Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for assessing stimulatory effects on a neurologic system. One method may include steps of stimulating the neurologic system, monitoring at least one neurologic state for effects of the stimulation to the neurologic system, gathering multi-dimensional data from the monitoring of the at least one neurological state, and analyzing the multi-dimensional data to determine multi-dimensional interactions between the stimulation and the effects on the at least one neurological state. Various neurologic states are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, including, without limitation, hypnotic, analgesia, relaxation, stress, depression, anxiety, allostasis, immune response, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system has seat belt webbing that is attached to a tongue adapted to be located in a buckle mechanism fixed to a load-bearing part of the vehicle. A generally vertically extending strap is adapted to be located in a position against a seat back. An adjustable webbing guide connects the generally vertically extending strap to the seat belt webbing; and there is a device for positively locking the webbing guide to the generally vertically extending strap at any one of a plurality of selectable locations on the generally vertically extending strap. A load limiter is operative for a child seat occupant but not operative for an adult seat occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a rotating spool for retraction or pay-out of seat belt webbing. A locking ring is attached to one end of the spool. The locking ring is locked against rotation when a crash is sensed. A force limiting means allows further pay-out of the seat belt webbing after the locking ring has locked. Coupled in the force path between the spool and the locking ring, the force limiting means has a primary force limiting means; and a secondary force limiting means. The force limiting means include an elongate deformable member, arranged such that relative rotation between the spool and the locking ring causes a predetermined length of the deformable member to be deformed during a first stage of load limiting. The cross-sectional area of the deformable member is uniform over a major portion of the predetermined length and is reduced over at least one minor portion located a distance from the end of the member.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety restraint provides a child safety restraint for the three to fourteen year old age range. It can be used with or without a booster cushion or booster seat and would therefore be particularly suitable for minibuses so that the safety belt can still be used by adult passengers. A vertically extending strap is adapted to be located in a generally vertical position against a seat back. A seat belt webbing is attached to a tongue adapted to be located in a buckle mechanism fixed to a load-bearing part of the vehicle. An adjustable webbing guide connects the vertically extending strap to the seat belt webbing. The webbing guide is positively locked to the vertically extending strap at any one of a plurality of selectable locations on the vertically extending strap.

Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement provides location and fixing points on the vehicle seat that will take crash loads and can be used to position a webbing path adapter to serve as a guide for placing a standard seat belt in a suitable position for when a child is occupying the seat. A vehicle seat arrangement includes a seat backrest having an upholstered part overlying a load-bearing plate. A first plurality of holes pass through the upholstered part and a second, aligned, plurality of holes pass through the load-bearing plate. A webbing path adapter has a passageway for receiving seat belt webbing. A pin connects the webbing path adapter in a removable manner to any one of a plurality of holes on the load-bearing plate through the corresponding holes in the upholstered part of the seat backrest.

Abstract: Fluorescent dye compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. These compounds are useful as they interact with organic compounds in a manner such that excitation with certain wavelengths of light results in fluorescent emission. Detection and/or monitoring of the fluorescence provides a means for the detection or quantification of organic compounds when bound to these fluorescent dye compounds. Formula (I), wherein: each of R, R? and R? is a hydrogen atom, halogen atom or a straight or branched C1-20 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynl group optionally substituted with one or more halogen, hydroxyl, and/or oxy group; rings A, B and C optionally include one or more double bonds; rings B and C are optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Abstract: A method for logging a downhole formation in a wellbore. The method comprises drilling a wellbore with a drill bit coupled to a disconnect device. The disconnect device is then actuated to detach the drill bit from a portion of a conveyance. A logging operation is then performed between two portions of the disconnect device. The disconnect device may then be reattached.

