Abstract: Embodiments of a method and/or system, such as for preparation of a normalized library for sequencing such as next-generation sequencing, can include one or more of: generating one or more normalized amplicon libraries; generating one or more normalized microbial community-associated libraries; and/or generating one or more normalized combined sequence libraries associated with amplicon-associated sequencing and microbial community-associated sequencing.

Abstract: A pressure maintenance device is connected to a fire protection sprinkler system having downstream piping that is exposed to freezing temperatures, and supplies a pressurized fluid to the downstream piping when the sprinkler system is in an inactivated state. When an outlet pressure sensor near an outlet of the pressure maintenance device detects that a pressure of the pressurized fluid downstream of an outlet regulator falls below a first predetermined pressure, the pressure maintenance device supplies the pressurized fluid in a primary supply mode or a secondary supply mode. The pressure maintenance device automatically switches from the primary supply mode to the secondary supply mode if a supply pressure sensor detects that a pressure of the pressurized fluid downstream of a first pressurized fluid valve, and upstream of the outlet pressure regulator, falls below a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and/or system for characterizing one or more female reproductive system-related conditions can include determining a microorganism dataset associated with a set of subjects; and/or performing a characterization process associated with the one or more female reproductive system-related conditions, based on the microorganism dataset, where performing the characterization process can additionally or alternatively include performing a female reproductive system-related characterization process for the one or more female reproductive system-related conditions, and/or determining one or more therapies.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and/or system, such as for preparation of a normalized library for sequencing such as next-generation sequencing, can include one or more of: generating one or more normalized amplicon libraries; generating one or more normalized microbial community-associated libraries; and/or generating one or more normalized combined sequence libraries associated with amplicon-associated sequencing and microbial community-associated sequencing.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a saddle shell and a saddle cushion being connected with the top surface thereof. Further, a saddle frame is provided, having a front end connected with the saddle shell in a region of a saddle tip. A holding element is connected with a rear end of the saddle frame. A damper element is arranged between the holding element and a lower side of the saddle shell, the damper element being in surface connection with the lower side.

Abstract: A pendent fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet that define a fluid passage and a sprinkler axis, a pair of frame arms that form a junction, a plug that seals the fluid passage, and a thermally responsive element provided between the plug and the junction, and configured to maintain the plug in the fluid passage prior to actuation of the sprinkler. A deflector, mounted to the junction, includes a planar central portion extending along a plane that is perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, as well as a first angled portion, a second angled portion, a third angled portion, and a fourth angled portion, each angled portion extending outwardly from a planar central portion. In addition, each of the first to fourth angled portions is bent away from the frame arms in the outlet direction from the plane of the planar central portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method 100 and/or system 200 or library preparation for sequencing associated with microorganisms can include: preparing a set of unique molecular identifier (UMI)-based molecules associated with one or more targets; preparing a set of sequencing-based primers; generating a set of tagged target molecules based on the set of UMI-based molecules and one or more samples associated with the one or more targets; and/or generating a set of sequencing-ready tagged target molecules based on the tagged target molecules and the set of sequencing-based primers.

Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body, a sealing assembly, a sleeve body, a yoke, a load screw, levers, a soldered link, a slide plate, a deflector support member, a deflector, and a spring. When ambient temperature in an occupancy reaches a predetermined temperature, the soldered link fails, the levers release, and the yoke and the load screw are forced away from the sprinkler body. The spring forces the slide plate and the deflector support member away from an inner wall of the sprinkler body toward an opening at an outer end of the sleeve body, and the deflector support member and the deflector protrude from the outer end of the sleeve body. The sealing assembly is released from a sealed state, and the fire protection sprinkler outputs fluid from a fluid supply to the occupancy.

