Abstract: A text message for delivery to an intended destination terminal (9) is received by equipment such as an SMS router (3) which can select one of a number of attempt/reattempt delivery modes in accordance with one or more decision factors. One delivery mode may involve a modified retry schedule for certain classes of messages, such as those sent from or to priority class-of-service customers. The decision factor(s) may be the class-of-service priority, message reception history of the intended recipient, available network node signalling capacity and/or measure of the network node signalling load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bifunctional nucleic acid which includes a first nucleic acid which comprises an aptamer bonded to a second nucleic acid that possesses a biological activity (herein referred to as a “biological effector sequence”) and which is not a nucleic acid ligand.

Abstract: A mobile communications system network (2) includes video services equipment (8) that is configured to be able to receive a video call and to record it. A user can set up an association between a virtual mobile number for use to connect to the video call recording video services equipment (8), and an intended recipient delivery email address for a call made using that virtual mobile number. The user can then place a video call to the allocated virtual mobile number to record and send a video message to the indicated delivery email address. The video services equipment (8) prepares the recorded video message as an email attachment and forwards it by email to the indicated deliver email address.

Abstract: A home location register (HLR) in a mobile telecommunications network is programmed to forward a selected subset of routing information request messages (SRI SM) to a message router (SMS Router), instead of the home location register providing the usual response. The message router then generates a modified response to the routing information request message, in consequence of the modified response receives the mobile terminated text message associated with the routing information request message, derives the destination MSISDN requested by the message sender associated with the mobile terminated text message, and queries the home location register to determine delivery information relating to the intended destination of the text message, such as a diverted destination.

Abstract: A first text message sent from a mobile handset (1) is received by an SMS router (3) via an MSC (2). A text processing engine, such as an SMS Wizard (4), processes the first message so as to determine a network address such as a URL from the first message. The determined network address is then sent as a second text message to the mobile handset (1) or to another mobile handset.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: Telecommunications services apparatus includes means for establishing a connection from a mobile terminal in response to alphanumeric dialling on the terminal, such that alphanumeric dialling information is transmitted from the terminal to the apparatus.

Abstract: A new reversibly gelling polyurethane (RGP) polymer composition is described, as well as novel processes for its preparation, and its medical uses for filling spaces in tissue, or bulking tissue, or for restoring organ function. The novel RGP polymer forms a gel on standing, liquefies during shear and reversibly reforms a macroscopic gel on standing after being sheared. Methods of use include delivering the improved gel to a site on the body to fill voids or to augment local tissue bulk.

Abstract: The invention provides a process wherein starch and/or a starch derivative can be gelatinised more efficiently by means a thermo mechanical treatment, when a carbohydrate polymer is used comprising aldehyde containing monomer units which comprise one or more aldehyde groups that are derived from one or more a primary alcohol groups. With this process a granulate or other semi-finished product can be obtained that can be shaped to produce an article that has excellent dimensional stability in water. The invention further provides a granulate, a shaped starch product, a food product or a blown starch film comprising such a carbohydrate polymer.

Abstract: Surgical methods of repairing defects and deficiencies in the spine are disclosed. The methods involve delivering a single part in-situ polymerizing fluid to (i) close a weakened segment or fissure in the annulus fibrosus, (ii) strengthen the annulus, (iii) replace or augment the disc nucleus, or (iv) localize a disc prosthesis.

Abstract: A device (100) for receiving electrical components and wiring and adapted for mounting between adjacent studs of a wall structure, the device (100) includes means forming a composite chamber and having a box (100) with parallel, spaced apart right and left side panels (102, 103) for attachment to studs and spaced apart top and bottom panels (104, 105) having ends joined to ends of the right and left panels (102, 103) and arranged so as to form a housing chamber (112) at least partially forming the composite chamber. At least one framework (225) is movable between a first position within the composite chamber and a second position outside the composite chamber, the one framework (225) being shaped and arranged to receive electrical components.

Abstract: A text message sent from a portal a computer (1) with a data card, or from a mobile telephone (2), passes through a base station controller (3), then via either a mobile switching centre (5) or a serving GPRS support node (4), to an SMS router (6). The SMS router (6) checks from the message originating address whether the address is to be translated or not. If so, the originating address is translated such as by CLI substitution to a preferred address, before onward routing of the text message. Accordingly, it is possible for the originating address of the data card in the computer (1) to be replaced by the originating address of the telephone (2) in a text message, such that the message recipient can correctly recognise the originator of the message, and also send a reply message to the mobile telephone (2).

Abstract: Apparatus and method of controlling delivery of text messages to a subscriber (2, 9, 10) in a telecommunications services apparatus, the method comprising the steps of the subscriber making a selection as to a mode of delivery that the subscriber requires for one of (i) a future text message and (ii) a category of future text messages, for example delivery by fax or e-mail, the subscriber's requested selection being implemented by a message processing means (3) in the form of an SMS router which is part of the home network (B) with which the subscriber's mobile telephone is normally associated, the arrangement being such that any text messages intended by the sender (1) to be delivered to the said subscriber, as intended receiver thereof, are directed to the message processing means which then implements the delivery mode previously selected by the subscriber (2, 9, 10).

Abstract: A composite prosthesis and method for limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions. The composite includes a non-inflammatory or coated mesh and a barrier material which prevents exposure of tissue elsewhere in the body to tissue covered by the composite prosthesis. The barrier material is absorbable which allows tissue through-growth and localization of the composite prosthetic. In use, the composite prosthesis is positioned over the tissue defect and may be positioned with the barrier material oriented against the tissue defect or repair site.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a hydraulic drive apparatus such as a transaxle having a hydraulic pump and moveable swash plate mounted in a housing including a control arm for moving the swash plate between forward and reverse positions and a unidirectional return to neutral mechanism for biasing and returning the swash plate to a neutral position when the control arm is in one of the reverse or forward positions but not from the other position.

Abstract: A mobile telephone terminal includes means responsive to alphanumeric dialling to transmit information representative of a desired connection to a mobile telephone network. Upon entry of an alphanumeric string followed by a confirmatory action by the user, the alphanumeric string is sent to the network so as to automatically initiate a connection to a service platform.

Abstract: A telecommunications services apparatus, in a mobile telecommunications network, comprises means (2) for receiving a MAP Send Routing Information for Short Message (SRI_SM message) originating from another network and operate to forward the SRI_SM message to a home location register (4), means for receiving a response from the home location register (4) to the SRI_SM message, means for temporarily storing information relating to the SRI_SM response and operable to pass said response on to a network address identified as the originating address, and means for receiving a MAP Mobile Terminated Forward Short Message (MT_Fwd_SM message) from the other network and operable to correlate the MT_Fwd_SM message with a previously-sent SRI_SM response using stored information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for creating and displaying derivative data created from a spreadsheet or table. Templates are used to dynamically create and display the derivative data while viewing the originating spreadsheet.

Abstract: A flag in a home location register of a telephone network is used to control availability of processing features, such as text message SMS processing features, to the message recipient, providing functionality similar to “class of service” in a normal telephone exchange. Mobile terminated sort messages (SMS-MT) are always routed through the home PLMN of the recipient by modifying the response to the SRI-SM signal. Instead of delivering the address of the visited MSC of the recipient, the address of a SMS router in the home PLMN is sent back to the interrogating SMSC.