Abstract: Synthetic auxotrophs with one or more ligand-dependent essential gene functions and methods of production that can be used for biosafety. The ligand-dependent function of an essential gene product can be produced by a series of mutations in the ORF of an essential gene; N, C, or insertional fusions of ligand-binding domains with essential genes or an engineered ligand-dependent intein splicing to alter essential gene function. A positive and/or negative selection can be used to identify auxotrophs from created mutant libraries. The positive selection is performed by growing a mutant library in conditions where growth or viability depends on the function of mutagenized essential genes. The negative selection eliminates constitutively growing cells that do not require a ligand for growth by growing the library in the absence of complementing ligand and in conditions where growing cells are eliminated. Desirable phenotypes are collected after the selections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for identifying a driver of a vehicle. Measurement values representing the movement of a vehicle are received from one or more sensors measuring features relating to the movement of the vehicle. Instantaneous dimensions for measuring driver identification are defined. For each dimension statistical features within a given time frame are calculated and a feature map is built, including the time frame and the statistical features. A set of driving features is extracted from the feature map. The set of extracted driving features is compared with previously extracted sets of driving features to create a set of similarity metrics between two drivers. A classification model is trained based on the similarity metrics and is used with the similarity metrics to determine whether data pertaining to a new trip segment should be associated with a known or unknown driver.

Abstract: Cloud Connected automated testing (CCAT) provides a low-cost, high-throughput, automated multi-thread testing platform for testing application with multiple test cases in a variety of operating environments. The platform may be hosted on cloud infrastructure. Unlike other test automation platforms, inputs to CCAT are based on human readable formats, such as keyword entries in a spreadsheet. CCAT thereby reduces the need for testers to understand highly specialized and difficult to use coding languages such as Java or Python.

Abstract: Cloud Connected automated testing (CCAT) provides a low-cost, high-throughput, automated multi-thread testing platform for testing application with multiple test cases in a variety of operating environments. The platform may be hosted on cloud infrastructure. Unlike other test automation platforms, inputs to CCAT are based on human readable formats, such as keyword entries in a spreadsheet. CCAT thereby reduces the need for testers to understand highly specialized and difficult to use coding languages such as Java or Python.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for identifying a driver of a vehicle. Measurement values representing the movement of a vehicle are received from one or more sensors measuring features relating to the movement of the vehicle. Instantaneous dimensions for measuring driver identification are defined. For each dimension statistical features within a given time frame are calculated and a feature map is built, including the time frame and the statistical features. A set of driving features is extracted from the feature map. The set of extracted driving features is compared with previously extracted sets of driving features to create a set of similarity metrics between two drivers. A classification model is trained based on the similarity metrics and is used with the similarity metrics to determine whether data pertaining to a new trip segment should be associated with a known or unknown driver.

Abstract: Synthetic auxotrophs with one or more ligand-dependent essential gene functions and methods of production that can be used for biosafety. The ligand-dependent function of an essential gene product can be produced by a series of mutations in the ORF of an essential gene; N, C, or insertional fusions of ligand-binding domains with essential genes or an engineered ligand-dependent intein splicing to alter essential gene function. A positive and/or negative selection can be used to identify auxotrophs from created mutant libraries. The positive selection is performed by growing a mutant library in conditions where growth or viability depends on the function of mutagenized essential genes. The negative selection eliminates constitutively growing cells that do not require a ligand for growth by growing the library in the absence of complementing ligand and in conditions where growing cells are eliminated. Desirable phenotypes are collected after the selections.

Abstract: An enclosure which provides a storage of mobile phone headset cables as well as a means to extend and retract said headset cables is disclosed. The enclosure allows the headset cables to be wound internally onto a large diameter reel while a mobile phone connecting cable is wound onto a smaller spool, thereby allowing a greater length of headset cables to be extended. A button enables said cables to be retracted to eliminate slack while the device is in use, or to completely retract the cables when the device is disconnected from the phone. The retracted cable portions may be contained within the enclosure which further comprises a plurality of nests along external surfaces for the storage of ear buds, a microphone, and the phone connection plug in a flush manner, thereby avoiding the entanglement of exposed loose cables.

Abstract: Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. A toy for producing color patterns and having polarizing filters coupled to frame elements is disclosed.

Abstract: A communications device for enabling a delivery person to communicate with a person at a remote location regarding the delivery of a package includes a housing for mounting near the entry to a residence or business. A processor is positioned in the housing in operative communication with electronic components for transmitting data to at least one remote device such as a cellular telephone, pager, or computer. The housing includes an actuator button for actuating the processor to establish two-way communication with the remote device and may include additional input devices such as a microphone, keypad, or camera. The camera enables the processor to transmit a picture to the remote device such that the authenticity of the delivery person may be verified prior to a remote user providing delivery instructions.

