Abstract: The present invention provides methods for immobilizing target nucleic acids on a solid support utilizing combinatorial capture probe pairs. These pairs contain first and second capture oligonucleotides that each comprise a target binding region, a capture region and a stem region positioned between the target binding and capture regions. The target binding regions comprise nucleic acid sequences that allow them to hybridize to adjacent regions on the target nucleic acid. The stem regions have nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to each other and the capture regions each comprise a sequence that when positioned adjacent to one another produce a combined nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a portion of an oligonucleotide bound to a solid support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production method for non-detonation synthesis nanodiamond by exposing carbonaceous feedstock to a dense plasma focus. The nucleated nanodiamond particles have characteristics that differentiate them from known forms of nanodiamond. For instance, the nucleated nanodiamond particles are substantially spherical and have a substantially smooth surface, as may be demonstrated by TEM. The nucleated nanodiamond particles are also free of graphite and detonation carbon contaminants. The identity of the nanodiamond particles has been confirmed through raman spectra, for example. The nanodiamond particles have also been found to be effective as a lubricant composition when combined with a carrier oil.

Abstract: Printhead priming can, in various examples, employ a conduit and a divider such that a predetermined portion of a pressurized gas in the conduit is provided to an environment surrounding the divider and a remaining portion of the pressurized gas in the conduit is provided to a printhead at a pressure sufficient to prime an ink supply.

Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for immobilizing target nucleic acids on a solid support utilizing combinatorial capture probe pairs. These pairs contain first and second capture oligonucleotides that each comprise a target binding region, a capture region and a stem region positioned between the target binding and capture regions. The target binding regions comprise nucleic acid sequences that allow them to hybridize to adjacent regions on the target nucleic acid. The stem regions have nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to each other and the capture regions each comprise a sequence that when positioned adjacent to one another produce a combined nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a portion of an oligonucleotide bound to a solid support.

Abstract: High SRI cementitious systems comprising integral concrete coloring admixtures, toppings, dry-shake hardeners, and other cementitious systems are provided. The high-SRI cementitious systems comprise one or more IR reflective pigments and other components to make-up the cementitious system, depending on the application. The high-SRI cementitious systems of the invention may be in the form of mixtures which increase the total solar reflectivity (TSR or albedo) and the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of concrete. The high-SRI cementitious systems may be toppings mixed with water for application to existing concrete surfaces, dry-shake hardeners for application to freshly-placed plastic concrete, or the IR reflective pigments may be mixed into integrally colored concrete in various forms, such as conventional cast-in-place concrete, lightweight concrete, pervious concrete and concrete building panels, pavers or masonry units.

Abstract: Tire components comprising rubber compositions based upon cross-linkable elastomer composition, the cross-linkable elastomer compositions including, per 100 parts by weight of rubber (phr), a highly unsaturated diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a methylene acceptor of the form wherein R is selected from H, an alkyl moiety, a cycloalkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, an amine moiety or combinations thereof. The rubber compositions include a methylene donor in an amount that provides little or no change in the rigidity of the cured rubber composition. Since the methylene acceptor may be described as having antidegradant properties, then resulting rubber composition has improved resistance to degradation.

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.

Abstract: Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: A running form aid system for efficiently teaching a runner the proper running form. The running form aid system generally includes a waist belt attachable about a waist of the runner, a left binding attachable about a left arm of the runner, a left connector attached between a left side of the waist belt and the left binding, a right binding attachable about a right arm of the runner, and a right connector attached between a right side of the waist belt and the right binding. A left elastic strap is attached to the left binding and a right elastic strap is attached to the right binding for engagement by the left hand and the right hand of the runner respectively to maintain the arms at an approximate 90 degree angle.

