Abstract: A video game permits player characters to form relationships, including parent-child relationships. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game.

Abstract: A system for managing an account having at least one sub-account, including: a memory element, a processor, and an interface element for at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer. The memory element stores a transaction history for the account, an incentive previously offered to the account, and an artificial intelligence program (AIP). The transaction history includes at least one transaction involving the main account or sub-accounts from the at least one sub-account. The processor is for: comparing the transaction history with a metric; generating, using the comparison of the transaction history with the metric, a desired transaction involving the account and a business entity; and modifying the incentive using the AIP and the comparison of the transaction history with the metric. Rewarding of the modified incentive is conditional upon execution of the desired transaction. The interface element is for transmitting the desired transaction and the modified incentive.

Abstract: Players of a video game can enter contracts and engage in various simple or complex financial transactions employing credit systems such as credit cards, other financial instruments and other mechanisms to facilitate the enforcement of such contracts. Default on agreements by players or player characters can result in financial penalties which the video game system can apply.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a video game environments including control of the quantity and distribution of virtual resources, raw materials, skills and NPCs in and between games. Various embodiments allow player characters to acquire, use and modify such virtual resources within the constraints.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer controlled video game maintains one or more environments and permits control of the quantity and distribution of parameters, such as resources, materials and character attribute/skills. A player character can use and modify such parameters.

Abstract: Daptomycin can be used for biofilm treatment (particularly central venous catheter salvage for S. epidermidis infected catheters). Catheter salvage with daptomycin shows rapid cidality, activity against stationary phase bacteria, and penetration and activity in biofilms. The present inventions provide formulations, methods, and articles of manufacture useful for biofilm treatment or catheter salvage involving daptomycin. Particular formulations include daptomycin in lactated Ringer's solution having a rapid kill curve against the bacteria of the biofilm.

Abstract: The Foldable/Flexible sled is a lightweight circular sled that folds up into itself, with two quick hand motions, for quick and easy transport. Made of soft, flexible material it is also less dangerous in the case of sledding accidents.

Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatus and processes permit a video game in which there are relationships between player characters, karma points employed, and death and reincarnation of player characters.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, processes and products permit relationships to be formed between player characters of a video game. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems that permit players of a video game to secure contracts in-game using, e.g., credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. Virtual and/or real world financial penalties can be applied to players and/or player characters who default on agreements.

Abstract: A system and/or method for relaying messages in a network (e.g. a mobile network) are provided. Certain portable communications nodes are instrumented with omni-directional antennas. Certain static communications nodes are network cluster-head nodes with directional antennas, and, for example, achieve much of the gain possible when all nodes have directional antennas. Cluster-head communications preferably are used when the nodes are separable by the directional antennas. Preferably, there is a transition to mesh communications when the nodes cannot take advantage of the directional antennas. One feature of certain exemplary embodiments is that only one side of a communication link requires a directional antennal to enable spatial frequency reuse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. The present invention further provides a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for relaying messages between nodes in a network (e.g. a wireless network) are provided. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, substantially simultaneous communications between nodes may be accomplished. At least one secondary turbo-coded message may be piggybacked onto a turbo-coded primary message. Messages in the network may be queued and sent from a transmitter to at least one receiver based at least in part on the signal-to-noise ratio(s) of the receiver nodes with respect to the transmitter. Thus, it may be possible to realize a network that reduces collision problems, reduces delays in communications, and/or increases throughput.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. The present invention further provides a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) are also provided.

Abstract: In an online game methods and systems disclosed herein can permit characters to give help to or offer to give help to other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character is provided. Characters may be rewarded or paid for giving help to each other.

Abstract: Video game methods and apparatus permit contracts to be formed and enforced within a video game. Virtual and/or real world obligations, penalties and remedies are available for entities that are parties to or breach contracts or other obligations in virtual contracts.

Abstract: This disclosure includes systems which generate a video game or other virtual environment, and player characters in the video game can form relationships of various natures. Certain relationships provide benefits and/or obligations. The video game facilitates the monitoring, forming and terminating of various kinds of relationships.

Abstract: This disclosure includes systems which generate a video game or other virtual environment, and institutions and transactions of a financial nature are facilitated by the video game. Some types of financial transactions may be guaranteed, such as by real world financial devices including credit cards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems that permit players of a video game to secure contracts in-game using, e.g., credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. Virtual and/or real world financial penalties can be applied to players and/or player characters who default on agreements.

Abstract: A system for filtering digital television signals is provided. The system comprises a generator for providing a first data sequence to a private data packetizer, and a transmitter for transmitting the packetized first data sequence in a data channel of a digital television signal. The system further includes a receiver for receiving the digital television signal and recovering the first data sequence. The receiver includes a channel estimator for providing an estimate of channel characteristics, such as estimated channel impulse estimate and estimated noise variance. The receiver further includes an adaptive equalizer filter having an input for receiving the digital television signal and an input for receiving adaptive filter coefficients. The receiver further includes a coefficient processor for calculating adaptive filter coefficients based on the channel estimate, and providing the adaptive filter coefficients to the adaptive equalizer filter.