Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of providing a piezoelectric element having a surface front surface to operate as an active surface of a transducer on which a number of separate electrodes are disposed such that the electrodes on the front surface provide an effectively flat surface to the transducer. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Method for locating anomalous features in medical images in which medical images are supplied by an external source. A sequence of specific measurements is executed on the supplied data to obtain image-related metrics. The metrics are compared to corresponding values in a database resulting in an anomalous/not anomalous determination. Anomalous determinations are presented to the test operator for analysis along with supplemental historical data. In application to all types of medical imagery, potential anomalies are located resulting in an efficient and accurate diagnosis. For a body part having symmetrical properties, as a pre-screening stage, a line of symmetry for the body part is determined and symmetric regions of the body part on opposite sides of the determined line of symmetry are analyzed for differences. The metric comparison using the database is performed between both symmetric regions only when differences between the symmetric regions of the subject medical image are present.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a test sequence to diagnose a failure mode of a device, such as a vehicle, is provided. At least one symptom of a fault of the device is received, and a plurality of taxonomies is generated. The taxonomies include a device component taxonomy, a fault taxonomy, and a diagnostic taxonomy, and each taxonomy has a plurality of nodes. At least one diagnostic test sequence, based on the symptom and the taxonomies, is generated, costs associated with the diagnostic test sequence are determined, and a cost optimal test sequence, based on the costs and the diagnostic test sequence, is generated.

Abstract: A label for use on store shelves in a retail environment. The label include adhesive strips applied to a bottom surface of each label and a top laminate layer with a release coating applied to the top surface of each label.

Abstract: A method of orienting a well tool can include setting down weight on an orienting device, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile. Another method of orienting a well tool can include compressing the orienting device between sections of a tool string, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, the securing step including deforming a structure of the orienting device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile.

Abstract: A system may include computer code for analyzing an upgrade from a first version to a second version of a software program that has been customized without performing the upgrade. The system may provide default state information of default program objects. The default program objects would be included in a default installation of the second version of the software program. The computer code may retrieve current state information of current program objects from an application database. The software program that has been customized may include the current program objects. The system may generate upgrade information based on a comparison between the current state information and the default state information. The upgrade information may identify a subset of the current program objects that would be impacted by the upgrade.

Abstract: A method of treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method including the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a strong acid); (iii) a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group that can be crosslinked with aluminum(III); (iv) a water-soluble aluminum carboxylate; and (v) a complexion agent for calcium ions; wherein the pH of the treatment fluid is less than the pH required for the aluminum to crosslink the polymer to form a crosslinked gel; (b) introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the zone; and (c) allowing time for the strong acid in the treatment fluid to spend in the formation such that the pH of the fluid increases sufficiently for the aluminum of the aluminum carboxylate to crosslink the polymer.

Abstract: A system for providing telematics to a vehicle is provided. The system includes an integrated communication device of the vehicle having a memory holding a list uniquely identifying at least one mobile communication device. The system includes a telematics component that is communicatively connected to the integrated communication device of the vehicle and has a data pump that sends out a request for information. An off-site telematics information provider receives a request for information from the telematics component utilizing a communications path between the data pump of the telematics component and the off-site telematics information provider. The at least one mobile communication device automatically receives a channeled response to the request for information from the off-site telematics information provider when connected to the integrated communication device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method designed to continually monitor and evaluate an IT system. More specifically, the present invention teaches a system and method which continually monitors and evaluates the software, networks and devices of an IT system while providing reports and analysis for identified risks. Further, the present invention teaches a system and method which provides analysis and reports regarding the value and costs of identified risks.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Forces are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the forces is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured force.

