Abstract: Compositions and methods for treatment of individuals diagnosed with a dystrophin deficiency are disclosed. In particular, inhibitors of NF?B activation, such as pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), have been shown to prevent and reverse muscle damage in animals lacking dystrophin. Such compositions and methods are useful in the treatment of individuals with muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.

Abstract: A compact, portable, aerosol contaminant extractor having ionization and collection sections through which ambient air may be drawn at a nominal rate so that aerosol particles ionized in the ionization section may be collected on charged plate in the collection section, the charged plate being readily removed for analyses of the particles collected thereon.

Abstract: A portable liquid collection electrostatic collection precipitator for analyzing air is provided which is a relatively small, self-contained device. The device has a tubular collection electrode, a reservoir for a liquid, and a pump. The pump pumps the liquid into the collection electrode such that the liquid flows down the exterior of the collection electrode and is recirculated to the reservoir. An air intake is provided such that air to be analyzed flows through an ionization section to ionize analytes in the air, and then flows near the collection electrode where ionized analytes are collected. A portable power source is connected to the air intake and the collection electrode. Ionizable constituents in the air are ionized, attracted to the collection electrode, and precipitated in the liquid. The precipitator may also have an analyzer for the liquid and may have a transceiver allowing remote operation and data collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for tracking silvicultural information during the product cycle of a tree. The methods of this aspect of the invention each include the step of storing a first portion of silvicultural information on a tag that is located proximate to a tree, or that is attached to a tree, and accessing the first portion of silvicultural information during the product cycle of the tree.

Abstract: Genes encoding an apoptosis-induced eukaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and an apoptosis-induced deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS), whose expressions are induced by the onset of apoptosis, are identified. The DHS gene and the eIF-5A gene, alone or in combination, as well as inhibitors of the DHS reaction, are used to modulate apoptosis in animals and humans. For example, modulation of apoptosis in cells of animals and humans is achieved by introduction of a gene or gene fragment encoding apoptosis-induced eIF-5A, apoptosis-induced DHS, or both into the animal or human cell in antisense orientation.

Abstract: A pizza box is provided which has a top wall, bottom wall, rear and front wall and opposing side walls while also having an angled support surface which extends from the top wall to the front wall. Within the angled support surface are provided cup apertures for receiving containers which are maintained securely fitted within the apertures while also viewable from the exterior of the pizza box.

Abstract: An electronic test system having an object oriented hierarchical infrastructure including classes that allow a test developer or a test user to design a desired electronic test system. The class relationships define the function of the electronic test system. Classes include a procedure class, a test class, a measurement class, a datapoint class, a parameter class, a DUT class, a test system class, a specification class, a run procedure class, a result class, a plug-in class, an exec class, a model class, a device class, a test system device class, a user menu item class, an application class, and a state class. These classes are implemented in a hierarchical structure in which a datapoint is a subset of a measurement, a measurement is a configuration for a test, a test is a group of measurements that share the same test algorithm, and a procedure is an ordered list of tests to be run, and includes a list of measurements and datapoints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for the classification of plant embryos by the application of one or more classification algorithms to analyze digitized images and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectra. The methods are generally applicable and emphasize the importance of acquiring and using as much image and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectral information as possible, based on objective criteria. The present invention allows automated selection of embryos most suitable for further culture and rejection of those seen as less suitable.

Abstract: A file storage device has an exterior shell with an outer surface and an openable panel defining part of the exterior shell. The openable panel has a bottom edge, a forward facing surface, and a rear facing surface. The openable panel is pivotable about its bottom edge outward from the exterior shell between a retracted condition at which the forward facing surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the exterior shell and an open condition away from the outer surface of the exterior shell. A file support structure has a file storage area, an open top for insertion, access to, and removal of files from the file storage area, and a file suspension device provided to suspend files within the file storage area. The file support structure is disposed adjacent to the rear facing surface of the openable panel and is movable in concert with the openable panel. The open top is accessible when the openable panel is in the open condition.

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: An oil containment boot to prevent oil spillage during removal of inverted oil filter canisters and method of using same. The oil containment boot includes a peripheral side wall defining an open top end and an open bottom end. The open bottom end of the boot is operably sealingly secured over the oil filter receiving base such that the peripheral side wall extends upwardly a distance above the oil filter receiving base to surround at least the lower portion of the inverted oil filter canister. Upon removal of the inverted oil filter canister from the oil filter receiving base through the open top end, any oil in the inverted oil filter canister is contained within the peripheral side wall of the boot.

Abstract: A portable liquid collection electrostatic collection precipitator for analyzing air is provided which is a relatively small, self-contained device. The device has a tubular collection electrode, a reservoir for a liquid, and a pump. The pump pumps the liquid into the collection electrode such that the liquid flows down the exterior of the collection electrode and is recirculated to the reservoir. An air intake is provided such that air to be analyzed flows through an ionization section to ionize analytes in the air, and then flows near the collection electrode where ionized analytes are collected. A portable power source is connected to the air intake and the collection electrode. Ionizable constituents in the air are ionized, attracted to the collection electrode, and precipitated in the liquid. The precipitator may also have an analyzer for the liquid and may have a transceiver allowing remote operation and data collection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for the classification of plant embryos by the application of one or more classification algorithms to analyze digitized images and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectra. The methods are generally applicable and emphasize the importance of acquiring and using as much image and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectral information as possible, based on objective criteria. The present invention allows automated selection of embryos most suitable for further culture and rejection of those seen as less suitable.

Abstract: A metering module for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering module comprising at least one sensor for sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal, and a modular metering circuit for producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module is selectively detachable and replaceable relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module thereby minimizing any interruption in operation of said circuit monitor.

Abstract: A method for time reference compensation in a power metering system, the method comprising monitoring a time-dependent characteristic of incoming AC power over a predetermined local time interval, comparing the monitored characteristic over the predetermined local time interval with the expected value of the characteristic based upon the nominal frequency of the AC power, and calculating a correction to one or more of local real-time and time-based measurements of the power metering system, based on the comparing.

Abstract: An oil containment boot to prevent oil spillage during removal of inverted oil filter canisters and method of using same. The oil containment boot includes a peripheral side wall defining an open top end and an open bottom end. The open bottom end of the boot is operably sealingly secured over the oil filter receiving base such that the peripheral side wall extends upwardly a distance above the oil filter receiving base to surround at least the lower portion of the inverted oil filter canister. Upon removal of the inverted oil filter canister from the oil filter receiving base through the open top end, any oil in the inverted oil filter canister is contained within the peripheral side wall of the boot.