Abstract: A horizontal sidewall sprinkler is provided which includes a sprinkler body having an inlet passage for supply of a fluid and an outlet, the outlet being closed by a sealing assembly prior to actuation of the sprinkler. The sprinkler further includes a sleeve body secured to the sprinkler body and a yoke substantially spanning a width of the sleeve body, the yoke urging a load screw against a surface of the sealing assembly facing an occupancy, and being held in place prior to actuation of the sprinkler by two levers that are joined by a soldered link. A slide plate is located near an inner wall of the sprinkler body facing the occupancy prior to actuation of the sprinkler. According to one example embodiment, a frame or two guide pins are provided for bearing and supporting a deflector. The deflector is positioned between the load screw and the sealing assembly thereby obstructing a flow of fluid from the outlet upon actuation of the sprinkler.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for cleaning parabolic trough solar collectors (2) by means of a motorized vehicle (1) which includes a water tank (4); front (5) and rear (6) cleaning arms, with a telescopic part having several sections, coupled at one end to a pivoting head (8) which supports a rotary cleaning brush (9) and comprises spray nozzles (10), as well as proximity sensors (12) for the brushes (9). It comprises the same number of front and rear transverse guide rails (13) which include a linear movement means (14) coupled, by means of a pivot (15), to the cleaning arms (5, 6). The brushes (9) are movable in relation to the head (8) by means of a shaft (21) actuated by a retraction actuator (27) for overcoming obstacles (26).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising Eno1 for delivery to a muscle. Further, the invention provides a method for normalizing blood glucose in a subject with elevated blood glucose, comprising administering to the subject enolase 1 (Eno1), thereby normalizing blood glucose in the subject. The invention also provides methods of treating one or more conditions including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes in a subject, comprising administering to the subject enolase 1 (Eno1), thereby treating the condition in the subject. In certain methods of the invention, the Eno1 is delivered to muscle.

Abstract: A handle is disclosed for passenger use on a motorcycle. The handle is easily detachable from the motorcycle, by the use of a suction cup. The handle is firmly securable to the body of the motorcycle, while also offering enhanced gripping comfort for a passenger. The handle includes a proximal end attached to and protruding from a base that is fixed to the top of the suction cup, and a gripping portion oriented so as to be grippable by a user when the removable handle is attached to a motorcycle body, the gripping portion including a free distal end. In this manner, the handle is positioned such that when it is secured to the motorcycle body, the handlebar portion of the handle can be gripped by the passenger in a way that is comfortable for the passenger, even when the passenger leans their weight on the handles.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided. The sprinkler includes a body having an output orifice and a flange; a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice; and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap and constructed to separate into a plurality of portions upon exposure to a predetermined temperature. The sprinkler also includes at least one deflector support member, a deflector connected to the deflector support member, and at least one arm extending from each of the deflector support members. Each of the arms has a free end positioned in spaced relation to the thermally-responsive element to contact the portions of the thermally-responsive element upon separation thereof. In another embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one arm extending from the flange, and the arms may be formed as a bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for cleaning parabolic trough solar collectors (2) by means of a motorised vehicle (1) which includes a water tank (4); front (5) and rear (6) cleaning arms, with a telescopic part having several sections, coupled at one end to a pivoting head (8) which supports a rotary cleaning brush (9) and comprises spray nozzles (10), as well as proximity sensors (12) for the brushes (9). It comprises the same number of front and rear transverse guide rails (13) which include a linear movement means (14) coupled, by means of a pivot (15), to the cleaning arms (5, 6). The brushes (9) are movable in relation to the head (8) by means of a shaft (21) actuated by a retraction actuator (27) for overcoming obstacles (26).

Abstract: A handle is disclosed for passenger use on a motorcycle. The handle is easily detachable from the motorcycle, by the use of a suction cup. The handle is firmly securable to the body of the motorcycle, while also offering enhanced gripping comfort for a passenger. The handle includes a proximal end attached to and protruding from a base that is fixed to the top of the suction cup, and a gripping portion oriented so as to be grippable by a user when the removable handle is attached to a motorcycle body, the gripping portion including a free distal end. In this manner, the handle is positioned such that when it is secured to the motorcycle body, the handlebar portion of the handle can be gripped by the passenger in a way that is comfortable for the passenger, even when the passenger leans their weight on the handles.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided. The sprinkler includes a body having an output orifice and a flange; a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice; and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap and constructed to separate into a plurality of portions upon exposure to a predetermined temperature. The sprinkler also includes at least one deflector support member, a deflector connected to the deflector support member, and at least one arm extending from each of the deflector support members. Each of the arms has a free end positioned in spaced relation to the thermally-responsive element to contact the portions of the thermally-responsive element upon separation thereof. In another embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one arm extending from the flange, and the arms may be formed as a bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is a centrifugal pump that pumps high-viscosity liquids, slurries, and solids-containing liquids. The pump has a housing, a chamber formed within the housing, a first discoidal member positioned in the chamber, a second discoidal member positioned in that chamber, connecting rods connecting a periphery of the first discoidal member to a periphery of the second discoidal member, and a drive for rotating the first discoidal member and the second discoidal member positioned in the chamber. The first discoidal member is either a recessed impeller or half-regular closed centrifugal impeller. The second discoidal member is a recessed impeller, a disc impeller, or a half-regular closed centrifugal impeller. The second discoidal member has a hole in the center.