Abstract: A data encoding method for encoding an array of data values as data sets and escape codes for values not encoded by the data sets, an escape code including a unary coded portion and a non-unary coded portion, the method including: setting a coding parameter defining a minimum number of bits of a non-unary coded portion; adding an offset value of 1 or more to the coding parameter to define a minimum least significant data portion size; generating one or more data sets indicative of positions, relative to the array of data values, of data values of predetermined magnitude ranges, to encode the value of at least one least significant bit of each data value; generating respective complementary most-significant data portions and least-significant data portions; encoding the data sets; encoding the most significant data portions; and encoding the least-significant portions.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: A method of encoding image data, including: frequency-transforming input image data to generate an array of frequency-transformed input image coefficients by a matrix-multiplication process, according to a maximum dynamic range of the transformed data and using transform matrices having a data precision; and selecting the maximum dynamic range and/or the data precision of the transform matrices according to the bit depth of the input image data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which adds biochemical sensitivity to a standard biopsy needle such that the practitioner is provided immediate feedback on the metabolism and physiology of tissue in the local environment. Disclosed is a sensor integrated biopsy device for in situ and real time tissue analysis. The sensor integrated biopsy (SIB) needle system will enable biopsy teams to measure local tissue biochemistry in real time during biopsy procedures, adding a valuable new set of parameters to augment and extend conventional image-guided procedures.

Abstract: A data encoding method for encoding an array of data values as data sets and escape codes for values not encoded by the data sets, an escape code including a unary coded portion and a non-unary coded portion, the method including: setting a coding parameter defining a minimum number of bits of a non-unary coded portion; adding an offset value of 1 or more to the coding parameter to define a minimum least significant data portion size; generating one or more data sets indicative of positions, relative to the array of data values, of data values of predetermined magnitude ranges, to encode the value of at least one least significant bit of each data value; generating respective complementary most-significant data portions and least-significant data portions; encoding the data sets; encoding the most significant data portions; and encoding the least-significant portions.

Abstract: Provided are a re-using e-commerce payment instruments for in-store purchasing systems and methods. A customer enters a check out and a transaction at the point of sale is started. The system receives a pairing request at a wallet processor from a customer mobile device operating a mobile application. This pairing request is created and sent in response to scanning of a code having a transaction identification. The system associates a customer payment profile with the transaction identification and sends associated information to the point of sale. The point of sale sends an amount of sale to authorize to the wallet processor after completing scanning of items. The system creates an authorization for payment and sending the authorization for payment to an authorizer. The transaction may then be completed by processing payment.

Abstract: A dog accessories case that features a dog bone-shaped bag making the process of feeding and hydrating pets as well as transporting essentials. The dog accessories case includes a dog bone-shaped bag includes a top portion, the dog bone-shaped bag contains one or more dog accessories, a pair of bowls disposed on the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag, a storage area disposed on a middle portion of the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag, a plurality of hinges disposed on a plurality of back edges of the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag and are used to open and close the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag, a plurality of snaps disposed on a plurality of front edges of the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag and to secure and release the top portion of the dog bone-shaped bag and a bone-shaped handle.

Abstract: A method of encoding image data, including: frequency-transforming input image data to generate an array of frequency-transformed input image coefficients by a matrix-multiplication process, according to a maximum dynamic range of the transformed data and using transform matrices having a data precision; and selecting the maximum dynamic range and/or the data precision of the transform matrices according to the bit depth of the input image data.

Abstract: Provided is a merchant split tender system and method. A cashier completes a scan of merchandise and enters tendering phase. The point of sale sends a the request to authorize a total dollar amount to a wallet processor. The wallet processor accesses a customer payment profile to determine if there is a split tender configuration. If there is a split tender configuration, the wallet processor determines a first account and a second account to use for providing tender for the purchase. The first account and the second account to use is determined by the customer payment profile. The first account may be authorized first and then the second account may be authorized for the remaining amount. The system may also use more than two accounts. This process happens automatically based on the customer payment profile.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing combinations of bacteria, for the maintenance or restoration of a healthy microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian subject, and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: Materials, methods of preparing, and methods of use relating to increasing heat capacity of a solid oxide fuel cell. In at least one embodiment, the solid oxide fuel cell includes a cathode side; an anode side; and an interconnect material. The method includes increasing heat capacity of the interconnect material by modifying the interconnect material composition to increase specific heat and/or the heat associated with a solid-solid phase transition; and increasing the interconnect geometry (mass and volume) in the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: This disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising amino acid entities and uses thereof. Methods for improving liver function and for treating liver diseases comprising administering an effective amount of the compositions to a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising amino acid entities and uses thereof. Methods for improving liver function and for treating liver diseases comprising administering an effective amount of the compositions to a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions containing non-pathogenic microbial entities, e.g., bacterial or fungal entities, are described herein. The probiotic compositions may optionally contain or be used in conjunction with one or more prebiotics. Uses of the probiotic compositions to treat or prevent transplant disorders, e.g., graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising amino acid entities and uses thereof. Methods for improving liver function and for treating liver diseases comprising administering an effective amount of the compositions to a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rolling diaphragm syringe includes a proximal end having an end wall, a distal end having an open-ended discharge neck, a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a piston engagement portion protruding proximally from a central portion of the end wall and configured for engagement with a piston of a fluid injector. The piston engagement portion has a stem with a first end attached to the end wall, a second end extending proximally from the first end, and at least one protrusion that protrudes radially outward. The sidewall is flexible and rolls upon itself when acted upon by the piston such that an outer surface of the sidewall is folded in a radially inward direction as the piston is advanced from the proximal end to the distal end, and unfolded in a radially outward direction as the piston is retracted from the distal end to the proximal end.

Abstract: A refund processing system and method for automatically processing refunds to a mobile payment account of a customer is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving sales transaction information from a transaction records database, in response to a request from a point of sale device when a refund for an item is initiated, transmitting the sales transaction information to calculate an amount of funds to be refunded to a payment instrument, detecting that the payment instrument is not valid while attempting to apply the refund, and determining whether an electronic gift card is currently associated with the mobile payment account of the customer, and if so, applying the refund to the electronic gift card, and if not, creating a new electronic gift card and applying the amount of funds to the new electronic gift card.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a SOFC comprised of an electrolyte, anode, and cathode, where the cathode comprises an MIEC and an oxygen-reducing layer. The oxygen-reducing layer is in contact with the MIEC, and the MIEC is generally between and separating the oxygen-reducing layer and the electrolyte. The oxygen-reducing layer is comprised of single element oxides, single element carbonates, or mixtures thereof, and has a thickness of less than about 30 nm. In a particular embodiment, the thickness is less than 5 nm. In another embodiment, the thickness is about 3 monolayers or less. The oxygen-reducing layer may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film with various coverage ratios. The oxygen-reducing layer at the thicknesses described may be generated on the MIEC surface using means known in the art such as, for example, ALD processes.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions containing non-pathogenic microbial entities, e.g., bacterial or fungal entities, are described herein. The probiotic compositions may optionally contain or be used in conjunction with one or more prebiotics. Uses of the probiotic compositions to treat or prevent transplant disorders, e.g., graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a design for distributed optic fiber sensors and a corresponding method for sensing chemical concentrations with distributed fiber optic sensors, which utilizes segments of optical fiber which incorporate multiple sensing locations along the fiber. The distributed sensors incorporated into the optic fiber generate signals which are simultaneously detected and combined to produce a resultant signal with the effective optic fiber sensor length equal to that of the corresponding fiber segment.