Abstract: Video game methods and systems allow players to acquire ownership of video game environments. Methods and systems additionally include methods for buying and selling ownership or fractions of ownership in a particular game environment.

Abstract: The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure provides a video game in which a new character can be created using attributes from multiple parent characters. Each character may contribute genetic material in the form of character attributes, which are then passed on to a child character.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for allowing players to acquire ownership of game environments. Methods and systems additionally include means for buying and selling ownership or fractions of ownership in a particular game environment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component containing at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) have muscarinic M3 receptor modulating activity; Formula (I) wherein A is an oxygen atom or group —N(R12)—; (i) R1 is C1-C6-alkyl or a hydrogen atom; and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a group —R5, —Z—Y—R5—Z—NR9R10; —Z—CO—NR9R10; —Z—NR9—CO—R5; or —Z—CO2H; and R3 is a lone pair, or C1-C6-alkyl in which case the nitrogen atom to which it is attached is a quaternary nitrogen and carries a positive charge; or (ii) R1 and R3 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocycloalkyl ring, and R2 is a hydrogen atom; or a group —R5, —Z—Y—R5, —Z—NR9R10, —Z—CO—NR9R10, —Z—NR9—CO—R5, or —Z—CO2H, in which cases the nitrogen atom to which it is attached is a quaternary nitrogen and carries a positive charge; or (iii) R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocycloalkyl ring, said ring being substituted by a group —Y—R5, —Z—Y—R5, —Z—NR9R10; —Z—CO—NR9R10; —Z—NR9—CO—R5; or —Z—CO2H and R3 is a lone pair, or C1-C6-alkyl in which case the nitrogen atom to

Abstract: The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions, and their use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hard surface cleaning composition providing hygiene to a hard surface, whilst being easily positioned onto a hard surface; even a wet surface. The present invention provides a hard surface cleaning composition, which is at least partially transparent or translucent, characterized in that it comprises a surfactant system forming a liquid crystalline phase in the presence of water and biocide material.

Abstract: Laser-based methods of stripping different types of fiber optic cables (100) are disclosed. The method includes directing a focused laser beam (202) onto the cable's protective cover (114). The method also includes moving the fiber optic cable relative to the focused laser beam in a direction substantially along a central axis (AC) to form a substantially axially oriented groove (250) in the protective cover, wherein the groove does not reach one or more optical fibers (110) carried by the cable. The method can further include opening the protective cover at the groove to form a split protective cover portion (114S), and removing the split protective cover portion from the fiber optic cable. Methods of stripping a cable by forming two grooves in the protective cover using two focused laser beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual game environment in which characters are allowed to give help to one another and in which the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character is provided. Characters may be rewarded or paid for giving help to each other. In some embodiments, help may be given in the form of advice.

Abstract: A virtual environment including various virtual financial institutions and instruments is described. According to some embodiments, some of the virtual financial instruments may be guaranteed by real world financial instruments such as a credit card. Accordingly, various virtual financial transactions such as virtual loans, virtual venture capital investments, virtual banking and virtual insurance are provided.

Abstract: Virtual environments in which multiple characters are allowed to form relationships wherein the relationships may provide various benefits as well as obligations are described. Systems and methods for forming, monitoring, and terminating the relationships are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems for allowing game players to secure in-game contracts using credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. The disclosure further provides methods and systems for providing virtual and/or real world financial penalties to game players and/or player characters who default on in-game agreements.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems for allowing game players to secure in-game contracts using credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. The disclosure further provides methods and systems for providing virtual and/or real world financial penalties to game players and/or player characters who default on in-game agreements.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems: for forming relationships between player characters, to allow for karma points, death, and reincarnation of player characters, for inheritance between player characters, to allow a game that progresses in eras, that allow reverse outcomes of game parameters, to create in-game objects from digital images of real life objects, to provide inventory management of in-game items and attributes, to facilitate favors between player characters, and to allow for genetic crossbreeding of parents to form children.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel concepts to a video game environment. The disclosure describes video game environments that include a method and system for controlling the quantity and distribution of virtual natural resources, raw materials, skills and NPCs in and between games, where player characters may acquire, use and modify such virtual resources within the physical limits of the games.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for enforcing contracts within video game environments. Methods and systems of the invention include virtual and real world penalties and remedies for entities that breach contracts or other obligations undertaken in the virtual world.

Abstract: An inlet door assembly and method for reducing noise from an auxiliary power unit (APU) contained within an aircraft housing is provided. The inlet assembly includes an inlet duct, an actuator, and a door. The inlet duct is configured to extend from the auxiliary power unit to the aircraft housing and has a sidewall that defines a flow passage through which APU noise propagates. The actuator is disposed at least partially within the inlet duct. The door coupled to the actuator. The actuator is also configured to selectively rotate the door between at least a first position, in which at least a portion of the door deflects APU noise in a first direction, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the door deflects the APU noise in a second direction.

Abstract: A current measurement circuit includes first and second input nodes which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier means which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes and a respective input terminal of the differential amplifiers, a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier in response to a control signal, a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems for obtaining funding for developing game environments. Methods and systems include a variety of funding sources including taxes, fees, licenses, bond issuance, loans, investors, commercial paper, convertible debt, bills, notes, debt issuance, promissory notes, venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock. In one embodiment the disclosure provides methods and systems for allowing members of a Venture Capital entity to vote on whether or not to fund a given venture.