Abstract: The Quantum Matrix system is a multi-dimensional, multi-threaded exchange environment for data organization, management, and manipulation. Data is organized into a multi-dimensional structure of nodes. Nodes may represent data, absence of data, or another set of nodes. The multi-dimensional structure or portions of it can be automatically created from a file system. One or more associations are also defined for the multi-dimensional structure. An association indicates a relationship between a node and another node, data, or a set of nodes. The multi-dimensional structure is then displayed three-dimensionally and navigated. Relational logic, Boolean algebra, or a scripting language can be applied to the nodes, data, and associations to produce a resultant set of nodes. Furthermore, portions of the multi-dimensional structure can be isolated with the use of planes to ease navigation.

Abstract: Peptides and conjugates thereof comprising one or more bioactive agents which can be coupled to a tissue via a transglutaminase and related methods.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shell member having an interior width, where the shell includes a closed end and an open end, and a nut that includes a plurality of laterally extending resilient leg. The legs define an outer width of the nut, and when the legs are in a relaxed state the outer width of the nut is greater than the interior width of the shell. The nut is adapted for at least partially entering the open end of the shell member, such that the legs are placed in a tensioned state in which the legs define the outer width to be smaller than or equal to the interior width of the shell. The apparatus also includes a base plate adapted for receiving the shell member and securing the shell member to the base plate with the closed end of the shell facing away from the base plate through cooperation with the nut when the nut is at least partially within the shell member.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein toxoid for use in a method of treating the human or animal body by therapy, wherein all cysteine residues in said protein toxoid which are free under reversibly denaturing conditions have been alkylated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid pump for medical applications. The invention comprises a flexible cassette containing two pump chambers, wherein the first pump chamber is larger than the second pump chamber. The pump includes two pistons, one for each pump chamber. The first piston pushes fluid from the first chamber to the second, and the second piston pushes fluid from the second chamber downstream out of the pump. Three valves are coordinated with the action of the pistons to control fluid flow into and out of the pump chambers by applying and releasing pressure to and from specific points of the flexible cassette. A control system controls the operation of the pistons and valves and directs the pistons to be advanced according to a time-varying velocity profile. The first pump chamber passively fills and then rapidly expels the collected fluid into the second chamber at low pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that provide low-complexity soft-output detection for MIMO communication systems. Looping can be performed over a set of constellation points per spatial stream to obtain distance metrics for each of a series of transmitted streams, for which values for the other transmitted streams can be estimated using a MIMO channel matrix and a sub-optimal MIMO algorithm. Examples of MIMO algorithms that can be utilized include Per-Stream List Detection (PSLD), Lattice-Reduced Detection (LRD), and a Guided-M Algorithm. Performance can be further improved by pre-processing the MIMO channel matrix and/or by utilizing techniques for Enhanced Metric Usage (EMU).

Abstract: Improved techniques for assigning ratings to media assets are disclosed. A rating for a media asset collection can, for example, be determined by examining the ratings of all user-rated media assets in that media asset collection. Additionally or alternately, a rating for media assets in a group of media assets can, for example, be determined by examining the rating of the group of media assets.

Abstract: An archery release including a release head, a moveable hook, and an adjustable jaw. The adjustable jaw can be moved relative to the hook to adjust a gap defined between the hook and the adjustable jaw when the hook is in a closed position to capture a bowstring. Optionally, the jaw can be completely removed from the release head to render the release a hook-only release. The jaw can include a free end separated from the release head by a distance. An adjustment element can be joined with the jaw, and operable in at least one of an adjustment mode to change the distance of the free end from the release head, and a removal mode to render the jaw completely removable from the release head. A method also is provided for modifying the archery release to suit an archer's preferences.

Abstract: Certain heteroaryl-substituted piperidinyl and piperazinyl urea compounds are described, which are useful as FAAH inhibitors. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity, such as anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, eating disorders, insulin resistance, diabetes, osteoporosis, and movement disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis).

