Abstract: Double-stranded and single-stranded RNA molecules, and their use in methods for inducing interferon are provided. The interferon induction provides anti-viral and other medically useful effects, such as anti-cancer effects. Also provided are methods for reducing or inhibiting interferon induction exhibited by such molecules, particularly siRNA and shRNA molecules produced in vitro.

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.

Abstract: An inducible system and methods for controlling expression of siRNA are provided. An inducible system for producing siRNA only in the presence of HIV TAT, and methods for inhibiting HIV-1 gene expression in cells comprising such inducible system also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene, as well as treating diseases caused by expression of the gene. The method involves introducing into the environment of a cell an amount of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) such that a sufficient portion of the dsRNA can enter the cytoplasm of the cell to cause a reduction in the expression of the target gene. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 26 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of from about 19 to about 23 nucleotides is complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene in a cell, as well as for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention is directed to compositions that contain double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), and methods for preparing them, that are capable of reducing the expression of target genes in eukaryotic cells. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 25 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of at least 19 nucleotides is sufficiently complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene to trigger the destruction of the target RNA by the RNAi machinery.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying expression of interfering RNA (RNAi), and preferably siRNA or shRNA, using a RNAi (si/shRNA)-expressing concatamer, are disclosed. The methods are useful for modulating, including down-regulating and/or inhibiting, expression of a target gene in cells, including mammalian cells.

Abstract: An adenoviral VA1 Pol III expression system for RNAi expression is provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus that can be implemented as an automated process by software for classifying assets, preferably at the time of acquisition, as capital assets or expensed assets. Assets are classified as capital or expensed assets by determining the average cost of all models of a given machine type as of a predetermined date, preferably, the date that the machine type is released for commercial sale. That average cost is then compared to a predetermined minimum value and all assets of a machine type the average value of which is greater than or equal to the minimum cap value are classified as capital assets while all assets of a machine type the average value of which is below the minimum cap value are classified as expensed assets.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An incubator arrangement and radiofrequency (RF) coil are provided for use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The incubator arrangement comprises an enclosure adapted to support a subject in a magnet of the MRI system during imaging and a radiofrequency coil disposed within the enclosure. The RF coil is adapted to provide visual and physical access to the subject, and further adapted to obtain a selected signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A nail clipper includes a gauge which determines the length of the nail being cut. The gauge is held by friction against one of the jaws of the clipper, and can slide back and forth to a desired position. The gauge includes a flange against which the fingertip is brought into abutment. In another embodiment, the flange includes a recess which mates with a fingertip. The latter embodiment prevents accidental cutting of the fingertip, and is especially suitable for use in cutting children's fingernails. In still another embodiment, the nail clipper resembles a guillotine, and a U-shaped gauge member slides back and forth in a holding device to determine the length of the nail to be cut. A finger holder connected to the gauge member provides secure contact between the fingertip and the gauge member. The invention substantially improves the efficiency with which artificial nails can be cut precisely to a desired length.