Abstract: A method for improving yogurt texture in a yogurt manufacture process includes providing a volume of milk, injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) at a selected injection pressure into the provided volume of milk to establish a selected pH level in the provided volume of milk, storing the CO2-injected milk at a selected temperature for a selected time period, forming a retentate by applying a filtration process to the CO2-injected milk, mixing the retentate with a volume of non-treated milk to form a mixture of retentate and non-treated milk in a selected proportion and forming a yogurt product with the mixture of retentate and non-treated milk.

Abstract: A rolling contact layer-by-layer assembly device comprises at least one roller, a cylinder substrate and a motor to rotate the cylinder substrate. The assembly device optionally includes at least one rinsing nozzle and air applicator. The rollers each provide a polyelectrolyte solution to the surface of the cylinder substrate, the polyelectrolyte solutions having an affinity for each other. Excess polyelectrolyte solution can be washed using the rinsing nozzle followed by a drying step prior to the application of the second polyelectrolyte solution. A plurality of bilayers is produced by the continuous application of polyelectrolyte solutions to form an LBL article such as a nano-composite article or film. The film is then removed from the surface of the cylinder substrate.

Abstract: The eligibility of an transaction between a consumer and a merchant toward an incentive for a loyalty program is determined using a globally unique identifier (GUID) matching algorithm. Information characterizing the transaction may include a GUID for the merchant and a GUID for an account of the consumer on which the transaction is payable. The GUIDs are each matched against GUIDs of merchants and accounts stored in a database, some of which are distinguished as loyalty program participants. When both the GUID for the merchant and the GUID for the account match with respective GUIDs in the database that are distinguished as loyalty program participants, the transaction is eligible toward the incentive.

Abstract: A value of an incentive in a loyalty program is debited from a funding balance and credited to an account used in a transaction that qualifies for the incentive. A computing device receives a plurality of transactions upon accounts issued to account holders by corresponding issuers. After the transactions that qualify for the incentive are cleared and settled, funds matching the value of the incentive is transferred from a funding balance of the sponsor of the incentive to the account used in the qualified transaction. The issuer's interchange fee remains intact after the credit is applied.

Abstract: A loyalty program for a transaction processing system includes a loyalty program database with loyalty program business rules that are usable to determine when a transaction qualifies for the loyalty program. A loyalty program rule implementer receives transaction data whenever a transaction occurs and uses the received transaction data and the program business rules to determine when a transaction qualifies for the loyalty program. The loyalty program rule implementer is an entity other than an issuer, an acquirer or a merchant. The loyalty program business rules require that the transaction relate to at least one of a specific merchant, a specific issuer, a specific acquirer, a specific consumer, a specific product/service, a consumer having a specific characteristic, a merchant having a specific characteristic, an issuer having a specific characteristic, an acquirer having a specific characteristic and a product/service having a specific characteristic.

Abstract: A multi-provider rewards program in which rewards are awarded for a series of transactions using an account in a transaction processing system. The transaction processing system includes at least one issuer, at least one acquirer, a plurality of resource providers, a transaction handler, a rewards program rule implementer having access to the rewards program database, and an implementer processor. The implementer processor receives transaction data whenever a transaction occurs using the consumer account, uses the transaction data to determine when a consumer has performed the separate transactions associated with each of a plurality of merchants that are required by a rewards rule and when a consumer has performed the separate transactions with each of the plurality of resource providers, and identifies a reward for the consumer that performed the transactions.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for activating a Plk1 protein as well as phospho-specific anti-Myt1 antibodies that can be used to detect phosphorylation of Myt1. Activated Plk1 protein, phospho-specific anti-Myt1 antibodies, and/or Plk1 substrates can be used in screening assays to identify compounds that modulate the ability of Plk1 to phosphorylate and/or bind to a Plk1 substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing oral osmotic drug delivery devices including the use of a mathematical model in deriving relationships between parameters used in manufacturing the devices for a desired release rate of the active drug substance contained therein. The derived relationship is then used to control the parameters so that the active substance within the device is delivered at a desired rate. Methods of administering the oral osmotic drug delivery devices are also provided. Use of a mathematical model in deriving relationships between parameters used in the drug granulation process for a desired range of percentage fines of the drug granulation substance. The derived relationship is then used to control the parameters in the drug granulation process so that the desired percentage fines are obtained in the drug granulation substance.

Abstract: A set of conditional rewards are associated with a consumer. Thereafter, notice of a reward is given for each of the consumer's transactions upon one of the consumer's accounts that satisfies one of the conditional rewards in the set. The set may be selected by the consumer, or by the issuer such as when the issuer uses a transaction history of purchases made on the consumer's account to determine the set of conditional rewards that would match a past purchasing trend of the consumer. A Globally Unique Identifier, unique within a plurality of transaction processing systems, can be associated with the consumer and used to match the transactions to a corresponding conditional reward.

