Abstract: A trackball includes a ball, a housing including a recess arranged to receive at least part of the ball and means for urging the ball, without physical or direct contact, to remain in the recess, wherein the surface of the recess is fully sealed to form an impenetrable barrier such that foreign substances are prevented from entering the interior of the housing. This arrangement may make the trackball more hygienic to use and easier to clean than conventional trackballs.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of ACY-1 as a biomarker for ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of ACY-1 as a biomarker for ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract: Various technologies for sharing digital images within an instant messaging (IM) session between two users. In one implementation, a first user uploads a set of images to the second user. The set of images may be displayed as thumbnails on the displays of both users. By clicking on one of the thumbnails, either user may make the associated image appear as a larger image on both users' displays. In the event that both users click on different images simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, a protocol may be employed that selects which image is displayed.

Abstract: Various technologies for sharing digital images within an instant messaging (IM) session between two users. In one implementation, a first user uploads a set of images to the second user. The set of images may be displayed as thumbnails on the displays of both users. By clicking on one of the thumbnails, either user may make the associated image appear as a larger image on both users' displays. In the event that both users click on different images simultaneously, or near-simultaneously, a protocol may be employed that selects which image is displayed.

Abstract: Frameworks and methods for executing large-scale build and operate programs, such as sporting events, and particularly an Olympic Games. A framework of interlinked build, operate, and management processes is formed in accordance with the program requirements, which are specified in terms of deliverable products or service levels. Links between individual processes can only be traversed when exit criteria are satisfied. Methodologies are described that can be used to determine the exit criteria. Once a framework is established, a schedule control plan, by way of significant milestones, is determined. The milestones are chosen to correspond with links between processes that span process streams or project teams.

Abstract: An electronic pointing cursor control device such as a trackball or mouse, comprising a first chamber adjoined to a second chamber, the chambers being separated by a fluid-tight wall comprising an optically permeable region; wherein the first chamber contains electronic components including optical detectors directed towards the optically permeable region and a ball protruding through an aperture provided in the second chamber, the detectors being operable in use to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball. Also provided is an electronic pointing or cursor control device comprising a ball and optical detectors operable to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball, wherein the detectors are mounted such that a radial line from the ball to the detectors forms a non-zero angle with a diametric line though the ball normal to the mounting plane of the device.

Abstract: Voice instant messaging between mobile and computing devices is described. In an embodiment, a messaging service receives a recorded voice clip from a mobile communication-enabled device via a wireless communication link. The messaging service then processes the recorded voice clip for communication via a data network to a computing-based device that renders an audio message from the recorded voice clip. A virtual connection protocol manages and sequences transmission control protocol (TCP) connection events to provide reliable wireless transfer of recorded voice clip(s) via wireless communication link. The mobile communication-enabled device logs a first instant messaging contact into the messaging service, and the computing-based device logs a second instant messaging contact into the messaging service to enable two-way voice instant messaging between the first instant messaging contact and the second instant messaging contact at the respective devices.

Abstract: Asynchronous voice messaging is employed to enable individuals to send voice clips back and forth over a network. In at least some embodiments, the voice clips reside in the form of discrete, manageable objects that can be easily managed by the user. In addition, some embodiments described provide hand-free/eyes-free functionality that can permit a user to create and send (or receive and play) a voice message without having to physically enter an intended recipient's address or otherwise digitally manipulate the device over which the message is sent or received.

Abstract: Communication functionality is described for conducting communication among a plurality of participants in peer-to-peer fashion. The communication functionality comprises peer-to-peer overlay functionality configured to establish a peer-to-peer overlay network that includes a plurality of participants. The peer-to-peer overlay functionality relies on endpoint provider functionality for physically exchanging information among the plurality of participants in the peer-to-peer overlay network. The endpoint provider functionality exchanges information using a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism accommodates multiple different transport protocols for exchanging information among the plurality of participants, allowing different pairs of participants to communicate with each other using different respective transport protocols.

