Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomedicine, particularly to double-stranded RNA molecules targeting CKIP-1 and uses thereof, particularly to use of the double-stranded RNA molecules for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A method for checking the design of locking assemblies is provided. A pressure on each contact surface and a torque that can be transferred by a spindle and a bushing after locking assemblies are locked are calculated. The calculated torque is compared with the designed maximum transferable torque to calculate a torque safety coefficient. Based on a minimum fit clearance, a resultant stress of components is calculated and is compared with a yield strength of the material of the components to calculate a strength safety coefficient of the components. A pre-tightening force of the bolts is obtained according to a given pre-tightening moment of the bolts. A maximum equivalent stress of the bolts is calculated to obtain a safety coefficient of the bolts. This method is able to be applied to the manufacturing of the locking assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for checking the design of locking assemblies, comprising: calculating a pressure on each contact surface and a torque that can be transferred by a spindle and a bushing after locking assemblies are locked, and comparing the calculated torque with the designed maximum transferable torque to calculate a torque safety coefficient; with a minimum fit clearance, calculating a resultant stress of components, and comparing the resultant stress with a yield strength of the material of the components to calculate a strength safety coefficient of the components; and obtaining a pre-tightening force of the bolts according to a given pre-tightening moment of the bolts, calculating a maximum equivalent stress of the bolts, and obtaining a safety coefficient of the bolts. This method in the present invention can effectively verify the rationality of design of locking assemblies, reduce the manufacture risk and increase the yield of products.

Abstract: The device is used for locking an access for actuating two switching devices of high-voltage switchgear with the aid of a drive shaft transmitting drive force onto the two switching devices. In order to increase the operational safety of the high-voltage switchgear with little outlay, the locking device comprises a closing disk which is fastened on the drive shaft, a rocker bar arrangement containing at least four rocker bars, and a slider. The slider can be moved, on-site, into two positions, the first of which releases an access for the actuation on-site and blocks an access for the actuation from a remote location, and the second of which blocks the access for the on-site actuation and releases the access for the remote actuation.

Abstract: The device is used for locking an access for actuating two switching devices of high-voltage switchgear with the aid of a drive shaft transmitting drive force onto the two switching devices. In order to increase the operational safety of the high-voltage switchgear with little outlay, the locking device comprises a closing disk which is fastened on the drive shaft, a rocker bar arrangement containing at least four rocker bars, and a slider. The slider can be moved, on-site, into two positions, the first of which releases an access for the actuation on-site and blocks an access for the actuation from a remote location, and the second of which blocks the access for the on-site actuation and releases the access for the remote actuation.

Abstract: Azolines are oxidized in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst to azoles in the presence of molecular oxygen. A synthetic scheme converting azolines azoles is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions, and kits relating to gene product biomarkers where gene expression levels are correlated with therapeutic response of rheumatoid arthritis patients to treatment with an IL-6 receptor antagonist, such as an IL6-R antibody. The methods, compositions, and kits of the invention can be used to identify rheumatoid arthritis patients who are likely, or not likely, to respond to IL-6 receptor antagonist treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with clinical responsiveness of rheumatoid arthritis patients to treatment with an interleukin-6 receptor antibody such as tocilizumab, and methods of using such SNPs for predicting clinical response to treatment with the antibody.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed to determine the curvature of the curve at some or all points along the curve, e.g., to produce a dataset or plot representing the curvature v. the cycle number. The cycle number at which the maximum curvature occurs corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed to determine the curvature of the curve at some or all points along the curve, e.g., to produce a dataset or plot representing the curvature v. the cycle number. The cycle number at which the maximum curvature occurs corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.