Abstract: A system (1) has propensity models (4), and a controller (5) for automatically supplying key event data for user interactions with a network. The key event data is distributed asynchronously around a network to the model systems (4). The model systems (4) use the key event data and user data from subscriber systems to generate subscriber analysis outputs such as propensity to take one of a set of pre-configured actions. The probed data includes usage, charging, and purchase history data. The models are weighted sub-models, in which weights are based on user segment.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft, a balloon and a support assembly. The catheter shaft defines an internal shoulder and carries the balloon. The support assembly includes a first member and a second member. The second member defines opposing, leading and trailing ends, and is arranged over the first member such that the leading end is distal the trailing end. The leading end is free of direct physical attachment to the first member. The support assembly extends within a lumen of the catheter shaft and the leading end bears against the internal shoulder. A pushing force applied at a proximal region of the catheter shaft is transferred onto the internal shoulder via the support assembly. The support assembly is simple and inexpensive. Further, the leading end of the second member is transversely moveable relative to the first member, thereby minimizing possible kinking of the first member.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a powder storage element configured to hold a powdered medicament and an inlet channel receives powdered medicament from the powder storage element that is entrained in an airflow. The inlet channel has a first diameter and defines an opening. The inhaler includes a dispersion chamber that receives the airflow and the powdered medicament from the opening. The dispersion chamber has a second diameter. The inhaler includes an actuator housed within the dispersion chamber. The actuator oscillates within the dispersion chamber when exposed to the airflow to deaggregate the powdered medicament entrained by the airflow passing through the dispersion chamber. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is between about 0.40 and 0.60 such that an audible sound is produced as the actuator oscillates. The inhaler includes an outlet channel through which the airflow and powdered medicament exit the inhaler.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler includes a base defining a capsule seat that holds a capsule of medicament and an air intake that is in fluid communication with the capsule seat. The intake draws air into the capsule seat to generate rapid capsule precession and centrifugal forces that fluidize and disperse powder agglomerates. Entrained powder is drawn through a grid to disperse powder agglomerates via impaction forces. An inlet funnel between the grid and a dispersion chamber tapers to a small inlet orifice into the dispersion chamber to disperse powder agglomerates via shear forces generated at the orifice. The chamber entrains powder from the inlet funnel and holds an actuator that oscillates during inhalation to disperse powder agglomerates by dynamic impaction with the actuator and increased turbulence within the chamber. A tapered outlet funnel reduces particle velocity and turbulence and provides an exit for air and aerosolized medicament.

Abstract: A verification system (1) receives batches of documents in excess of 500,000 for external document generation systems. It verifies each document without affecting the core document-generation operations of the source document generation systems, and moreover enriches the documents by adding content such as recipient messages. It normalizes each document into an instance in a mark-up language, one instance per document. In the normalized format, the system performs verification checks including semantic checking across data items in groups. The servers (10, 11) are configured as multi-threaded platforms that process the document instances in parallel, typically validating the instance documents, pattern matching for relevant facts or events and implementing business rules and output actions such as generation of a print stream. There are separate but interlinked verification (10, 11) and presentment (20, 21, 25) branches.

Abstract: A verification system (1) receives batches of documents in excess of 500,000 for external document generation systems. It verifies each document without affecting the core document-generation operations of the source document generation systems, and moreover enriches the documents by adding content such as recipient messages. It normalises each document into an instance in a mark-up language, one instance per document. In the normalised format, the system performs verification checks including semantic checking across data items in groups. The servers (10, 11) are configured as multi-threaded platforms that process the document instances in parallel, typically validating the instance documents, pattern matching for relevant facts or events and implementing business rules and output actions such as generation of a print stream. There are separate but interlinked verification (10, 11) and presentment (20, 21, 25) branches.

Abstract: A system (1) has propensity models (4), and a controller (5) for automatically supplying key event data for user interactions with a network. The key event data is distributed asynchronously around a network to the model systems (4). The model systems (4) use the key event data and user data from subscriber systems to generate subscriber analysis outputs such as propensity to take one of a set of pre-configured actions. The probed data includes usage, charging, and purchase history data. The models are weighted sub-models, in which weights are based on user segment.

Abstract: Novel dry powder compositions comprising and methods relating thereto are provided. The dry powder compositions comprise PDE5 inhibitors, such as vardenafil, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof. The dry powder compositions may optionally include an carrier/excipient. The concentration of active agent may be at least about 2% by weight. Methods of aerosolizing the dry powder compositions and using them to treat various diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a powder storage element configured to hold a powdered medicament and an inlet channel receives powdered medicament from the powder storage element that is entrained in an airflow. The inlet channel has a first diameter and defines an opening. The inhaler includes a dispersion chamber that receives the airflow and the powdered medicament from the opening. The dispersion chamber has a second diameter. The inhaler includes an actuator housed within the dispersion chamber. The actuator oscillates within the dispersion chamber when exposed to the airflow to deaggregate the powdered medicament entrained by the airflow passing through the dispersion chamber. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is between about 0.40 and 0.60 such that an audible sound is produced as the actuator oscillates. The inhaler includes an outlet channel through which the airflow and powdered medicament exit the inhaler.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a powder storage element configured to hold a powdered medicament and an inlet channel receives powdered medicament from the powder storage element that is entrained in an airflow. The inlet channel has a first diameter and defines an opening. The inhaler includes a dispersion chamber that receives the airflow and the powdered medicament from the opening. The dispersion chamber has a second diameter. The inhaler includes an actuator housed within the dispersion chamber. The actuator oscillates within the dispersion chamber when exposed to the airflow to deaggregate the powdered medicament entrained by the airflow passing through the dispersion chamber. A ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is between about 0.40 and 0.60 such that an audible sound is produced as the actuator oscillates. The inhaler includes an outlet channel through which the airflow and powdered medicament exit the inhaler.

Abstract: A program and method for detecting and preventing the unauthorized remote access of a computer camera by determining whether the camera is activated, and scanning applications to determine if the activation is authorized, and if it is not authorized, then the user is alerted.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for archiving data over long periods of time, monitoring data archive storage condition, and preventing the loss of archived data. One exemplary embodiment provides a method of monitoring media storage that comprises receiving a piece of content for storage in a content archive system and storing the piece of content on a long-term storage medium of the content archive system. The method further comprises checking the long-term storage medium to determine a measure of condition of the long-term storage medium. This checking of the long-term storage medium occurs according to a checking policy, such as a spot checking policy. The method may also comprise automatically migrating the piece of content to another long-term storage medium when the measure of the condition of the long-term storage medium exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the selective placement of carbon nanotubes on a particular surface. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which self-assembled monolayers formed on an unpatterned or patterned metal oxide surface are used to attract or repel carbon nanotubes from a dispersion containing the same. In accordance with the present invention, the carbon nanotubes can be attracted to the self-assembled monolayers so as to be attached to the metal oxide surface, or they can be repelled by the self-assembled monolayers bonding to a predetermined surface other than the metal oxide surface containing the self-assembled monolayers.

Abstract: A method for creating a multi-level business alliance in non-exclusive geographical areas. The multi-level alliance includes a founding firm, and at least one foundation firm. The alliance also may include firms at other levels. Alliance members share resources, clients and revenue based on a predefined formula. This enables multiple firms to work together and provide a broader range of services to each other's clients while remaining independent of each other. Moreover, it enables smaller alliance members to have access to the resources of larger members and vice versa.