Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a plurality of planetary balls interposed between a first and second rotating elements on a shaft, an iris plate and a worm gear that tilt the planetary balls, a sun roller that includes a first sun roller that includes a first tubular section having first contact points with the planetary balls and a second tubular section having a smaller outer diameter than the first tubular section and is capable of relative rotation with respect to the shaft and a second sun roller that includes second contact points with the planetary balls and is capable of relative rotation with respect to the first sun roller on an outer peripheral surface of the second tubular section, and thrust bearings that are arranged between the first sun roller and the second sun roller and bear thrust loads transmitted from the planetary balls to the first sun roller and the second sun roller.

Abstract: A controller of a vehicle control device, at the time of shifting from a motor drive mode to an engine drive mode by starting an engine in the motor drive mode, starts the engine by slipping an engine separating clutch and igniting the engine in a state where a lockup clutch of a fluid transmission device is slipped. The fluid transmission device is interposed between an electric motor and a drive wheel. The engine separating clutch selectively couples the engine to the electric motor. Only the electric motor is a drive source in the motor drive mode. The engine is a drive source in the engine drive mode. The controller, at the time of the shifting, reduces a slip amount of the lockup clutch as a period of time from slip initiation timing of the engine separating clutch to ignition initiation timing of the engine extends.

Abstract: A hybrid module for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a combustion engine and a transmission, wherein the hybrid module operates between the combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a decoupling clutch and a freewheeling mechanism, and wherein the decoupling clutch and the freewheeling mechanism, parallel to each other, are each provided to transmit torque from the combustion engine in the direction of the transmission, the freewheeling mechanism transmits torque coming from the combustion engine in the direction of the transmission and disengages in the case of torque in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. A mode control unit switches among a first, second, third and fourth control modes in which the rotating electrical machine generates electricity with: (i) both the first and second engagement devices, (ii) both the first and second engagement devices, (iii) the first engagement device in the direct engagement state and with the second engagement device, and (iv) with the first engagement device in the slip engagement state and with the second engagement device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including a selectively shut-down engine, a torque converter and a torque converter lock-up clutch. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, restricting flow of transmission fluid out of the torque converter, and adjusting engagement of the torque converter lock-up clutch to adjust a drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active robotic gait training system and method which enables more active gait training based on remaining gait ability of patients with gait disorders by estimating the gait cycle through measurement of slope of the lower leg, operating the hip joint and the knee joint by an actuator depending on the gait cycle and operating the ankle joint by functional electric stimulation (FES). The robotic gait training system contains the femoral support unit, the hip joint support unit and the lower leg support unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective way to strengthen the muscles of the jaw. In general, a device according to the present invention is a device constructed of plastic and resistance rubber to be inserted in the mouth to strengthen the muscles of the jaw to improve the shape of the jawline and increase the strength of the muscles of mastication; wherein the device is dimensioned for placement in the mouth such that a user can repeatedly bite down on the resistance rubber to strengthen the muscles of the jaw. The device can strengthen the temporomandibular joint to reduce the risk of head injury from trauma. The device can be provided with a case to hold and store the device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided including a board and a pull-up bar integrated with a detachable barbell and dumbbell. The apparatus may be used for body weight exercise, such as pull-ups, when the mount is installed in a doorway or other suitable location. The detachable barbell and dumbbell functionality may be used for free weight exercise when detached from the mount. The mount may serve as a rack for holding the detachable barbell and dumbbell functionality when not in use for free weight exercise.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bolt action skewer clamp for a bicycle trainer includes a hollow, outer support member and an inner engagement member located inside the support member. The support member has a helical slot with a pocket at one end. The inner engagement member is attached to a handle via a carrier contained within a passage defined by the inner engagement member, and the handle can slide within the helical slot such that the inner engagement member will extend past the support member as the handle is rotated around the helical slot. Once it reaches the pocket, the handle will remain locked in place. The clamp tightens onto a rear axle of the bicycle. The spring allows the bicycle trainer to accommodate bicycles of various sizes without adjustment.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement that is configured to increase traction between a bicycle wheel and a resistance unit upon an increase in the speed of rotation of the wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement is configured to mount the resistance unit in a suspension-type manner and has an actuator that initially positions the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement tends to pivot the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel during use, to automatically bias the wheel toward the resistance unit to prevent slippage between the bicycle tire and the roller of the resistance unit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and methods to support a punching bag, or a punching bag and rebound platform, within a doorway or other architectural opening. Mounting the apparatus does not involve modifying or altering the supporting architectural structures and surfaces (e.g., with screws, brackets, adhesives, etc.). Clamps are instrumental in safely securing the apparatus and stabilizing it for high-performance use of a plurality of punching bags. Adjustment mechanisms not only facilitate the mounting of the apparatus to a plurality of doorframes and other architraves but also accommodate the height and depth preferences of a user. In addition, a folding mechanism allows the apparatus to be compacted for storage or transport.