Abstract: DNA constructs and other compositions and methods for controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells and organisms are derived from bacterial quorum sensing systems. One or more cis elements from the luxI promoter (“lux box”) or a functionally similar sequence are incorporated in a eukaryotic promoter. A receptor protein from the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, upon binding an acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) compound, interacts with the lux box, modulating the activity of the promoter.

Abstract: Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. A kit of photoelastic elements, at least some of which have stress concentrations formed therein, is also disclosed. In addition, a toy for producing color patterns is disclosed.

Abstract: DNA constructs and other compositions and methods for controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells and organisms are derived from bacterial quorum sensing systems. One or more cis elements from the luxI promoter (“lux box”) or a functionally similar sequence are incorporated in a eukaryotic promoter. A receptor protein from the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, upon binding an acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) compound, interacts with the lux box, modulating the activity of the promoter.

Abstract: DNA constructs and other compositions and methods for controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells and organisms are derived from bacterial quorum sensing systems. One or more cis elements from the luxI promoter (“lux box”) or a functionally similar sequence are incorporated in a eukaryotic promoter. A receptor protein from the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, upon binding an acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) compound, interacts with the lux box, modulating the activity of the promoter.

Abstract: A method of making a tests, assessments, surveys and lesson plans with images and sound files and posting them on-line for potential users. Questions are input by a test-maker and then the questions are compiled into a test by a host system and posted on-line for potential test-takers. The compiled test may be placed in a directory for access by the test-takers, the directory preferably having a plurality of categories corresponding to different types of tests and the compiled test is placed in the appropriate category. For ease in administration, a just-made test is placed into a temporary category so that it may be later reviewed (by the proprietor of the host system) and placed in the most appropriate category.

Abstract: Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. A kit of photoelastic elements, at least some of which have stress concentrations formed therein, is also disclosed. In addition, a toy for producing color patterns is disclosed.

Abstract: DNA constructs and other compositions and methods for controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells and organisms are derived from bacterial quorum sensing systems. One or more cis elements from the luxI promoter (“lux box”) or a functionally similar sequence are incorporated in a eukaryotic promoter. A receptor protein from the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, upon binding an acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) compound, interacts with the lux box, modulating the activity of the promoter.

Abstract: A method of making a tests, assessments, surveys and lesson plans with images and sound files and posting them on-line for potential users. Questions are input by a test-maker and then the questions are compiled into a test by a host system and posted on-line for potential test-takers. The compiled test may be placed in a directory for access by the test-takers, the directory preferably having a plurality of categories corresponding to different types of tests and the compiled test is placed in the appropriate category. For ease in administration, a just-made test is placed into a temporary category so that it may be later reviewed (by the proprietor of the host system) and placed in the most appropriate category.

Abstract: Telephone call management is provided via a computer network (web) facility which can be remotely accessed by subscribers using web browsers. The web facility includes an information database for storing personal telephone directories and call logs, and a telephone call control system coupled to a telephone switch via a switch-computer interface. Information on calls to and/or from telephone numbers of subscribers is communicated from the switch to the web facility to be stored in the database without requiring the subscribers' browsers to be active. Subscribers can make telephone calls and control telephone communications via the browsers and the web facility. Subscribers do not require any hardware or software in addition to a telephone and web browser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting in situ tests on a subsurface earth formation of interest which is traversed by a wellbore. A wireline formation testing instrument is positioned at formation depth and a sampling probe thereof is extended into fluid communication with the formation and isolated from wellbore pressure. Utilizing a hydraulically energized double-acting bi-directional piston pump and by valve controlled selection of pumping direction testing fluid such as completion fluid may be pumped into the formation through the sampling probe either from fluid reservoirs of the instrument or from the wellbore. After reversing the operating and control valving of the pump and instrument, the piston pump is utilized to extract formation fluid from the formation and pump it to sample tanks of the instrument, pump it into the wellbore or subject it to controlled pressure for real time formation testing and for formation characterization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump pack for automatic and continuous emptying of water condensate from a dehumidifier positioned below ground level or remotely from a gravity drain. The present invention includes a small submersible electrical pump powered by a conventional 110 volt AC power source, includes an on/off float switch connected with the power source, in cooperation with a flexible hose of small diameter of variable length. Condensate collected in the water collection pan is withdrawn at a preselected water level by the pump and passes through the tubing to an elevated or remote drain means or to other appropriate areas for disposal. The present invention permits continuous operation of portable dehumidifiers which would otherwise shut off when the condensate water pan fills after approximately one day's unattended use.