Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed for managing utility usage data in the event of a utility outage. In one embodiment, measured meter data is read representing utility usage data collected from multiple meters within a zone of a utility system and processed to identify valid and invalid usage data of the measured meter data. An estimation process is performed on the measured meter data to generate corrected meter data for the multiple meters. The corrected meter data is aggregated over a time span to generate an aggregate percentage value specifying a total percentage of data received for the time span. The aggregate percentage value is compared to a threshold value to detect a utility outage. The estimation process is suppressed for the multiple meters when the aggregate percentage value is below the threshold value, indicating a utility outage.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with synchronizing consumption data are described. In one embodiment, a method includes determining when a first consumption data of a first type and a second consumption data of a second type, derived from a same consumption meter, are unsynchronized with each other. The example method also includes synchronizing the first consumption data with the second consumption data when the two types of data are determined to be unsynchronized with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequences are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes that arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. Methods are described for using Mater molecules in diagnoses, prognosis, and treatment of infertility and reduced fertility. Also provided are methods for using MATER as a contraceptive agent. The disclosure also describes compounds involved in such methods, and the identification of such compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequences are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes that arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. Methods are described for using Mater molecules in diagnoses, prognosis, and treatment of infertility and reduced fertility. Also provided are methods for using MATER as a contraceptive agent. The disclosure also describes compounds involved in such methods, and the identification of such compounds.

Abstract: A method and device for providing power to a load are disclosed. A beam of free electrons is directed from a free-electron source, such as an electron gun, into an enclosing conductive surface. The free-electron source includes a cathode, which is maintained at a negative voltage with respect to the enclosing conductive surface. A region around the free-electron source is maintained in a vacuum. The system is configured to switch over a time period between two configurations. In the first configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is isolated from a ground. In the second configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is in electrical communication with the ground. Capacitive energy is discharged from the enclosing conductive surface when in the second configuration with an electrical circuit arrangement and provided to the load.

Abstract: A method and device for providing power to a load are disclosed. A beam of free electrons is directed from a free-electron source, such as an electron gun, into an enclosing conductive surface. The free-electron source includes a cathode, which is maintained at a negative voltage with respect to the enclosing conductive surface. A region around the free-electron source is maintained in a vacuum. The system is configured to switch over a time period between two configurations. In the first configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is isolated from a ground. In the second configuration, the enclosing conductive surface is in electrical communication with the ground. Capacitive energy is discharged from the enclosing conductive surface when in the second configuration with an electrical circuit arrangement and provided to the load.

Abstract: A photopolymer resin composition useful in producing printing plates with low levels of surface tack is disclosed. Acetal compounds are incorporated into the photopolymer resin composition to achieve the low tack results.

Abstract: An ammunition feeder for a gun is disclosed which has a first rotating sprocket driven positively at a uniform velocity for stripping rounds and a second rotating sprocket driven positively at a non-uniform velocity for transversely placing each round directly onto the face of the gun bolt of the gun.