Abstract: A resistance brace includes a pair of hinged arms having plates cooperating with one another to define a first and second pivots point separated from one another by a distance. A pair of splints having limb-attachment portions and geared ends engaged with one another and pivotably coupled with the plates at the pivot points. An adjustable compression member is coupled with the plates to compress the plates against the geared ends so as to frictionally impede movement of the splints relative to the plates. A joint harness is coupled with the hinged arms to attach the resistance brace to a joint of a body so that the hinged arms are positioned on opposing sides of the joint relative to a plane of rotation of the joint. Attachment members are coupled with the splints to attach the resistance brace to a first and second body portions extending from the joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a fitness device that includes a frame having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion that are hingedly connected, a back engaged to the vertical portion of the frame, a seat engaged to the horizontal portion of the frame, and two pairs of legs extending away from the horizontal portion of the frame for positioning the fitness device on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sealing system for sealing together at least a pair of flexible pouch material layers. The sealing station can have a first sealing bar, a second sealing bar and a drive system that is in contact with the first sealing bar. The drive system is operable to move the first sealing bar between an open position and a closed position such that the first sealing bar can apply a predefined pressure on the flexible pouch material layers when positioned or located between the sealing bars. A pressure sensor is also included and in communication with the drive system, the pressure sensor operable to detect if the drive system applies less or too much pressure than the predefined pressure on the flexible pouch material layers located between the first and second sealing bars.

Abstract: In general, the present invention comprises of a control unit with a tape applicator with operative members to selectively actuate sensors of a multiple sensor arrangement each of which is positioned to detect movement or position caused by a carton or the dispensing tape; specifically, the signal caused by the present of the carton; the movement caused by the dispensing tape as the carton being taped, and a further signal actuated based on the size (depletion) of the dispensing tape roll. The detected signals from the sensors are sent to a control unit with a multiple timing circuit or a preprogrammed micro processor with predetermined sequences and time values to generate and emit a correspond alarm signal based on the following control logics.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for producing a silicon carbide-carbon composite. A green body containing a carbonaceous material 2 having silicon nitride attached to a surface thereof is fired to obtain a silicon carbide-carbon composite 1.

Abstract: A treatment process, an oxide-forming treatment composition, and a treated component are disclosed. The treatment process includes applying an oxide-forming treatment composition to a ceramic coating and heating the oxide-forming treatment composition to form an oxide within the ceramic coating. The oxide-forming treatment composition includes a solute and a corrosion inhibitor. The oxide-forming treatment composition is super-saturated with the corrosion inhibitor. The treated component includes a ceramic coating and one or both of a corrosion inhibitor and an oxide formed by an oxide-forming treatment composition having the corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor and the oxide-forming treatment composition are within the ceramic coating.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a transparent sesquioxide sintered body by which a transparent M2O3 type sesquioxide sintered body can be manufactured. A powder including particles of an oxide of at least one rare earth element selected from Y, Sc or lanthanide elements and Zr oxide particles is prepared as a raw material powder, wherein in the particle size distribution of the rare earth element oxide particles, or in the particle size distribution of secondary particles in the case where the rare earth element oxide particles are agglomerated to form the secondary particles, the particle diameter D2.5 value at which the cumulative particle amount from the minimum particle size side is 2.5% based on the total particle amount is in the range from 180 nm to 2000 nm, inclusive. The raw material powder is press molded into a predetermined shape, followed by sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming ceramic articles that contain a high percentage of recycled alumina silicate in their composition. The fabrication process includes a fusing of the base material forming a reticulated network that is in-filled with a melted additive composition. The base material gives the article dimensional stability and strength while the additive composition gives the article water resistance and toughness In this invention, an additive powder with an engineered melting temperature is added to the recycled base material. The mixture is heated until the recycled aluminosilicate reaches the optimal fusing temperature. Heating is continued until the additive begins to melt filling the voids between the fused aluminosilicates particles. The article is then rapidly cooled to quench the fusing without cracking.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to high rate adsorbents and a method for their manufacture involving the steps of component mixing, extrusion, spheronization and calcination. The component mixing can involve both dry mixing in addition to wet mixing of an adsorbent with a binder, if required, and a fluid such as water. The paste so formed from the mixing stage is extruded to produce pellets which are optionally converted to beads by spheronization using in one embodiment, a marumerizer. The product is harvested and calcined to set any binder or binders used and/or burn out any additives or processing aids. This basic manufacturing scheme can be augmented by extra processing steps including ion exchange and activation to alter the composition of the adsorbents, as required.

Abstract: A method for recovery of impurities and/or degradation products and/or heat-stable salts from amine-based solvents used for capture of C02 from gas streams. The method comprises recovering C02 from a C02-enriched amine-based solvent thereby producing a lean amine-based solvent, contacting and mixing together the lean amine-based solvent with a reaction composition comprising a phase-change catalyst and a diluent, thereby producing a first organic phase comprising the impurities and/or degradation products and/or heat-stable salts and a first aqueous phase comprising the lean amine-based solvent, separating the first organic phase and the first aqueous phase; and separately recovering the first organic phase and the first aqueous phase. The organic phase can be regenerated by intermixing with a NaOH solution to form an organic phase comprising therein the reaction composition and and an aqueous phase comprising the NaOH solution with the impurities and/or degradation products and/or heat-stable salts.

Abstract: An absorbent structure with a sequence of two layers includes at least one liquid absorption layer, a subsequent liquid storage layer with super absorbent polymer particles and super absorbent polymer fibers, and a subsequent liquid distribution layer. The layers are connected and form a sheet structure. The liquid storage layer has its super absorbent polymer extending from the liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer in order to generate a return suction effect for the liquid that has passed through the liquid absorption layer and liquid storage layer into the liquid distribution layer.

Abstract: In order to provide a compound that shows a strong effect on controlling a plant disease, a triazole compound of the present invention (i) is a compound in which —OH group, —R2 group, and CH2—Ar group are bonded in cis configuration with a cyclopentane, (ii) is (?)-enantiomer or (+) enantiomer, and (iii) is represented by Formula (I): (wherein R1 represents an alkyl group; R2 represents a haloalkyl group; and Ar represents a substituted/unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted/unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for finding compounds which induce plant pathogen defense, the enhanced expression of individual, or a plurality of, endogenous plant genes from the group consisting of jasmonic acid biosynthesis, plant proteinase inhibitors, plant xylanase inhibitors, plant PR proteins (pathogen-related proteins) and plant chitinases being regarded as a sign that induction has taken place, and to the use of these compounds alone or in combination with known compounds which act specifically and directly against phytopathogens, it being possible to carry out the application either simultaneously or staggered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) aminopyralid, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) aminopyralid, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) triclopyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) triclopyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) fluoroxypyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) fluoroxypyr, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving grass quality comprising applying an effective amount of a composition containing a phthalocyanine to the grass in the substantial absence of phosphorous acid, monoalkyl esters of phosphorous acid, or salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted pyridine compounds of the formula I or N-oxides or agriculturally suitable salts thereof, wherein the variables in the formula I are defined as in the description. Substituted pyridines of formula I are useful as herbicides.

Abstract: A composition including an ethylene blocking agent complex formed from the product of an ethylene blocking agent and a host, and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein the ethylene blocking agent complex and the at least one water-soluble polymer are intermingled is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of aromatic esters as adjuvants in compositions, particularly for agrochemical use, as well to compositions comprising such an aromatic ester, in combination with at least one agrochemical. The invention further extends to methods of making and using such compositions. In particular the present invention relates to such compositions when formulated as, or comprised by, an emulsion concentrate (EC), an emulsion in water (EW), a suspension of particles in water (SC), a microcapsule formulation (CS), a suspension of particles with and emulsion (SE), a dispersion concentrate (DC) or an oil suspension (OD).

Abstract: An example particle accelerator includes a coil to provide a magnetic field to a cavity; a cryostat comprising a chamber for holding the coil, where the coil is arranged in the chamber to define an interior region of the coil and an exterior region of the coil; magnetic structures adjacent to the cryostat, where the magnetic structures have one or more slots at least part-way therethrough; and one or more magnetic shims in one or more corresponding slots. The one or more magnetic shims are movable to adjust a position of the coil by changing a magnetic field produced by the magnetic structures.

Abstract: Compactly-integrated electronic structures and associated systems and methods are provided. Certain embodiments relate to the ability to integrate nanowire-based detectors with optical components.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing or nucleic acid amplification. Such properties include increased stability, increased readlength, enhanced performance with large nucleotide analogs, and improved detection of modified bases, and can also include resistance to photodamage, enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased accuracy, altered speed, increased cosolvent resistance, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing or nucleic acid amplification. Such properties include enhanced performance with large nucleotide analogs, increased stability, increased readlength, and improved detection of modified bases, and can also include resistance to photodamage, enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased accuracy, altered speed, increased cosolvent resistance, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a multiplex method for analyzing samples comprising using polynucleotide amplification to produce amplified products wherein one or more target sequences are tagged with a non-interfering, non-canceling target-specific polynucleotide identification tag, pyrosequencing the amplified products through the non-canceling target-specific polynucleotide identification tag sequence to detect the presence of one or more specific polynucleotide identification tags. The presence of a specific polynucleotide identification tag being correlated with the presence of a specific target sequence.

