Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions and associated methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to gelled invert emulsion compositions and their associated methods of use and preparation. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a gelled invert emulsion composition that comprises an oleaginous continuous phase, a discontinuous phase, and a gelling agent; and treating a portion of the subterranean formation. The present invention also provides methods of increasing the viscosity of an invert emulsion composition, methods of making gelled invert emulsion compositions, methods of providing some degree of sand control to portions of subterranean formations, methods of fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation, and gelled invert emulsion compositions.

Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, ticket data (e.g., from an electronic ticket) is collected from a financial transaction account, then a search engine uses said ticket data to find open tickets. Finding open tickets includes setting an aging period and adding it to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket.

Abstract: A graphical and interactive interface system manages risk management information. A secure database stores risk management information that is accessible by authorized access through a network. A graphics interface generates graphic data of the risk management information in response to the authorized access. One or more workflow process terminals connect in network with the database to provide updates to the risk management information. The graphics interface may provide one or more filter functions to manipulate the risk management information for display of graphic data at a computer networked with the graphics interface. The graphic data may include one or more graphical reports. Email may be automatically generated in response to updates to the risk management information. The database may respond to electronically received recommendations regarding a segment of risk management to post the recommendations with the segment of risk management information.

Abstract: An improved composition and method is provided for preventing or alleviating lost circulation during the drilling of wellbores in subterranean formations, and particularly during the drilling of oil and gas wells. The method is suited for horizontal and directional wells as well as more vertical wells. The composition of the invention comprises a synergistic blend of resilient, angular, carbon-based material and a water-swellable, crystalline synthetic polymer. The method employs the composition of the invention in preventing lost circulation.

Abstract: A registration system for a rotary press including circumferential and sidelay registers designed to interface to the press unit using more direct motion translation. In particular, to go from rotational motion of a motor to linear motion of the adjustment with fewer transitions. Also discussed are measurement systems which measure the adjustments made to the plate cylinder more directly by measuring the linear movement of components acting on the cylinder as opposed to the movement of the motor or power source of the registration system. These systems can provide for more accurate movement to the various elements.

Abstract: A method and product is disclosed which provides emulsion stability and filtration control to invert emulsion drilling fluids. The product comprises a blend of a carboxylic acid terminated polyamide with distilled and processed tall oil fatty acids and/or distilled and processed tall oil resin acids. The product is extremely effective, even at temperatures as high as 350° F., decreasing by about two-thirds the amount of emulsifier generally required to formulate an effective drilling fluid. The product also greatly reduces and in many cases eliminates the need for conventional fluid loss additives, and additionally provides electrical stability. Moreover, the product has a pour point as low as about 20 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal solvents, thereby eliminating the need to ship large amounts of inert material for use, and may be transported in a highly active state.

Abstract: There is provided a check with additional data capture capability that in conjunction with a linked transaction card provides substantially complete coverage for card holders to conduct transactions with merchants for the payment of goods and services. The additional data capture capability enabling generation of a card statement with detailed information regarding purchases and expenditures of both check transactions and card transactions to thereby permit a card holder to accurately track, monitor, describe, and reconcile all transactions in a statement period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of anti-ECPKA autoantibodies in a biological sample, and to the use of such compositions and methods in the diagnosis of cancer in humans and non-human mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromechanical system for minimizing passenger door contact with the Passenger Loading Bridge (PLB) floor and subsequent damage to said door, during passenger loading or off loading. The system, as configured at the Cab entry, senses the proximity of the aircraft door by contacting a sensing pad, attached to the PLB floor. This initiates a sequence of events. 1) Both visual and auditory alarms are initiated to alert the passenger loading agents and/or the bridge operator of a fault. 2) The PLB is moved down and away from the door sufficiently to prevent the PLB floor from coming in contact with the door. The loading agents or PLB operator can then perform the necessary steps to reset the device and continue loading.

Abstract: A kit for medical waste disposal comprising a plurality of containers; a hood assembly configured to substantially cover an open end of a respective one said containers, the hood assembly defining a passage through which medical waste can be passed to the open end of said container; and a plurality of lids, separate from the hood assembly, each configured to be placed over an open end of a respective container and to substantially close the open end of said container when said container is at least partially filled with medical waste; each of said containers being configured for separation from the hood assembly for disposal.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a financial transaction using a proxy code, which is assigned a transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated on the merchant system once uploaded into a payment device or merchant database. The account issuer may manipulate the sensitive account information without need to alter the information stored on the merchant database. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor III (ADNF III), also known as Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP). More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding ADNF III polypeptides; ADNF III polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid sequences; antibodies to ADNF III polypeptides; and methods of using such ADNF III polypeptides for the treatment of neurological deficiencies and for the prevention of cell death associated with (1) gp120, the envelope protein from HIV; (2) N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (excito-toxicity); (3) tetrodotoxin (blockage of electrical activity); and (4) ?-amyloid peptide, a substance related to neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates implementation of an incentive or loyalty program by providing a universal rewards currency. This universal rewards currency may be “spent” by participants who have earned rewards and accepted by the other participants in the multi-tiered network created by the system. The network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers, retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like.

Abstract: Coating for an offset paper comprising a catalyst for fixing polymerisable or crosslinkable constituents of the offset ink. The chemical drying time can be substantially reduced if such a catalyst system is added to the coating, wherein preferentially such a catalyst is a transition metal complex/salt, like Mn (2-ethylhexanoate, bpy).

Abstract: A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also enables the allocation of a portion or all of a charge or loyalty points to different transaction accounts issued by different issuers, or to sub-accounts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequences are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes that arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. MATER-protein specific binding agents, such as antibodies, are described. Methods are described for detecting MATER protein in a subject, including methods for determining whether a subject has a biological condition associated with abnormal Mater expression. Also provided are kits for detecting MATER protein in a subject.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing in the wellbore a cement composition comprising light-burned magnesium oxide, water and an alkaline metal chloride, and allowing the composition to set. A method of cementing comprising preparing a cement composition comprising a light-burned magnesium oxide, water and an alkaline metal chloride, and allowing the composition to set.

Abstract: A zero liquid discharge (ZLD) power plant (20) includes an advanced oxidation system (72) for reducing contaminants in source water (70) to form feed water (40) for a boiler (24). The system (72) includes an ozonation module (86) for applying high concentration ozone to the source water (70) to form a mixed stream (104), an ozone reactor (92) in which the mixed stream is retained (104) under pressure, an ultraviolet reactor (98) downstream from the ozone reactor (92) for enhanced contaminant reduction, and a retention tank (103) downstream from the reactor (98). In one configuration, the source water (70) is evaporator distillate from an evaporator (52) that recycles cooling tower blowdown 30. The system (72) achieves organic contaminant reduction at total organic carbon (TOC) levels of less than three hundred parts per billion.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing in the wellbore a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement and at least one gelation inhibitor, and allowing the composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising adjusting the thickening time of calcium aluminate cement by contacting the cement with a salt and a gelation inhibitor, wherein the gelation inhibitor comprises a copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated aromatic monomers and one or more acrylate monomers, placing the cement in the wellbore, and allowing the cement to set.

Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services, and methods of making the same are provided. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3 ? inches by about 2 ¼ inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may have a magnetic stripe, an embedded microchip, a signature panel, a holographic image, or any other feature typically contained on or within a transaction card. The transaction cards have at least one layer of metal with, optionally, other layers of substrates, such as thermoplastic polymers, other metals or adhesives. In addition, the metal-containing transaction card may be anodized, coated, or laser-engraved. Preferably, the metal is titanium or stainless steel.