Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting SARS-CoV-2 analytes in dried samples, as for example, dried blood spots. For example, disclosed is a method for measuring an analyte of interest in a dried sample comprising: (a) obtaining a dried sample from a subject; (b) extracting the analyte of interest from the dried sample; and (c) detecting the analyte of interest extracted from the dried sample. In certain embodiments, the analyte of interest is an analyte specific to SARS-CoV-2. Also, the method may include a step of determining a cutoff index (COI) indicative of whether the subject has a detectable amount of the analyte of interest and so is defined as positive, or does not contain a detected amount of the analyte of interest and so is defined as negative, or is defined as indeterminate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and 2D-LC-MS/MS) for the analysis of ascorbic acid in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention provides for a topical o/w emulsion having moisturizing, and protecting, repairing or restoring the skin lipid barrier of the lips of a mammal, and is a topical oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising: (a) a discontinuous oil phase; (b) a continuous aqueous phase comprising water and glycerin, wherein glycerin is present in an amount greater than about 12% w/w; (c) a thickening agent; and (d) at least one lamellar membrane structure; and wherein the composition is a lip protectant composition.

Abstract: A device for implanting an expandable heart valve prosthesis at a valve annulus in a patient's heart includes an implantation device configured to extend from a first opening in the patient's body, through the patient's aorta, through a valve annulus, through an opening in a ventricle, and to exit through the patient's thoracic region. The device further includes a port having a hemostasis valve for providing access through the patient's thoracic region and into the ventricle and at least two interchangeable modules configured for delivery using the implantation device.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided comprising: a) a cross-linked organopolysiloxane elastomer; b) a shine agent having the formula R—X—R? wherein R and R? are C6-C10 alkyl groups and X is an oxygen atom or a carbonate group.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided comprising: (a) metal oxide particles; and (b) cross-linked, non-emulsifying organopolysiloxane elastomer, wherein organo-functionalised silicone fibrils are bonded to and extend away from the surface of the metal oxide particles.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided comprising (a) metal oxide particles; and (b) greater than 1.7% by weight of the cosmetic composition of cross-linked organopolysiloxane elastomer, wherein organo-functionalised silicone fibrils are bonded to and extend away from the surface of the metal oxide particles.

Abstract: Processes for reducing the appearance of ashiness or pastiness on skin by applying thereto a cosmetic composition comprising transparent iron oxide particles, iron-containing titanium dioxide particles, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. These processes are useful to provide coverage of skin imperfections and/or skin tonal variations and/or skin discoloration surrounding the eyes on different types of skin, while, at the same time, retaining a natural skin appearance.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition providing a high coverage of skin while retaining a natural skin appearance comprising iron oxide particles having an average primary particle size of less than or equal to 100 nm, iron-containing titanium dioxide particles having an average primary particle size of at least 105 nm and comprising from 1% to 15% iron by weight of the titanium dioxide, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier and its use as a foundation and/or as a composition to correct skin discoloration surrounding the eye.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for enhancing persistence of a message are disclosed. Embodiments include hardware and/or software for storing of a message in an inbound queue, copying the message to a working queue prior to removing the message from the inbound queue, processing the message base upon the copy in the working queue, and storing a committed reply for the message in an outbound queue. Embodiments may also include a queue manager to persist the message and the committed reply after receipt of the message, to close or substantially close gaps in persistence. Several embodiments include a dispatcher that browses the inbound queue to listen for receipt of messages to process, copy the message to the working queue, and assign the message to a thread to perform processing associated with the message. Further embodiments include persistence functionality in middleware, alleviating the burden of persisting messages from applications like upperware.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control electro-mechanical brakes are disclosed. A disclosed example method of controlling a brake actuator comprises receiving a value representative of a velocity of a piston associated with the brake actuator relative to a pressure plate mounted on a wheel, and determining a control input for the brake actuator based on the velocity value.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure supplied to a head tooling hydraulic positioning valve and a controller for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine. A pressure-reducing valve and electrical controller are used to regulate the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine. The invention reduces pressure during all time intervals except during a “parison formation” interval of the cycle. The invention is also a process for regulating the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine and for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present disclosure provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an mGluR7 gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: A high frequency signal transmission apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting received signals from a signal source as a modulated signal on a high frequency 900 MHz carrier to a remote receiver. The remote receiver converts the high frequency carrier in at least one conversion step to a lower frequency carrier signal. The lower frequency carrier signal carrying the modulated signal is then converted to an audio output or to another carrier signal and retransmitted as a modulated second signal to another remote receiver capable of demodulating the signal and broadcasting the audio sounds or video images. The oscillators in the transmitter and receiver are selectable to operate at discrete frequencies. Automatic fine tuning control is provided in the receiver to accommodate drift of the oscillator in the receiver.

Abstract: I, Russell Leslie Phillips, together with Virginia Lindsley Frohlick, created the +Jhesus+Maria+Ring, to replace the one that was taken from Saint Jeanne D'Arc in the year 1431. We manufactured it, using present day lettering and medieval crosses; to combine the past and the future. We did it to give Saint Jeanne D'Arc a better ring than she originally had, because she was exposed to beautifull pieces of ‘heavenly’ jewellery, that Saints Michael Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margharita of Antioch, wore upon their heads, when they appeared to her.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in cGMP phosphodiesterase genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in sulfotransferase genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in the LXRB gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease, such as diabetes. The present invention is also directed to identifying agents that modulate LXRB gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions, including diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an n-CL4 cysteine protease gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.