Abstract: Novel metal hydroxide derivatives which chemically combine positively charged metal hydroxide layers with negatively charged phosphorus-containing species, which can be either anionic organophosphorus materials or phosphorus-containing polymeric anions, are described. The metal hydroxide derivatives are useful flame retardants through their ability to be completely dispersed and their formation of a crust or char to prevent flame propagation.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the analysis of performance data includes an analysis system automatically analyzing a plurality of performance data sets, a task engine, and a score engine. The task engine allows for the matching of each performance data set with an assigned task for each performance data set and the retrieval of a correct key sequence for each performance data set. The score engine compares the correct key sequence with a recorded key sequence of the performance data set to determine if the assigned task is successfully accomplished. The score engine further calculates one or more response times for each performance data set. The automated analysis of performance data allows for a cost savings, more efficient use of time, and more reliable and consistent performance data analysis results.

Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells possess the inherent capacity to kill various tumor and virally infected cells. A large family of NK cell receptors belongs to the C-type lectin super-family. Genes in the NK gene complex encode type II receptors and examples include the families of NKR-P1, Ly-49, and NKG2 receptors. Examples of other C-type lectin-like receptors that occur as individual genes are CD94, CD69 and AICL. The invention includes a cDNA that encodes a predicted protein of 191 amino acid residues having similarity to the carbohydrate recognition domain of C-type lectins. The predicted protein of LLT1 shows 59 and 56% similarity to AICL and CD69, respectively. A monoclonal antibody (L9.7) against LLT1 receptor was generated. Binding of mAb L9.7 to surface LLT1 induced interferon gamma production in YT, a human NK cell line, as well as in resting and IL-2 activated NK cells, without modulating cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulation, its method of preparation, and its use. The pharmaceutical formulation contains peroxidic species or reaction products resulting from oxidation of an alkene, such as geraniol, by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent, such as ozone; a penetrating solvent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide; a dye containing a chelated metal, such as hematoporphyrin; and an aromatic redox compound, such as benzoquinone. The pharmaceutical formulation is used to treat horses infected with Sarcocystis protozoal infections.

Abstract: The present invention concerns application of a unique conductive electrode geometry used to form an efficient wideband, one- or two-way wireless data link between autonomous systems separated by some distance along a bore hole drill string. One objective is the establishment of an efficient, high bandwidth communication link between such separated systems, using a unique electrode configuration that also aids in maintaining a physically robust drill string. Insulated or floating electrodes of various selected geometries provide a means for sustaining or maintaining a modulated electric potential adapted for injecting modulated electrical current into the surrounding sub-surface medium. Such modulated current conveys information to the systems located along the drill string by establishing a potential across a receiving insulated or floating electrode.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining a condition of a communication line, such as the absence of a filter device on a digital subscriber line (DSL). A first signal characterized by a high upstream power is activated over the line, and a first set of parameters associated with the communication line is obtained. A second signal characterized by a low upstream power is activated, and a second set of parameters associated with the communication line is obtained. Comparison of first and second sets of parameters is indicative of a condition of the connection and presences or absence of a DSL filter on the communication line.

Abstract: Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.

Abstract: An associative, or content-addressable, memory device and method based on waves is described. In this invention, arbitrary inputs are written as patterns which are interpreted as values of complex waves, discretized or analog, on one or more buffers. Information is transported via wave propagation from the buffers to a cortex or to multiple cortices, where the patterns are associated using a mathematical operation for storage purposes or de-associated through the corresponding inverse operation for retrieval purposes. The present associative memory is shown to emulate important behavioral properties of the human brain, including higher-brain functions such as learning from experience, forming generalizations or abstractions, and autonomous operation.

Abstract: A method, software and system of developing personalities for interactive and/or automated call center applications are provided. According to teachings of the present invention, sample population questionnaires and interviews may be used to identify key personality traits. The impact of the identified key personality traits are then empirically determined. Based on the empirical determination of the key personality traits' impact on customer satisfaction, a plurality of personality profiles may be generated for evaluation. A plurality of application types and voice talents may then be employed to evaluate the impact of each personality profile on customer satisfaction, for different user populations and different types of automated systems. The personality traits for each automated system are preferably rated and reviewed to ensure a system accurately represents the identified key personality traits.

Abstract: One aspect of the current invention is a halogen containing epoxy composition and a method of producing the same. A functional halogen group, fluorine in one case, is incorporated into an epoxy coating by using a functionalized amine curing agent in small amounts. Functionalized amine curing agents are cheaper and easier to produce from small amine precursors when compared to the cost and complexity of functionalizing bulky epoxy resins. Amine curing agents are incorporated into a cured epoxy network. However, many functional groups will affect the reactivity of the curing reaction due to electronegativity effects. By using small amounts of functionalized amines with a large amount of non-functionalized agent, the effect is small and in the case of migration, it can be advantageous for tribological, mechanical and other properties of epoxies and epoxy-containing materials.