Abstract: A loyalty program associated with a payment processing system is constructed, implemented, and refined through collaboration between collaborative constituents in the payment processing system. A first collaborative constituent may transmits a proposal having at least one parameter of the loyalty program to another collaborative constituents. The first collaborative constituent may receive a response to the proposal and transmit a reply based on the response. All remaining collaborative constituents in the negotiation process agree to a negotiated set of parameters. The negotiated set of parameters for the loyalty program is communicated to a loyalty program implementer that can be one of the collaborative constituents. The same process of proposal, response, and reply can be utilized to refine the negotiated set of parameters as long as the remaining collaborative constituents agree that refinement is in order.

Abstract: The eligibility of an transaction between a consumer and a merchant toward an incentive for a loyalty program is determined using a globally unique identifier (GUID) matching algorithm. Information characterizing the transaction may include a GUID for the merchant and a GUID for an account of the consumer on which the transaction is payable. The GUIDs are each matched against GUIDs of merchants and accounts stored in a database, some of which are distinguished as loyalty program participants. When both the GUID for the merchant and the GUID for the account match with respective GUIDs in the database that are distinguished as loyalty program participants, the transaction is eligible toward the incentive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the synthesis of nebivolol or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, more particularly hydrochloride salt of formula (I). The present invention further provides a new Form T1 of nebivolol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and process for the preparation of a solid oral dosage form of nebivolol hydrochloride of formula (I), without the use of wetting agent, and optionally using binder and/or disintegrant.

Abstract: The present invention is centered on the design, manufacturing and use of a novel capsule system made up of a bi- or multi-layered two piece capsule shell made of a water soluble/dispersible layer coated with water-insoluble semi-permeable membrane capsule shell. The therapeutic agent is formulated in the drug layer and the osmotic layer is compacted together. The osmotic layer is a rate controlling agent. This compacted core is then inserted in the body of the layered body followed by encapping with a layered cap (which is pre-drilled or drilled after inserting the core) followed by applying a sealing agent as a band where the body and the cap of capsule meet.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to oral osmotic drug delivery systems, methods of preparing same, and methods of using oral osmotic drug delivery systems to provide controlled delivery of a drug that is provided in an amount of from about 8 mg to about 20 mg. The oral osmotic drug delivery systems include a drug layer, an osmotic layer, and an outer coating surrounding the drug layer and osmotic layer, where the outer coating includes at least one opening therein that is provided adjacent the drug layer. The composition (% fines), shape, and weight gain of the oral osmotic delivery systems may be modified in order to provide for optimized release of the drug contained therein.

Abstract: An oral osmotic delivery system and methods of using the oral osmotic delivery system that provide controlled and sustained delivery of a drug. The osmotic drug delivery system includes a drug layer comprising a drug and a first hydrophilic polymer wherein the drug layer comprises about 14.8% to about 100% fines; an osmotic layer comprising a second hydrophilic polymer; and an outer coating wherein the outer coating substantially surrounds the drug layer and the osmotic layer and wherein the outer coating comprises at least one opening. The oral osmotic delivery system provides a 16-hour cumulative dissolution (Q) value of 85% or more and % release rates (RR) that are therapeutically effective.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to oral osmotic drug delivery systems, methods of preparing same, and methods of using oral osmotic drug delivery systems to provide controlled delivery of a drug that is provided in an amount of from about 2.5 mg to less than 8 mg. The oral osmotic drug delivery systems include a drug layer, an osmotic layer, and an outer coating surrounding the drug layer and osmotic layer, where the outer coating includes at least one opening therein that is provided adjacent the drug layer. The composition (% fines), shape, and weight gain of the oral osmotic delivery systems may be modified in order to provide for optimized release of the drug contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to oral osmotic drug delivery systems, methods of preparing same, and methods of using oral osmotic drug delivery systems to provide controlled delivery of a drug. The oral osmotic drug delivery systems include a drug layer, an osmotic layer, and an outer coating surrounding the drug layer and osmotic layer, where the outer coating includes at least one opening therein that is provided adjacent the drug layer. The composition (% fines), shape, and weight gain of the oral osmotic delivery systems may be modified in order to provide for optimized release of the drug contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula I described herein. The present invention also provides a method of treating a cognitive dysfunction in a mammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of formula I described herein (e.g., stearyl choline chloride).

Abstract: This invention is for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, Central (or Peripheral) Nervous Systems' disorders or for the enhancement of memory and central nervous system or peripheral nervous system. In this invention a novel class of Choline derivatives are recommended for the above mentioned indications. These derivatives are the esters of Choline. An example of this class was newly synthesized using Stearic acid. This derivative named Stearyl Choline Cloride or Choline Staearate Chloride or Stearic acid ester of Choline was synthesized and tested in animals. The results are positive.

Abstract: A chemical-resistant, user-wearable protective article. The article includes a first layer made of a polymeric material and a second layer made of a ceramic material. The second, ceramic material layer is coated onto the first layer. The first and second layers combined to form a flexible composite film that is shaped to be worn by a user as a barrier to chemicals. In one preferred embodiment, the second layer is aluminum oxide. Regardless, the film composite is preferably shaped as a glove, apron, etc., with the ceramic material coating providing a near perfect barrier to passage of most chemicals commonly employed in residential and industrial applications.