Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A lighting system for a grid ceiling that includes a plurality of T-bar sections interconnected at an intersection region of the grid ceiling, and includes a lighting module and a connection module. The lighting module and connection module are constructed and arranged to be disposed proximate a first T-bar section of the plurality of T-bar sections and the intersection region of the grid ceiling, respectively. The lighting module has a first end and a second end and includes at least one low voltage light source electrically connected to a conductive surface of a substrate and a connector disposed on the conductive surface of the substrate proximate the first end. The connection module includes a substrate and a connector disposed on a conductive surface of the substrate, and is configured to electrically and mechanically couple to the second end of the lighting module to transfer power to or from the lighting module.

Abstract: A lighting system for a grid ceiling that includes a plurality of T-bar sections interconnected at an intersection region of the grid ceiling, and includes a lighting module and a connection module. The lighting module and connection module are constructed and arranged to be disposed proximate a first T-bar section of the plurality of T-bar sections and the intersection region of the grid ceiling, respectively. The lighting module has a first end and a second end and includes at least one low voltage light source electrically connected to a conductive surface of a substrate and a connector disposed on the conductive surface of the substrate proximate the first end. The connection module includes a substrate and a connector disposed on a conductive surface of the substrate, and is configured to electrically and mechanically couple to the second end of the lighting module to transfer power to or from the lighting module.

Abstract: A system for identifying characteristics of communication circuit devices in a communication circuit includes a stimulus signal generator configured to generate a stimulus signal at a plurality of amplitudes for the communication circuit devices. At least one of the plurality of amplitudes exceeds a first predetermined threshold. At least one communication circuit device is configured to generate a signature signal in response to the stimulus signal when the stimulus signal exceeds the first predetermined threshold. The system includes an evaluation device configured to evaluate at least one intermodulation distortion (IMD) product of the signature signal generated by the at least one communication circuit device, and to identify a class of the at least one communication circuit device according to a transition level of an amplitude of the at least one IMD product of the signature signal that exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for supplying power in a communication network includes a network element and a plurality of subscriber devices in communication with the network element. Each of the plurality of subscriber devices is configured to communicate with the network element via a respective communication line, each of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a power supply for supplying power to the subscriber device. Each subscriber device of at least a subset of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a power transmission circuit in communication with the respective power supply. The power transmission circuit is configured to transmit a portion of the power supplied by the power supply of the subscriber device to the network element via the respective communication line. The portions of power supplied from the at least subset of the plurality of subscriber devices are aggregated to provide power for the network element.

Abstract: A system for accelerating circuit measurements includes a circuit. A signal is applied to the circuit. A set of measurements is taken of a response of the circuit to the applied signal. The system includes a circuit model. The circuit model is a representation of the circuit. A final value of the response of the circuit is determined utilizing the circuit model in accordance with the set of measurements. A stimulus signal is generated in accordance with the final value for driving the circuit model to the final value. The system includes a stimulus generator in communication with the circuit. The stimulus generator is configured to apply the stimulus signal to the circuit. The stimulus signal is configured to accelerate the response of the circuit to reach the final value.

Abstract: A system for accelerating circuit measurements includes a circuit. A signal is applied to the circuit. A set of measurements is taken of a response of the circuit to the applied signal. The system includes a circuit model. The circuit model is a representation of the circuit. A final value of the response of the circuit is determined utilizing the circuit model in accordance with the set of measurements. A stimulus signal is generated in accordance with the final value for driving the circuit model to the final value. The system includes a stimulus generator in communication with the circuit. The stimulus generator is configured to apply the stimulus signal to the circuit. The stimulus signal is configured to accelerate the response of the circuit to reach the final value.

