to advance treating an individual are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a cutting tool includes masking a metal base with one or more masks, the one or more masks including at least one variable permeability mask, and chemically etching the masked metal base to form a blade of the cutting tool.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules and constructs, as well as their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising the recombinant DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, as are methods of their use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed herein for an optimal approach for wireless emergency alerting within cells of wireless communication networks by using a careful estimation of a “true effective radius” of each cell/sector to eliminate broadcasts falling short of alert area boundaries (with users in such gaps in coverage not receiving an alert despite being in the designated alert area). By utilizing true provisioning information of each cell/sector that is at least partly within the alert area boundaries to understand the true effective radii of particular cell sectors can be selected for broadcast of the alert such that the entire alert area is covered for broadcasting of the alert without excessive over-broadcasting, e.g., broadcasting excessively beyond the alert area boundaries. Alerts can then be broadcast within each selected cell sector.

Abstract: Amine substituted reverse pyrimidine compounds and forms thereof that inhibit the function and reduce the level of B-cell specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi-1) protein and methods for their use to inhibit Bmi-1 function and reduce the level of Bmi-1 to treat a cancer mediated by Bmi-1 are described herein.

Abstract: A pressure/force sensor comprises a diaphragm structure including a sensing element and a lead structure extending from the diaphragm structure and including first and second traces electrically coupled to the sensing element. The diaphragm structure and the lead structure include a circuit assembly comprising a common insulating layer and a common conductor layer on the insulating layer. The conductor layer includes at least a portion of the sensing element and at least the first trace.