Abstract: A scale-based customer queueing system includes a ticket dispense machine with an associated controller, and a plurality of scales within a store department. Each of the scales includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations, a customer facing interface for displaying information to customers and a controller operatively coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information thereon and to the customer interface to effect display of information thereon. The controller of a first scale of the plurality of scales is configured to operate the first scale as a master queuing scale that communicates with both the ticket dispense machine and the remaining scales of the plurality of scales to carry out a customer queueing system.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of treating a viral infection such as an influenza infection, in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition to disrupt a adenosine receptor pathway, such as the Aradenosine receptor pathway, in a subject. The adenosine receptor pathway includes the steps of 1) producing the adenosine precursor adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2) releasing ATP into the extracel lular space, 3) enzymatic conversion of ATP to adenosine, 4) activation of the adenosine receptor and the adenosine receptor cascade, and 5) clearance of adenosine from the extracellular space by degradation or uptake into a cell. The method includes affecting at least one of these steps so as to decrease the activation of the adenosine receptor pathway. This may be accomplished by decreasing the production, release, or conversion of ATP to adenosine, decreasing the expression of the adenosine receptor, antagonizing adenosine receptor activation, and/or increasing adenosine clearance.