Abstract: Compounds for activating invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) cells are provided. Compounds according to certain embodiments activate iNKT cells and induce an increase in the production of one or more cytokines, such as IFN?, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF?. In some embodiments, activated iNKT cells are used to selectively reduce the presence of or eliminate inflammatory senescent cells, such as senescent cells having an inflammatory secretome (SASP). Methods for activating iNKT cells by contacting an iNKT cell with an amount of the subject compounds and selectively reducing the presence of or eliminating senescent cells with activated iNKT cells are also described. Compositions for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Compounds for activating invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) cells are provided. Compounds according to certain embodiments activate iNKT cells and induce an increase in the production of one or more cytokines, such as IFN-?, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF?. In some embodiments, activated iNKT cells are used to selectively reduce the presence of or eliminate inflammatory senescent cells, such as senescent cells having an inflammatory secretome (SASP). Methods for activating iNKT cells by contacting an iNKT cell with an amount of the subject compounds and selectively reducing the presence of or eliminating senescent cells with activated iNKT cells are also described. Compositions for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: A processor can produce a database catalog for a second version of a database management system of the database. The database catalog can store metadata related to definitions of objects or tables included in the second version of the database. A controller can be caused to be established in memory cells being used for the first version of the database. A copy of the database catalog for the second version of the database management system can be stored in the memory cells being used for the first version of the database. The controller, using the copy of the database catalog, can produce the second version of the database management system. The second version of the database management system can be caused to interact with data stored in a storage of the database. The storage can be included in the memory cells being used for the first version of the database.

Abstract: A processor can produce a database catalog for a second version of a database management system of the database. The database catalog can store metadata related to definitions of objects or tables included in the second version of the database. A controller can be caused to be established in memory cells being used for the first version of the database. A copy of the database catalog for the second version of the database management system can be stored in the memory cells being used for the first version of the database. The controller, using the copy of the database catalog, can produce the second version of the database management system. The second version of the database management system can be caused to interact with data stored in a storage of the database. The storage can be included in the memory cells being used for the first version of the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing credit card transactions over the Internet includes an application program interface (API) that converts a simple ASCII transaction message from the merchant to the message spec required by the transaction processor. The API also encrypts the transaction message so that the transaction is secure over the Internet and manages the message traffic between the merchant and transaction processor. In a second preferred embodiment, a merchant sends a simple ASCII transaction message via a SSL (secure sockets layer) Internet connection. In preferred embodiments, redundant connections are set up between the merchant and the transaction processor, allowing a transaction to continue being processed if one of the connections fails.

Abstract: A method of monitoring sodium hypochlorite usage, which includes providing a chemical system comprising: a tank of known capacity mounted upon a scale, the scale being capable of generating a series of signals related to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill; and a system controller for receiving the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill; inputting into the system controller the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill with sodium hypochlorite; inputting into the system controller a concentration of the sodium hypochlorite upon filling of the tank; tracking an age of the sodium hypochlorite within the tank to obtain a percent concentrate of sodium hypochlorite; and displaying usage of sodium hypochlorite on a display.

Abstract: A self piercing cover assembly for concealing an air bag restraint system in a vehicle passenger compartment has a plurality of retractable cutter blades that are attached to the underside of an invisible door beneath the instrument panel by leaf springs. When the air bag inflates, it pushes the cutter blades out against the bias of springs to cut through the instrument panel at several locations along the front edge of the door making it easier for the door to swing open. The cutter blades retract under the action of the leaf springs so that the cutting edges are below the surface of the cover assembly to protect against contact with the cutting edges after the air bag collapses.