Abstract: A sled includes a deck having a top surface and a cradle section configured to hold a shipping vessel. The cradle section includes a length that extends from a back of the deck towards a front of the deck. First and second wedges extend at least the length of the cradle section and each include at least an outer facing surface and an upper facing surface. The outer facing surface of the first wedge defines a first side of the cradle section and the outer facing surface of the second wedge defines a second side of the cradle section. The upper facing surfaces of each of the first wedge and the second wedge is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the deck such that each upper facing surface of each wedge slopes downwardly from an outer edge to an opposing inner edge.

Abstract: A sled includes a deck having a top surface and a cradle section configured to hold a shipping vessel. The cradle section includes a length that extends from a back of the deck towards a front of the deck. First and second wedges extend at least the length of the cradle section and each include at least an outer facing surface and an upper facing surface. The outer facing surface of the first wedge defines a first side of the cradle section and the outer facing surface of the second wedge defines a second side of the cradle section. The upper facing surfaces of each of the first wedge and the second wedge is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the deck such that each upper facing surface of each wedge slopes downwardly from an outer edge to an opposing inner edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an improvement in language immersion learning which utilizes a dual language alternating platform and method to enhance the reader's ability to comprehend and learn a foreign language. The method can include the use of an e-book or similar digital device by the reader. The method can include alternating chapter format. This improved method may include historic publications, educational text, books for children, young adults etc. The user has the option to alternate between chapters in their native language or a foreign language. This method compels the reader to remain immersed in the foreign language throughout the chapter for increased comprehension.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions, methods, and kits useful in the treatment of viral diseases. In certain embodiments, the viral disease is caused by a single stranded RNA virus, a flaviviridae virus, or a hepatic virus. In particular embodiments, the viral disease is viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E) and the agent or combination of agents includes sertraline, a sertraline analog, UK-416244, or a UK-416244 analog. Also featured are screening methods for identification of novel compounds that may be used to treat a viral disease.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions, methods, and kits useful in the treatment of viral diseases. In certain embodiments, the viral disease is caused by a single stranded RNA virus, a flaviviridae virus, or a hepatic virus. In particular embodiments, the viral disease is viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E). Also featured are screening methods for identification of novel compounds that may be used to treat a viral disease.

Abstract: A cellular diagnostic array has been developed that provides accurate and reproducible measurements of the physical parameters of individual cells en masse, including cell membrane surface area, cell volume, and excess membrane. Three differing patterns are employed. In the first design, a gradient array having rectangular shaped channels is used to capture cells and readily show the ratio of volume to surface area for the captured cell. The second silicone rubber array provided by the present invention employs an array of wedge shaped pipettes, each of which captures an individual cell. The position of the cell within a wedge is enough to rapidly determine the cell's actual surface area and volume. A third type of cellular diagnostic array according to the present invention employs an array of channels designed to deform a cell to study how well the cell responds to repeated deformations.

Abstract: A cellular diagnostic array has been developed that provides accurate and reproducible measurements of the physical parameters of individual cells en masse, including cell membrane surface area, cell volume, and excess membrane. Three differing patterns are employed. In the first design, a gradient array having rectangular shaped channels is used to capture cells and readily show the ratio of volume to surface area for the captured cell. The second silicone rubber array provided by the present invention employs an array of wedge shaped pipettes, each of which captures an individual cell. The position of the cell within a wedge is enough to rapidly determine the cell's actual surface area and volume. A third type of cellular diagnostic array according to the present invention employs an array of channels designed to deform a cell to study how well the cell responds to repeated deformations.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative water display including a low maintenance aquatic animal basin capable of supporting aquatic animals such as fish by using a specially designed filter which cooperates with a hollow base of a water sculpture, a water pump, and a basin containing water. This arrangement allows a water display with a water sculpture such as a statuette or rock formation to provide a decorative environment for supporting aquatic animals which is clean and odor free, which does not endanger the aquatic animals, and which has the unexpected result of requiring very low maintenance or de minimus maintenance.

Abstract: A decorative unitary aquarium liner for simulating a scene underwater comprises a bottom and a diorama backdrop that are integrally combined to form a unitary aesthetic scene. The bottom and diorama backdrop may be formed from the same sheet of material, such as thermoform plastic and the diorama backdrop may provide enclosures for accommodating aquarium water circulating conduits connected to pump and filter assemblies, aquarium aeration conduits and illumination accessories, if desired. The aeration outlet to the aquarium may pass through an orifice in the bottom portion of the aquarium liner. The aquarium liner may optionally incorporate side portions integrally combined with the bottom and diorama backdrop to form a multisided liner. The outer surface of the liner may have irregular contours to simulate a natural underwater environment. The unitary aquarium liner eliminates the need for sand and gravel presently used in most convention aquariums.