Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods of forming particles and, in certain aspects, to systems and methods of forming particles that are substantially monodisperse. Microfluidic systems and techniques for forming such particles are provided, for instance, particles may be formed using gellation, solidification, and/or chemical reactions such as cross-linking, polymerization, and/or interfacial polymerization reactions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a plurality of particles having an average dimension of less than about 500 micrometers and a distribution of dimensions such that no more than about 5% of the particles have a dimension greater than about 10% of the average dimension, which can be made via microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, at least some of the particles may comprise a metal, and in certain embodiments, at least some of the particles may comprise a magnetizable material.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to small interfering RNA (siRNA) polynucleotides are provided as pertains to modulation of biological signal transduction. Shown are siRNA polynucleotides that interfere with expression of TCPTP, a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) class of enzymes that mediate signal transduction. In certain preferred embodiments siRNA modulate signal transduction pathways comprising human or murine TCPTP and, in certain further embodiments, insulin receptor, c-jun kinase (JNK) and/or Jak2. Modulation of TCPTP-mediated biological signal transduction has uses in diseases associated with defects in cell proliferation, cell differentiation and/or cell survival, such as metabolic disorders (including diabetes and obesity), cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious and inflammatory disorders and other conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to small interfering RNA (siRNA) polynucleotides are provided as pertains to modulation of biological signal transduction. Shown are siRNA polynucleotides that interfere with expression of members of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) class of enzymes that mediate signal transduction, and with certain MAP kinase kinases (MKK). In certain preferred embodiments siRNA modulate signal transduction pathways comprising SHP2, cdc14a/b, cdc25A/B/C, KAP, PTP-&egr;, PRL-3, CD45, dual specificity phosphatase-3 (DSP-3), MKK-4, and/or MKK-7. Modulation of PTP-mediated biological signal transduction has uses in diseases associated with defects in cell proliferation, cell differentiation and/or cell survival, such as metabolic disorders (including diabetes and obesity), cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious and inflammatory disorders and other conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to small interfering RNA (siRNA) polynucleotides are provided as pertains to modulation of biological signal transduction. Shown are siRNA polynucleotides that interfere with expression of PTP1B, a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) class of enzymes that mediate signal transduction. In certain preferred embodiments siRNA modulate signal transduction pathways comprising human or murine PTP-1B and, in certain further embodiments, insulin receptor and/or Jak2. Modulation of PTP1B-mediated biological signal transduction has uses in diseases associated with defects in cell proliferation, cell differentiation and/or cell survival, such as metabolic disorders (including diabetes and obesity), cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious and inflammatory disorders and other conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing in real-time an immediately accessible customized transaction account via the internet is disclosed. In particular, the system and method recognizes distinct access codes which are correlated to the credit profile of a person accessing an on-line application system via a computer network. During operation of the invention, a party may be driven to the on-line application system via the internet to conduct a transaction in response to an invitation to enroll in a special program. Upon entering the on-line application system, the accessing party may be unilaterally given the opportunity to apply for a special offer, which has been tailored to the accessing party's credit profile.

Abstract: A fail-safe service machine for the power steering system of automotive vehicles includes a pair of pumps each driven by electrical power from a vehicle under service, and a suction/delivery probe extending into the power steering system reservoir of the vehicle, both to remove old power steering fluid, and to simultaneously deliver new power steering fluid.

Abstract: An automotive fluid service machine for changing fluids such as automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant, includes a cabinet with a unitary integral fluid reservoir defined by a lower portion of the machine cabinet. This lower cabinet portion which integrally defines the fluid reservoir also provides a machinery deck to which the components of the machines are mounted. A cap portion of the cabinet provides a cavity for protecting the components mounted to the machinery deck and also provides a control panel for the machine in addition to providing fluid fill and drainage basins improving the convenience and safety of use for the machine. The safety of a service area is improved by the machine because a very low center of gravity for the machine reduces the risk of tipping of a machine and of spilling fluids. Thus, environmental concerns from such spills as well as the risk of personnel slips and falls on spilled fluids are reduced.

Abstract: A fail-safe transmission service machine allows old ATF to be pumped out of a transmission while the vehicle engine runs, and responsively pumps a matching volume of new ATF into the transmission so that dry running of the transmission can not occur. If the supply of new ATF runs out or if power to the service machine is interrupted, the machine reverts to closed loop fluid circulation for the transmission. A hydraulic rectifier provides for universal connection of hoses between the transmission cooler fluid circulation loop of the vehicle and the service machine. An alternative embodiment of the machine allows for similarly fail-safe exchange of power steering fluid from a vehicle, and replacement of the old fluid with new power steering fluid.