Abstract: A technique is provided for determining a loss risk assessment score for a vehicle trip. The technique includes, at a vehicle, a computing device receiving first information indicative of operation of the vehicle. The technique also includes, at the vehicle, the computing device receiving second information indicative of an environment at a particular location and time. The computing device correlates the first information and the second information to generate a data set. The technique also includes determining a score for the vehicle trip based at least in part upon the generated data set.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: An electronic method for generating group data indicative of the collective response of at least a subset of respondents to at least one portion of a time-varying stimulus the method comprising: receiving responses to the time-varying stimulus from respective ones of a plurality of respondent devices, each response including data indicative of a response of a respondent associated with the respective respondent device to the time-varying stimulus; filtering the responses to generate a filtered response data set that excludes responses outside of a timing tolerance relative to a portion of the time-varying stimulus to which the group data is intended to relate; and processing at least a subset of the filtered response data set to generate the group data.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the operation of a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator which is operable by the application of a voltage drive profile across the actuator, the controller comprising inputs for receiving data relating to one or more engine parameters and a processor for determining a voltage drive profile for controlling the actuator in dependence upon the one or more engine parameters. The voltage drive profile is arranged to comprise an activating voltage component to initiate an injection event and a deactivating voltage component to terminate the injection event, the activating and deactivating voltage components being separated by a time interval TON. The controller further receives outputs for outputting the voltage drive profile as determined by the processor to the actuator, wherein the processor is arranged to set the time interval TON greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure wave time period (TP) of a pressure wave cycle within the injector.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing or treating various diseases or conditions in a patient with an alcohol extractable fraction of Sorghum bicolor grain.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel injector including a piezoelectric actuator having a stack of piezoelectric elements, comprises applying a discharge current (IDISCHARGE) to the actuator for a discharge period so to discharge the stack from a first differential voltage level across the stack to a second, lower differential voltage level across the stack so as to initiate an injection event, and applying a charge current (ICHARGE) to the actuator for a charge period (T3 to T4?) so as to charge the stack from the second differential voltage level to a third differential voltage level so as to terminate the injection event. The method includes determining at least one engine parameter (e.g. common rail pressure) of the injection event prior to applying the charge current (ICHARGE) to the actuator and selecting the third differential voltage level in dependence on the at least one engine parameter.

Abstract: Provided are improved processes for solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis, the improvements comprising carrying out detritylation of the nascent oligonucleotide using a composition of an organic solvent, a protic solvent and a protic acid. In some embodiments, a protic solvent is present at a concentration sufficient to destroy one or more impurities that can act as capping agents during a detritylation step and which reduce the oligonucleotide yield. Exemplary protic solvents include water, alcohols, or amines. Exemplary protic acids include monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the operation of a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator which is operable by the application of a voltage drive profile across the actuator, the controller comprising inputs for receiving data relating to one or more engine parameters and a processor for determining a voltage drive profile for controlling the actuator in dependence upon the one or more engine parameters. The voltage drive profile is arranged to comprise an activating voltage component to initiate an injection event and a deactivating voltage component to terminate the injection event, the activating and deactivating voltage components being separated by a time interval TON. The controller further receives outputs for outputting the voltage drive profile as determined by the processor to the actuator, wherein the processor is arranged to set the time interval TON greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure wave time period (TP) of a pressure wave cycle within the injector.

Abstract: Methods for producing ligand arrays, e.g., peptide and nucleic acid arrays, as well as the arrays produced thereby, methods for use of the arrays and kits that include the same are provided. In one embodiment of the subject methods, a substrate having a surface displaying acetate functional groups that produce surface bound hydroxyl functional groups upon hydrolysis is first provided, where the acetate groups are then hydrolyzed to hydroxyl functional groups. In another embodiment of the subject methods, a substrate having a surface displaying alkenyl functional groups is first provided, where the alkenyl functional groups are then converted to carboxylic functional groups. The resultant substrates, optionally after an additional functionalization step, are then contacted with ligands, e.g., via deposition of each different ligand onto a different region of the surface, resulting in covalent attachment of the contacted ligands to the surface.

Abstract: A method of assembling a piezoelectric actuator arrangement comprises providing a piezoelectric element having first and second ends and arranging the piezoelectric element within a sleeve member such that the inner surface of the sleeve member defines, together with the outer surface of the piezoelectric element, a chamber for receiving a first filler material. The first filler material is injected into the chamber and a heating effect is applied to the sleeve member such that the sleeve member deforms to seal against the first filler material.

Abstract: Methods for polynucleotide synthesis using modified support materials are disclosed. The synthesis reaction typically involves concurrent oxidation and deprotection reactions. Upon synthesis of a desired polynucleotide, the completed polynucleotide may be released from the modified support materials.

Abstract: A method of assembling a piezoelectric actuator arrangement (10) comprises the steps of providing a piezoelectric element (12) having first and second ends and arranging the piezoelectric element (12) within a sleeve member (20) such that the inner surface of the sleeve member (20) defines, together with the outer surface of the piezoelectric element (12), a chamber (24) for receiving a first filler material (30). The first filler material (30) is injected into the chamber (24) and a heating effect is applied to the sleeve member (20) such that the sleeve member (20) deforms to seal against the first filler material (30).

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprising a piezoelectric element formed from a piezoelectric material, a first end of the piezoelectric element cooperating with an input piston member slidable within a bore. A surface associated with the input piston member defines, in part, a control chamber for fluid, fluid pressure within the control chamber acting on a surface associated with an output piston member. The fluid within the control chamber is substantially incompressible such that, in use, movement of the input piston member is transmitted to the output piston member, the piezoelectric element being arranged within a second chamber for fluid such that fluid pressure within the second chamber exerts a force on at least a part of the surface of the piezoelectric element which serves to oppose the load exerted on the piezoelectric element due to fluid pressure within the control chamber, thereby suppressing distortions in the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting injection events in a piezoelectric actuated fuel injector. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a piezoelectric element for actuating the injector valve; (b) applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element, thereby actuating the injector valve; and (c) monitoring at least one of the voltage or current associated with the piezoelectric element, wherein changes in voltage or current are indicative of injection events in the fuel injector.

Abstract: A piezoelectrically actuable fuel injector comprising an accumulator volume within which a piezoelectric stack is arranged, the accumulator volume being arranged to receive fuel from a source of pressurized fuel, in use. The piezoelectric stack carrying an end member which engages a surface associated with a piston member so as to apply a retracting force to the piston member upon a reduction in the axial length of the piezoelectric stack, the piston member being operable to control fuel pressure within a control chamber. A volume is defined between the end member and the surface associated with the piston member. The volume is provided with a vent arrangement to permit fuel within the volume to flow to a low pressure drain.

Abstract: A method of treatment of bacterial infections in humans or animals which comprises administering, in combination with a &bgr;-lactam antibiotic, a therapeutically effective amount of an amino acid derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof.