Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a protective wrap and a protective envelope or pouch: made therefrom, as well as the apparatus and: process for forming such wraps and envelopes. Water-based heat-expandable adhesives (WBHEA) which include a plurality of heat-expandable microspheres are disposed in a pattern between, web substrates on a continuous, high speed manufacturing line to produce padded, insulated products: useful as envelopes, mailers and other protective packaging.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a sliding component and a method of manufacturing a sliding component. The sliding component includes a substrate and an electrical component. The substrate has a front surface and a rear surface and comprising an electrically-insulating substrate portion extending through a metallic substrate portion, and an electrical connector extending through the electrically-insulating portion between the front surface and the rear surface. The electrical component is arranged at the front surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrical connector.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: An Aluminium alloy composition for a sliding element may include: 4 wt % to 8 wt % of Tin; 4 wt % to 8 wt % of Silicon; 0.4 wt % to 1.7 wt % of Copper; and 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of Manganese. The composition may also include at least one of: 0.4 wt % to 2.0 wt % of Nickel; 0.01 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Zirconium; 0.05 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Vanadium; 0.05 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Scandium; and 0.05 wt % to 1 wt % of Erbium. The composition may also include at least one of: 0.005 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Titanium; 0.003 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Strontium; 0.005 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Antimony; 0.005 wt % to 0.1 wt % of Europium; and 0.001 wt % to 0.02 wt % of Carbon. The balance of the composition, apart from any incidental impurities, may be Aluminium.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a sliding component and a method of manufacturing a sliding component. The sliding component includes a substrate and an electrical component. The substrate has a front surface and a rear surface and comprising an electrically-insulating substrate portion extending through a metallic substrate portion, and an electrical connector extending through the electrically-insulating portion between the front surface and the rear surface. The electrical component is arranged at the front surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrical connector.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, such as aptamers, comprising at least first one 5-position modified pyrimidine and at least one second 5-position modified pyrimidine are provided, wherein the first and second 5-position modified pyrimidines are different. Methods of selecting and using such polynucleotides, such as aptamers, are also provided.

Abstract: An Aluminium alloy composition for a sliding element may include: 4 wt % to 8 wt % of Tin; 4 wt % to 8 wt % of Silicon; 0.4 wt % to 1.7 wt % of Copper; and 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of Manganese. The composition may also include at least one of: 0.4 wt % to 2.0 wt % of Nickel; 0.01 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Zirconium; 0.05 wt % to 0.3 wt % of Vanadium; 0.05 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Scandium; and 0.05 wt % to 1 wt % of Erbium. The composition may also include at least one of: 0.005 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Titanium; 0.003 wt % to 0.2 wt % of Strontium; 0.005 wt % to 0.5 wt % of Antimony; 0.005 wt % to 0.1 wt % of Europium; and 0.001 wt % to 0.02 wt % of Carbon. The balance of the composition, apart from any incidental impurities, may be Aluminium.

Abstract: A thrust washer for a sliding bearing may include a thrust washer substrate having an axial face. The thrust washer may also have a polymer layer of profiled thickness on the axial face of the substrate. The profiled polymer layer may be provided with at least one oil distribution groove.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement may include at least one sliding bearing having a polymer coating. The bearing arrangement may bear a camshaft, and at least one of the polymer coating is applied to the camshaft, and the polymer coating is arranged in a bearing ring. An oil trough for collecting oil may be provided on at least one of the bearing ring and a cylinder head which receives the bearing ring.

Abstract: A thrust washer for a sliding bearing may include a thrust washer substrate having an axial face. The thrust washer may also have a polymer layer of profiled thickness on the axial face of the substrate. The profiled polymer layer may be provided with at least one oil distribution groove.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement may include at least one sliding bearing having a polymer coating. The bearing arrangement may bear a camshaft, and at least one of the polymer coating is applied to the camshaft, and the polymer coating is arranged in a bearing ring. An oil trough for collecting oil may be provided on at least one of the bearing ring and a cylinder head which receives the bearing ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for generating nucleic acid ligands that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for generating photoreactive nucleic acid ligands that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. The disclosure further describes nucleic acid libraries having expanded physical and chemical properties and their use in SELEX and photoSELEX; methods for increasing the crosslinking efficiencies of photoaptamers; methods for producing photoaptamers having selective modifications that enhance functionality and minimize non-specific photoreactions; and methods for generating truncated nucleic acid ligands from nucleic acid ligands of longer length. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers obtained by using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented.

Abstract: A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented.

Abstract: A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for consumer participation in a marketing survey and for development of marketing solicitations by corporate clients based on consumer transactional/demographic data are described. An individual seeking to participate in a marketing survey may first choose to be included in a database containing many surveys that have been added by corporate sponsors. The system may select a willing consumer for participation in the survey based on predefined preferred data metrics. Upon participation, the consumer may also receive a reward in the form of a cash payment or gift, which the system may credit directly to the consumer's bank account and/or to the consumer's account with a corporate affiliate. In addition, the platform may be used to generate marketing contact lists based on consumer demographic and transactional data for a corporate client.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a budget envelope credit card are provided. An apparatus according to the invention may include a budget envelope credit card software engine and a rewards software engine that provides a reward scheme for use by the budget envelope credit card engine, the rewards scheme that defines a reward frequency.