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, left and right foot link supporting left and right foot pads. The left and right foot pads synchronously move out of phase through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height. The apparatus may include left and right side arms pivotally connected to the left and right foot links and pivotally supported by the frame. Left and right cranks eccentrically support left and right crank guides. Left and right links each have a first end pivotably connected to left and right foot links and a second end operably coupled to the left and right crank guides, respectively. A movable adjustment member is connected to left and right flexible members operably coupled to the left and right foot links. Movement of the adjustable member adjusts an extent to which the left and right flexible members wrap about the respective left and right crank guides.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second crank arms configured to rotate 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another about a first axis; a track; first and second foot links, first and second footpads carried by the first and second foot links between the first link portion and the second link portion and first and second front arms. Each of the first and second foot links has a first link portion that moves along the track while pivoting. Each of the first and second front arms has a first arm portion pivotally coupled to one of the foot links and a second arm portion pivotally coupled one of the crank arms. In one embodiment, a disc rotates in response to movement of the first foot link along the track, wherein a magnet facing the disc forms an eddy brake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus guide inclined movement of a left foot pad in a fore-aft direction on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of an exercise apparatus and inclined movement of a right foot pad in the fore-aft direction on a second side of the longitudinal centerline of the exercise apparatus such that the right foot pad and the left foot pad are transversely spaced from the longitudinal centerline by a first distance when proximate to a front of the exercise apparatus and are transversely spaced from the longitudinal centerline by a second distance greater than the first distance when proximate to a rear of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The invention comprises a raised platform having a vibrator pad embedded therein. The platform has a ramp at its forward end and a raised platform portion extending forwardly from the forward end of the ramp. The vibrator pad is embedded in the raised platform portion. A vertically adjustable handrail is provided at the opposite sides of the platform. A plurality of patient restraint members are provided to enable a person to stand upright on the vibrator pad.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, left and right foot link supporting left and right foot pads. The left and right foot pads synchronously move out of phase through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height. The apparatus may include left and right side arms pivotally connected to the left and right foot links and pivotally supported by the frame. Left and right cranks eccentrically support left and right crank guides. Left and right links each have a first end pivotably connected to left and right foot links and a second end operably coupled to the left and right crank guides, respectively. A movable adjustment member is connected to left and right flexible members operably coupled to the left and right foot links. Movement of the adjustable member adjusts an extent to which the left and right flexible members wrap about the respective left and right crank guides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of amplifying a target nucleic acid utilizing duplex primer. The first strand of the primer comprises a random nucleotide sequence of about 6 to about 9 nucleotides in length that is able to hybridize to the target nucleic acid and a tag sequence. The second strand of the primer comprises a sequence complementary to the tag sequence allowing the primer to form a duplex and the ability to bind the tag sequence of the product nucleic acid for further amplification. The resulting nucleic acid produced contains tag sequences on both the 3?- and 5?-termini.

Abstract: A casting system, apparatus, and method. The casting system can include an energy source and a hearth, which can have a tapered cavity. The tapered cavity can have a first end portion and a second end portion, and the tapered cavity can narrow between the first and second end portions. Further, the tapered cavity can have an inlet at the first end portion that defines an inlet capacity, and one or more outlets at the second end portion that define an outlet capacity. Where the cavity has a single outlet, the outlet capacity can be less than the inlet capacity. Where the cavity has multiple outlets, the combined outlet capacity can match the inlet capacity. Further, the cross-sectional area of the tapered cavity near the inlet can be similar to the cross-sectional area of the inlet.

Abstract: A tire component comprising a rubber composition having a highly unsaturated diene elastomer and a reinforcing filler with a methylene acceptor selected from 3-hydroxydiphenyl-amine, 4-hydroxydiphenyl-amine or combinations thereof. Such rubber compositions further include a methylene donor, wherein a ratio of the methylene acceptor to the methylene donor may be greater than 10:1 or in other embodiments greater than 10:1 but no more than 50:1 or between 15:1 and 30:1. A method for manufacturing a tire component includes mixing together components of a rubber composition into a non-productive mix, the components including a highly unsaturated diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a methylene acceptor selected from 3-hydroxydiphenyl-amine, 4-hydroxydiphenyl-amine or combinations thereof; and mixing a methylene donor and a vulcanizing agent into the non-productive mix to convert the non-productive mix to a productive mix.