Abstract: A method and system for error prevention and recovery of voice activated navigation through a menu having plural nodes provides situation dependent utterance verification by relating confirmation to utterance determination confidence levels. In one embodiment, a high confidence level results in implicit confirmation, a medium confidence level results in explicit confirmation and a low confidence level results in a concise interrogative prompt of a single word that requests the user to repeat the utterance. In situations where voice recognition is difficult, dual modality with DTMF navigation is provided as an option for menu selections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for building, defining, and storing features in an application neutral format comprising building a feature based on a feature class, wherein the feature class comprises feature geometry, feature constraints, and feature dimensions, defining the built feature as a geometric representation of an individual feature type, and storing the representation in a binary file format.

Abstract: A radio-frequency amplifier is provided. The radio-frequency amplifier includes a transistor having an input terminal, an output terminal, a control terminal, and a transconductance gm. A series-connected feed-through resistance Rf and feed-through capacitance Cf is connected in parallel with the input terminal and the output terminal of the transistor. A load resistance RL is connected to the output terminal. The control terminal of the transistor is biased at a fixed voltage. Part of the transistor noise follows the looped path through the feed-through resistor instead of passing on to the load, which reduces the noise figure of the amplifier. The value of gm, Rf and RL are chosen in a way to keep the input impedance of the amplifier matched to a well-defined signal source impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring ozone in the atmosphere. The apparatus utilizes a fiber optic cable connected to a collimating lens located outdoors and a spectrometer that is located indoors. A pan-and-tilt positioning unit having a pan-axis capable of tracking an azimuth angle of the Sun, and a tilt-axis capable of tracking an elevation angle of the Sun, is utilized for automatically pointing the collimating lens directly at the Sun and taking readings for column ozone determination on any given day of the year. The apparatus and method utilizes a computer that is in electrical communication with the spectrometer and the pan-and-tilt unit.

Abstract: An architecture for detecting amplifier power is provided. The architecture includes a voltage envelope detector that receives a voltage signal and generates a voltage envelope signal. A current envelope detector receives a current signal and generates a current envelope signal. A power amplifier level controller receives the greater of the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal, such as by connecting the output of the voltage envelope detector and the current envelope detector at a common point and conducting the high frequency current components to ground via a capacitor. A power amplifier level control signal is then generated based on the voltage drop across the capacitor.

Abstract: A program management structure that includes a plurality of projects, where each project is staffed with a project manager and wherein each project includes a plurality of tasks which can have multiple interdependencies and at least one position reporting up to the project manager. A plurality of organizations is also included, where each organization is provided with a plurality of departments, each of which has a department manager and at least one staffer reporting up to the department manager and filling at least part of the at least one position. Additionally, project exceptions are reported to the project manager and functional exceptions are reported to the functional manager.

Abstract: A server including a dual channel communications module operable to establish a communication session between the server and a client is provided. The server may be operable to receive a dual channel communication packet from the client. In a particular embodiment, the dual channel communication packet may include a header in a data payload. The header includes a client external IP address, and the data payload includes an encoded port command having a client internal IP address and a client data port number. A codec operable to decode the port command may also be provided. The server may also include a translation module for retrieving the client external IP address from the header. In a particular embodiment, the server is operable to establish data channel coordinates including the client external IP address, the client data port number, a server internal IP address and a server data port number.

Abstract: A rail wagon (100, 400, 500, 700) is disclosed for the deployment of a panel of track or sleeper set from the wagon to an adjacent substantially parallel track bed in a single laying operation. Each wagon comprises a crane hoist (102, 403, 504) moveable from a transit position to an operational position and at least one stabilizing member in the form of an outrigger having an arm (108) and foot portion (109) to prevent tipping of the rail wagon during track or sleeper deployment. Methods of deployment of panels of pre-formed track and sleeper sets are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that introduces rapidly spinning vortices in a fluid, including water. It incorporates a fluid system, or fluid source, with a vortex creation apparatus and a frequency generation device. The vortices prepare the fluid to have memorized electromagnetic frequency signatures of harmful materials erased, and a new, desirable signature introduced. The desirable frequency can be introduced though a number of means, such as electricity, sound waves, and magnetic fields, using such devices as power leads, speakers, transducers, and magnets. Frequencies from desirable materials can also be applied by contacting the fluid with the material, such as metallic strands of copper and silver. The desirable frequencies make the fluid an inhospitable environment for the biological contaminants, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, reducing their numbers in the fluid.

Abstract: A system for programming point of sale devices is provided. The system includes a terminal programming system that can program point of sale devices provided by different manufacturers and having different proprietary operating systems. A communications interface is connected to the terminal programming system that receives update requests from the plurality of point of sale devices, such as when the point of sale devices call in to the system or when the point of sale devices respond to a poll.