Abstract: A communication device may receive an employee skill certification badge request for: (i) a first employee of an insurance enterprise, and (ii) a first employee skill category of a plurality of potential categories. Information about the received may be stored, and a badge server may gather and store data (e.g., quantitative and/or qualitative data) in an electronic evidence file based the first employee's interactions with customers during normal performance of his or her employment. A first manager of the first employee may be determined, and the badge server may receive from the first manager an indication that the electronic evidence file meets a threshold criteria. Responsive to the received indication, the badge server may associate the first employee with the first employee skill certification badge and transmit data to cause display of an icon associated with the first employee skill certification badge on other remote devices.

Abstract: A probe for use with a pulse oximeter apparatus is disclosed, as are a fixture for and a method of making the probe. The probe includes a housing and two fiber optic bundles. The first bundle has an emitter portion at one end, and is used for conducting light from a source thereof to the emitter portion from which the light is transmitted for transillumination through a body part. The second bundle is for conducting the transilluminated light incident upon a detector portion thereof to the pulse oximeter apparatus. The housing is overmolded onto the bundles so that the emitter and detector portions are securely positioned diametrically opposite each other across an opening defined by the housing. The overmolding makes the alignment of the emitter and detector portions largely impervious to movement of the body part when placed within the opening and thus between the emitter and detector portions.

Abstract: Compounds, genetic constructs, and cancer treatment methods are provided. Expression vectors were designed to express fusion genes including hIL-2 with a Fc?-? transmembrane anchor derived from a subunit of the FC epsilon receptor. mRNA and the IL-2tm fusion protein was expressed in transfected RD995 tumor cells. Expression of the IL-2tm protein on the tumor cell surface membrane was confirmed by microscopy. RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm or pCMV2b (empty expression vector) were implanted subcutaneously into C3H/HEN mice. Tumors of mice implanted with 106 or 105 RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm grew slower than controls. It is believed that selective expression of cytokines such as IL-2 on the surface of tumors is likely to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that are primed and already recognize tumor antigens, enhancing tumor recognition and killing, potentially avoiding toxicity associated with known cytokine therapies.

Abstract: A method of producing and simultaneously deaerating a mixture comprises providing, in a container, components of the mixture; and subjecting the container to a rotational motion about a first axis in a first direction while rotating the container about a second axis in a second direction to effect a mixing and a substantially simultaneous deaeration.

Abstract: A method of producing a mixture or solution of a liquid and a fusible solid comprises providing, in a container, the liquid and the fusible solid; and subjecting the container to a rotational motion about a first axis in a first direction while rotating the container about a second axis in a second direction to effect a dissolution of the fusible solid and a mixing of the components of the mixture or solution.

Abstract: A method of producing a mixture comprises providing, in a container, at least a first component of the mixture at a first temperature; adding a remaining component of the mixture to said at least a first component; subjecting the container to a rotational motion about a first axis in a first direction while rotating the container about a second axis in a second direction to effect a mixing; wherein the first temperature is lower than the temperature of the mixture at the end of the mixing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting an IOL optic from an IOL blank whereby the resultant IOL optic has a square edge and the cutting is performed in a combined linear and rotational cutting movement. In another aspect, an IOL optic is provided which includes a square edge and helically shaped striations formed therein to help reduce glare.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting an IOL optic from an IOL blank whereby the resultant IOL optic has a square edge and the cutting is performed in a combined linear and rotational cutting movement. In another aspect, an IOL optic is provided which includes a square edge and helically shaped striations formed therein to help reduce glare.

Abstract: An interface that couples a surface coil array having N receiving elements to an NMR scanner having M preamplifier inputs. The interface includes an RF switch array and a transmit/receive bias circuit. The RF switch array and the transmit/receive bias circuit are controlled by a control logic circuit. In response to a predetermined input, the control logic circuit causes a predetermined subset of the N receiving elements to be couple to the preamplifier inputs of the NMR scanner. Preferably, N may be larger than M.