Abstract: A fitted sheet-blanket (30) suitable for use with a crib or bassinet mattress (33) is provided. The fitted sheet-blanket can include a pocket coverlet (21) securely detachable on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket to form an open-ended pocket, and a pillow (13) securely detachable on the top of the fitted sheet-blanket and located above the open-ended pocket. The pocket coverlet can include one or more detachable inserts to provide an adjustable depth of the pocket relative to the pillow.

Abstract: Conversion of waste and other organic feedstock into sustainable energy, feed, fertilizer, and other useful products of reliable purities is accomplished using water, heat, and pressure. More specifically, the invention provides methods and apparatus that handle mixed streams of various feedstocks, e.g. agricultural waste, biological waste, municipal solid waste, municipal sewage sludge, and shredder residue, to yield gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids that can be used as is or are further processed. Useful products can be diverted at various points of the process or internalized to enhance the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A method of testing a steerable wheel assembly incorporating a shock absorber strut, comprising providing a combined linear and rotary actuator, engaging a lower end of the assembly with the actuator so that the line of linear action of the actuator is aligned with the line of compression of the strut, operating the actuator to compress the strut, and operating the actuator in a rotary sense to apply a steering torque to the assembly. A linear actuator is engageable with the assembly via a load coupling to load the strut. The load coupling comprising a first part on the actuator adapted to engage a second part on the assembly, the two parts being adapted to provide a self-aligning action as the actuator engages the assembly. Preferably, one of the two parts comprises a tapered recess formation, and the other two parts comprises a tapered projecting formation engageable in the tapered recess formation.

Abstract: A hoist capable of raising and lowering a truck bed to and from a truck frame. In certain example embodiments, a scissor-type hoist having a hydraulic cylinder base pivot located to improve hoist lift efficiency.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for determining the behavioral mood of an electronic messaging system user. User input is provided through one or more input receptors of an electronic device. The user input is collected by the mood identification system. The collected input is processed to generate behavioral biometrics, which are in turn correlated to predetermined behavioral moods, each of which has a corresponding behavioral mood indicator. The behavioral mood of the recipient user is indicated by applying text attributes applied to the user's identifier (ID) or by displaying an icon proximate to the user's ID.

Abstract: A data driven and forward looking risk and reward appetite methodology for consumer and small business is described. The methodology includes customer segmentation to create pools of homogeneous assets in terms of revenue and loss characteristics, forward looking simulation to forecast expected values and volatilities of revenue and loss, and risk and reward optimization of the portfolio. One methodology used for modeling revenue and loss is a generalized additive effect decomposition model to fit historical data. Based on the model, a segmentation procedure is performed, which allows for creation of groups of customers with similar revenue and loss characteristics. An estimation procedure for the model is developed and a simulation strategy to forecast and simulate revenue and loss volatility is developed. Efficient frontier curves of risk (e.g., return volatility) and reward (e.g., expected return) are created for the current portfolio under various economic scenarios.

Abstract: A combination sealing and restraint system for an as-cast ductile iron fitting is shown for both sealing and preventing separation of an iron pipe fitting and a mating male pipe. A ring-shaped body is installed within a mating groove provided in a mouth region of the as-cast fitting after the fitting has been cast at the manufacturing plant. The ring-shaped body carries a gripping member with teeth on an inner surface thereof which are initially angled away from an outer surface of a mating male pipe. The teeth are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the mating male pipe as the pipe joint at the fitting is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to an end opening of the fitting during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the fitting joint has been assembled. The ring-shaped body also includes a relatively flexible portion formed of an elastomer which forms a sealing member with the mating male pipe.

Abstract: Tricyclic nitrogen containing compounds and their use as antibacterials.

Abstract: A device includes a handle coupled with an activated textured surface that can be implemented using a repetitive movement mechanism and a treatment energy source, such as an electromagnetic radiation source. The handle may be used to provide detection, treatment and/or management of sundry conditions including, for example, tooth discoloration, tissue damage, periodontal disease, tumors, pain, halitosis, and bronchitis. The activated textured surface may include a surface topography including corrugations, bristles, protuberances, or pits, or other surfaces for facilitating agitation, cleaning or other surface treatments.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.