Abstract: Computational methods for systematically characterizing putative protein isoforms as apparent targets of nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) comprise: (a) identifying a dataset of target putative protein isoform sequences for characterization; (b) identifying from an mRNA dataset corresponding mRNA sequences representing transcripts encoding the protein isoforms; (c) determining corresponding gene intron-exon structures by mapping the mRNA sequences to corresponding genomic sequences; and (d) determining if the transcripts are apparent targets of NMD. Methods for regulating the expression of a gene encoding a protein isoform characterized as an apparent target of NMD comprise biasing expression of the isoform by modulating transcript splicing or modulating NMD activity.

Abstract: Computational methods identify alternate splice forms of known gene transcripts and isoforms that are subject to NMD (nonsense-mediated decay). These methods were used to identify thousands of human genes that generate alternative splice forms, and to demonstrate that about a third of these are subject to NMD. This high prevalence of NMD-targeted transcripts indicates a systemic way of regulating gene expression—by shunting gene expression to nonproductive splice variants. This endemic regulation is exploited to engineer regulation of gene expression, to characterize splice pathway components and to assay splice environments, for example, using NMD-regulated reporter genes.

Abstract: A split ring face seal made from self lubricating graphite material. The seal has applications to in board boat drive lines. The split ring seal allows for a method to effectively manufacture and ultimately to re-manufacture the face seal. The seal includes centering bearing surfaces that allow for some elastic flexing in response to torsional stress within the drive line while limiting drive shaft wear caused by such flexing in the drive line. The split ring face seal is designed to be driven against a stationary seal face. The face seal is adaptable to virtually all types of boat drives as well as providing a practical seal in other applications.

Abstract: Computational methods identify alternate splice forms of known gene transcripts and isoforms that are subject to NMD (nonsense-mediated decay). These methods were used to identify thousands of human genes that generate alternative splice forms, and to demonstrate that about a third of these are subject to NMD. This high prevalence of NMD-targeted transcripts indicates a systemic way of regulating gene expression—by shunting gene expression to nonproductive splice variants. This endemic regulation is exploited to engineer regulation of gene expression, to characterize splice pathway components and to assay splice environments, for example, using NMD-regulated reporter genes.

Abstract: A user of a verification system registers directly at the verification system web site or by proxy at the time of engaging in an e-transaction through a vendor's web site. Upon registration, the user provides personal information in a secure environment. The verification system checks the database to cross-reference the user-provided information with the government-certified, or non-government certified data stored in the verification system databases. The verification system then creates a unique identifier and a digital identification badge. The user inputs the unique identifier into the system at the start of an e-transaction and the digital identification badge is securely transmitted from the verification system to the vendor in response to the unique identifier. The vendor decrypts the digital identification badge to confirm that the user is authorized to make a particular e-transaction.