Abstract: The invention as disclosed herein in encompasses a method for predicting the risk of metastasis of a primary cutaneous melanoma tumor, the method encompassing measuring the gene-expression levels of at least eight genes selected from a specific gene set in a sample taken from the primary cutaneous melanoma tumor; determining a gene-expression profile signature from the gene expression levels of the at least eight genes; comparing the gene-expression profile to the gene-expression profile of a predictive training set; and providing an indication as to whether the primary cutaneous melanoma tumor is a certain class of metastasis or treatment risk when the gene expression profile indicates that expression levels of at least eight genes are altered in a predictive manner as compared to the gene expression profile of the predictive training set.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed herein in encompasses a method for predicting the risk of metastasis of a primary cutaneous melanoma tumor, the method encompassing measuring the gene-expression levels of at least eight genes selected from a specific gene set in a sample taken from the primary cutaneous melanoma tumor; determining a gene-expression profile signature from the gene expression levels of the at least eight genes; comparing the gene-expression profile to the gene-expression profile of a predictive training set; and providing an indication as to whether the primary cutaneous melanoma tumor is a certain class of metastasis or treatment risk when the gene expression profile indicates that expression levels of at least eight genes are altered in a predictive manner as compared to the gene expression profile of the predictive training set.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning substrates is provided. The device comprises a cleaning brush having an outer cleaning surface surrounding a hollow bore and positioned around a first central axis al defining a first rotational direction ?; and a plurality of cantilevered nodules formed on the outer cleaning surface, each nodule having a mounting portion connected with the outer cleaning surface, a cleaning portion connected with the mounting portion, and a contact member for engaging the substrate. The cleaning portion extends in a first direction D1 from the mounting portion to the contact member, wherein a radial direction Dr is defined as extending radially from the central axis a1 towards the outer cleaning surface and normal to the rotational direction ?, and wherein the first direction D1 intersects with the radial direction Dr at an angle ?. Angle ? is greater than 0° and less than 180°.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning substrates is provided. The cleaning device includes a generally cylindrically-shaped brush mandrel and a cylindrical brush. The brush mandrel has a body section with an outer surface positioned about a central axis. The outer surface is interrupted by an engagement member having primary features adjacent secondary features. The brush has a hollow bore formed around the brush mandrel with an inner surface interrupted by a second engagement member which mates the first engagement member. The primary features flow in a direction generally perpendicular to a rotational direction of the brush mandrel around the central axis and include a first surface which is generally perpendicular to the outer surface. The secondary features include a second surface which flows in a direction generally perpendicular to the first surface and along the central axis. No primary feature includes a radially obstructing feature formed over any secondary feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for converting microbial lipids from an oleaginous microbial biomass into fatty acid alcohol esters, without prior extraction of the lipids from the biomass. The present invention also relates to fatty acid alcohol esters produced by the methods described herein. The fatty acid alcohol esters produced by the methods described herein may be useful as biodiesel, or a component thereof. In embodiments, the converting of microbial lipids to fatty acid alcohol esters may be accomplished by contacting an acid catalyst, an alcohol and an oleaginous microbial biomass containing microbial lipids under sufficient conditions and for a sufficient period of time for in situ transesterification reaction of at least some microbial lipids to their corresponding fatty acid alcohol ester.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for aminoarylating cellulosic materials such as cotton and reconstituted fibres and a process for treating the aminoarylated cellulose with an effect chemical such as a dye, flame retardant or cross linking agent. Improved take up of the effect chemical by the modified cellulose means increased efficiency in the process and in the case of dyeing, avoids or reduces the washing off of hydrolysed dye and the resultant production of large volumes of contaminated water requiring to be treated. The cellulosic material may be present in a blend with other types of fibre for example a blend with poly(alkyleneterephthalates) or polyamides.

