Abstract: A system and method for funding a collective account such as a charitable account includes issuing a plurality of financial instruments, linking the financial instruments to the collective account, aggregating individual financial instrument usage, calculating a bonus or other reward based on the aggregate financial instrument usage and funding or distributing the reward to the collective account. According to the invention, members of a civic, charitable, political or other entity may generate collective rewards or other benefits which may be attributed to the designated organization.

Abstract: A method of boosting alkaline hydrolysis or erodability of a hydrolysable paint formulation, the method comprising the step of adding an organosilyl ester to a binder system of a hydrolysable paint formulation. The booster is used in paint formulations which require hydrolysis of one or more of the components of the paint in use. The organosilylesters of the invention may also independently be film forming. The organosilyl ester may be the ester of a carboxylic, sulphonic or phosphoric acid. The binder systems of the invention can be used in paint compositions, such as self-polishing antifouling paints.

Abstract: A pressure transducer is provided that has a transducer body with a rim, a diaphragm that deflects in response to pressure and a sensor bonded to the diaphragm at the rim and at a center of the diaphragm. The sensor detects deflection of the metal diaphragm. The sensor and diaphragm are made of different materials. A thermal expansion difference between the sensor and the diaphragm is accommodated by flexures in the sensor that accept relative motion in a radial direction of the metal diaphragm with little effect on a sensitivity of the silicon structure to motion in an axial direction of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.5 ng to 20 ?g desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is effective to establish a steady plasma/serum desmopressin concentration in the range of from about 0.1 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum to about 10.0 picogram desmopressin per mL plasma/serum. Articles of manufacture and methods of using the above invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of synthesizing an electronic circuit for performing a function. The method comprises programming the function using a programming language by defining one or more terms, each term comprising one or more functional constants. Game semantics are applied to interpret the programmed function. Each term is interpreted as one or more strategies defined on moves. Each of the constants of the programmed function is associated with a sub-circuit. Each move is associated with at least one input or output port of the associated sub-circuit, and a move occurrence defined by a strategy produces a change of state of an associated port. The associated sub-circuits are combined to provide a synthesized circuit for performing the function.

Abstract: Therefore the present invention relates specifically to the compounds of general formula (I), in which R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising H, —CnH2n-1, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or together form an aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms; R3 is selected from —CO—CH3, —NHOH, —OH, —OR6 in which R6 is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R4 is selected from H, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl, —CF3 or —CF2CF3, vinyl or allyl; R5, R7, R8 are hydrogen atoms; or R3 and R4, R4 and R5, or R7 and R8 together form a ring, fused to the benzene, aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms comprising from 1 to 2 heteroatoms selected independently from the group comprising N, O. and use thereof in the medical field.

Abstract: Treatment regimens for mood disorders that include administration of buprenorphine, alone or in combination with additional pharmacological agents are described. Specifically, treatment regimens that alleviate racing thoughts associated with bipolar disorder, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use therein are described. Dosing regimens, compositions, and kits including buprenorphine for treating mania associated with opioid withdrawal are also described.

Abstract: A retractable bed is disclosed which can be raised and lowered in a vertical fashion. The retractable bed includes a frame for holding a mattress; and a counterbalance system to raise and lower the bed through vertical displacement. When the bed is in the lowered configuration it will come into contact with the floor thereby permitting a person to sleep on the bed. When the bed is in the raised configuration it will be near the ceiling thereby permitting a person to pass under the bed. The counterbalance system provides a convenient way to take the bed down and to put it away.

Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a coding competition. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coding competition includes transmitting a coding problem to contestants, receiving computer code created by a contestant, determining a response of the computer code to test data, and evaluating the response of the computer code to the test data. In another embodiment, a method for evaluating a skill level of a contestant includes electronically communicating a coding problem to contestants, electronically receiving a software program in response to the coding problem from one of the contestants, evaluating the received software program, awarding points to the contestant based on the received software program, and determining a rating for the contestant for the competition based on the number of points awarded to the contestant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting solar energy and converting it to heat, mechanical work, or electricity on a small scale and utilizing one or more system components originally adapted for use in a non-solar-power-generation application are described. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid that is part of a solar energy collector. This fluid transfers heat to the working fluid of thermodynamic engine, which converts some of the heat into mechanical work or electricity. One or more system parameters are monitored and controlled to enable improved efficiency under variable environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method to enable improved analysis and use of sociological data, the method comprising identifying causal relationships between a plurality of documents, identifying a plurality of characteristics of a communication, including a modality used, actors involved, proximate events of relevance, and enabling a user to query based on available characteristics.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for constructing a three-dimensional representations of anatomical structures from a series of images of the structure include creating interpolated images between actual images and defining voxels based on pixel values of the actual and interpolated images. A three-dimensional representation of the structure may be constructed based on the voxels.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring system including at least one underwater measurement device and a transmitter for transmitting data from the measurement device to an above water station using a magnetically coupled antenna.

Abstract: A method for forming a nano/microstructure includes applying a release coating having a transition temperature to a mold, the release coating promoting adhesion thereto at temperatures below the transition temperature and release at temperatures above the transition temperature. A cast material is adhered to the release coating at a first temperature below the transition temperature and released from the mold by exposing the release coating to a second temperature greater than the transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tagging and identification device and system for tracking and monitoring sea vessels as they enter sea ports, estuaries and/or other channels. The tagging device of the present invention comprises a receiver, for receiving an underwater electromagnetic signal transmitted by an underwater beacon. An acoustic transmitter is provided for transmitting an identification signal to an acoustic receiver deployed nearby. The acoustic identification signal is transmitted after an electromagnetic trigger signal is received from the underwater beacon. The tagging and device may further comprise a memory device which can store data relating to position and time of the see vessel to which it is attached. The tagging and identification device of the present invention is covert, compact and is capable of extended active deployment without replenishment of batteries etc.

Abstract: A two component paint composition that, after mixing, comprises the following components in aqueous solution: a) from the first component: i) an aqueous binder, which aqueous binder comprises an oligomeric or polymeric compound the oligomeric or polymeric compound being formed from at least one monomer of the general formula I: Si(OR1)4 where each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl or —(C?(O)R4 group, and each R4 group is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and at least one monomer having the general formula II: (R2)4-mSi(OR3)m where each R2 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and wherein at least one —R2 group comprises the group —RXRZ or —RXN(RW)2 where Rx is any C1 to C10 bivalent organic bridging group, Q is selected from an Oxygen or a Sulphur radical and RZ comprises an H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and each RW is in

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for obtaining a sample of blood. An embodiment includes an apparatus (2) which integrates lancing (12), sample collection, and analysis. The presence of patients finger on the active sampling area can be sensed by monitoring the pressure applied by the finger on the device (2).

Abstract: Nanoparticles made from a select group of lipids and optionally containing a therapeutically active agent are employed in pharmaceutical compositions for delivery to targeted tissues and/or cells for the treatment or diagnosis of such diseases as cancer.