Abstract: A system and method for obtaining information about the work activities of an employee includes providing a site accessible to the employee over a network, creating a profile of the work activities of the employee at the site, and calculating a value for the profile of the work activities of the employee or analyzing the work activities in the profile. Analyses may be performed and a report may be generated based on the work activities of the employee in the profile and the calculated value for the profile. The system may be implemented over the network with a server and a computer.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide novel compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents that can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or in other cases have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used, among other things, to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as for example inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein represent biological response modifiers that alter the interaction between the body's cellular immune defenses and cancer cells to boost, direct, or restore the body's ability to fight the cancer when given with tumor vaccines.

Abstract: A particle includes a complex between a bioactive agent and a complexing agent, provided that the bioactive agent is other than a polynucleotide and an oligonucleotide, and wherein the particle has a bioactive function. The particle has a diameter from about 5 nm to about 100 microns. In certain embodiments, the bioactive agent is a member selected from the group consisting of a growth factor, a hormone, a peptide, a protein, and polysaccharide. In certain embodiments, the complexing agent is a member selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans, complex carbohydrates, polyacids, modifications and derivatives thereof. Also provided is a method of making the particle. Further provided is a method of administering the particle, including providing the particle, which is adapted to gradually release the bioactive agent; and thereby administering the particle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of immobilizing a viral vector to an implantable medical device, for example a vascular stent. Specifically, a composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided which includes: a gene transfer vector, a surface and a modified protein, wherein the gene transfer vector is bound to the modified protein and the modified protein is covalently bound to the surface and wherein the composition is adapted to deliver the gene transfer vector to a mammalian cell. The viral vector is preferably an adenoviral vector and the modified protein is preferably CAR D1.

Abstract: An automation framework for automation of modular scripts based on a method for automating a script step in a modular script is provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a software environment for automation; performing one or more user actions on a software product executing on a computer system, the actions being representative of the script step that is to be automated, while the computer system records the user actions such that the modularity of the modular script is retained and the script step is automated; and providing user input to the computer system indicating that all the user actions have been performed. The modular script may be a modular test script prescribing test script steps that test a software product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for trading financial or commodity assets are presented. In particular, the invention relates to a trading system and method that operates with third party data and a Third Party Inside Market to promote fair and orderly transactions. In some embodiments, a client order or client bid/offer is protected by automated order protection (AOP), which may be a set of rules or specifications that can modify a client's order. In certain embodiments, an average weighted price function is used to protect a client order that might be larger than the best bid/offer. In other embodiments, an autofill, a tie-breaking, and a wait-for-follow process can be used to promote trading opportunities for dealers and/or clients.

Abstract: A water-soluble photo-activatable polymer including: a photo-activatable group adapted to be activated by an irradiation source and to form a covalent bond between the water-soluble photo-activatable polymer and a matrix having at least one carbon; a reactive group adapted to covalently react with a biomaterial for subsequent delivery of the biomaterial to a cell; a hydrophilic group; and a polymer precursor. A composition including a monomolecular layer of the water-soluble photo-activatable polymer and a matrix having at least one carbon, wherein the monomolecular layer is covalently attached to the matrix by a covalent bond between the photo-activatable group and the at least one carbon. The composition further includes a biomaterial having a plurality of active groups, wherein the biomaterial is covalently attached to the monomolecular layer by covalent bonding between the active groups and reactive groups. Also provided is a method for delivery of a biomaterial to a cell.

Abstract: A degradation resistant polyurethane and methods of making and using thereof wherein the degradation resistant polyurethane has a modified hard segment which includes a urethane nitrogen and an antioxidant substituent pendant from the urethane nitrogen.

