Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for modeling the performance of an IT service. The methods and systems take a holistic approach by treating the entire IT service instead of the individual nodes. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide a tool for mapping the performance of the IT service based on throughput and response time data. The tool may then be used to develop a mathematical model for the performance of the IT service. System parameters that may impact the performance of the IT service may be correlated to variables in the model. The model may then be used to predict the impact changes may have on the performance of the IT service. Performance maps for the same IT service may be compared over time to discern any departure from a norm. A database of performance maps may be established for a particular industry to facilitate intra-industry comparisons.

Abstract: In one aspect, a resistivity logging tool for a fluid-producing formation if provided. The resistivity logging tool includes at least one transmitter device connected to at least one excitation electrode, multiple receiver devices respectively connected to monitoring electrodes, and a controller. The transmitter can inject an excitation current into the formation via the excitation electrode. Each receiver device can determine a respective voltage level induced by the excitation current. The controller can determine whether a voltage level measured by at least one receiver device is within a specified range. Based on the measured voltage level, the controller can select a global amplitude adjustment algorithm for modifying excitation currents or a localized amplitude adjustment algorithm for modifying one or more gains of one or more receiver devices. The controller can modify the excitation current or gains by executing the selected algorithm.

Abstract: A system for mixing fracturing gel includes a dry gel mixing chamber having a bladed impeller carried to rotate in the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a dry gel inlet and hydrating fluid inlet. A valve is fluidically coupled to the hydrating fluid inlet to automatically maintain a specified flow condition of hydrating fluid into the mixing chamber over multiple different values of the flow condition to the hydrating fluid inlet.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a hygiene compliance system includes a handwash sensor, a badge, an occupant sensor, and a remote computer. The sensors and the badge may communicate with the remote computer to provide information regarding hygiene events. The hygiene compliance system determines whether the hygiene events comply with a hygiene operations scheme.

Abstract: The apparatuses disclosed herein include a discharge lamp configured to emit ultraviolet and visible light, an optical filter configured to attenuate visible light, and a power circuit configured to operate the discharge lamp. Some embodiments of the apparatuses are configured such that ultraviolet light emitted from the discharge lamp and passed through the optical filter encircles an exterior surface of the apparatus. Some cases of the apparatuses include a sensor system configured to monitor a first parameter associated with the operation of the discharge lamp and a second parameter associated with the transmittance of the optical filter. Some of the apparatuses include a means for moving the optical filter while the apparatus is in operation. In some cases, the apparatuses may be configured such that the optical filter may be arranged in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp. In some embodiments, the optical filter may be a multifaceted.

Abstract: A computer to track earned points accumulated, to an online user account, related to a completed task is disclosed. More points may be earned based on a criteria level related to each category of dynamically changing categories. Earned points may be reduced based on redemption used to purchase and download to a mobile client computer music, video, or games provided on a custom menu.

Abstract: An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a plurality of egg processing devices configured to interact with an avian egg. A sanitization system is in fluid communication with the egg processing devices. The sanitization system is configured to deliver sanitizing fluid to the egg processing devices for sanitization thereof after interaction with an egg. The sanitization system has a valve-less manifold assembly. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying rheology of a cement slurry are described. Methods may include forming a cement slurry composition and placing the cement slurry composition in a subterranean formation. The cement slurry composition contains water, diutan, and a magnesium oxychloride-based Sorel cement and can have specified properties for a ratio of diutan to water, a thixotropic index value, and a yield point.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to operate to record a plurality of acoustic waveforms, to generate an objective function based on the plurality of acoustic waveforms, and to estimate a global minimum of the objective function. The plurality of acoustic waveforms can correspond to a plurality of acoustic dipole receivers azimuthally disposed around a tool to which the receivers are attached. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for enhancing interaction between a customer using a client computer and a customer service representative of a company using a workstation. A Web session is commenced on a Web site for the client computer of the customer, wherein the Web session includes displaying a first Web page to the customer. A telephonic interaction is commenced between the customer and the customer service representative and a split screen is displayed on the workstation. The split screen including the first Web page and a second Web page, wherein the second Web page is only viewable by the customer service representative. An application is caused to be moved from the second Web page to the first Web page for review and interaction by the customer via the client computer.