Abstract: A water-permeable protective material is provided which comprises a composition of one or more quaternary amines in combination with polyvinyl alcohol or precursor thereof. The amine may be either a polymeric or non-polymeric quaternary amine, a preferred example being poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [p(DADMAC)]. The composition, if liquid, may be deposited as a layer on a substrate to be protected or a protective article may be formed by extrusion or moulding from a dry composition. The substrate may be a fabric material, particularly an item of clothing. Protection is provided against harmful or noxious agents such as chemical and biological warfare agents, organic materials, aerosols and other harmful liquid and gaseous substances.

Abstract: The invention provides use of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene for protection against harmful and/or noxious agents. The invention further provides a laminate suitable for providing protection against harmful and/or noxious agents, the laminate comprising a layer of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a local area warning system that is designed to alert the public of severe weather and technological alerts. The apparatus consists of red, amber, and blue warning lights and audio speakers that warn the public of the severe conditions. The speakers can be employed to produce a loud siren and/or coherent broadcasts describing the severe condition. An antenna on the apparatus captures the radio frequency broadcast signal from NWR. A receiver connected to the antenna decodes and presents the audio and visual messages of weather and technological conditions to the public through the warning lights and the speakers. The county code or the geographical location is entered into the receiver such that only severe alerts that correspond to the area of the device will be presented. All of these components are connected to a support structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: A system for transacting business with customers is disclosed. The system includes a dispatch division receiving a complaint from a customer related to a problem the customer is experiencing. The dispatch division then deploys a technician to repair the problem. While the technician is conducting the repair, the system permits the technician to interact with the customer and negotiate and close deals for additional or modified products, services or features that the customer may want. The system also includes provisions for allowing the technician to retrieve information related to the customer and includes features that automatically notify various appropriate business offices for follow-up with the customer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing data in association with an operation performed by a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting data related to at least one piece of existing telecommunications equipment being used in connection with the special service at the customer service location; communicating at least one alternative candidate for the existing telecommunications equipment through at least one graphical user interface to the technician at the customer service location; and, generating change data including at least one new candidate selected from a group of the alternative candidates for replacement of the existing telecommunications equipment at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an assembly for bulk transport. An inflatable bladder is inserted into a container and disposed proximal and above a gravity-fed aperture. The container may be, for instance, a hopper rail car. A bulk material then is introduced into the container, the bulk material being, for instance, a grain-based material such as corn gluten feed. The bladder is positioned and preferably secured laterally with respect to the aperture to impede access to the aperture by the bulk material. When the container has reached the transport destination, the bladder is deflated. If the bulk material has set up during transport, access to the aperture nonetheless will have been maintained.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: A mobile gateway interface that enables a supervisor to conduct typical office transactions via a remote device while the supervisor is away from the office. The remote device can be one of several items, including, for example, wireless telephones, interactive pagers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers with wireless modem, and the like. The supervisor uses the remote device to log into the mobile gateway interface. After the authentication process, the supervisor makes a transaction request through the remote device. A transaction server, which is part of the mobile gateway interface, interacts with one or more resources to process or execute the transaction request. The resources can include an intranet, the Internet, and various legacy systems. Preferably, the mobile gateway interface includes one or both voice and front-end data servers that facilitate the authentication process and execution of the transaction request.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement, analysis, and optimization of content delivery over a communications network is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus detects data packets en route over a communications network. The detected data packets are read by the apparatus, combined into application messages, and further combined into user centric events. The events are analyzed to identify metrics and statistics relating to the delivery of content over a communications network and the experience of the end user. The metrics and statistics are saved in a data storage area. When the metrics exceed a configurable threshold, the apparatus provides real-time notification of content delivery problems or end user experience problems. Alternatively, the system can take action to proactively prevent anticipated content delivery problems or end user experience problems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement, analysis, and optimization of content delivery over a communications network is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus detects data packets en route over a communications network. The detected data packets are read by the apparatus, combined into application messages, and further combined into user centric events. The events are analyzed to identify metrics and statistics relating to the delivery of content over a communications network and the experience of the end user. The metrics and statistics are saved in a data storage area. When the metrics exceed a configurable threshold, the apparatus provides real-time notification of content delivery problems or end user experience problems. Alternatively, the system can take action to proactively prevent anticipated content delivery problems or end user experience problems.