Abstract: A web-based Social Networking Application for Knowledge Sharing and Management which provides for permissive based communication for knowledge transfer among all levels of personnel within organizations using configurable conditions and criteria for determining a target audience, or various classifications of accessible users based on configurable groups and sections. Users of such may create conversations around topics and content to be searched, tagged and published to target audiences. Users may provide commentary, ratings on conversations and commentary, or news on a particular idea or subject. Conversations may connect to combinations of text, user created conversations, images, links, web pages, attachments, internal and external content, as well as internal and external document repositories.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for the treatment of respiratory illness in a mammal, such as wherein these compositions and methods are effective in preventing the onset of one or more of the symptoms of such respiratory illness or significantly mitigating the symptom if the mammal is already afflicted with such symptom. The compositions used in the methods herein include a first component selected from the group consisting of andrographis extracts, active components thereof, and mixtures thereof; and a second component selected from the group consisting of turmeric extracts, active components thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A modular mold for containing and baking a food product in an oven assembled by detachably interconnecting modular wall segments having endwise cylindrically nesting, rotationally free interlock regions. The modular wall segments are joined to form a mold of desired shape for food product. Magnets in the nested interlock regions serve to prevent slipping against a surface upon which the modular mold is supported.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for treating a respiratory condition, preferably by enhancing immune response in a mammal, the compositions including a therapeutic amount of a probiotic strain of bacteria and a therapeutic amount of an additional component. Also included are methods of treating a respiratory condition, preferably by enhancing immune response, in a mammal. Kits containing the compositions, and instructions for applying the methods are also included. The method includes orally administering to the mammal a therapeutic amount of a probiotic strain of bacteria and a therapeutic amount of an additional component.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying genes, expression regulators, receptors, protein product receptors, and proteins that may regulate rhinovirus infections. The genes identified may be used as markers for disease onset and progression and to measure efficacy of a therapeutic. The present invention also provides methods to screen agents that are capable of regulating rhinovirus infection. The present invention also provides methods of identifying therapeutic compounds that may treat various disorders by regulating the expression and activity of genes, expression regulators, receptors, protein product receptors, and proteins identified.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an oral composition. More particularly to a method of treating and preventing a respiratory tract infection and providing energy, relieving stress, and mood enhancing benefits to a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a composition comprising from about 450 IU to about 500,000 IU of cholecalciferol, per dose of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an oral composition. More particularly to a method of treating and preventing a respiratory tract infection and providing energy, relieving stress, and mood enhancing benefits to a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a composition comprising from about 450 IU to about 500,000 IU of cholecalciferol, per dose of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for use in revascularization of damaged areas of myocardium through application of one or more radiation type treatment modalities.

Abstract: Vacuum pumping apparatus includes a pump frame, a stationary scroll element secured to the pump frame, the stationary scroll element including a stationary scroll blade, an orbiting scroll element including an orbiting scroll blade intermeshed with the stationary scroll blade, a motor secured to the pump frame, and a crankshaft coupled between the motor and the orbiting scroll element for producing orbiting movement of the orbiting scroll blade relative to the stationary scroll blade when the motor is energized. The crankshaft includes a first component having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second component having a second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A compact scroll pump includes a scroll set having an inlet and an outlet, and a drive mechanism. The scroll set includes a stationary scroll blade extending from a stationary plate and an orbiting scroll blade extending from an orbiting plate. The stationary and orbiting scroll blades are intermeshed together to define one or more interblade pockets. The orbiting scroll blade is located on a first side of the orbiting plate, and the drive mechanism is operatively coupled to a second side of the orbiting plate for producing orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll blade relative to the stationary scroll blade. The drive mechanism includes a motor and a crankshaft having an axis of rotation, and an orbiting bearing coupled between the crankshaft and the orbiting plate. The scroll set is configured such that an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation passes through the orbiting bearing and at least a portion of the orbiting scroll blade.

Abstract: Vacuum pumping apparatus includes a scroll set having an inlet and an outlet, the scroll set including a stationary scroll element and an orbiting scroll element, and a drive mechanism for producing orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll element relative to the stationary scroll element. The vacuum pumping apparatus further includes a bellows assembly coupled between a first stationary component of the apparatus and the orbiting scroll element so as to isolate a first volume inside the bellows assembly and a second volume outside the bellows assembly. One end of the bellows assembly is free to rotate during motion of the orbiting scroll element. The apparatus also includes a synchronization mechanism coupled between the orbiting scroll element and a second stationary component of the apparatus. The synchronization mechanism is located within the first volume.

Abstract: A compact material marking system and method uses a laser to mark materials such as fabrics in environments such as stores with safety and ease of use being addressed. The system includes a housing containing the laser, gas filters, and other equipment such as fans. Material to be marked is placed into a cassette box having an opening exposing the material. The cassette is engaged with an enclosure that is coupled to the housing to allow the laser beam from the laser to enter the enclosure and to strike the material found in the engaged cassette. Fumes caused by interaction of the laser beam with the material are contained by the enclosure and drawn away to be filtered. Sensors are employed so that the laser can be activated only when the cassette is fully engaged with the enclosure.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising short and long chain fatty acids which are suitable for oral administration, wherein the compositions are useful for the management of body weight. For example, as described, body weight management may be effected via induction of satiety, by using a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for acknowledgment of receipt of a message in a network, where the network includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes sending a message from a first node of the plurality of nodes destined for a second node of the plurality of nodes; setting a timer for the first node for receipt of an acknowledgment packet from the second node; determining if a wait acknowledge packet is received by the first node; and resetting the timer if the wait acknowledge packet is received by the first node. The present invention adds a wait acknowledge event to the state in the acknowledgment protocol which waits for an acknowledgement packet from the destination node. The wait acknowledge packet notifies the recipient that the message sent by the originating node has been received and forwarded. As long as the message is being properly forwarded to the next hop, wait acknowledge packets will continue to be sent to the originating node.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array suitable for medical uses such as tissue ablation and short duration high intensity hyperthermia has a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements dispersed across a substrate surface for focusing ultrasound energy over a predetermined focal volume. Particularly optimal results are obtained where the elements are dispersed over the substrate surface in a quasi-random distribution, where the total radiating area of the elements occupying between approximately 40 and 70 % of the total array area, and the frequency of operation of the ultrasound elements and the average diameter of the elements are related according to the expression: d=A×c/f.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts and processes for the fluorination of hydrohalomethanes. In particular, the invention provides a process for the fluorination of hydrohalomethanes using hydrogen fluoride and a Lewis Acid catalyst. More specifically, catalysts and a process for the fluorination of dichloromethane are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a part by injection molding. The method includes the step of providing injection molding equipment having a sprue for supplying melted plastic. In addition, the method includes the step of providing a mold for forming the part, wherein the mold is adapted for forming a runner integrally with the part and wherein the mold is connected to the sprue. Further, the method includes the step of injecting the melted plastic into the mold so as to form the part and the runner such that the runner is integrally formed with the part.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polymer. The compositions of the invention are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.

Abstract: A method for separating water from a chemical mixture is provided. In the process of the invention, water is separated from a chemical mixture by contacting the chemical mixture with a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrogen fluoride from a chemical mixture is provided. In the process of the invention, hydrogen fluoride is separated from a chemical mixture containing hydrogen fluoride by contacting the chemical mixture with a hydrogen fluoride binder. The separated hydrogen fluoride may be recovered from the hydrogen fluoride binder.