Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for the fabrication of microchannels, and more particularly to the fabrication of microchannels for use in Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices and MEMS related devices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, microchannels are formed by a microfabrication method utilizing electronic imaging techniques in combination with chemical etching and subsequent metallization. The method of the present invention is effective in producing networks of channels in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymeric substrates which are highly defined in terms of their patterns, and thus are able to encompass a wide variety of end uses.

Abstract: A method for presenting a plurality of programme elements to a user. Each programme element has an associated classification code, and the method comprises presenting a user interface operable to receive user selection data indicating one of said plurality of programme elements, and to cause display of said indicated programme element. One of said programme elements is presented, the classification code associated with said presented programme element is screened to determine if said classification code satisfies a predetermined criteria and operation of said user interface is disabled if but only if said predetermined criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: Methods for reducing autoimmune induced inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis in a subject in need of such therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for isolating a target molecule from a sample suspected of containing the target molecule. The methods of the present invention utilize solid substrates as a means for capturing, separating, and releasing target molecules, such as chemical or biological compounds. The present invention is specifically directed to novel approaches for capturing, separating and releasing such target molecules.

Abstract: A method of steeping tea including receiving a tea type; receiving tea data records, each including tea type, steeping time and steeping temperature; matching the tea type to one of the number of tea data records to obtain a corresponding steeping time and a corresponding steeping temperature; receiving successive sensed temperature readings of the steeping liquid; comparing the successive sensed temperature readings with the corresponding steeping temperature; once one of the successive sensed temperature readings reaches the corresponding steeping temperature, providing a first alert that the steeping temperature has been reached; after the first alerting step, receiving a dry tea input indicating that a dry tea has been added to the brewing liquid; activating a countdown of the corresponding steeping time after receiving the dry tea input; and once the corresponding steeping time elapses according to the countdown, providing a second alert indicating that the steeping time has elapsed.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, and methods for inhibiting the onset of metabolic syndrome and treating related disorders in a subject in need of such therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying a hybrid thermal barrier coating, comprising masking at least a portion of a first surface of a component with a first maskant; applying a first coating material to at least a portion of a second surface of said component; removing said first maskant; optionally masking at least a portion of said second surface of said component with a second maskant; applying a second coating material to at least a portion of said first surface of said component; and removing said second maskant.

Abstract: The invention relates to dura substitutes to be used as prostheses for dural defects in the field of neurosurgery and processes for producing the same. The present invention provides artificial dura mater materials comprising sheets of microbial-derived polysaccharide processed to have the necessary strength characteristics, conformability and physical properties.

Abstract: There is provided a medical ultrasound transducer (130) and a medical ultrasound imaging system including the transducer (110, 130, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350), comprising an acoustic window (120) for contacting a patient at a patient contact surface for imaging the patient; and at least one temperature sensor (110, 110A, 110B) located in the acoustic window to determine patient contact temperature at the patient contact surface. The medical ultrasound imaging system further comprises a controller (310) for controlling a power imaging mode of the ultrasound transducer in accordance with the determined patient contact temperature.

Abstract: A probe card assembly has a probe contactor substrate having a plurality of probe contactor tips thereon and a probe card wiring board with an interposer disposed between the two. Support posts contacting the probe contactor substrate are vertically adjustable until secured by a locking mechanism which is coupled to the probe card wiring board. When the posts are secured in a fixed position, the position is one in which the plane of the plurality of probe contactor substrates is substantially parallel to a predetermined reference plane.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to determine the cetane number of a diesel fuel containing a fatty acid alkyl ester including determining the infrared spectrum of the fuel and correlating the spectrum to the cetane number using a multivariate-based Mid-FTIR model. The fatty acid alkyl ester may be rapeseed methyl ester and the infrared spectrum includes the frequency ranges 4900-3500 cm?1 and 2200-1624 cm?1 or the frequency ranges 4900-3500 cm?1 2200-1800 cm?1 and 1700-1624 cm?1.

Abstract: Certain novel piperidine derivatives are agonists of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective agonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A lubricant formulation and method of blending a lubricant formulation is disclosed. The lubricant formulation comprises at least two base stocks. The first base stock comprises a viscosity greater than 135 cSt, Kv 100° C. and a tight molecular weight distribution as a function of viscosity. The second base stock comprises a viscosity less than 60 cSt, Kv 100° C. The formulation also comprises a polyol ester. The lubricant formulation provides favorable properties.

Abstract: A new and improved method for facilitating the sale, transfer, and/or assignment of intellectual property is herein disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for controlling the power level of voice signal streams. One embodiment of a network device having router functionality includes a processor, memory in communication with the processor, and program instructions. The program instructions can be stored in memory and executable on the processor to designate a fail-over virtual router interface for a first physical router on a second physical router based on addressing information obtained via communication between the first physical router and the second physical router.

Abstract: A rating program on a mobile computing device communicates with other mobile devices regarding collected ratings. A user enters ratings and requests for information; the mobile computing device will then operate in the background, actively scanning for other users with the same type of short-range communications and a ratings program. The devices are able to exchange and save ratings, providing a mobile, socially-relevant means of collecting information.

Abstract: A site/building decision facilitating apparatus including a database that correlates building characteristics with business driver factors, a processor linked to the database and running a program to perform the following acts: receiving business driver factor information for a first building project via an input device and identifying a subset of default building characteristics for the first building project using the database and the received business driver factor information

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, in the context of an instant messaging application, a conversation is analyzed and contextually or textually relevant keywords and/or phrases are identified. These keywords or phrases are then highlighted in a visually-identifiable manner for selection by an individual participating in the conversation. Once selected by an individual, a user interface is presented and exposes the individual or individuals in the conversation to various contextually- or textually-relevant material or functionality that pertains to the selected word or phrase. In one or more embodiments, an individual can also manually select a word or phrase to access the user interface that exposes contextually or textually-relevant material or functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed are alpha keto amide and alpha hydroxy amide compounds and compositions that inhibit soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), methods for preparing the compounds and compositions, and methods for treating patients with such compounds and compositions. The compounds, compositions, and methods are useful for treating a variety of sEH mediated diseases, including hypertensive, cardiovascular, inflammatory, pulmonary, and diabetic-related diseases.

Abstract: There is provided a method for selecting a tolerogenic peptide by selecting a peptide which is capable of binding to an MHC class I or II molecule without further processing. There is also provided a peptide selected by such a method and its use in a pharmaceutical composition and a method to treat and/or prevent a disease. The present invention also relates to a composition which comprises the following myelin basic protein (MBP) peptides: MBP 30-44; MBP 83-99; MBP 131-145; and MBP 140-154. The composition may be used to treat a disease, in particular multiple sclerosis and/or optical neuritis and the invention also relates to such uses and methods.