Abstract: The invention relates to saRNA targeting an HNF4a transcript and therapeutic compositions comprising said saRNA. Methods of using the therapeutic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to saRNA targeting an HNF4a transcript and therapeutic compositions comprising said saRNA. Methods of using the therapeutic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sensitizing gastrin-associated tumors and/or cancers in subjects to inducers of humoral and cellular immune responses. In some embodiments, the methods relate to administering compositions that have anti-gastrin antibodies, gastrin peptides, and/or nucleic acids that inhibit expression of gastrin gene products to subjects. Also provided are methods for preventing, reducing, and/or eliminating the formation of fibroses associated with tumors and/or cancers, and methods for treating gastrin-associated tumors and/or cancers that include administering to subjects in need thereof a first agent that provides and/or induces an anti-gastrin humoral or cellular immune response in the subject and a second agent that includes one or more stimulators of cellular immune responses against the tumors and/or cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified oligonucleotides, e.g., saRNAs useful in upregulating the expression of a target gene and therapeutic compositions comprising such oligonucleotides. Methods of using the oligonucleotides and the therapeutic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for the parallel detection of a set of distinct nucleic acid sequences use multiple sequence amplification and simultaneous hybridization readout. An automated nucleic acid analysis system comprises in microfluidic connection sample lysis, purification, PCR and detection modules configured to detect in parallel distinct nucleic acid sequences via multiple sequence amplification and simultaneous microarray hybridization readout. High performance microfluidic electroactive polymer (?EAP) actuators comprising a dead-end fluid chamber in which a surface of the chamber is an electrode covered with an EAP layer of dielectric elastomer are configured for particle sorting.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: Voice control is extended outside of an automotive vehicle by an access system associated with a door and window. An accelerometer is mounted on the window to generate a vibration signal. A passive entry system generates an unlock standby signal when an authorized user carrying a wireless fob is detected proximate the door. A voice recognizer in the vehicle is activated by the standby signal to scan the vibration signal for a spoken command for opening the door. A door actuator is activated by the voice recognizer when the command is detected.

Abstract: A locomotive brake system includes a brake cylinder with an integrated parking brake; a main reservoir; and a brake system controller for controlling the pressure in the brake cylinder. The brake system uses main reservoir pressure to pressurize the brake cylinder to achieve the parking brake output force using the brake cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: A brake system for a rail vehicle including a brake cylinder having a housing, a port on the housing for receiving fluid pressure signals, a pressure piston carried inside the housing, and a shaft connected to the pressure piston. The pressure piston and the shaft form an actuator to apply and release the brakes of the rail vehicle. A parking brake locking mechanism is connected to the actuator and is responsive to fluid signals from a fluid charged brake pipe to lock and unlock the parking brake locking mechanism. Further included is a manual release device configured to unlock the parking brake locking mechanism from the locked position.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for the parallel detection of a set of distinct nucleic acid sequences use multiple sequence amplification and simultaneous hybridization readout. An automated nucleic acid analysis system comprises in microfiuidic connection sample lysis, purification, PCR and detection modules configured to detect in parallel distinct nucleic acid sequences via multiple sequence amplification and simultaneous microarray hybridization readout. High performance microfluidic electroactive polymer (?EAP) actuators comprising a dead-end fluid chamber in which a surface of the chamber is an electrode covered with an EAP layer of dielectric elastomer are configured for particle sorting.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: A slack adjuster having a single, unitary housing that changes in length to compensate for brake pad wear in a rail car braking system. A threaded tension rod extends a variable length from the housing depending on rotation of the tension rod relative to the housing. A clutch assembly enclosed within a rod guide controls rotation of the tension rod and an overtravel assembly positioned in the single housing controls whether the clutch assembly will allow or prevent rotation of the threaded rod. A control rod and actuating tube transmit the controlling forces to the overtravel assembly so that the tension rod will be retained in a new length when the slack adjuster needs to take up slack in the braking system.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A slack adjuster having a single, unitary housing that changes in length to compensate for brake pad wear in a rail car braking system. A threaded tension rod extends a variable length from the housing depending on rotation of the tension rod relative to the housing. A clutch assembly enclosed within a rod guide controls rotation of the tension rod and an overtravel assembly positioned in the single housing controls whether the clutch assembly will allow or prevent rotation of the threaded rod. A control rod and actuating tube transmit the controlling forces to the overtravel assembly so that the tension rod will be retained in a new length when the slack adjuster needs to take up slack in the braking system.

Abstract: A slack adjuster that is protected against environmental contaminants via a series of holes positioned circumferentially around each end and covered by a sleeve having a slot is aligned with one of the series of holes while covering the remaining holes. The sleeve protects against infiltration of contaminants at the ends of the slack adjuster and allows any contaminants that do infiltrate the slack adjuster to be expelled through the aligned hole and slot. The central portion of the slack adjuster may also be protected by including a series of circumferential holes that are selectively covered by a sleeve having a drain positioned to align with the lowest holes while covering the remaining holes.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.