Abstract: A method for establishing a contractually guaranteed and lucrative endowment fundraising program. The program utilizes a third party lender, such as a bank, that finances a premium for a life insurance policy. The life insurance policy is owned by the tax-exempt organization for the life of a key person of the tax-exempt corporation. Interest on the loan for the life insurance policy is paid by assets of the tax-exempt organization, and may be paid, for example, by yearly donations by the key member for which the policy is taken, to the general account, or by others. Collateral for the loan may be a combination of the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy and a deposit of assets of the tax-exempt organization with the bank. The deposit may be, for example, an investment management account opened with the bank.

Abstract: A method of funding a tax-exempt organization. A donor utilizes an original principal sum that is separated into first and second distinct parts. The first part is given as a freely given, separate, and immediate cash donation to a tax-exempt organization. The second part is utilized to purchase an equity-indexed annuity contract, which provides a premium bonus for the initial premium deposit. The corresponding increase in the donor's net worth due to the premium bonus offsets the loss in net worth caused by the cash donation to the tax-exempt organization, resulting in no reduction in the net worth of the donor. At the same time the donor has provided the tax-exempt organization with a cash donation.

Abstract: Surface coverings and surface covering components that include a textured transparent or translucent wear layer and a design layer, where the design layer is printed with an ink that includes collapsible microspheres, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surface coverings and surface covering components. In one embodiment, a pattern is printed on a substrate to be coated with a wear layer. In another embodiment, a clear transparent or translucent layer underlies the design layer. The ink includes collapsible microspheres, and can also include foaming inhibitors. A number of surface covering substrates and surface coverings can be prepared using the methods described herein. The surface coverings include a substrate, for example, a foamable substrate, a design layer printed with an ink composition that includes collapsible microspheres, and a wear layer.

Abstract: A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host.

Abstract: A method for establishing a contractually guaranteed and lucrative endowment fundraising program. The program utilizes a third party lender, such as a bank, that finances a premium for a life insurance policy. The life insurance policy is owned by the tax-exempt organization for the life of a key person of the tax-exempt corporation. Interest on the loan for the life insurance policy is paid by assets of the tax-exempt organization, and may be paid, for example, by yearly donations by the key member for which the policy is taken, to the general account, or by others. Collateral for the loan may be a combination of the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy and a deposit of assets of the tax-exempt organization with the bank. The deposit may be, for example, an investment management account opened with the bank.

Abstract: A flexible mesoscopic heat exchanger is provided by the invention. The heat exchanger of the invention includes uniform microchannels for fluid flow. Separate header and channel layers include microchannels for fluid flow and heat exchange. A layered structure with channels aligned in multiple orientations in the layers permits the use of a flexible material without channel sagging and provides uniform flows. In a preferred embodiment, layers are heat sealed, e.g., by a preferred lamination fabrication process.

Abstract: Surface coverings and surface covering components that include a textured transparent or translucent wear layer and a design layer, where the design layer is printed with an ink that includes collapsible microspheres, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surface coverings and surface covering components. In one embodiment, a pattern is printed on a substrate to be coated with a wear layer. In another embodiment, a clear transparent or translucent layer underlies the design layer. The ink includes collapsible microspheres, and can also include foaming inhibitors. A number of surface covering substrates and surface coverings can be prepared using the methods described herein. The surface coverings include a substrate, for example, a foamable substrate, a design layer printed with an ink composition that includes collapsible microspheres, and a wear layer.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle including a front and a rear part, and a coupling member which connects the front part to the rear part, and is adapted to permit articulation of the front part with respect to the rear part about a generally vertical axis whilst also permitting movement of the rear part with respect to the front part about a generally horizontal axis, characterised in that the coupling member includes a body made as a unitary casting.

Abstract: A protective guard for a machine tool system including a cutting or grinding member which is movable from a first position wherein access to the cutting or grinding member is barred to a second position wherein the cutting or grinding member is exposed.