Abstract: A system for managing collecting deductibles of insureds is disclosed. The system comprises an automated computer vision system configured to identify and analyze information provided by a prospective enrollee on a form. The system further comprises a processor configured to establish a primary account associated with an insurance company to maintain a balance equivalent to a sum of fees incurred by insurance coverage plans sponsored by the insurance company, receive the information associated with the prospective enrollee from the automated computer vision system, and establish a sub-account associated with the prospective enrollee underneath the primary account. The processor is further configured to maintain a ledger of the sub-account to reflect fee(s) incurred by the prospective enrollee during a coverage period.

Abstract: Sound or video systems are used to deliver predetermined content to a customer audience. It is important to validate that the intended material is being received and understood by the targeted audience. Sound or video system service providers prove their value by providing feedback metrics that the system is working as expected. The present invention automates and enhances this process and makes the validation continuous for constant validation at a much lower cost. Enhancements creates metrics beyond a human's ability to discern the quality of the service. The also includes features that can automatically determine the cause and recommended solution if the system's performance is not as expected. The metrics are then aggregated for full system wide operation in a graphical and tabular analytic interface.

Abstract: A low pressure water reactor (LPWR) and a method for controlling a LPWR; the LPWR comprises a reactor vessel with an internal cavity comprising a primary coolant, a riser tube, and a core located below ground level with 6-15 bars atmosphere pressure; a steam drum connected to the riser tube at ground level at a pressure of 1-10 bars absolute; a water storage tank to store borated water; a passive injection system injecting the borated water from the water storage tank into the vessel; and low pressure steam turbines generating power at 1-10 bars atmosphere. The vessel heats water up to temperature and the riser tube converts the heated water to steam, delivered to the turbine(s). The conversion creates a difference in a primary coolant density that initiates a density-driven natural circulation of the primary coolant in the riser tube, downcomer, steam drum and core.

Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a drug compound is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the drug compound is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the drug compound can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a contraceptive agent is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the contraceptive agent is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the contraceptive agent can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the GO or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a viable hybrid cell having a single functional mitochondrial population. The method comprises the step of introducing genomic DNA from a mitochondrially depleted donor cell into a recipient cell from which genomic DNA has been removed.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring the nucleus from a quiescent donor cell into a suitable recipient cell. The donor cell is quiescent, in that it is caused to exit from the growth and division cycle at G1 and to arrest in the G0 state. Nuclear transfer may take place by cell fusion. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more animals. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a target of various therapeutic agents used in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The present invention provides novel forms of SERT that lacks high affinity recognition of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The present invention therefore provides a novel target for use in screening and model development that can aid both the discovery of new medications and the discovery of novel pathways impacted in parallel with SERT blockade. Such novel targets can help identify new SSRI's with unique modifications and lead to discovery of pathways that secondarily support the therapeutic activity of these agents.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing intelligent synchronization includes a processing element configured to receive a message indicating that data for synchronization is available. The processing element may also be configured to select, in response to receipt of the message, a synchronization method from a plurality of synchronization methods based at least in part on whether the apparatus includes new data that has not been communicated to a synchronization element.

Abstract: A control circuit (1) includes two input terminals (2, 3) for respectively electrically connecting with the active and neutral conductors (4, 5) of a mains power source (6). Two output terminals (7, 8) electrically connect with a load in the form of a two pin domestic electrical appliance (9). Conductors (4, 5) terminate at a domestic power outlet socket, and terminals (7, 8) are incorporated into a two pin plug for insertion into that socket. That is, terminals (7, 8) include elongate bundled conductors for extending between the outlet socket and the circuit. Appliance (9) has a conductive component, in this instance a housing (10) that, under normal operating conditions, is electrically insulated or otherwise electrically isolated from conductors (4, 5). The housing provides a reference point for circuit (1), and is electrically connected to that circuit by way of a conductor (11).

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related towards enhancing the yield and/or cold-flow properties of certain hydrocarbon products, increasing the degree of isomerization in a diesel product and/or increasing the production rate of a diesel product. The embodiments generally include reducing the residence time of lighter hydrocarbon fractions during hydrocracking, thereby decreasing secondary cracking, by various configurations of introducing at least two hydrocarbon feedstreams of different boiling ranges at different entry points in a hydrocracking unit. A method further includes forming a hydrocarbons stream comprising primarily C5+ Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon products; fractionating hydrocarbons stream to form at least a wax fraction and an intermediate fraction which serve as separate feedstreams to a hydrocracking unit comprising at least two hydroconversion zones.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring the nucleus from a quiescent donor cell into a suitable recipient cell. The donor cell is quiescent, in that it is caused to exit from the growth and division cycle at G1 and to arrest in the G0 state. Nuclear transfer may take place by cell fusion. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more animals. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.