Abstract: A network computing system that operates to enable each service provider of a plurality of service providers to select a parametric value that is determinative of a service value for a transport service that is to be provided by the service provider over a given time interval. The network computing system can match service providers to transport requests, based on determination that matched service providers satisfy each of (i) an arrival condition for the transport request of the requester, and (ii) a service value condition that is based at least in part on the selected parametric value of the matched service provider.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, among other things, processes for purifying polyether polyols via treatment with an ion exchange resin in which the ion exchange resin is disposed in a container that is operated liquid-full.

Abstract: A contrast agent comprising a polypeptide is provided. The polypeptide contains lysine residues and optionally, one or more types of amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid residues and aspartic acid residues, wherein the lysine residues are substituted with a group derived from a steric hindrance molecule; and an image producing entity is present in a range between about 100 units and about 2000 units. Methods for administering the aforementioned contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: An animal restraint system (40) comprises an animal travel harness (10), having straps (11-16) adapted to fit around the neck (21) and upper body (25) of an animal (20) to be restrained; a generally circular belt (42), adapted to be secured to an upright portion (43) of a motor vehicle seat (44); and a pair of side linkages (41) for connecting the harness (10) to the belt (42). The harness (10) is provided with a pair of fixing points (27) at either side thereof, while the linkages (41) are provided at either end thereof with engagement clips (49) adapted to connect one end of each linkage (41) to one of the fixing points (27) on the harness (10), and the other end of each linkage (41) to a similar fixing point (47) on the belt (42).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer that includes a first radically polymerizable low surface tension (meth)acrylate monomer and one or more other radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The copolymer has a polydispersity index of less than 2.5. The present invention further includes a controlled radical polymerization method to make the above described low surface tension containing copolymers. The method includes the steps of adding a first radically polymerizable low surface tension (meth)acrylate monomer and one or more other radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers to a solution containing a suitable atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator.