Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: A casing includes an inner shell and an outer shell that surrounds the inner shell and comprises a plurality of inflection points. An annular flange is between the inner shell and the outer shell, and a plurality of joints attach the inner shell to the annular flange. A connector is between the annular flange and the outer shell at each of the plurality of inflection points. A method for assembling a casing includes joining a plurality of curved sections to one another to generally define an arcuate inner shell and surrounding the arcuate inner shell with an outer shell. The method further includes attaching the arcuate inner shell to an annular flange at first attachment points and connecting the annular flange to the outer shell at second attachment points spaced approximately equidistantly from the first attachment points.

Abstract: A Medicago sativa plant capable of growing in a growth medium, watered exclusively with 150 mM NaCl over a period of at least four months.

Abstract: Preparations of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) having improved properties, e.g., properties that provide a clinical advantage, are provided herein. Methods of making and using such preparations as well as methods of analyzing starting materials, processing, intermediates and final products in the production of such LMWH preparations are provided.

Abstract: Wooden tiles are disclosed having a top surface that is milled to produce multiple individual planks from a single individual tile. The tiles are configured such that when laid adjacent to one another on a surface, the pattern defined by the individual planks repeats. In one arrangement the tiles are milled on a CNC machine that allows for producing planks having non-linear edges.

Abstract: A fiber optic distributed vibration system for detecting seismic signals in an earth formation is provided. The system includes a fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole that extends into the earth formation and which is configured to react along its length to a seismic wave incident on the fiber optic cable from outside the borehole. An optical source launches an optical signal into the fiber optic cable while the seismic wave is incident thereon. A receiver detects coherent Rayleigh noise (CRN) produced in response to the optical signal. A processing circuit processes the detected CRN signal to determine characteristics of the earth formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing account information are provided. For example, an indication to launch an application that may provide account information may be received. A determination may be made regarding whether the indication is an initial interaction with the application. If the indication is an initial interaction, one or more credentials may be received via an interface that may be displayed via the application. If the indication is not the initial interaction, a token may be accessed. A request that may include the credentials or token may then be generated and transmitted such that credentials or token may be used to authenticate a device that includes the application and a user thereof, a new token may be generated, and a response with the new token and/or account information may be transmitted. The account information may then be displayed by an interface of the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal cleansing composition with an antimicrobial effect. The personal cleansing composition is in the form of a bar soap and contains zinc pyrithione and a soap surfactant. When dispersed in an aqueous solution at 1 wt %, the personal cleansing composition of the present invention is characterized by a pH value ranging that is higher than about 9.6 and lower than about 10.3. The present invention also relates to a process for forming an antimicrobial bar soap as described hereinabove.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a multi-stage turbine including a first turbine stage including a first wheel having multiple first slots spaced circumferentially about the first wheel, and multiple first blade segments each coupled to at least one of the multiple first slots. The multi-stage turbine also includes a second turbine stage including a second wheel having multiple second slots spaced circumferentially about the second wheel, and multiple second blade segments each coupled to at least one of the multiple second slots. The multi-stage turbine further includes a one-piece interstage seal extending axially between the first and second turbine stages, wherein the one-piece interstage seal comprises a first radial support coupled to the first wheel and a second radial support coupled to the second wheel, and the one-piece interstage seal extends circumferentially across at least two of the multiple first slots or at least two of the multiple second slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein A is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3-6cycloalkyl, C1-3alkoxy, C1-3alkoxy C1-4alkyl, C1-2fluoroalkyl, halogen, NR6R7, optionally substituted heteroaryl (Het), or optionally substituted phenyl, and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined in the description. The compounds or salts are thought to modulate P2X7 receptor function and to be capable of antagonizing the effects of ATP at the P2X7 receptor. The invention also provides the use of the compound or salt in the treatment or prophylaxis of, for example, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, visceral pain, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis or neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: A switch for connection in a network of other like switches and includes memory for storing data packets, a control system arranged to control the switch to, upon receipt at one of the ingress or egress ports of notification of congestion at a downstream congested port, either store at said ingress port or egress port data packets received for said congested port or to communicate with an upstream port for storage at said upstream port of data packets destined for the congested port, and in dependence on the current of stored data, to send a message to a further upstream port informing the further upstream port of the congestion downstream. The memory is provided substantially only at the ingress ports or the egress ports of the switch.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the taste of a beer with a mineral additive. The mineral additive comprises soluble compounds of the following minerals to the following ranges of final concentrations of the respective element in the finished beer, to enhance taste characteristics of the diluted beer when compared to a dilution solely with water. Group A minerals: calcium from 5.9 mg/L to 236 mg/L, and magnesium from 1.3 to 52 mg/L. Group B minerals: phosphorus from 3.0 to 360 mg/L, potassium from 12 mg/L to 480 mg/L, silicon at 0.075 mg/L to 30 mg/L, sodium at 0.8 mg/L to 32 mg/L and chlorine at 0.9 mg/L to 36 mg/L. Group C minerals: boron from 0 to 76 ?g/L, chromium from 0 to 0.4 ?g/L, cobalt from 0 to 0.4 ?g/L, copper from 0 to 17.2 ?g/L, iodine from 0 to 5.2 ?g/L, lithium from 0 to 1.6 ?g/L, manganese from 0 to 1.6 ?g/L, molybdenum from 0 to 2.0 ?g/L, nickel from 0 to 2.0 ?g/L, selenium from 0 to 136 ?g/L, tin from 0 to 01.6 ?g/L, vanadium from 0 to 0.12 ?g/L and zinc from 0 to 104 ?g/L.

Abstract: A Communications system for communicating over low bandwidth or high latency links incorporates a router MR7 configured to route a message to any like-configured router MR8, MR9 linked to it. Communications are implemented at network layer with UDP IP message packets. There are no hello messages. The message format 20 includes routing information but not designated and backup routers, which avoids loss of service from designated router changes and reduces bandwidth requirements. Configured routers MR7 to MR9 have different message formats 20, 40 for communicating with configured routers MR7 to MR9 and with unconfigured routers R1 to R6 respectively, and can link different protocols. A configured router MR7 deletes routes to like-configured routers MR8, MR9 with route metrics not superior to other routes with like destination. It also deletes routes with inferior metrics to related routes in an incoming message, and retains received route information regarding a new route or a route with superior metric.

Abstract: A differentially pumped vacuum system includes first, second and third chambers, and a pumping arrangement for evacuating the chambers. The pumping arrangement includes a compound pump having a first inlet connected to an outlet from the first chamber, a second inlet connected to an outlet from the second chamber, a first pumping section and a second pumping section downstream from the first pumping section, the sections being arranged such that fluid entering the compound pump from the first inlet passes through the first and second pumping sections and fluid entering the compound pump from the second inlet passes through, of said sections, only the second section. The pumping arrangement further includes a booster pump connected to an outlet from the third chamber, and a backing pump connected to the exhaust from the booster pump. Fluid exhaust from the compound pump can be conveyed to either the booster pump or the backing pump as required.

Abstract: Piston steering devices and methods for use of piston devices. One aspect as disclosed herein provides a ball piston device including: a sleeve in fluid communication with a fluid source and a ball received within the sleeve. The ball is movable within the sleeve from a recessed position and an extended position.

Abstract: A machine for forming a two-stage wire tie around a pair of bars to bind the bars together, said machine comprising means for passing said wire in a loop around the bars and a twisting head for twisting the ends of said loop together, said twisting head comprising means for gripping the ends of the wire and a tie plate through which the ends of the wire pass, and said head being resiliently mounted relative to the bars so as to allow the tie plate to move through a predetermined amount of travel towards the bars, to thereby define the length of a first stage of the tie, the machine being adapted thereafter to release the ends of the wire and continue twisting these to form a second stage of the tie.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of lactamide compounds of formula (I): CH3CH(OH)C(?O)NR1R2, where R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen; or C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted by up to three substituents independently selected from phenyl, hydroxy, C1-5 alkoxy, morpholinyl and NR3R4 where R3 and R4 are each independently C1-3 alkyl; or phenyl optionally substituted by up to three substituents independently selected from C1-3 alkyl; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl or azepanyl ring, each of which is optionally substituted by up to three substituents independently selected from C1-3 alkyl, in formulations to reduce the toxicity associated with other formulation components; to the use of certain lactamide compounds as solvents, especially in formulations, particularly in agrochemical formulations and in environmentally friendly formulations; to novel lactamide compounds; and

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microfluidic devices and methods for conducting assays and syntheses. The devices include a solid substrate layer having a surface that is capable of attaching ligand and or anti-ligand, and an elastomeric layer attached to said surface. Preferred embodiments have deflectable membrane valves and pumps, for example, rotary pumps associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards improved apparatuses and methods for connecting a structural bracing system having a first geometry to a structure or structural component having a second geometry.

Abstract: A vacuum pump comprises a first pumping section (106), and, downstream therefrom, a second pumping section (108), The pump comprises a first pump inlet (120) through which fluid can enter the pump and pass through both the first and second pumping sections towards a pump outlet, and a second pump inlet (122) through which fluid can enter the pump and pass through only the second pumping section towards the outlet. The second pumping section (108) comprises an externally threaded rotor (109).