Abstract: It is disclosed herein that ssAAV and scAAV vectors of the same serotype administered by injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intrathecal (cisternal or lumbar) route exhibit different cellular tropisms in the central nervous system. Thus, a subject can be treated by injection into the CSF of ssAAV or scAAV vector encoding a therapeutic protein, such as an ssAAV9 or scAAV9 vector. The therapeutic protein can be targeted to specific cells using these vectors. In some embodiments, scAAV9 is utilized to achieve superior transduction in the hippocampus, cerebellum and cerebral cortex where both neurons, particularly Purkinje neurons, and glial cells (such as astrocytes) are transduced. In other embodiments, ssAAV9 is utilized to minimize transduction of astrocytes. In further embodiments, an immunosuppressive agent is also administered to the subject.

Abstract: A system for checking references is disclosed that can be initiated by an individual for self-verification in anticipation of applying for a position, or a potential employer or user. The system may generate a survey that is distributed to references who can provide feedback based on the survey prompts. The survey may be drafted using parameters input by the individual, or the survey may be drafted using employment related information gathered from another source, for instance third-party website that collects employment data, such as O*NET. Based on received survey responses, a reference report is generated. The reference checking system also comprises an adverse action process and monitoring system that enables FCRA compliance in the event the reference report results in an adverse action. Also, the reference checking system provides a structured database for storing and retrieving reference reports designed to help reduce repeat requests for feedback from reference providers.

Abstract: A system for checking references is disclosed that can be initiated by an individual for self-verification in anticipation of applying for a position, or a potential employer or user. The system may generate a survey that is distributed to references who can provide feedback based on the survey prompts. The survey may be drafted using parameters input by the individual, or the survey may be drafted using employment related information gathered from another source, for instance third-party website that collects employment data, such as O*NET. Based on received survey responses, a reference report is generated. The reference checking system also comprises an adverse action process and monitoring system that enables FCRA compliance in the event the reference report results in an adverse action. Also, the reference checking system provides a structured database for storing and retrieving reference reports designed to help reduce repeal requests for feedback from referee providers.

Abstract: A pseudo-coaxial vertical transition (10) includes a substrate (16). A bump array is disposed in a substantially concentric bump pattern upon the substrate (16) for simulating a pseudo-coaxial vertical electromagnetic wave propagation. The bump array is formed from a centrally disposed bump (32) having a predetermined bump diameter, and a plurality of at least five ground bumps (36) substantially equi-distant and circularly disposed about the centrally disposed bump (32). The predetermined bump diameter and a bump spacing of the centrally disposed bump are determined in relation to the plurality of ground bumps and a dielectric constant of air for providing a characteristic impedance.