Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a viral vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, protein or small RNA, into a host or otherwise treating a host. The vector may include an exogenous RNA segment with a hairpin-like structure or having two or more base-paired regions separated by one or more non-base-paired regions. The exogenous RNA segment may have a secondary structure, minimum free energy, average positional entropy or other attributes within specified ranges, or with values similar to one or more hairpin-like structures of a reference wild type virus. Optionally, the RNA vector may be derived from the reference wild type virus or a relative of the reference wild type virus. In some examples, the vector is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within a host plant. In some examples, the reference wild type virus is an umbravirus-like associated RNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a viral vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, protein or small RNA, into a host or otherwise treating a host. The vector may include an exogenous RNA segment with a hairpin-like structure or having two or more base-paired regions separated by one or more non-base-paired regions. The exogenous RNA segment may have a secondary structure, minimum free energy, average positional entropy or other attributes within specified ranges, or with values similar to one or more hairpin-like structures of a reference wild type virus. Optionally, the RNA vector may be derived from the reference wild type virus or a relative of the reference wild type virus. In some examples, the vector is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within a host plant. In some examples, the reference wild type virus is an umbravirus-like associated RNA.

Abstract: The specification describes an RNA vector. The vector may be derived from a plant virus or an umbravirus-like associated RNA such as Citrus yellow vein-associated virus (CYVaV). The vector contains a heterologous segment comprising a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). In some examples, the heterologous segment may target the Xf PilG and/or TolC gene. The heterologous segment may be in the form of a hairpin structure inserted into a CYVaV-like molecule. A method of treating a plant against a disease caused by Xf includes introducing the vector into a plant before or after the plant is infected by Xf. The specification also describes a plant, or a portion of a plant, containing the vector and/or the heterologous segment. The plant may be a grapevine.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods include technology that generates synthesized sensors that synthesize operations of a first plurality of sensors using independent variables, such as sensors, as first inputs, where the first plurality of sensors is to sense conditions of operations of a system as the system executes a process based on a first input, and further where the conditions are stored as a first output. The technology generates a second output based on the synthesized sensors and the first input and detects whether one or more of a degradation and an anomalous state exists based on a comparison of the first output to the second output.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods include technology that generates synthesized sensors that synthesize operations of a first plurality of sensors using independent variables, such as sensors, as first inputs, where the first plurality of sensors is to sense conditions of operations of a system as the system executes a process based on a first input, and further where the conditions are stored as a first output. The technology generates a second output based on the synthesized sensors and the first input and detects whether one or more of a degradation and an anomalous state exists based on a comparison of the first output to the second output.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single stranded RNA vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, a protein or a small RNA, into a host plant. The vector does not encode for any movement protein or coat protein, but is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within the host plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single stranded RNA vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, a protein or a small RNA, into a host plant. The vector does not encode for any movement protein or coat protein, but is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within the host plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single stranded RNA vector suitable for introducing a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, a protein or a small RNA, into a host plant. The vector does not encode for any movement protein or coat protein, but is capable of capable of systemic and phloem-limited movement and replication within the host plant.

Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: A baby swaddle for use in child restraint seats, and method of use, is disclosed. The baby swaddle is designed to be used in combination with standard five point harnesses. The baby swaddle can include a back portion with one or more openings through which the straps of the five point harness may be pulled. The quilted back can be flanked by two wings or flaps that can be wrapped snuggly around the baby. Further, the baby swaddle can include a foot pocket for holding a blanket. A method of using the baby swaddle is provided.

Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: A postage metering system configurable to execute a security routine that inhibits certain transactions but maintains secure postage data. The system includes a security module coupled to a postage meter. The security module executes a set of transactions with the meter, and includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a security routine upon occurrence of one or more defined events. The memory stores secure postage data. When the security routine is executed, selected ones of transactions between the meter and security module are inhibited, but the secure postage data stored within the memory is retained. The memory can also store security data (e.g., encryption keys) that are erased when the security routine is executed. The security routine can be initiated upon: (1) failure to receive an authorization signal by the security module within a particular time-out period, (2) detection of tampering with the security module, (3) receipt of a command from the meter, or other events.

Abstract: An improved electronic postage meter which includes a microcomputer (17), redundant memories ("BAMs") (35a-b), and fault flip-flops (30a-b). Improved circuitry for controlling the writing to the BAMs includes a timer ("BAM-protection timer") (40) coupled to the write-enable input of each of the BAMs. The BAM-protection timer has a trigger input (43) coupled to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is programmed to execute an instruction to generate a triggering signal at the BAM-protection timer's trigger input immediately prior to executing an instruction to write to the BAM. This opens a window for writing; the duration of the window is set to be just long enough to allow the completion of the write operation. The fault flip-flops, once set, unconditionally prevent writing to the BAMs, regardless of any other signals that might be present. The setting of the fault flip-flops is controlled by a first timer ("watchdog timer") (60) and a second timer ("second-chance timer") (62).

Abstract: A postage meter stepper motor module for use in a postage meter of the type having a base supporting a rotatable main shaft to which a printhead is mounted. The main shaft has a number of value rods mounted to it. The outer ends of the value rods are coupled to the printhead so movement of the value rods parallel to the main shaft axis changes the chosen value print character at the printhead. The stepper motor module includes a stepper motor frame mounted to the base at a chosen position relative to the main shaft. A stepper motor is mounted to the stepper motor frame. A yoke couples the stepper motor to a chosen axial position along one of the value rods through a coupler ring. The coupler ring and yoke allow the value rod to rotate freely about the main shaft while maintaining the axial position determined by the stepper motor. The stepper motor and yoke are coupled by a rack and pinion arrangement to translate the rotary motion of the stepper motor to the linear motion of the yoke.