Abstract: This method provides a method relating to pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells, to make the cells widely accessible but provide sufficient financial incentive to the provider of the cells. The method comprises obtaining the pluripotent stem cells and making the cells widely available to the public such that profit and non-profit institutions can afford research and commercial access to the cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting data processing equipment to a communications network includes hardware for a range of different communications standards. Also included is a coupler (preferably in the form of a cable) having a particular standard communications plug which contains an identifying code associated with that particular standard plug, which code is used to configure the apparatus to that particular standard. The apparatus contains a digital signal processor controlled by control code contained in a control store having associated therewith a standard identifier code. Control logic reads the standard identifier code associated with the control code and the standard identifying code in the coupler and enables the apparatus if the two match (or disables if they do not match).