Abstract: A method of improving accessibility for the user operation of a first application on a computer includes the steps of taking one or more measurements of a current user's interaction with an application on the computer, comparing the one or more measurements with expectations derived from measurements from a first corpus of users, characterising one or more needs of the current user based upon the comparison, and modifying at least a first property of the first application responsive to the characterised need or needs.

Abstract: A controller interface (B12) between a hot water tank controller (B13) and a heat pump controller (B2) in a heating system is provided. The controller interface (B12) comprises a response module configured to receive, from the hot water tank controller (B13), a first signal indicative of a temperature. The response module provides a response signal based on the first signal and a temperature response characteristic and communicates the response signal to the heat pump controller (B2). The controller interface (B12) enables interoperability of a heat pump controller (B2) and a legacy hot water tank system and hot water tank controller (B13).

Abstract: In connection with a data distribution architecture, client-side “deduplication” techniques may be utilized for data transfers occurring among various file system nodes. In some examples, these deduplication techniques involve fingerprinting file system elements that are being shared and transferred, and dividing each file into separate units referred to as “blocks” or “chunks.” These separate units may be used for independently rebuilding a file from local and remote collections, storage locations, or sources. The deduplication techniques may be applied to data transfers to prevent unnecessary data transfers, and to reduce the amount of bandwidth, processing power, and memory used to synchronize and transfer data among the file system nodes. The described deduplication concepts may also be applied for purposes of efficient file replication, data transfers, and file system events occurring within and among networks and file system nodes.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a main body having a handle and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a plurality of gears and rotation transfer mechanisms for translating the movements of the handle into a mechanical force. A surgical tool having a tool body, an elongated shaft and an effector assembly is removably engaged to the main body of the system. The tool body houses a transfer gear assembly for engaging the drive assembly. A plurality of control wires extends from the transfer gear assembly to the effector assembly. The effector assembly includes a frame member having a pair of arms positioned along the distal end. The arms functioning to selectively open, close and move omnidirectionally based on an input of the handle.

Abstract: Generally, a blood plasma immunomodulating agent rebalancing system. In particular, a blood plasma sTNFR and cytokine rebalancing system and methods of rebalancing sTNFR and cytokines in the blood plasma of a subject during plasmapheresis.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a main body having a handle and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a plurality of gears and rotation transfer mechanisms for translating the movements of the handle into a mechanical force. A surgical tool having a tool body, an elongated shaft and an effector assembly is removably engaged to the main body of the system. The tool body houses a transfer gear assembly for engaging the drive assembly. A plurality of control wires extends from the transfer gear assembly to the effector assembly. The effector assembly includes a frame member having a pair of arms positioned along the distal end. The arms functioning to selectively open, close and move omnidirectionally based on an input of the handle.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: This invention relates to sealing HVAC ductwork along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: This invention relates to sealing HVAC ductwork along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: Methods of NAD-dependent of at least one lysine residue in an acetylated protein are disclosed. The methods include combining the acetylated protein with an isolated Sir2 protein or fragment that includes a core domain of the Sir2 protein. The Sir2 protein or fragment of the Sir2 protein can include a human Sir2 protein or a fragment of a human Sir2 protein.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents which alter the NAD-dependent deacetylation activity of a Sir2 protein or a fragment of a Sir2 protein are disclosed. The acetylated protein can be a nuclear protein, such as a histone protein, or a cytoplasmic protein. The Sir2 protein employed in the methods can include at least a core domain of a Sir2 protein, such as a human Sir2 protein.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.

Abstract: Collecting and distributing information related to recent content publication activity of an instant messaging (IM) user provides other users in a network with timely, relevant information about people known to the user or within the same social network. A user participating in a social network can quickly and efficiently perceive new information related to other users (referred to as co-users) in a social network by reviewing the co-users' recent content publication activity. A user may be made able to do so without requiring the co-user to send a communication directly to the user regarding the new facts or new content, and also without requiring the user to actively browse or request information about the co-user.