Abstract: A number of electronic communications methods are described involving a first and a second party (i.e., sender and recipient), with assistance from at least a trusted party, enabling electronic transactions in which the first party has a message for the second party. The first party, the second party and the trusted party undertake an exchange of transmissions, such that if all transmissions reach their destinations the second party only receives the message if the first party receives at least one receipt. Preferably, the identity of the first party is temporarily withheld from the second party during the transaction. At least one receipt received to the first party enables the first party to prove the content of the message received by the second party.

Abstract: A collapsible retriever ladder generally includes a first platform, a second platform, supporting arms and a clamping mechanism. The first platform is pivotally attached to the supporting arms so that the first platform can be closed. The second platform is pivotally attached to the first platform so that the second platform can fold over the first platform so as to be sandwiched between the first platform and the supporting arms when the first platform is closed. The clamping mechanism secures the ladder to the upper edge of a side of a boat and is pivotally attached to the supporting arms so that the supporting arms having the first and second platforms secured thereto can rotate inwardly of the boat for storage and outwardly of the boat for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain substituted oxadiazole, thiadiazole and triazole peptoids which are useful as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) for the treatment of HNE-mediated processes implicated in conditions such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and multiple organ failure. A series of studies also have indicated the involvement HNE in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, emphysema. HNE-mediated processes are implicated in other conditions such as arthritis, periodontal disease, glomerulonephritis, dermatitis, psoriasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, organ transplantation, corneal ulcers, and invasion behavior of malignant tumors.