Abstract: Vaccine protection against acute or chronic viral infection is facilitated by using as an adjuvant or immuno-stimulant, a dsRNA together with an anti-influenza vaccine.

Abstract: A disposable portable toilet that is efficiently fabricated from foldable stock, such as corrugated cardboard, with minimal waste and adapted with a fluid absorbing inner liner is disclosed. Foldable stock material is formed as a blank sheet having a plurality of fold lines defining multiple panels disposed in side-by-side relation, and a joining tab. Each panel includes a fold-in tab that functions to provide a rim. The blank sheet provides a structure that may be configured to form a support structure that is selectively configurable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. An absorbent liner is insertedly received within the support structure. Padding sections are disposed on the liner in proximity to overlay the top rim of the support structure when the liner is received therein thereby providing the device with a padded upper rim. A drawstring functions as a closure member to close the liner after use.

Abstract: A subset of human patients having chronic fatigue syndrome and impaired physical performance is treated using one or more different double-stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNA) or other selective agonists of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3).

Abstract: Vaccine protection against acute or chronic viral infection is facilitated by using as an adjuvant or immuno-stimulant, a dsRNA together with an anti-influenza vaccine.

Abstract: A retrofit can lighting system is disclosed. The retrofit can lighting system may be configured to be mounted in an opening in a ceiling above a plane of the ceiling, wherein an existing fixture ceiling ring is proximate the opening and also is above the plane of the ceiling. The system may include a lighting can, and a plurality of spring clips configured to couple between the lighting can and the ceiling ring. Each spring clip may include a can engaging portion configured to couple to the lighting can, a retainer clip engaging portion extending outwardly with respect to the can engaging portion, a fixture engaging portion configured to engage a portion of the ceiling ring, wherein the fixture engaging portion is angled upwardly with respect to the retainer clip engaging portion, and a hook portion configured to engage a portion of the ceiling ring, wherein the hook portion extends outwardly and downwardly with respect to the fixture engaging portion.

Abstract: A system for determining whether a motor in an electrical submersible pump is backspinning is described herein. The system comprises a sensor mounted in a well bore proximate to a ground surface, the sensor outputting a backspin signal; a communication link connected to the sensor, the communications link communicating the backspin signal; and a controller receiving the backspin signal from the communications link and processing the backspin signal to determine whether the motor is backspinning.

Abstract: A mixture of ?-interferons (IFN-?) is used in vitro or in vivo as an antimicrobial agent or anticancer agent. It may be administered by topical application to oral or nasal, and/or buccal mucosa to combat the effects of infection by bacteria or protozoa, cancer, or other pathogenic disease process (e.g., autoimmune or neurodegenerative disease).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an electrical drive such as is used with electric submersible pumps used in downhole oil production, wherein the drive automatically determines the proper phasing to drive the pump motor in a forward direction. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a drive signal having an initial phasing and driving the pump to establish a column of fluid in the borehole. The drive signal is then discontinued, allowing the column of fluid to fall through the pump and cause the pump to backspin and generate a signal having phasing corresponding to the reverse rotational direction. The forward phasing is then determined to be the opposite of the phasing corresponding to the reverse rotational direction. The pump can be restarted in the forward direction, or an operator can be notified of the proper phasing to produce forward rotation of the pump.

Abstract: A mismatched double-stranded ribonucleic acid, which is an agonist for Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), is used in vitro or in vivo as an antimicrobial agent, antiproliferative agent, and/or immunostimulant. Poly(l:C11-14U) is a more selective agonist of TLR3 as compared to poly(l:C) even though the both double-stranded RNA are structurally analogous.

Abstract: An illuminated display device having a menu board and a light source is provided. The menu board has translucent display members and a frame with substantially parallel frame members and at least one cross member connected to the frame members. The cross members are located between the display members and the lighting sources. The cross members may be offset from the display members so that the cross members do not cast a shadow upon the display members. The cross members may be disposed at various angles to the frame members and to other cross members.

Abstract: The invention relates to our discovery of a novel double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having specific biological activities, which includes acting as a selective agonist for activation of the Toll-like receptor 3. Its “rugged” molecular structure as measured by physico-chemical techniques is resistant to molecular unfolding (i.e., denaturation). This structure appears to be responsible for increased efficacy of dsRNA in therapeutic applications and improved biological activity (e.g., used as an immunoregulatory agent). Medicaments, processes for their manufacture, and methods for their use are provided herein.

Abstract: A scrolling display device and method are provided in accordance with the invention. The scrolling display device includes an LED illuminator panel that provides light and a support surface for a flexible image-containing web that can be positioned adjacent and at least in close proximity to the surface of the LED illuminator panel to backlight and display that portion of the web. The web can be selectively moved to display desired images contained on the web.

Abstract: Symptoms of viral infection are mitigated by administering to a subject exposed to a virus a protective or symptom-mitigating amount of a dsRNA and continuing administration until the subject's symptoms have improved.

Abstract: An exercise simulator and a method of encouraging exercise are disclosed. The exercise simulator has a steering component including a user-movable element and a steering sensor. The sensor outputs a sensor signal indicative of the amount of movement of the user-movable element to provide steering input to a computer. The computer has a program and data for providing a visually displayable simulated environment. The visually displayable simulated environment is navigable by user input comprising movement of the user-movable element. The visually displayable simulated environment can be part of a computer animated game.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is treated with a natural human alpha interferon, a dsRNA or both natural human alpha interferon and a dsRNA.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is treated with a natural human alpha interferon, a dsRNA or both natural human alpha interferon and a dsRNA. Avian influenza is treated with natural human alpha interferon, neuraminidase inhibitor(s) and ribavirin. Effects of influenza virus are mitigated with a dsRNA in combination with a neuraminidase influenza virus inhibitor. These two products, dsRNA, and alpha interferon, have therapeutic utility either given preventively (prophylactically) or in treatment of active disease. These unique immunological/antiviral actions, operating through immunological “cascades” ameliorates the lethal effects of viral mutation which, by causing resistance to commonly available drugs, greatly accelerates the death rate. For example, in 1918-1920, Avian Influenza caused the death of approximately 40 million people worldwide (ref. National Geographic, September, 2005).