Abstract: Glycan-binding proteins, and compositions thereof, are generally described, including methods of making and using such proteins. The proteins may include scaffolds based on easily evolvable DNA-binding proteins, with binding sites able to specifically bind to mono- or disaccharides, such as monosaccharide-binding determinants, disaccharide-binding determinants, more complex carbohydrates, etc. In certain aspects, a protein may be generated starting from a small DNA-binding protein, such as Sso7d. Such glycan-binding proteins may have numerous applications, including in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), glycan characterization, cell selection, flow cytometry, histology, imaging, arrays, affinity purification, enzyme-linked visualization, binding to a target for pharmaceutical purposes, etc.

Abstract: The present invention enables a data-driven, dynamic transaction manager capable of coordinating interworking between disparate networks. The transaction manager is preferably provided in a gateway connecting the disparate networks. The transaction manager may dynamically determine which tasks, messages, and interactions must be involved in the fulfillment of a transaction based on a variety of data-driven sources. The transaction manager is flexible and configurable rather than a rigid architecture requiring an application-specific configuration. With the present invention, the data driving the transaction manager may involve parameters from the incoming inquiry message, parameters in data from various sources associated with the contents of the incoming message, and parameters in the gateway's behavioral configuration data, as well as parameters received in response from activities involved directly in the transaction.

Abstract: A hair accessory includes a pouch formed from an elastic material and having an opening edge. An elastic loop is secured to the pouch at a hem formed at the open edge of the pouch. An elastic band is interengaged with the elastic loop. The elastic band is used to secure hair in a ponytail. The hair then is formed into a bun and the pouch is snapped into engagement over the bun to hold the hair in the bun shape.

Abstract: The present invention enables a data-driven, dynamic transaction manager capable of coordinating interworking between disparate networks. The transaction manager is preferably provided in a gateway connecting the disparate networks. The transaction manager may dynamically determine which tasks, messages, and interactions must be involved in the fulfillment of a transaction based on a variety of data-driven sources. The transaction manager is flexible and configurable rather than a rigid architecture requiring an application-specific configuration. With the present invention, the data driving the transaction manager may involve parameters from the incoming inquiry message, parameters in data from various sources associated with the contents of the incoming message, and parameters in the gateway's behavioral configuration data, as well as parameters received in response from activities involved directly in the transaction.