Abstract: A method of inducing a Type I interferon response in a mammalian subject that presents with a microbial infection, cancerous tumor or hematological malignancy that comprises administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene as discussed above, effective to induce the Type I interferon response. A method of enhancing a mammalian immunogen-specific immune response that comprises contacting mammalian cells, in vivo or present in a mammalian cell growth supporting medium, with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene, and an immunogen to which that response is to be enhanced. A mammalian HX compound-adjuvanted vaccine composition that contains an immunogen present in a vaccine-effective amount along with an adjuvant-effective amount of a halogenated xanthene (HX) compound and one or more excipients present at about 0.001% by weight to 10% by weight of the vaccine composition dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: An emergency satellite communications system that provides remote sites with assured access. The network is provisioned, configured, and managed such that the remote units are always online, but not used to an extent that would prevent remote units from communicating via the network upon demand. The network may include geographic hub diversity to protect against hub failure. Proactive monitoring of the components comprising the network is used to mitigate or prevent network congestion, such as by load balancing. An overflow link may be provided, allowing for remote sites to be assigned from a first link to the overflow link to mitigate or prevent congestion on the first link, and/or allow for additional bandwidth to be allocated to one or more remote sites that remain on the first link. A satellite communication network may comprise a satellite and a network management system operative in controlling and managing a plurality of first and second terminals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method enabling value stored in an advanced technology memory on a transaction card to be utilized in a magnetic stripe transaction with the card. The invention provides a special transaction number that is encrypted and recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card. The special transaction number comprises the value to be transferred or transaction amount, a personal identification number (“PIN”), and an account number. The special transaction number is recorded in a non-discretionary data field. Further, an indicator character may also be recorded on the magnetic stripe to alert a host system of a financial institution of the existence of the special transaction number. Thus, the special transaction number is read during a magnetic stripe transaction and the value represented by the special transaction number may be utilized to perform the transaction.

Abstract: An automated system and method for presenting both interactive and proactive customized and personalized advice for a customer by a financial institution is based on a sophisticated customer profile generated by the system according to an analysis of the customer from a totality of the customer's interaction with the system. The system includes, for example, an advice engine, which is primarily software, that considers numerous sets of system logic, such as legal constraints and statistical facts that affect the customer, and generates the advice. The system also includes a presentation engine which varies the presentation, depending in part on the mode by which the customer accesses the system, but regardless of the mode, presents the advice to the customer in an individualized manner. Additionally, the system includes a context assessment engine, which examines the context of the interaction between the customer and the system and assesses the effectiveness of the advice.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method enabling value stored in an advanced technology memory on a transaction card to be utilized in a magnetic stripe transaction with the card. The invention provides a special transaction number that is encrypted and recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card. The special transaction number may comprise the value to be transferred or transaction amount, a personal identification number (“PIN”), as well as other pertinent information. The special transaction number may be recorded in a discretionary data field, non-discretionary data field, or in a combination of both. Further, an indicator character may also be recorded on the magnetic stripe to alert a host system of a financial institution of the existence of the special transaction number. The present invention provides a number of techniques for encrypting the special transaction number.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for transferring funds. The invention supports funds transfers from a source account to a cash access file which can be accessed virtually twenty-four hours a day by both customers and non-customers. Access is achieved by the recipient entering a codeword selected by the sender, along with a transaction code randomly generated by the system. Once the sender provides the codeword and the transaction code to the recipient, the recipient can receive transferred cash through an ATM, even without using a card to access the system. Cash may be transferred across international borders and dispensed in a currency different than that of the sender's source account. Although cash is made available to a recipient virtually as soon as the requested transfer is approved and confirmed by the sender, the sender's account is not debited until the cash is actually received by the recipient. Other features, including security, cancellation, and status inquiries are also described.

Abstract: A three-dimensional framework for use as a cutting and trimming guide in shaping plants into artistic form or topiaries. The supporting framework is provided with anchoring means permitting, use in small sizes, with potted plants, and, in larger sizes, with outdoor landscape plantings. In larger sizes, the framework is vertically separable into half portions permitting removal from a planting for re-use.