Abstract: A method for improving the security of secret authentication data during authentication transactions is provided that includes converting the secret authentication data of a user into scrambled secret authentication data by associating a different text-string with each item of information included in the secret authentication data. The method also includes capturing the scrambled secret authentication data with a communications device, and conducting an authentication transaction with the captured authentication data.

Abstract: A method for improving the security of secret authentication data during authentication transactions is provided that includes converting the secret authentication data of a user into scrambled secret authentication data by associating a different text-string with each item of information included in the secret authentication data. The method also includes capturing the scrambled secret authentication data with a communications device, and conducting an authentication transaction with the captured authentication data.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: A method for conducting smart card transactions is provided that includes causing a computer to recognize communications from a mobile device as communications from a smart card reader containing a smart card, and conducting a smart card transaction in accordance with smart card security techniques with the mobile device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.

Abstract: A method for improving the security of secret authentication data during authentication transactions is provided that includes converting the secret authentication data of a user into scrambled secret authentication data by associating a different text-string with each item of information included in the secret authentication data. The method also includes capturing the scrambled secret authentication data with a communications device, and conducting an authentication transaction with the captured authentication data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard. In some cases, the methods entail treating the co-polymer with pyro-glutamate aminopeptidase to cleave N-terminal pyro-glutamate residues.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard. In some cases, the methods entail treating the co-polymer with pyro-glutamate aminopeptidase to cleave N-terminal pyro-glutamate residues.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantitation of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives in solutions comprising a protein. The invention further relates to methods of evaluating pharmaceutical preparations for the presence of residual cyclodextrins.

Abstract: A biometric authentication system configured to enable an authentication process has predefined parameters associated therewith and provides for authentication of a user based on a comparison of a presented biometric with at least one previously stored biometric. The authentication system includes a matching system providing as an output an output score based on the comparison of the presented biometric and the at least one previously stored biometric. Moreover the authentication system is configured to authenticate the user on determining that a parameter based on the output score, meets a threshold score, and includes an audit module configured to monitor the authentication process and to provide at least one revised threshold score. The at least one revised threshold score is provided based on an analysis of the performance of the authentication system over a predefined time period using current threshold scores.

Abstract: A biometric authentication engine includes components which are configured to authenticate a user based on at least one presented biometric.The system makes use of multiple threshold parameters or scores so that the authentication process is better tailored to match the specifics of the authentication request.

Abstract: A biometric authentication engine includes components which are configured to authenticate a user based on one or more presented biometrics.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a facet injection kit for injecting a mixture of anesthesia and steroid into a patient's spinal facet joint. The kit includes antibiotic solution, a basin for holding the antibiotic solution, an antibiotic applicator for applying the antibiotic solution, a local anesthesia, a syringe for holding the local anesthesia and a steroid solution, a needle for drawing the local anesthesia and steroid solution into the syringe, and a needle for injecting the local anesthesia and steroid solution into the patient's spinal facet joint.

Abstract: A biometric authentication system or engine includes components which are configured to authenticate a user based on one or more presented biometrics. The system includes an audit function which is configured to monitor the performance of the system over a defined time period and to provide for an updating of the authentication criteria as required.

Abstract: A tool for directing bone replacement material under pressure comprising an elongated hollow tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis; the distal end including at least one opening having a deflection structure configured to deflect the bone replacement material out of the tube at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube in response to pressure applied to the bone replacement material such that the deflected bone replacement material creates a force with at least a portion of the force generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for scratching beneath a covering. The apparatus includes an elongate body sized to be at least partially received between the covering and skin covered by the covering, and a protrusion extending outward from the body for scratching an outer surface of the covered skin. A cross section of the body is generally non-quadrilateral with at least one generally linear side. The cross section does not extend through the protrusion.