Abstract: Engineered microbial organisms for altering gene expression are provided. In some embodiments, the engineered microbial organism comprises: one or more heterologous polynucleotide sequence comprising a phenotype coding sequence operably linked to a promoter; a heterologous polynucleotide sequence comprising an inducible promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a Cas nuclease; and a heterologous polynucleotide sequence comprising a guide RNA (gRNA) that targets the phenotype coding sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ampoule forming a recipient for a liquid substance, made of a brittle rigid thermofusible material, comprising a body having, at one of its ends, a filling point by suction of the liquid substance. The invention is characterized in that the end opposite said point forms an opening for emptying the recipient, sealed and removable closing means being placed on the opening.

Abstract: Device for measuring aberrations in an eye includes, an illumination path with an illumination diaphragm and a test path, imaging member and elements for positioning the eye in relation to the imaging member, a stray reflection filter element, which is centered on the measurement axis of the imaging member, and elements for the optical conjugation of the pupil of the eye with the plane of the illumination diaphragm and the test plane. The illumination beam path converges at the center of the filtration element. The filtration element, the illumination path, the test path and the conjugation elements are all interdependent and positioned on a platform that can move in relation to the imaging member along the axis. The illumination diaphragm is off-center in relation to the axis such that stray light flux reflected by the imaging member is deflected from the test path by filtration element.

Abstract: An Internet call connection method comprises the steps of (a) an Internet Telephony Server (ITS) receiving a dialed special services number of an originated call; (b) mapping the dialed special services number to a destination number and a Internet Protocol (IP) address of a terminating ITS that serves the destination number; and (c) routing the originated call from an originating ITS to a terminating ITS and to the destination number to complete the call. The ITS apparatus includes (1) an interface for receiving a dialed special services number over a trunk connected to the ITS; (2) accessing means for accessing a mapping database using the dialed special services number to obtain a destination number and a terminating Internet Protocol address; and (3) a call router for routing the call and the destination number to a terminating ITS identified by the terminating Internet Protocol address.

Abstract: Remote control of hydraulically set packers is achieved by incorporating a hydraulic energy accumulator into a well tubing string. A hydraulic line connecting the accumulator with the packers setting mechanism is blocked by a shearable plug connected between the accumulator body and a movable control sleeve. In one embodiment, upward force exerted on the cable of a shifting tool latched into the control sleeve causes the plug to shear and pressure from the accumulator to set the packers. In another, the plug is sheared by movement of the sleeve through contact with a pressure differential sensitive piston that shifts in response to an increase in annular pressure.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a valve placed in a subsea blowout preventer stack during a production test of a well producing gas comprises a valve body containing two valve elements in series and a releasable control unit. A fluid to inhibit the formation of natural-gas hydrates can be injected into the valve body by means of a pump on the surface and through a high-pressure hose. A lateral connector fixed to the control unit is fitted in a sealed manner into a receptacle on the valve body to allow reconnection of the inhibiting fluid injection system.