Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio/video conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio/video conference may be transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). The method and system may be used with a circuit-switched telephone network such as, for example, a public switched telephone network. Further, the method and system may be used with a packet-switched network such as, for example, the Internet. The method and system further provide synchronization of video data, including slide data, and audio data related to the audio/video conference.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio/video conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio/video conference may be transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). The method and system may be used with a circuit-switched telephone network such as, for example, a public switched telephone network. Further, the method and system may be used with a packet-switched network such as, for example, the Internet. The method and system further provide synchronization of video data, including slide data, and audio data related to the audio/video conference.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio/video conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio/video conference may be transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). The method and system may be used with a circuit-switched telephone network such as, for example, a public switched telephone network. Further, the method and system may be used with a packet-switched network such as, for example, the Internet. The method and system further provide synchronization of video data, including slide data, and audio data related to the audio/video conference.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an audio/video conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio/video conference may be transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). The method and system may be used with a circuit-switched telephone network such as, for example, a public switched telephone network. Further, the method and system may be used with a packet-switched network such as, for example, the Internet. The method and system further provide synchronization of video data, including slide data, and audio data related to the audio/video conference.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of producing and purifying at least one amide. In accordance with one of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one amide is produced by providing an organic liquid comprising at least one oxime, providing at least one catalyst, adding the at least one catalyst to the organic liquid to form a rearrangement mass, wherein the rearrangement mass comprises at least one amide, at least one impurity, and the at least one catalyst, and heating the rearrangement mass to a temperature of at least about 115° C. for a period of time in order to sulfonate, break down and/or reduce the concentration of some of the at least one impurity in the rearrangement mass.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of producing and purifying at least one amide. In accordance with one of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one amide is produced by providing an organic liquid comprising at least one oxime, providing at least one catalyst, adding the at least one catalyst to the organic liquid to form a rearrangement mass, wherein the rearrangement mass comprises at least one amide, at least one impurity, and the at least one catalyst, and heating the rearrangement mass to a temperature of at least about 115° C. for a period of time in order to sulfonate, break down and/or reduce the concentration of some of the at least one impurity in the rearrangement mass.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of producing and purifying at least one amide. In accordance with one of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one amide is produced by providing an organic liquid comprising at least one oxime, providing at least one catalyst, adding the at least one catalyst to the organic liquid to form a rearrangement mass, wherein the rearrangement mass comprises at least one amide, at least one impurity, and the at least one catalyst, and heating the rearrangement mass to a temperature of at least about 115° C. for a period of time in order to sulfonate, break down and/or reduce the concentration of some of the at least one impurity in the rearrangement mass.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of producing and purifying at least one amide. In accordance with one of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one amide is produced by providing an organic liquid comprising at least one oxime, providing at least one catalyst, adding the at least one catalyst to the organic liquid to form a rearrangement mass, wherein the rearrangement mass comprises at least one amide, at least one impurity, and the at least one catalyst, and heating the rearrangement mass to a temperature of at least about 115° C. for a period of time in order to sulfonate, break down and/or reduce the concentration of some of the at least one impurity in the rearrangement mass.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for controlling the type and brand of a product dispensed therefrom, so that only authorized products are dispensed from the apparatus. A container inserted into a housing case stores the product, the container having an exit port. A chute directs the flow of the discharged product. A drive assembly causes the product to move from the container through the chute to be dispensed therefrom. A magnetic sensor is attached to a support surface of the housing case, and a wafer is attached to the container. The wafer has a magnet embedded therein, and the container is inserted into the housing case so that the wafer is received by and mates with the housing case to align the magnet with the magnetic sensor. A location of the magnet embedded in the wafer of the container is detected by the magnetic sensor of the housing case so that the container is identified. The drive means is only activated when the container is identified as an authorized container based on the location of the magnet.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a cold expanded fastener hole in a structural part to confirm that the hole has been expanded by a desired amount involves determining the degree to which the hole has been expanded as a function of the out-of-plane deformation in material surrounding an entrance or exit of the hole formed as a result of the cold expansion process. Out-of-plane deformation at either of the entrance or exit is compared to a model constructed from an array of experimentally or analytically determined out-of-plane deformation profiles for a hole with the same, or substantially the same, dimensions subjected to varying degrees of cold expansion. The degree of expansion of the hole is derived based on this comparison.

Abstract: An absorbable biologically compatible putty-like composition is used as a matrix from which immunologically or pharmacologically active agents, such as antibiotics, can be introduced into the body to provide a slow sustained release of the agent over an extended period of time. A preferred matrix comprises a mixture of calcium stearate, dextran and castor oil.