Abstract: In order to allow windows of a vehicle to be marked using a laser in a reliable manner, the present invention provides an apparatus for marking a vehicle comprising a laser emitter (4) for producing a laser beam, laser beam delivery means (5), a marking head (6) comprising means for deflecting the laser beam into a path defining a mark, an arm comprising at least two arm sections (7, 8) articulated with respect to one another, the marking head (6) being mounted on one of the arms, so that the marking head (6) can be moved into contact with the part of the vehicle to be marked. Means are provided for driving the arm sections (7 and 8). A controller (17) is provided for controlling the driving means, laser emitter (4) and the marking head (6) is provided so that a mark can be made on a selected part of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for accurately measuring frequency-and/or-phase-related parameters of a sinusoidal signal that varies non-linearly in frequency or phase. A sinusoidal signal is sampled over a finite period of time at a plurality of sample points. The sampled signals are pre-processed, and a Fourier transform is performed on the pre-processed sampled signals. Phases of the pre-processed sampled signals are extracted from the Fourier transform, and a measurement indicative of frequency of the sinusoidal signal is determined from slope of the phases of the pre-processed sampled signals. Range to a target may be determined using the exemplary signal processing described above on laser radar interference signals.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for accurately measuring frequency-and/or-phase-related parameters of a sinusoidal signal that varies non-linearly in frequency or phase. A sinusoidal signal is sampled over a finite period of time at a plurality of sample points. The sampled signals are pre-processed, and a Fourier transform is performed on the pre-processed sampled signals. Phases of the pre-processed sampled signals are extracted from the Fourier transform, and a measurement indicative of frequency of the sinusoidal signal is determined from slope of the phases of the pre-processed sampled signals. Range to a target may be determined using the exemplary signal processing described above on laser radar interference signals.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus (1) and method for marking a road vehicle, which minimises the scale of constructions placed on a factory floor, the apparatus comprises, a marking vehicle (4) comprising a motor for driving the marking vehicle, a laser emitter, a laser beam delivery means (5) for delivering a laser beam from the laser emitter to a selectable position of the vehicle and a marking head (28), contactable with a part of a road vehicle to be marked and configured to direct the laser beam to define a pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the marking vehicle is driven on a floor surface (2) which includes a road vehicle station. A two-dimensional electricity power supply grid (8) is preferably mounted above the vehicle station, the marking vehicle (4) being provided with a contact (7) for contacting the electricity power supply grid (8) and for supplying electrical power obtained from the power supply grid to the marking vehicle.

Abstract: An instant messaging system is disclosed that provides a means for presenting information to a user about current conversants and for managing the handling of multiple messages from different parties. A priority hierarchy is established and set by a user with respect to each conversant. Messages from high priority conversants are delivered and displayed prior to messages from lower priority conversants. In a business setting, messages may be routed to particular individuals or with a particular priority based on characteristics or attributes of the message sender.

Abstract: Center fill chewing gum compositions containing an effective amount of at least one stanol compound sufficient to provide a positive cholesterol effect in a warm-blooded animal including humans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing the viability of a tumor cell involving administering a virus that is not a common human pathogen to the tumor cell. Preferably, the virus exhibits differential susceptibility, in that normal cells are not affected by the virus. This differential susceptibility is more pronounced in the presence of interferon. The tumor cell is characterized by having low levels, or no, PKR activity, or as being PKR?/?, STAT1?/? or both PKR?/? and STAT1?/?. The virus is selected from the group consisting of Rhabdovirus and picomavirus, and preferably is vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to purge (reduce or eliminate) undesirable cells in a mixture of cells. Undesirable cells can include neoplastic cells, cells mediating graft-versus host diseases, and autoimmune cells. The subject invention also relates to the purging of undesirable cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood cell harvests in the treatment of mammals including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and patients with autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for marking an object, particularly a vehicle, by disrupting the material of the interior or surface of the object. The system comprises a laser emitter (102), a laser beam delivery means (104) which can be flexible, and a marking heading (105) which is light enough to be carried by an operator. The laser marking system is very flexible in use, allowing many parts of objects, particularly vehicles, to be marked.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a three point vehicle safety restraint seat belt has a mounting for one end of the seat belt. The mounting has a first member fixed to a load bearing part of the vehicle and a second member attached to the end of the seat belt. A force reservoir, such as a pyrotechnic unit, moves the second member relative to the first member in a pretensioning direction in response to activation by a crash sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant viruses with a decreased ability to block nuclear transport of mRNA or protein in an infected cell which are attenuated in vivo. The mutant viruses of the present invention may also be capable of triggering the anti-viral systems of normal host cells while remaining sensitive to the effects of these systems. The present invention further provides for the use of the mutant viruses in a range of applications including, but not limited to, as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and infections, as vaccines and adjuvants, as viral vectors, and as oncolytic and cytolytic agents for the selective lysis of malignant or infected cells.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions useful in guiding election campaign efforts includes vote data of ballots cast in an election collected from at least one data source, a database, and an array of operand manipulative cells electronically communicating with the database. The vote data are compiled on a first level, and the database includes at least one dataset of cells formatted to include the vote data compiled on the first level. The array of operand manipulative cells electronically communicate with the database and are operable to produce a subset of synthesized voter data compiled on a second level that is derived from the vote data points compiled on the first level.

Abstract: A pretensioning apparatus for seat belt webbing is located in the vicinity of a belt anchor end of a three-point vehicle safety restraint seat belt. The pretensioning apparatus has a fixed member in the form of a tubular member that may be anchored to a vehicle seat at the belt anchor side of the vehicle. A movable member in the form of a piston is connected to the webbing in the region of the belt anchor end. A means is provided for moving the movable member relative to the fixed member in a generally horizontal direction, to move the seat belt webbing in a pretensioning direction in response to a signal from a crash sensor. A webbing guide is fixed to the seat to provide an effective anchorage point spaced from the belt anchor end of the webbing under pretensioning conditions.