Abstract: A health risk evaluation system may manage, for a set of users, a corresponding set of digital healthcare profiles, where each digital healthcare profile includes a healthcare decision tree; determine, for a first user, a first subset of the users with a first set of similar digital healthcare profiles based on the corresponding set of healthcare decision trees; determine, based on correlation between a first healthcare decision tree with the first set of healthcare decision trees, a first recommended action; provide information related to the first recommended action; update, for a second user, a second digital healthcare profile and healthcare decision tree; determine the updated second healthcare decision tree deviates from the first set of healthcare decision trees; removing, based on the determined deviation, the second user from the users; determine, based on the updated first set of digital healthcare profiles, a second recommended action; and provide information related to the second recommended actio

Abstract: A health risk evaluation system may manage, for a set of users, a corresponding set of digital healthcare profiles, where each digital healthcare profile includes a healthcare decision tree; determine, for a first user, a first subset of the set of users with a first set of similar digital healthcare profiles based on the corresponding set of healthcare decision trees; determine, for the first user, a second subset of the set of users that are associated with the first user based on a social relationship between the first user and each user in the second subset of users; determine, based on the first set of digital healthcare profiles of the first subset of users and the second set of digital healthcare profiles of the second subset of users, a first recommended action for the first user; and provide, to the first user, information related to the first recommended action.

Abstract: A health risk evaluation system may manage, for a set of users, a corresponding set of digital healthcare profiles, where each digital healthcare profile includes a healthcare decision tree; determine, for a first user, a set of possible actions related to improving health of the first user; determine, for each of the set of possible actions, an impact of the recommendation; determine, from the set of possible actions, a first action based on an impact of the first action; and provide, to the first user, the first action from the set of possible actions.

Abstract: A number of embodiments are described of social e-commerce networking systems and methods. A social e-commerce networking system, having one or more users, where one user with a device, or multiple devices, that logs into a social e-commerce networking system, allows one or more advertisers to serve one or more advertisements, with different messages or different media formats, to one or more mobile or computing devices of a logged user to the social e-commerce networking system, at different points of time, and at different locations. One embodiment is a social e-commerce media networking platform system that is based on a ‘network of social networks’, in which the platform system encompasses multiple targeted social networks, including those of specific interests. These networks may also be targeted emphasizing specific user groups based on their interests, age or location.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of and apparatus for aspirating purulent material from an epidural abscess, or the like, in a patient includes a dual concentric catheter system having an inner infusion catheter and an outer suction catheter, the infusion catheter able to be advanced relative to and beyond the suction catheter. The catheter system is introduced into the extradural space through percutaneous entry and advanced to an epidural abscess of interest. Infusion is used to dislodge purulent material ahead of the infusion catheter toward side openings in the suction catheter where it is aspirated.

Abstract: A method and device for exchanging catheters and microcatheters over exchange length wires is disclosed. The device consists of a hollow tube in a loop configuration attached to a base in which the extracorporeal segment of an exchange-length guidewire is inserted. The superior aspect of the tubular loop has a longitudinal slit which allows to and fro movement of catheters using a catheter holder having a handle that protrudes through the slit for easy manipulation.

Abstract: To shield the spinal cord from an external compression, a barrier device having a self-expanding frame and covered with a non-porous elastomeric sheet is routed through either the subarachnoid or intradural space to the site of the compression through the lumen of a delivery catheter that is percutaneously inserted using an introducer needle. When the distal end of the delivery catheter is proximate the site of the compression, the barrier device is pushed out the distal end of the catheter and allowed to self-expand so as to be interposed between the compression and the spinal cord to prevent impingement.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of and apparatus for aspirating purulent material from an epidural abscess, or the like, in a patient includes a dual concentric catheter system having an inner infusion catheter and an outer suction catheter, the infusion catheter able to be advanced relative to and beyond the suction catheter. The catheter system is introduced into the extradural space through percutaneous entry and advanced to an epidural abscess of interest. Infusion is used to dislodge purulent material ahead of the infusion catheter toward side openings in the suction catheter where it is aspirated.

Abstract: To shield the spinal cord from an external compression, a barrier device having a self-expanding frame and covered with a non-porous elastomeric sheet is routed through either the subarachnoid or intradural space to the site of the compression through the lumen of a delivery catheter that is percutaneously inserted using an introducer needle. When the distal end of the delivery catheter is proximate the site of the compression, the barrier device is pushed out the distal end of the catheter and allowed to self-expand so as to be interposed between the compression and the spinal cord to prevent impingement.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. The invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The animation tag is active and responds to computer input device selection actions. Each animation OOUI is typically associated with an animation list.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a presentation electronically. The invention takes advantage of the multiple monitor capabilities of a computer operating system to display a “control panel” on the computer monitor or laptop screen that typically only the presenter will view. The presenter can use this control panel to view and control the presentation while the audience only sees a full screen slideshow. Providing this “presenter” view and control makes computer-based presenting much easier. The presenter can control the specific aspects of the slideshow from the private monitor using control buttons or keyboard shortcuts.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. More particularly, the invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The enclosed number represents the number in a sequence of mouse clicks or other computer input device selection actions which causes an animation effect on an associated object or element.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. More particularly, the invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The enclosed number represents the number in a sequence of mouse clicks or other computer input device selection actions which causes an animation effect on an associated object or element.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a presentation electronically. The invention takes advantage of the multiple monitor capabilities of a computer operating system to display a “control panel” on the computer monitor or laptop screen that typically only the presenter will view. The presenter can use this control panel to view and control the presentation while the audience only sees a full screen slideshow. Providing this “presenter” view and control makes computer-based presenting much easier. The presenter can control the specific aspects of the slideshow from the private monitor using control buttons or keyboard shortcuts.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method of updating and viewing an electronic slide show presentation is disclosed. The method includes storing a local version of the slide presentation file and an indication of the most recent update to the slide presentation. When a user launches the local slide presentation, the date of the most recent update to the slide presentation is retrieved, and used to determine whether a new update is advisable. A dialog window queries the user as to whether to perform an update of the slide presentation. If the user responds affirmatively, the slide presentation program automatically retrieves a version of the slide presentation from a remote computer on a network. After updating the local version of the an slide presentation file, an electronic slide show is automatically launched utilizing the remote version retrieved from the network.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method of recording and playing back audio narration to accompany an electronic slide show presentation is disclosed. The method includes a slide show recording session, during which a series of slides are sequentially displayed. During the recording session, a segment of audio input corresponding to the display of each slide within a slide presentation is recorded and digitized. Each digitized audio segment is stored and associated with its corresponding slide. Audio data may be embedded within a slide, or alternatively stored in a file and linked to a slide. During a subsequent performance of the slide show, when each slide is displayed, its corresponding audio segment is retrieved and played back. The method also stores timings corresponding to each slide during the slide show recording session, and optionally uses these timings to advance slides during the subsequent slide show presentation.