Abstract: The actuator comprises a barrel and a plunger received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism is operable between the plunger and the barrel. The clutch mechanism includes a driven member and a fixed member having respective castellations. The driven member carries pins which engage a three-start thread on the plunger. The castellations are urged into engagement by three annular springs. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially whilst rotating the driven member. Two-handed or one-handed operation according to a user's choice is therefore possible. The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device.

Abstract: Described herein are routes of synthesis and therapeutic uses of 1-alkyl, 2-acyl glycerol derivatives of formula I: which when administered to mammalian biological systems result in increased cellular concentrations of specific sn-2 substituted ethanolamine plasmalogens independent of the ether lipid synthesis capacity of the system. Elevating levels of the specific sn-2 substituted species in this way can cause lowering of membrane cholesterol levels and the lowering of amyloid secretion. These compounds can be used for the treatment or prevention of diseases of aging associated with increased membrane cholesterol, increased amyloid, and decreased plasmalogen levels, such as neurodegeneration (including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and age-related macular degeneration), cognitive impairment, dementia, cancer (e.g. prostate, lung, breast, ovarian, and kidney cancers), osteoporosis, bipolar disorder and vascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia).

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) for a component in a set of components within a computer system. The system starts by collecting values of at least one degradation-related parameter associated with the operation of a monitored component within the computer system. Note that the degradation-related parameter is a direct measurement of a degree of degradation of the monitored component. The system additionally collects values of at least one stress-based parameter from the computer system. Note that the stress-based parameter measures an accumulative stress in the operating environment of the set of components which can cause degradation of the set of components. The system then uses the values of the at least one degradation-related parameter and the values of the at least one stress-based parameter to predict an RUL for a component in the set of components.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: Described is a process for encrypting and compressing data for storage by computing systems. A data stream received by a computing system is separated into data chunks for storage on a storage device using a data layout format. Each data chunk is examined and if possible, compressed to produce a compressed data chunk. Whether or not the data chunk can be compressed, the data chunk is encrypted and stored on the storage device in addition to metadata that describes the data chunk. When reading the stored data chunk from the storage device, the metadata identifies the starting location of the stored data chunk and provides metadata information to the computing system for decryption and decompression processing.

Abstract: An “Eventually Consistent Sharing Model” provides various techniques for using “revision diagrams” to determine both arbitration and visibility of changes or updates to shared data (e.g., data, databases, lists, etc.) without requiring a causally consistent partial order for visibility, and without requiring change or update timestamps for arbitration. In particular, the Eventually Consistent Sharing Model provides fork-join automata based on revision diagrams to track the forking and joining of data versions, thereby tracking updates made to replicas of that data by one or more sources. “Cloud types” are used to define a structure of the shared data that enables fully automatic conflict resolution when updating the shared data.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.

Abstract: Disclosed are amino alkyl/aryl hydroxamic acid compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The disclosed compositions are useful as therapeutics for degenerative diseases in mammal.

Abstract: Fluid handling devices, systems, methods and kits are disclosed. Fluid handling devices according to the disclosure comprise: an inlet for receiving a sample; a reagent layer comprising, a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, at least one reagent storage compartment configured to hold a reagent, and a seal in communication with the at least one reagent storage compartment; and a reaction layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface comprising, a reaction area, and an outlet in communication with the reaction area, wherein the reagent layer and reaction layer are adapted and configured to permit movement of at least one of the reagent layer and the reaction layer in a plane relative to the other layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorder such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) for a component in a set of components within a computer system. The system starts by collecting values of at least one degradation-related parameter associated with the operation of a monitored component within the computer system. Note that the degradation-related parameter is a direct measurement of a degree of degradation of the monitored component. The system additionally collects values of at least one stress-based parameter from the computer system. Note that the stress-based parameter measures an accumulative stress in the operating environment of the set of components which can cause degradation of the set of components. The system then uses the values of the at least one degradation-related parameter and the values of the at least one stress-based parameter to predict an RUL for a component in the set of components.

Abstract: A system and method securely replicates a configuration database of a security appliance. Keys stored on an original configuration database of an original security appliance are organized as a novel key hierarchy. A replica or clone of the original security appliance may be constructed in accordance with a cloning technique of the invention. Construction of the cloned security appliance illustratively involves sharing of data between the appliances, as well as substantially replicating the key hierarchy on a cloned configuration database of the cloned appliance.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified photoautotrophic ethanol producing host cells. Ethanol production is controlled by an inducible promoter. Promoters utilized may be endogenous or heterologous, and genetic modification may be obtained by extrachromosomal means or chromosomal insertion.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention distributes, and effectively caches, information by inserting it into file handles that the proxy sends to clients. This information can be used to improve performance by eliminating the need for the proxy to generate additional requests to the server to establish file identity. The distributed information can also be intended to improve security, for example, by allowing the proxy to encode into the file handle a session key that expires after some amount of time.

Abstract: An alkanediol and a dialkyl carbonate are prepared in a process comprising: (a) reacting an alkylene carbonate and an alkanol feedstock in a reaction zone under transesterification conditions to obtain a product mixture of dialkyl carbonate, unconverted alkanol, the alkanediol, and unconverted alkylene carbonate; (b) separating dialkyl carbonate and unconverted alkanol from the product mixture to obtain a bottom product stream containing alkanediol and unconverted alkylene carbonate; (c) recovering the dialkyl carbonate; and (d) separating alkanediol from the bottom product stream to leave a recycle stream comprising unconverted alkylene carbonate, wherein the recycle stream comprising unconverted alkylene carbonate is split in at least two portions, and at least one portion is recycled to the reaction zone and another portion is subjected to hydrolysis to yield alkanediol and carbon dioxide.