Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes manufactured seed comprising: a seed shell comprising a structure having an open end and a closed end; a restraint disposed within the seed shell, the restraint comprising a cavity; and a seal assembly disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell. An embryo disposed within the seed shell in a substantially parallel or a substantially skew configuration with respect to a plane in which the sealing assembly is arranged.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal being coated, at least partially, with a paraffin oil.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The restraint has a parabolic cavity. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maximizing retirement income using bridge annuities and deferred Social Security income. Financial information about a client is gathered, in addition to financial information about the client's spouse, if applicable. A variety of income scenarios are modeled using the financial information and a plurality of income models, each model including income from a bridge product and deferred Social Security income. Alternate funding approaches are projected using the financial information, and the modeled scenarios are compared to the alternate funding approaches to determine the optimal scenario for maximizing retirement income. The client can then purchase a bridge product in accordance with the optimal scenario.

Abstract: A data processing system for managing an annuity account associated with a first provision entitling a beneficiary to monetary transfers for a duration of time extending for the life of a first designated party and a second provision granting an option to modify the duration of time. The data processing system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing logic. The logic is operable when executed by the one or more processors to determine whether an option has been elected and, based at least in part on the determination, process one or more monetary transfers to the beneficiary.

Abstract: In one aspect, an improved nutritive media is provided that comprises from 10 g/L to 100 g/L of an adsorbent material, from 350 mg/L to 450 mg/L of NH4NO3, from 2000 mg/L to 3000 mg/L of KH2PO4, from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L of FeSO4, from 600 mg/L to 1500 mg/L of MgSO4; and at least one component selected from the group consisting of: from 150 mg/L to 300 mg/L of Myo-inositol, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Thiamine-HCl, from 0.30 mg/L to 0.80 mg/L of Pyridoxine-HCl, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Nicotinic acid, from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Riboflavin, from 0.75 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Ca-pantothenate, from 0.01 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L of Biotin and from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Folic Acid. In another aspect, a manufactured seed is provided comprising the improved nutritive media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed compositions for delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to cells in vivo. The compositions comprise amphipathic membrane active polyamines reversibly modified with enzyme cleavable dipeptide-amidobenzyl-carbonate masking agents. Modification masks membrane activity of the polymer while reversibility provides physiological responsiveness. The reversibly modified polyamines (dynamic polyconjugate or DPC) are further covalently linked to an RNAi polynucleotide or co-administered with a targeted RNAi polynucleotide-targeting molecule conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted melittin delivery peptides. Delivery peptides provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery peptides.

Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.

Abstract: A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window.

Abstract: A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members, the window having an accessory groove. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window at the accessory groove on the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocatalytic coating and an electrode having the coating thereon, wherein the coating is a mixed metal oxide coating, preferably ruthenium, titanium and tin or antimony oxides. The coating uses water as a solvent that provides for a smoother surface than alcohol based solvents. The electrocatalytic coating can be used especially as an anode component of an electrolysis cell and in particular a cell for the electrolysis of aqueous chlor-alkali solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or purified rat apoptosis-specific eucaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating apoptosis using apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS, and antisense oligonucleotides and expression vectors of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS useful in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or purified rat apoptosis-specific eucaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating apoptosis using apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS, and antisense oligonucleotides and expression vectors of apoptosis-specific and DHS useful in such methods.

Abstract: A method for selecting conifer trees is disclosed. This method relates to the early measurement of tree characteristics for selecting trees most likely to exhibit certain traits as they mature. This method can be used for implementing silvicultural treatments, thinning or further breeding.

Abstract: A portable high air volume electrostatic collection precipitator for analyzing air is provided which is a relatively small, self-contained device. The device has a collection electrode adapted to carry a variety of collecting media. An air intake is provided such that air to be analyzed flows through an ionization section with a transversely positioned ionization wire to ionize analytes in the air, and then flows over the collection electrode where ionized analytes are collected. Air flow is maintained at but below turbulent flow, Ionizable constituents in the air are ionized, attracted to the collection electrode, and precipitated in the selected medium which can be removed for analysis.

Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.