Abstract: A method for performing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays using a microfluidic cassette capable of detecting a particle passing in substantially single file through an interrogation zone and generating a Coulter effect signal responsive to a characteristic of the particle. A fluid sample may be prepared by associating antibody-coated beads of different sizes to particles of interest. A first multiplexing option may be based on bead size, in which case the intensity of the Coulter signal is used to sort or characterize the particles. A second multiplexing option may be based on detection of Stokes' shift phenomena, or even simply emission intensity, in which case particles may be characterized responsive to intensity of the signal resulting from detection of radiation. The first and second multiplexing options may be employed together to populate an array of particle characteristics.

Abstract: The invention in one aspect provides a method for classifying cells from a human individual said method comprising: providing a sample comprising cells from said individual that are typically responsive to exposure to a type I interferon; determining a level of activity of a pathway that is modulated by type I interferon; and classifying said cells on the basis of the determined level of activity. Cells present in said sample are preferably cultured said cells in the presence of a type I interferon prior to determining a level of activity of said pathway. This is activity is preferably compared to the activity of said pathway in cells in said sample prior to said culture. Preferably the sample is from an individual that is not treated with a type I interferon prior to collecting said sample. Preferably the method is used to determine, prior to initiating treatment with a type I interferon, whether said individual is likely to be a good, a normal or a poor responder to the contemplated treatment.

Abstract: A gene expression signature of colon cancer, microarrays including them and methods of using the colon gene expression signature are provided. The gene expression signature is especially useful for determining the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with colon cancer, such as stage II colon cancer. The gene signature described herein is also useful for determining effectiveness of surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, and determining possibility of cancer recurrence in patients with colon cancer.

Abstract: Biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer are provided. The biomarkers are promoter sequences have altered methylation patterns relative to normal prostate tissue. Altered expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and proteins that interact with DNMT result in increased methylation at a subset of prostate tumor hypermethylation sites.

Abstract: A set of biomarkers have been identified that allows one to predict subjects who will respond to an exercise regime in term of cardiorespiratory fitness as assessed by maximal oxygen uptake. These predictions may be used, for example, to predict risk of cardiovascular disease, to design a more effective program for cardiac rehabilitation, to predict capacity for athletic performance or physically demanding occupation, and to predict ability to maintain functional capacity with aging using exercise.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that affect pcdh18 mediated inhibition of T cell effector function are described herein. Pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions comprising agents or compounds that modulate pcdh18 mediated inhibition of T cell effector function are also encompassed. Methods for modulating pcdh18 mediated inhibition of T cell effector function using agents identified using assays described herein in pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions are also envisioned. Adenocarcinoma is an exemplary tumor type that expresses pcdh18 and for which such pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions would confer benefit to patients. Also encompassed are methods for reducing pcdh18 mediated inhibition of T cell effector function so as to achieve more effective T cell responses to pcdh18 expressing tumors.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the use of lipoplex nanoparticle chips and arrays in the detection of/diagnosis of a disease or condition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to stromal antigen 2 (STAG2) and its role in diverse human cancers, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, vectors, cells and cell lines.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is the ribonuclease which cleaves RNA strand in DNA-RNA hybrids, wherein ribonuclease comprises fusion protein comprising catalytic domain of RNase HI (RNase HI) or derivative thereof with a zinc finger DNA-RNA hybrid binding domain, and wherein the zinc finger binding domain has the ability to bind to specific sequences in the DNA-RNA hybrid. The invention also relates to new methods for determination of the sequence preference of DNA-RNA hybrid binding protein(s) or its domain(s) and allows determining the sequence recognized by sequence specific binding protein in the DNA-RNA hybrid.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments, generally relates to methods of determining a treatment protocol for and/or a prognosis of a patient's recovery from a brain injury resulting from a hypoxic event. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining a measure of the concentration of beta-amyloid peptide in a patient sample containing or suspected of containing beta-amyloid peptide.

Abstract: Objective methods for detecting or diagnosing cancer, or determining a predisposition for developing cancer, particularly lung cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer and soft tissue tumor, are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining an expression level of the SUV39H2 gene. The present invention further provides methods of screening for candidate substances useful in the treatment and/or prevention of an SUV39H2-associated cancer, such as lung cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer and soft tissue tumor. The present invention further provides methods of inhibiting the cell growth and thereby treating or alleviating symptoms of an SUV39H2 associated cancer.

Abstract: Engineered cardiac tissues are provided herein. The tissues include cardiomyocyte cells derived from a pluripotent cell, fibroblast cells and extracellular matrix components. Methods of using the tissues described herein are also provided.