Abstract: Users of a client computer having non-conventional input devices interact with a host computing platform with the same user experience as if he or she was operating the client computer natively. This is achieved by having the non-conventional input devices of the client device appear local to the applications that are running on the host platform, even though the host computing platform may not be equipped with drivers for the non-conventional input devices.

Abstract: A topical composition is prepared using macerated leaves of St. Andrew's Cross (hypericum hypericoides). An aqueous extract of the leaves is mixed with ethanol to form a spray or to saturate a wet wipe and administer to a mammal skin for treatment a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, cellulitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, dandruff, stasis dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, ecthyma, impetigo, shingles, urticaria, tinea pedis, tinea manuum, tinea cruris, sunburn, insect bites and stings, jellyfish stings, granuloma annulare, bullous pemphigoid, lichen planus, bed sore, inflammations caused by waterborne vectors, diaper rash, heat rash, pityriasis rosea, jungle rot, scleroderma, skin rashes and photo-aging.

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for representing two or more related markup language source files in a single delta file is provided. The markup language source files are represented in such a way that the delta file is easily processed to produce one or more merged combinations of the source files. The method and apparatus ensure that any one of the original files can be extracted from the delta file and the delta file remains a valid delta file for any remaining source files. The method and apparatus is adapted to enable the sources files to be aligned with respect to structurally significant elements and textual content so as to reduce repetitions in the delta file of common content. The method and apparatus are suited for use, but not exclusively, with XML documents and files.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: A process for making a polyurethane, comprising reacting a multifunctional isocyanate, a polyol and, optionally, a chain extender, wherein at least two reagents selected from the isocyanate, the polyol, the chain extender, any mixture thereof and any pre-polymer formed therefrom, are intensively mixed prior to being reactively extruded, to form a polyurethane having a predetermined stoichiometry and thermal history. The polyurethanes obtained by such a process are of highly consistent composition and are, thus, especially suitable for use in the medical device industry.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing a virtual file system using a key-value-based storage interface. A key-value directory framework determines one or more files stored in at least one stream-based file store. The key-value directory framework causes, at least in part, a grouping of the one or more files into at least one key-value directory. The key-value directory includes, at least in part, one or more key-value pairs of a distributed key-value store. The key-value directory framework also causes, at least in part, a storage of (a) at least one identifier of the one or more files, the at least one key-value directory, or a combination thereof as one or more keys of the one or more key-value pairs; (b) block-based access information associated with the one or more files as one or more values of the key-value pairs; and (c) a locking mechanism to facilitate coordination of threads across multiple hosts.

Abstract: A topical composition is prepared using macerated leaves of St. Andrew's Cross (hypericum hypericoides). An aqueous extract of the leaves is mixed with ethanol to form a spray or to saturate a wet wipe and administer to a mammal skin for treatment a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, cellulitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, dandruff, stasis dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, ecthyma, impetigo, shingles, urticaria, tinea pedis, tinea manuum, tinea cruris, sunburn, insect bites and stings, jellyfish stings, granuloma annulare, bullous pemphigoid, lichen planus, bed sore, inflammations caused by waterborne vectors, diaper rash, heat rash, pityriasis rosea, jungle rot, scleroderma, skin rashes and photo-aging.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing a virtual file system using a key-value-based storage interface. A key-value directory framework determines one or more files stored in at least one stream-based file store. The key-value directory framework causes, at least in part, a grouping of the one or more files into at least one key-value directory. The key-value directory includes, at least in part, one or more key-value pairs of a distributed key-value store. The key-value directory framework also causes, at least in part, a storage of (a) at least one identifier of the one or more files, the at least one key-value directory, or a combination thereof as one or more keys of the one or more key-value pairs; (b) block-based access information associated with the one or more files as one or more values of the key-value pairs; and (c) a locking mechanism to facilitate coordination of threads across multiple hosts.

Abstract: A system provides for a customer to maintain and customize a user account with a banking institution. A server maintains pre-established packages providing a group of services and applications providing a specific service. The server also maintains user accounts, each associated with a particular customer and with one or more services. The server processes requests to designate and customize packages and applications associated with a customer account. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are provided that allow for the customer to build, customize, and view the customer account. A selection GUI includes service icons associated with respective services and selectable by a customer to associate the respective services with the customer account. A customization GUI includes service windows that correspond to respective service icons, that include an overview summary of the respective services, and that are selectable to view and edit features of the respective services.

Abstract: A method for making a cooked rolled snack food from a starch based dough. The starch based dough is admixed with a small average particle size monoglyceride. The dough is then rolled and cooked in hot oil. The fatty acid chain is disposed within the helical amylose molecules in the starch-based dough and provides structural support within the helix. This support helps control inward expansion of the rolled dough snack during frying.

Abstract: An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques.

Abstract: A method of recording changes to a markup language file which employs application-defined tags. The changes are recorded in a delta file which is also a markup language file providing validation of the recorded changes against substantially the same markup language structure as that of the markup language file being changed. Where the original markup language file is an XML file with a DTD, a DTD can be created for the delta file which substantially follows the DTD of the original markup language file. Strict compliance of the data recorded in the delta file with the delta DTD provides validation of the changes with respect to the original XML file.

Abstract: An equipment support (10) for supporting a piece of equipment (20). The equipment support (10) being operable to support the piece of equipment (20) and including a drive arrangement (13a, 13b) to provide drive so that the position of the piece of equipment (20) relative to a user of the equipment is automatically and continuous varied over time.

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a cooked rolled snack food from a starch based dough. The starch based dough is admixed with a small average particle size monoglyceride. The dough is then rolled and cooked in hot oil. The fatty acid chain is disposed within the helical amylose molecules in the starch-based dough and provides structural support within the helix. This support helps control inward expansion of the rolled dough snack during frying.

Abstract: An instrument for preparation of vertebral endplates and a method of preparing a surface of a vertebral endplate are described. The instrument includes a body having a frame, an endplate preparation member supported by the body, and a pivot point. A tilt axis is perpendicular to and intersects a sweep axis at the pivot point. The endplate preparation member is coupled to the frame and controllably pivotable in an arc about the first tilt axis to change a tilt of the endplate preparation member. The endplate preparation member is also controllably pivotable in an arc about the sweep axis while maintaining the tilt of the endplate preparation member. By sweeping the endplate preparation member at incrementally larger tilt angles, recesses in a vertebral endplate surface are gradually formed, which may allow greater precision and control of a depth of the recesses and reduce stress on the vertebral endplate, as opposed to more aggressive techniques.