Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secure custodial service for managing a digital asset. The method comprises receiving a first value for use in decrypting at least one attribute value, receiving the at least one attribute value in encrypted form, and storing, on at least one storage device, the first value and the at least one attributed value in encrypted form, wherein at least one attribute value has been encrypted using a second value and a public key associated with secure hardware, and the second value corresponds to the first value.

Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for retirement planning are provided. A prediction for retirement income is based on financial information of an individual. The prediction includes a confidence level that indicates the level of accuracy of the prediction. The confidence level is based on financial information of the individual.

Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Two mechanisms are provided for improving the expression of Factor IX in gene therapy vectors. The first is the use of a specific Factor IX polynucleotide coding sequence designed for optimal expression. The second is the use of transcriptional regulatory regions minimized in size so that they can be used to express Factor IX, as well as any other gene of interest, in a size-constrained environment such as in a self complementary gene therapy vector system.

Abstract: Two mechanisms are provided for improving the expression of Factor IX in gene therapy vectors. The first is the use of a specific Factor IX polynucleotide coding sequence designed for optimal expression. The second is the use of transcriptional regulatory regions minimized in size so that they can be used to express Factor IX, as well as any other gene of interest, in a size-constrained environment such as in a self complementary gene therapy vector system.

Abstract: Two mechanisms are provided for improving the expression of Factor IX in gene therapy vectors. The first is the use of a specific Factor IX polynucleotide coding sequence designed for optimal expression. The second is the use of transcriptional regulatory regions minimized in size so that they can be used to express Factor IX, as well as any other gene of interest, in a size-constrained environment such as in a self complementary gene therapy vector system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise apparatus comprising an arm arrangement and resistance means. The arm arrangement comprises an arm (2) mounted on a carriage (4, 40), which carriage (4, 40) is mounted on guidance means (5, 8) for translational movement along a path. The resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the arm (2) relative to the carriage so that, in use, a user can move the arm (2) relative to the carriage (4,40) in order to work against the resistance means. The guidance means is a linear guidance means for guiding the carriage (4,40) along a substantially linear path. In use, the carriage (4,40) is moveable, guided by the guidance means, in two directions as the user works against the resistance means, said movement of the carriage (4,40) is substantially unresisted.

Abstract: Two mechanisms are provided for improving the expression of Factor IX in gene therapy vectors. The first is the use of a specific Factor IX polynucleotide coding sequence designed for optimal expression. The second is the use of transcriptional regulatory regions minimized in size so that they can be used to express Factor IX, as well as any other gene of interest, in a size-constrained environment such as in a self complementary gene therapy vector system.

Abstract: A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt, contacting the heated photosensitive element with a development medium to absorb the liquefied portion at a contact location, and removing the development medium from the photosensitive element with a remover at a location away from the contact location.

Abstract: There is provided a friction modifier of the formula R1L-N(R2)(R3) wherein R1 is a hydrocarbyl group that has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from 500 to 5000; L is an optional linker group; and R2 and R3 are independently selected from H, a hydrocarbyl group and a bond to optional group L, wherein at least one of R2 and R3 is H or a hydrocarbyl group, with the proviso that if one of R2 and R3 is a hydrocarbyl group and the other of R2 and R3 is H, the hydrocarbyl group does not contain a terminal amine.

Abstract: Exercise devices which are arranged to replicate the feel and effect of exercising with free weights but providing resistance in two directions away from a null position are disclosed. One example of a device comprises a handle 1021 which can be grasped by an exerciser and which is mounted on an articulated arm portion 1002 which in turn is mounted to a frame 1005. A weight 1031, lever arm 1032 and hydraulic transmission means provide resistance to movement. A first arm member 1022 is pivotally mounted to allow pivotal movement about an axis. Pivotal movement about this axis in two directions away from a null position is resisted by the weight 1031. The weight 1031 also tends to urge the arm member 1022 back towards the null position. The null position can be adjusted using the hydraulic arrangement.

Abstract: A bar lens assembly for a reproduction machine is provided. The assembly includes a stiffening member provided with a mounting pin to which a bar lens array is mounted. The lens array is precisely located with respect to the mounting pin. A method for assembling the bar lens assembly is also disclosed wherein locating bushing is positioned over a mounting pin of a lens array mounting place and the lens array is provided with an opening through which the locating pin passes. The lens array is affixed to the mounting plate and thereafter the locating bushing is removed. The lens array is thereby precisely positioned with respect to the mounting plate.