Abstract: A particle including a matrix-forming agent and a polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct wherein the polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct is in physical communication with the matrix-forming agent. The particle further includes a coated magnetic field-responsive agent and a biomaterial. Methods of making the particle are provided. Also provided are methods of delivery of the biomaterial to a target cell or a target tissue including administering the particle having the matrix-forming agent, polyelectrolyte-amphiphilic agent adduct, the coated magnetic field-responsive agent and the biomaterial; providing a magnetic device associated with the target cell or the target tissue; applying a magnetic force to the particle; and guiding the particle toward the magnetic device by the magnetic force.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for modularizing testing of a software product. The method comprises receiving user input indicating a source and a destination of test content; and linking modification of the test content at the destination to modification of the test content at the source. In further related embodiments, receiving the user input may comprise receiving input of a copy/paste gesture for the test content, or a drag/drop gesture for the test content. The linking may comprise using a globally unique identifier to identify each test step of a test document; and using the globally unique identifier as a pointer from the destination to the source of the test content. The method may also comprise rendering the test content to the user as if the test content was in-line at the destination.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for coating medical devices with pharmaceutical agents and devices coated with the compositions. The coated devices provide controlled or sustained release of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of wounds or disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable biodegradable bioprostheses and methods for making and using the bioprostheses. The implantable biodegradable bioprosthesis includes biomolecules having a reactive moiety and optionally a reactive group; and a biodegradable cross-linking moiety having (a) at least two linking moieties, wherein the at least two linking moieties are non-biodegradable and (b) a spacer, wherein the spacer is biodegradable and is in communication with the at least two linking moieties, provided that the biodegradable cross-linking moiety is artificial and is covalently bound to the reactive moiety. The implantable bioprosthesis is adapted to sufficiently degrade upon exposure to a cell or an enzyme to permit an expansion of the implantable bioprosthesis.

Abstract: A modified polyurethane including a lipid substituent pendant from at least one urethane nitrogen and/or at least one carbon atom of the modified polyurethane, methods of preparing modified polyurethanes and the use thereof as an implantable biomaterial.

Abstract: Described is a method and system a unified mechanism for storing device, application, and service state, as well as a rich notification brokerage architecture. Clients register with a notification broker to receive notifications for changes to state properties. When a registered state property changes, a notification broker determines which clients to notify of the state change and provides the client with a notification regarding the change. Clients may be notified whenever a state changes, when a state change meets a predetermined condition, or based on a schedule. An application may also be launched in response to a state change. An application programming interface (API) is provided that provides a unified way of accessing state change information across different components within the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for enhancing the efficiency of delivery of a nucleic acid to a cell. Preferably the cell is a mammalian cell. The method comprises providing to a cell an agent capable of enhancing the cytoskeletal permissiveness of the cell for transfection. The method also comprises providing to the cell a nucleic acid delivery system for the transfection of the cell, whereby the efficiency of delivery of a nucleic acid to the cell is enhanced.

Abstract: A self-contained and ventilated temporary shelter includes a first module, a second module and an air purification system. The first module defines a first temporary living space. The second module defines a second temporary living space. The air purification system is in fluid communication with the first temporary living space and provides a source of filtered air to the first temporary living space. The second module is in fluid communication with the first module such that the source of filtered air passes from the first temporary living space to the second temporary living space. The air purification system generates a positive airflow through the first and second temporary living spaces.

Abstract: A method for providing loans to high-risk consumers at a rate which is within statutory limits while providing a net return to lenders which justifies the loan. In one form, the consumer enters into a purchase and sale agreement with the lender in which the lender purchases goods from the consumer so as to obtain title and then re-sells the goods to the consumer on an installment contract. The lender may purchase the goods at a percentage of wholesale value of the goods and re-sell the goods at a percentage of retail value. The consumer receives cash from the sale and re-purchases the goods over time thereby resolving the consumer's short-term cash flow issue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED-illuminated lamp assembly which includes a lens that is capable of directing light from the LEDs both horizontally and vertically. The taillight mode is also directed slightly upward so as to comply with applicable lighting regulations. The lamp assembly also includes a current regulating assembly which is mounted within the housing and attached to a power source for providing current to LEDs positioned within the housing. The LEDs are mounted on an LED board assembly. The current regulating assembly is capable of maintaining steady current through the LEDs independent of the power source voltage so as to prevent an overheating of the LEDs at higher than normal voltages and to provide constant, non-flickering light output with varying input voltages.

Abstract: An improved lighted magnifier device is provided which consists of a housing and a mechanism within the housing, for producing a light source, so that light from the light source producing mechanism can be transmitted out from the housing. Another mechanism is adjustably mounted to the housing, for enlarging an image of an object being illuminated by the light from the light source producing mechanism.