Abstract: Particles that comprise calcium methylglycine diacetic acid salt (“Ca-MGDA salt”) may be useful for fluid diversion in subterranean operations. In some instances, the particles may be formed in the subterranean formation. For example, a method may involve introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, MGDA or salt thereof, and an acid in an amount of about 3% or greater by weight of the aqueous base fluid; acidizing a portion of the subterranean formation comprising calcium carbonate resulting in a concentration of calcium in the treatment fluid that exceeds about 50,000 ppm; and precipitating a plurality of particles that comprise a Ca-MGDA salt in the portion of the subterranean formation, thereby reducing fluid flow therethrough. In some instances, the particles that comprise Ca-MGDA salt may be included in a treatment fluid before introduction into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to preparation of expandable particulates and their use in fracturing operations. An embodiment provides a method for treating a subterranean formation comprising: introducing a treatment fluid comprising expandable particulates into the subterranean formation, wherein the expandable particulates each comprise a particulate substrate, a swellable material coating the particulate substrate, and an exterior coating comprising a resin; and depositing at least a portion of the expandable particulates in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring properties of a sample utilizing a variable integrated computation element (ICE) formed of one or more layers of film that is physically sensitive to an electrical field or a magnetic field applied through the material. The thickness of a layer, and hence the optical properties of the ICE, can be electrically or magnetically altered to adjust the ICE for a analysis of a particular property of the sample, or to calibrate the ICE or to adjust the ICE to compensate for alterations to the ICE resulting from environmental conditions. The film may be formed of electrostrictive materials, piezoelectric materials, magnetorestrictive materials, and/or piezomagnetic materials.

Abstract: A method of optical communication in a well can include launching light having substantially coherent phase into an optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, modulating light having substantially coherent phase in the wellbore, and receiving the modulated light transmitted via the same optical waveguide. A well system can include at least one optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, and a downhole optical modulator which modulates light transmitted via the optical waveguide, the optical modulator comprising a potassium titanyl phosphate crystal. Another method of optical communication in a well can include launching light into an optical waveguide extending in a wellbore, the light launched into the optical waveguide having information modulated thereon using a carrier, modulating light in the wellbore, the modulating comprising modulating information using a subcarrier of the carrier, and transmitting the light modulated in the wellbore via the same optical waveguide.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing a transaction instrument is disclosed. The method may include receiving rebate parameters from a merchant; associating the rebate parameters with a transaction instrument; distributing the transaction instrument to a merchant; and activating and/or loading the transaction instrument in response to a request from the merchant thus enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open rebate card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In one example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time that the merchant requests activation. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a concentrator and a plurality of signal acquisition devices. Each signal acquisition device is coupled to a respective sensor. Each sensor measures an environmental parameter outside the housing. Each signal acquisition device includes an acoustic transducer. Each signal acquisition device includes a controller to accept measurements from the respective sensor, process the measurements and format them into a transmittable form, and transmit the formatted measurements via the acoustic transducer. A concentrator includes an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic transmissions from the plurality of signal acquisition devices, a processor to process the received acoustic transmissions, and a telemetry device through which the processor can transmit the processed transmissions.

Abstract: A game combines the features of a lottery game and a race game. The actual race itself is conducted with each race participant being assigned specific numbers. Specific finishers of the race are determined (i.e., first through third place finishers) and the numbers associated with those finishers form a pool from which random numbers are drawn to determine a winner. Thus, the game combines the element of chance with the excitement of a race and permits the participants to exercise discretion in influencing the odds for ultimately winning the game. This combination of elements is such that the interest of the participants is maintained throughout the game from initial selection of the participants to the eventual running of the race and drawings of the winners.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a curable composition for consolidation of particulates in a subterranean formation and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a curable composition including a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) comprising at least one curable or curing group. The composition also includes an agent curably reactive with the curable or curing groups. The method can also include placing the composition in a subterranean formation downhole.

Abstract: A method of ranking a plurality of regulated data sources and a plurality of non-regulated data sources for a data field is provided. The method evaluates consistency and assigns a ranking for a regulated data source based upon records having identical values and records having non-identical values for the data field in the regulated data source compared to other regulated data sources under analysis. The method further evaluates consistency and assigns a ranking for a non-regulated data source based upon records having identical values compared to other non-regulated data sources under analysis.

Abstract: Described herein is the identification of human monoclonal antibodies that bind GPC3 or heparan sulfate (HS) chains on GPC3 with high affinity. The antibodies described herein are capable of inhibiting HCC cell growth and migration. Provided are human monoclonal antibodies specific for GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, including immunoglobulin molecules, such as IgG antibodies, as well as antibody fragments, such as single-domain VH antibodies or single chain variable fragments (scFv). Further provided are compositions including the antibodies that bind GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. Methods of treating cancer and/or inhibiting tumor growth or metastasis are also provided. Further provided are methods of detecting cancer in a subject and confirming a diagnosis of cancer in a subject.