Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container and a movable member. The medicament container is configured to move within the housing between a first position and a second position in response to a force produced by an energy storage member. A proximal end portion of the medicament container includes a flange and has a plunger disposed therein. A first shoulder of the movable member is configured to exert the force on the flange to move the medicament container from the first position to the second position. A portion of the first shoulder deforms when the medicament container is in the second position such that at least a portion of the force is exerted upon the plunger. A second shoulder of the movable member is configured to exert a retraction force on the flange to move the medicament container from the second position towards the first position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for enabling a client to acquire a commodity via a survey are provided. One system includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide a survey to a client, receive the survey completed by the client, and enable the client to utilize completion of the survey to acquire a commodity. A method includes providing a survey to a client, receiving the completed survey, and enabling the client to utilize completion of the survey to acquire a commodity. One computer program product includes a computer-readable medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for enabling a client to acquire a commodity via a survey. The computer program product includes computer code for performing the above method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyridopyrazinone derivatives of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z1 W, A and R1 are as defined in claim 1, as insulin secretion stimulators. The invention also relates to the preparation and use of these pyridopyrazinone derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes and pathologies associated.

Abstract: A miniaturized electro-mechanical switch includes a moveable portion having a contact configured to make, when the switch is actuated, an electrical connection between two stationary points. At least the contact is composed of a fully silicided material. A structure includes a silicon layer formed over an insulator layer and a micromechanical switch formed at least partially within the silicon layer. The micromechanical switch has a conductive structure, and where at least electrically contacting portions of the conductive structure are comprised of fully silicided material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a computer-implemented method for generating explanatory data from a personalized recommendations process for a primary user based at least on stored data about the primary user. The method comprises a server computer obtaining data related to one or more users who are relevant to the primary user, then determining at least one group of users relevant to the primary user. The server computer also obtains data related to one or more entities, determines one or more entities relevant to the primary user, and associates the at least one relevant group of users with the one or more relevant entities. One or more potential candidate factors are generated. A set of factors are selected from the one or more potential candidate factors, wherein the potential candidate factors are used as explanatory data to determine recommendations to the primary user.

Abstract: A method for suggesting invitations to a network. The method includes accessing information corresponding to a plurality of individuals, wherein a first user of the network is associated with the plurality of individuals. The method also includes determining whether any of the plurality of individuals merit an invitation to join said network with the first user. The determining is based on the information corresponding to a plurality of individuals.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinked amine and amide polymers effective for binding and removing bile salts from the gastrointestinal tract. These bile acid binding polymers or pharmaceutical compositions thereof can be administered to subjects to treat various conditions, including hypercholesteremia, diabetes, pruritis, irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea (IBS-D), bile acid malabsorption, and the like.

Abstract: Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems.

Abstract: A method for performing indexing in an image decoder. The method includes identifying a tile in an image, wherein the image comprises a plurality of tiles, and wherein each tile includes color data associated with a plurality of pixels. The method includes asymmetrically providing a plurality of indices throughout the tile. The method includes identifying a pixel in the tile. The method also includes determining a corresponding rectangular grid that includes the pixel, wherein the corresponding rectangular grid comprises at least one indices in a group of indices. The method includes determining an index for the pixel by bilinearly filtering the group of indices that is associated with the corresponding rectangular grid, wherein the filtering is performed in relation to the pixel.

Abstract: A development system (10) for an electrophotographic printer with multiple augers containing a development roller (11) and a first channel contains a feed auger (13) and developer, with a plurality of paddles (12) attached to the feed auger, at least some the paddles increase in size with respect to a previous paddle along a direction of developer flow (18). This arrangement of paddles ensures that a uniform layer of developer is formed on the development roller despite the volume of developer in the first channel decreasing along the length of the first channel in the direction of developer flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides compound of Formula (I) biologically active metabolites, pro-drugs, isomers, stereoisomers, solvates, hydrates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein the variables are defined herein. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating immunological conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition substantially free of polyethylene, wherein the composition includes a thermoplastic material having certain specified mechanical properties, and about 2 wt. % to about 25 wt. % (based on the total weight of the composition) of an olefin mixture that consists essentially of a 30:70 to 70:30 weight ratio of a homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer and a propylene-based elastomer having at least 75 wt. % units derived from propylene and about 10 wt. % to about 25 wt. % units derived from a C2 or a C4-10 alpha olefin. The specified olefin mixture unexpectedly imparts to the overall composition mechanical properties (such as impact strength, for example) heretofore unattainable. These mechanical properties can be expected to be tailored to suit the end-use expected of the composition.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers comprising bio-based thermoplastic polymers, and optionally thermoplastic starch are disclosed. Also disclosed are nonwoven webs and articles formed from these fibers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a drill bit is disclosed that includes selecting a drill bit configuration, obtaining a stress map for the drill bit configuration relating to a drilling operation, performing a mechanical test with an actual drill bit having the selected configuration, and selecting a location on a surface of the drill bit for installing a sensor thereat based on a location of low stress from the stress map and results of the mechanical test, and placing a sensor at the selected location.

Abstract: An active zone for a light emission system including a series of layers at least a portion of which consists of antimony semiconductors III-V. The layers are arranged to form at least one quantum well surrounded by barriers for generating a light emission. The active zone also includes at least one layer forming an intermediate barrier arranged relative to the quantum well to form at least two quantum sub-wells coupled with each other. A heterostructure including at least one optical confinement layer surrounding at least one active zone; a laser emission system including one heterostructure deposited onto a substrate; and the use of an active zone for emitting a light beam having a wavelength of 1.55 ?m are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for rejoining an IC die, removed from an existing substrate, to a new substrate, is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes grinding an existing substrate from an IC die to create a substantially planar surface exposing interconnects and surrounding underfill material. A new substrate is provided having electrically conductive pedestals protruding therefrom. The electrically conductive pedestals are positioned to align with the exposed interconnects and have a melting point substantially higher than the melting point of the interconnects. The method places the exposed interconnects in contact with the electrically conductive pedestals. The method then applies a reflow process to melt and electrically join the exposed interconnects with the electrically conductive pedestals. A structure produced by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a first and a second plurality of input keys. At least some input keys of the first plurality of input keys are associated with both a numeric value and a first set of alphabetic values, and arranged in a first alphabetic keypad layout based on their respective first sets of alphabetic values. The second plurality of input keys are positioned adjacent to the first plurality of input keys. At least some input keys of the second plurality of input keys are associated with at least one alphabetic value, and arranged in a second alphabetic keypad layout. At least some of the input keys of the first plurality of input keys have a second set of alphabetic values that is used as part of the second alphabetic keypad layout and at least some of the input keys of the first and second pluralities of input keys are arranged to provide a reduced group of words generated by a predictive text input routine for an input key sequence entered by a user.

Abstract: An article, system and method of installation of a pipe in fixed association with at least one stanchion, said stanchion having a mount for fixing the stanchion to a mounting surface, said length of stanchion serving to establish a fixed distance between the pipe relative to the mounting surface, such that when the pipe is mounted thereon the surface, a pitch of the pipe in the direction of the sink and away from the source of a liquid insures the proper rate of gravitational flow of the liquid therein.