Abstract: A system for mitigating noise associated with information communication includes means for determining when a first set of information is transmitted by a transmitter. The system includes a receiver for receiving a second set of information in response to the first set of information. The system also includes control means for temporarily suspending at least one process when the determining means determines that the first set of information is being transmitted and for continuing the at least one process after the second set of information has been received by the receiver. The at least one process produces noise that interferes with an integrity of the second set of information received by the receiver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of communication circuits includes an impedance element configured to be switchably connected to one of the plurality of communication circuits. The impedance element is configured as a short circuit relative to the one of the plurality of communication circuits. The system includes an AC current mirror in communication with the impedance element. The system includes a monitor access element in communication with the AC current mirror. The system includes a communication circuit monitor configured to be connected to the monitor access element. To monitor the one of the plurality of communication circuits, the impedance element is switchably connected to the one of the plurality of communication circuits, thereby connecting the communication circuit monitor to the one of the plurality of communication circuits with a minimum of disruption to data communication within the one of the plurality of communication circuits.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics associated with a communication channel includes a transmitter for transmitting a first signal via the communication channel. The system includes a receiver for receiving a second signal via the communication channel in response to the first signal. The second signal is associated with the first signal. The system includes a correlator for performing frequency domain correlation between a frequency domain representation of the second signal and frequency domain representations of a plurality of time-delayed versions of the first signal to generate frequency domain correlation information. The system includes an analyzer for identifying correlation peaks in a magnitude of the frequency domain correlation information to determine locations of discontinuities of the communication channel. The identified correlation peaks are associated with the locations of the discontinuities of the communication channel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a communications circuit includes at least one impedance element connected to the communications circuit when the communications circuit is established. Communication devices communicating via the communications circuit adapt to the presence of the at least one impedance element. Each impedance element is switchably connected to a respective reference ground point. The system includes at least one monitor access element configured as a virtual reference ground point. Each impedance element is switchably disconnected from a respective monitor access element. The system includes at least one communications circuit monitor connected to the respective monitor access element. To monitor the communications circuit, the at least one impedance element is switchably connected to the respective monitor access element and switchably disconnected from the respective reference ground point.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter and cooling system are disclosed for filtering ambient air used to cool the interior of an equipment enclosure. The system includes an enclosure for housing predetermined equipment to be cooled, the enclosure including an air intake port and an exhaust port. The system includes a blower for causing ambient air to be inducted into the enclosure through the air intake port and expelled from the exhaust port. The system also includes a filter that includes a predetermined filter media that covers the air intake port and the exhaust port. The filter moves relative to the air intake port and the exhaust port. The enclosure and blower are configured so as to create a single air flow path for equipment cooling and for discharging exhaust through the filter media to dislodge any particulate matter entrapped in the filter media.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter and cooling system are disclosed for filtering ambient air used to cool the interior of an equipment enclosure. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system comprises an enclosure for housing predetermined equipment to be cooled, the enclosure including an air intake port and an exhaust port. The system comprises a blower for causing ambient air to be inducted into the enclosure through the air intake port and expelled from the exhaust port. The system also comprises a filter that includes a predetermined filter media that covers the air intake port and the exhaust port. The filter moves relative to the air intake port and the exhaust port. The enclosure and blower are configured so as to create a single air flow path for equipment cooling and for discharging exhaust through the filter media to dislodge any particulate matter entrapped in the filter media.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes one or more conductors with one or more shields encircling the one or more conductors. Each of the shields includes a conductive layer with a nonconductive layer electrically separating the conductive layer from one another. Connection mechanisms to the conductive layers can be through the use of a plurality of drainwires, which are each in substantially continuous contact with one conductive layer of at least one shiel. Each of the connection mechanisms is eletrically separated from other conductive layer of other shields and from the other connection mechanisms. Each connection mechanism and conductive layer in contact therewith can constitute an electrode that is electrically connectable at an end of the cable.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: An electrical cable prevents the formation of undesirable ground loops while also avoiding signal radiation and unwanted external radio frequency and electromagnetic interference. The cable includes one or more conductors with one or more shields encircling the one or more conductors. Each of the shields, in turn, includes a conductive layer with a nonconductive layer electrically separating the conductive layers from one another. In addition, connection mechanisms to the conductive layers may be through the use of a plurality of drainwires, which are each in substantially continuous contact with one conductive layer of at least one shield. Furthermore, each of the connection mechanisms is electrically separated from other conductive layers of other shields and from the other connection mechanism.