Abstract: Fusion proteins including an IL-17 receptor with a multimerization domain, or an IL-23 receptor and a multimerization domain, and recombinant viral vectors encoding such fusions, are described. The fusion proteins and vectors encoding such fusions, alone or in combination, can be used in methods for modulating the IL-17 and IL-23 signaling pathways and for treating or preventing diseases mediated by interleukin-17 and interleukin-23, such as immune-related and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least one processing device having a processor coupled to a memory. The processing device is configured to implement a first ledger node of a first cloud. The first ledger node of the first cloud is configured to communicate over one or more networks with a plurality of additional ledger nodes associated with respective additional clouds. The first ledger node is further configured to obtain a transaction associated with a cloud-related operational state. The first ledger node is further configured to broadcast the transaction to the additional ledger nodes. A cryptographic block characterizing at least the transaction is generated and entered into a blockchain distributed ledger collectively maintained by the first and additional ledger nodes. The first and additional ledger nodes collectively maintain the blockchain distributed ledger on a peer-to-peer basis without utilizing a centralized transaction authority.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end termination assembly to a cold lead of a mineral insulated heating cable. the method comprises removing a portion of a metallic sheath of the cold lead from a proximal end of the cold lead, thereby exposing a conductor of the cold lead. In addition sliding a tubular bushing over the proximal end of the cold lead, and sliding a tubular pot over the proximal end of the cold lead, the conductor thereby projecting from a proximal end of the tubular pot. The method further including aligning a proximal end of the sheath of the cold lead with a proximal end of the tubular bushing, and welding the proximal end of the tubular bushing to the sheath at the proximal end of the sheath. In addition, positioning a distal end of the pot over the proximal end of the bushing, and welding the distal end of the pot to the bushing.

Abstract: Fusion proteins including an IL-17 receptor with a multimerization domain, or an IL-23 receptor and a multimerization domain, and recombinant viral vectors encoding such fusions, are described. The fusion proteins and vectors encoding such fusions, alone or in combination, can be used in methods for modulating the IL-17 and IL-23 signaling pathways and for treating or preventing diseases mediated by interleukin-17 and interleukin-23, such as immune-related and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: An air compressor assembly includes a compressor configured to provide a source of compressed air and a manifold assembly removably coupled to the compressor and configured to distribute the compressed air to one or more pneumatic tools. The manifold assembly is configured to be coupled to the compressor via an air conduit when the manifold assembly is detached from the compressor so that the manifold assembly is operable at a location remote from the compressor.

Abstract: A hitch assembly used in towing vehicles or other machines includes a first portion configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle and a second portion configured to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to slidably move relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion vertically in both the upward direction and the downward direction.

Abstract: An air compressor assembly includes a compressor configured to provide a source of compressed air and a manifold assembly removably coupled to the compressor and configured to distribute the compressed air to one or more pneumatic tools. The manifold assembly is configured to be coupled to the compressor via an air conduit when the manifold assembly is detached from the compressor so that the manifold assembly is operable at a location remote from the compressor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sunscreen formulation comprising a peptide-based metal oxide sunscreen agent, such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and a fluid vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable air compressor having a storage compartment, which may be used to store air compressor accessories. A shroud which encloses a portable air compressor has a recess. The recess is at least partially covered with a cover member, which is mounted to the shroud. The recess and the cover member together define a storage compartment for storing air compressor accessories such as fittings, nozzles, and the like, and/or tools such as a wrench, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of air compressors and particularly to a shroud assembly for use with air compressors. An aspect of the present invention is directed to a shroud assembly having an outfit shroud, including a top outfit shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud; and, a pump shroud including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump shroud; wherein the pump shroud at least partially encompasses a pump assembly of an air compressor and the outfit shroud at least partially encompasses the pump assembly, the pump shroud, a manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly of an air compressor, the shroud assembly further configured for mounting to an air tank of an air compressor, the shroud assembly allowing for access to working parts of the air compressor and also allowing for a cooling air flow through the interior of the outfit shroud.

Abstract: A towing hitch comprises a tubular housing connected to a drawbar configured for connection to a hitch receiver mounted to a towing vehicle. A wall of the tubular housing is configured with an opening that extends a portion of a length of the housing. A force absorbing member is positioned within the housing on a base of the housing. A ball mount rests on the force absorbing member. The force absorbing member cushions the ball mount from downward forces of a trailer tongue mounted to the hitch, such as when the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle encounter rough road surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sunscreen formulation comprising a peptide-based metal oxide sunscreen agent, such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and a fluid vehicle.

Abstract: An air compressor assembly with one or more of the following features: a removable manifold assembly capable of being remotely located from the air compressor assembly for controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor assembly to one or more air powered tools, a lifting handle, a handle capable of assuming a plurality of positions, condensate removal devices, and a stable base and tie-down points.

Abstract: Plastic building panels for exterior use on buildings are made by forming a plastic sheet at an elevated temperature, overlaying an exterior surface portion of the formed sheet with a coloring sheet having a preselected color, and thermally bonding the coloring sheet to the formed sheet. The coloring sheet may comprise a vinyl resin plastisol and pigment particles. Both the formed sheet and the vinyl resin in the plastisol may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The coloring sheet can be configured with a matte surface substantially without the use of flattening agents, and an adhesion system can be used to augment the lamination between the coloring sheet and the plastic sheet. The coloring sheet can also be configured to have a predetermined pattern, such as may be provided with a plurality of coloring materials having multiple colors.

Abstract: The sugar mannose has been used to maintain urinary tract health in the face of E. coli infections. An optimal dose is disclosed to be of one teaspoon (two grams) three times a day for one to two weeks or until symptoms subside. The maintenance dosage for prophalaxis is one-half teaspoon (1 gram) 1 to two times per day. Children's dosages are cut in half. For women who experience UTIs after sexual relations, one teaspoon is taken an hour prior to intimate relations and an additional one teaspoon immediately afterwards. It is further disclosed to use any of an extract of Crataeva nurvala, white willow bark, and pollen extract in conjunction with the mannose to provide further effect.

Abstract: Plastic panels for exterior use on buildings are made by forming a plastic sheet at an elevated temperature, overlaying an exterior surface portion of the formed sheet with a coloring sheet having a preselected color, and thermally bonding the coloring sheet to the formed sheet. The coloring sheet preferably comprises a vinyl resin plastisol and pigment particles. Both the formed sheet and the vinyl resin in the plastisol preferably comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Use of the coloring sheet enables color changes to be accomplished quickly and inexpensively so that manufacturers are able to maintain smaller inventories of the finished product while still satisfying customer needs.

Abstract: An assembly of a carrier and an information storage unit for attachment to a publication. The assembly includes a support panel and a cover secured thereto and forming a pouch for receipt of a storage unit therein. The assembly is adapted for securement in a publication.

Abstract: An assembly of a carrier and an information storage unit for attachment to a publication. The assembly includes a support panel and a cover secured thereto and forming a pouch for receipt of a storage unit therein. The assembly is adapted for securement in a publication.

Abstract: An assembly of a carrier and an information storage unit for attachment to a publication. The assembly includes a support panel and a cover secured thereto and forming a pouch for receipt of a storage unit therein. The assembly is adapted for securement in a publication.