Abstract: A gift redemption system may include a gift processing server configured to accept a gift value for a gift product for a gift recipient, and permit selection of a retailer from among retailers for the gift product. The gift processing server may also be configured to associate a gift recipient identifier with the gift recipient, and permit selection of a redeemable gift value from the gift value. The system may also include a retailer server associated with the selected retailer. The system may also include a gift redemption server configured to obtain the redeemable gift value and the gift recipient identifier, and cooperate with retailer server to generate a gift discount identifier for use by the gift recipient at a point-of-sale (POS) of the gift product based upon the redeemable gift value and the gift recipient identifier.

Abstract: A system for processing a supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) may include a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and a SNAP administration server coupled to the POS terminal. The SNAP administration server may store SNAP eligible products, and store SNAP payment wallets each associated with a SNAP user and each having an associated credit value to be used toward purchase of the SNAP eligible products. The SNAP administration server may also store SNAP coupon wallets each associated with the SNAP user and each having an associated digital coupon value to be used toward the purchase of SNAP eligible products. The SNAP administration server may further determine whether products being purchased match the SNAP eligible products and, for each matching product, apply the associated digital coupon value and apply the associated credit value toward the purchase at the POS terminal.

Abstract: A processing server may receive transaction data from one or more point of sale (POS) terminals in near real-time. Transaction data received from each of the POS terminals may be in a format that is specific to the POS terminal. Upon receiving the transaction data having the POS specific format, the processing server may convert the transaction data to a common format that is compatible with the operations of the processing server. Further, the processing server may index the converted transaction data into one or more categories. Responsive to indexing, the processing server may generate aggregate data from the indexed transaction data. Further, the processing server may receive a request for a data report associated with the aggregate data. Responsive to receiving the request, the processing server may generate the data report, format the data report to match a user preference, and transmit the data report for presentation.

Abstract: A processing server may receive transaction data from one or more point of sale (POS) terminals in near real-time. Transaction data received from each of the POS terminals may be in a format that is specific to the POS terminal. Upon receiving the transaction data having the POS specific format, the processing server may convert the transaction data to a common format that is compatible with the operations of the processing server. Further, the processing server may index the converted transaction data into one or more categories. Responsive to indexing, the processing server may generate aggregate data from the indexed transaction data. Further, the processing server may receive a request for a data report associated with the aggregate data. Responsive to receiving the request, the processing server may generate the data report, format the data report to match a user preference, and transmit the data report for presentation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting the production of proinflammatory agents by macrophages by contacting the cells with a monocarboxylate such as nicotinic acid. The invention also includes methods of treating diseases that are associated with macrophage activation such as atherosclerosis; systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis; inflammatory bowel disease; and diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 potassium-chloride cotransporter proteins, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 homologs, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. KCC2, KCC3, and KCC4 gene products have biological activity in potassium-chloride cotransport. Thus, therapeutic methods involving this activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevated pressure and temperature fluid processing system providing a pressurized fluid delivery system including a process fluid supply system and pump for supplying a process fluid at a process pressure, and a process fluid heater for heating the process fluid; a process chamber with a process chamber heater; and a process discharge collection system. The system also provides a process chamber inflow valve for connecting the pressurized fluid delivery system to the process chamber for fluid flow, and a process chamber outflow valve for connecting the process chamber to the collection system for fluid flow. A process chamber bypass valve connects the pressurized fluid delivery system to the process discharge collection system so as to bypass the process chamber. A computer control system controls the pump, the process fluid heater, the chamber heater, and the valves.

Abstract: Device for fluidic support and bi-directional rotation of an item in a process chamber where the operating fluid is compatible with the process. The device has a rotable load bearing platform with a load bearing interface between it and a base in the chamber. Fluid, which may be supercritical fluid, is applied through load bearing ports into the interface to fluidly support the weight and create rotational forces on the load platform. A turbine on the load platform is actuated by fluid flow directed from turbine ports in the chamber connected to the fluid source. Markers on the load platform and sensors in the chamber provide speed and direction sensing. An electromagnetic source in the chamber reacts with a permanent magnet in the rotable platform to provide an electromagnetic force for moving, or changing or holding the relative position of the load platform.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding SLC26A6, SLC26A1, and SLC26A2 anion transporter polypeptides, recombinantly expressed SLC26A6, SLC26A1, and SLC26A2 anion transporter polypeptides, heterologous expression systems for recombinant expression of SLC26A6, SLC26A1, and SLC26A2 anion transporter polypeptides, assay methods employing the same, and methods for modulation of anion transport activity.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding SLC26A7 and SLC26A9 anion transporter polypeptides, recombinantly expressed SLC26A7 and SLC26A9 anion transporter polypeptides, heterologous expression systems for recombinant expression of SLC26A7 and SLC26A9 anion transporter polypeptides, assay methods employing the same, and methods for modulation of anion transport activity.