Abstract: A membrane for implantation in soft tissue comprising a first domain that supports tissue ingrowth, disrupts contractile forces typically found in a foreign body response, encourages vascularity, and interferes with barrier cell layer formation, and a second domain that is resistant to cellular attachment, is impermeable to cells and cell processes, and allows the passage of analytes. The membrane allows for long-term analyte transport in vivo and is suitable for use as a biointerface for implantable analyte sensors, cell transplantation devices, drug delivery devices, and/or electrical signal delivering or measuring devices. The membrane architecture, including cavity size, depth, and interconnectivity, provide long-term robust functionality of the membrane in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric-driven vehicle, which comprises a supporting platform and an upright tube, wherein the supporting platform has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first and second ends, the upright tube is fitted at the first end of the supporting platform and operatively connected with the supporting platform, a handle frame is provided on a top end of the upright tube. The electric-driven vehicle further includes two driving wheels operatively mounted at opposite sides of the first end of the supporting platform, at least one steering wheel operatively mounted on a bottom of the second end of the supporting platform, a driving means for the driving wheels, and a power supply means mounted on the bottom of the supporting platform and electrically connected with the driving means.

Abstract: A service configured to be accessible by two or more parties to a two-sided funds transfer transaction through a computer network (e.g., the Internet) provides functionality for sending a payment request to a target payer or payee who is not yet registered with the service. Depending upon who is initiating the transaction (i.e., a payer or a payee) the payment requests may be received as requests to send payments or requests to collect payments. In the latter case, the service may be further organized to solicit a payment, for example by transmitting an e-mail message to a second party to the funds transfer transaction. When used to collect payments, the service may be further organized to process one or more responses to the above-mentioned solicitations.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a display and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predetermined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. During the playing of a first game, symbols related to the at first game are displayed on the display. When a trigger condition occurs, a feature game is commenced in which an arrangement of at least some of the symbols of the first game are incorporated as part of a larger image which comprises an image of the feature game, the at least some symbols of the first game contributing to an outcome of the feature game.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A trabecular flow model for producing treatment recommendations for patients with elevated intraocular pressure is disclosed. One method includes providing intraocular pressure measurements for a patient; providing aqueous cavity information, such as collector channel resistance and Schlemm's canal resistance, and determining a treatment recommendation for the patient based on the aforementioned parameters.

Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.

Abstract: The method of the invention produces modified milk protein concentrates using cation exchange to replace divalent ions with monovalent ions. The modified milk protein concentrate produced may be converted into a gel which may be a cheese-like product itself, or used to make end products such as cheeses, cheese-like products, savory products, desserts, confectionary products and intermediate food products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Authorization verification systems and methods are described that determine whether an authorization check is to be performed at a point of sale or other point of control, and, if the authorization check is to be performed, that check the authorization and that store a retrievable record of the authorization check. The system receives authorization information for an individual that is indicative of the individual's authorization to purchase a product or service, to enter a location, to attend an event, or to otherwise participate in an encounter whose access is limited to authorized individuals. In one embodiment, authorization for making a purchase is limited to individuals above an age threshold, and the authorization verification system receives information relating to the individual's age via an electronic scanning of a driver's license or other identification card, or by other methods, and uses the birth date information to calculate the customer's current age.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: An optical interference display unit with a first electrode, a second electrode and support structures located between the two electrodes is provided. The second electrode has at least a first material layer and a second material layer. At least one material layer of the two is made from conductive material and the second conductive layer is used as a mask while an etching process is performed to etch the first material layer to define the second electrode.

Abstract: Inhibitors of MIF are provided which have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of pathological conditions associated with MIF activity. The inhibitors of MIF have the following structures: including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. Compositions containing an inhibitor of MIF in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided, as well as methods for use of the same.

Abstract: A ground-based tracking heliostat array comprises a first plurality of elongate row mounts. The elongate row mounts are positioned at least partially between, and are supported by, a first side bracket and a second side bracket. The row mounts are rotatable in a first axis. The array further comprises a plurality of optical elements that are mounted to one or more of the elongate row mounts. The array further comprises a linkage that is mechanically coupled to a first plurality of elongate row mounts. Movement of the linkage causes the first plurality of elongate row mounts to simultaneously rotate in the first axis. The array further comprises a motor configured to move the linkage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lining sewer pipes that utilize an adjustable form configured to conform to the shape and dimensions of the interior of a man-entry sized pipe line. The adjustable form can be used to position a sheet of liner material immediately adjacent the inner sewer walls. An air cushion system is utilized to reduce friction and drag between the sheet of liner material and form so that the liner sheet can be easily adjusted prior to bonding to the inner walls of the pipe line.

Abstract: A system and method for updating a filtering system which controls access to a website/page between a local area network (LAN) and an Internet. The LAN includes an Internet gateway system coupled to a workstation and configured to receive a URL request. The system controls access to the website/page associated with the URL based on one or more categories that are associated with the URL. The Internet gateway system can determine the category that is associated with the URL by referencing a master database or requesting the category from a database factory. The database factory can receive URLs from multiple Internet gateway systems. The database factory determines whether the identifier was previously categorized by the database factory and provides the category to the Internet gateway system. Once the Internet gateway system has the category, it applies rules associated with the category and user to filter access to the requested website/page.

Abstract: Inhibitors of MIF are provided which have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of pathological conditions associated with MIF activity. The inhibitors of MIF have the following structures: including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. Compositions containing an inhibitor of MIF in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided, as well as methods for use of the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.