Abstract: A method of reprogramming a differentiated renal cell towards a progenitor phenotype is disclosed. The method comprises up-regulating in the differentiated renal cell an expression of at least one pluripotency associated gene and/or at least one renal stem cell associated gene, thereby reprogramming the differentiated renal cell towards a progenitor phenotype. Cell populations generated thereby and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A formation tester places an isolation device, preferably a probe, in fluid communication with a formation to determine formation pressures. The tester's controller uses a pressure pre-test process to autonomously control operation. The controller measures drawdown pressure and interval as the tester draws down pressure in flowline coupled to the probe. If the drawdown pressure indicates a dry test has occurred, the process is aborted. Otherwise, the controller measures buildup pressure and interval by allowing buildup of pressure of the flowline. The controller permits this to continue until the interval is longer than the drawdown interval and/or until a rate of the buildup falls below a predetermined rate. If the buildup pressure is too tight relative to the drawdown pressure, the controller aborts the test. Eventually, the controller measures a final buildup pressure when the buildup terminates. A new drawdown rate and volume can be determined for subsequent formation tests.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed a digital investigation tool capable of recovering and decrypting content. The tool combines digital techniques with decryption capability for a wide range of encryption algorithms. In one implementation, the tool identifies the type and/or vendor of the encryption algorithm used to protect the content. The tool then automatically obtains the decryption information needed to decrypt the content. Depending on the encryption algorithm used, the information may include a master key, user-specific keys, user IDs, passwords, and the like. The decryption information may be accumulated in a local or remote storage location accessible by the tool, or it may be acquired in real time on an as-needed basis from a third-party encryption vendor, a key server, and the like. Such an arrangement allows law enforcement agencies as well as corporate security personnel to quickly recover and decrypt content stored on a computer system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and Geographic Information System (GIS) for creating a user's proximity model in accordance with a user's feedback. The GIS creates the user's proximity model using a Dempster-Shafer technique. The GIS initializes the user's proximity model upon initializing a fuzzy set with a fuzzy membership function. The fuzzy set includes a plurality of points scattered around a reference point. The GIS creates an intermediate model using the user's proximity model by selecting a group of points from the plurality of points. The GIS receives a user feedback on the intermediate model. The GIS adapts the fuzzy membership function based on the user feedback. The GIS then updates the user's proximity model based on the fuzzy membership function which is adapted on basis of the user feedback.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating an MRI system is provided. The disclosure provides a diffusion-prepared driven-equilibrium preparation for an imaging volume and acquiring 3-dimensional k-space data from said prepared volume by a plurality of echoplanar readouts of stimulated echoes. An excitation radio-frequency signal and first and second inversion RF signals are provided to define a field-of-view (FOV).

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a subject with for an intracellular pathogen infection, by administering an agent that reduces the binding of CD47 on a infected cell to SIRP? on a host phagocytic cell, in an effective dose for increasing the phagocytosis of infected cells.

Abstract: An in-well type sampling system including a sampling chamber actuable to receive a fluid sample and a pressure source coupled to the sampling chamber to supply pressure to the sampling chamber after the sampling chamber actuating. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the pressure source to measure the pressure of the pressure source. A telemetry communicator is coupled to the pressure sensor to send a signal from the pressure sensor away from the sampling system.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean shale formation includes placing a first treatment fluid comprising a fracturing fluid in the formation; forming fractures; placing a second fluid including a sloughing agent or eroding agent in the formation; allowing gaps in the fracture faces to form; placing a third fluid including a formation stabilizer and an agglomerating agent into the fractures; and allowing the third fluid to absorb into the formation, thereby stabilizing the shale formation fracture faces and transforming the solid shale particulates into proppant clusters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wellbore-lining tubing comprising at least one window pre-formed in the wall of the tubing and a device for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, and to a method of forming a lateral wellbore employing such a tubing. In an embodiment, a wellbore-lining tubing (130m) is disclosed which comprises: a tubing wall (32m), an internal fluid flow passage (30m), and at least one window (154m) pre-formed in the wall of the tubing; a device (34m) for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, the device located at least partly in a space (36m) provided in the wall of the tubing; and a coupling (190) for receiving a deflection tool (192) so that the deflection tool can be secured to the tubing and employed to divert a downhole component (202) through the window in the tubing wall.

Abstract: A compressed gas delivery system includes a control system and at least one compressor fluidly connected to the control system for providing a compressed gas to the control system. The system also has a backpressure apparatus that is fluidly connected between the at least one compressor and the control system. The backpressure apparatus conveys a portion of the compressed gas to the control system. The compressed gas delivery system also includes a bypass conduit that is fluidly connected between the at least one compressor and the backpressure apparatus. The bypass conduit conveys a portion of the compressed gas through the flow limiting distributor directly to one or more vehicles during a dispensing operation.