Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying nucleic acid regions within a nucleic acid sample which interact with one another. In particular, the method relates to a chromatin conformation capture (3C) method which may be used to analyse the interactions between enhancers, silencers, boundary elements and promoters at individual loci at high resolution.

Abstract: A method and system for inducing a planned or controlled avalanche is disclosed. The system includes one or more sources of vibration mounted within a mass which is mounted within an aperture in the ground in the area where an avalanche has been determined to be likely to occur. The source of vibration is a drive system from a vehicle (such as a golf cart), preferably modified to increase the vibration and mounted in a vibrating mass (such as a concrete culvert). The vibrating mass may be mounted within an aperture in the ground and secured in place using concrete to increase the vibration-transmitting characteristics of the vibrating mass. An electrical system including a source of electricity and a storage device, as well as controls, is mounted separate from the source of vibration and the vibrating mass (e.g., the concrete culvert) to isolate portions of the electrical system (including the storage device) from some of the effects of the vibration.

Abstract: Avalanche control system and method using one or more chambers in an avalanche-prone area to control the removal of snow or other material which might avalanche. The system includes a plurality of spaced housings made of a solid material like “shock-crete” and an asymmetric flywheel coupled to a motor which is controlled by a signal to warm up and turn on at a desired time to vibrate the housing and cause removal of loose snow or other material and/or the compacting of that material to make avalanching less likely.

Abstract: Avalanche control system and method using one or more chambers in an avalanche-prone area to control the removal of snow or other material which might avalanche. The system includes a plurality of spaced housings made of a solid material like “shock-crete” and an asymmetric flywheel coupled to a motor which is controlled by a signal to warm up and turn on at a desired time to vibrate the housing and cause removal of loose snow or other material and/or the compacting of that material to make avalanching less likely.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a method and apparatus for heating or cooling. Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus utilizing a vapor compression cycle to accomplish active heating or cooling. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a lightweight, compact, reliable, and efficient heating or cooling system for underwater applications. The subject system can provide heating or cooling stress relief to individuals operating under, for example, hazardous conditions, or in low temperature underwater environments where passive protective clothing provides insufficient mitigation of cooling stress. Further embodiments can be utilized to provide heat stress relief to users who are working in thermally encapsulated ensembles that hinder the body's natural ability to expel heat. The subject system can be utilized in other applications that can benefit from this type of heating or cooling system.