Abstract: A method for modeling power usage within a macrogrid uses data relating to the behavioral patterns and states (“BA”) of the users, data relating to external impacts on power usage and disaggregated power consumption data in at least one premises within the macrogrid (forming “power usage model data”) and thereafter a method of forecasting and predicting future power requirements within the macrogrid uses such power usage model data.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying nucleic acids are provided. The methods can be used to minimise sequence specific bias caused by the preferential amplification of certain nucleic acid sequences. Methods are described which can lower the efficiency of AT rich templates relative to GC rich templates, thereby minimising GC bias during amplification reactions with multiple templates of different sequence. The methods are suited to solid phase amplification, for example, utilising flow cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination of a deformable package (20) containing a cream product; and a tool (10) for dispensing the cream product from the deformable package (20) comprising a first member (12) which supports the deformable package (20), and a second member (14) connected to the first member (12) by a hinge (40), wherein the tool (10) is arranged so that, in use, when a user pushes the first and second members (12), (14) towards one another, the deformable package (20) is squeezed between the first and second members (12), (14) to dispense the cream product from the package (20).

Abstract: Improved compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits for high-throughput nucleic acid amplification, detection and sequencing are disclosed. A nucleic acid cluster having an identifiable center is produced by generating on a solid support an immobilized nucleic acid complement from a template, one of which comprises a detectable label; and amplifying the complement and the template to obtain a nucleic acid cluster on the support, the cluster having a substantially central location marked by the detectable label and a surrounding region comprising immobilized copies. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequence determination in nucleic acid clusters so produced, center position annotation in the clusters, assignment of sequence information to overlapping clusters, and related compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for creating an array of features on a surface based on content transferred from a plurality of beads to the surface. Nucleic acid content can be transferred using a method including the steps of (a) providing a surface having one or more primer oligonucleotides attached to the surface; (b) providing a pool of beads, wherein beads in the pool have a plurality of templates attached thereto, the plurality comprising multiple copies of a single nucleic acid template sequence; (c) arraying the beads onto the surface by hybridizing the templates to the primer oligonucleotides; and (d) extending the primers to produce copies of the templates attached to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for sequencing nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular biology, and more specifically to methods for reducing the complexity of a nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating maintenance task durations is provided. The method is implemented by at least one computing system including at least one processor and at least one memory device coupled to the processor. The method includes receiving a query including a first query maintenance task and a plurality of query factors, and identifying an initial baseline task duration based at least in part on the first query maintenance task. The initial baseline task duration includes a plurality of baseline task factors. The method further includes identifying at least one adjustment factor based at least in part on the differences between the plurality of query factors and the plurality of baseline task factors, calculating a maintenance task duration estimate based at least in part on the initial baseline task duration and the adjustment factors, and planning execution of the first query maintenance task based on maintenance task duration estimate.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory device. The computer is configured to a) receive decision-making criteria from at least one of at least a portion of a plurality of agents associated with a plurality of agent devices, the memory device, and a user, b) generate valid decision combinations using at least a portion of received decision-making criteria, c) transmit, to the plurality of agents, valid decision combinations, d) receive, from a deciding agent, a decision, and e) constrain, using the received decision, valid decision combinations. The computer is configured to f) return to c) until determining that no more decisions can be received. The computer is configured to g) transmit a final decision set to the plurality of agents upon determining that no more decisions can be received. The final decision set represents a complete combination of decisions including at least a portion of received decisions.

Abstract: A method of connecting a user computing device to a wireless network comprises establishing a wireless connection between the user computing device and a first wireless network. The user provides identifying information to a server via the first wireless network. In response to the server authenticating the user and upon successful authorisation of the user having the appropriate rights, the user receives access information for a second wireless network from the server. The user computing device establishes a wireless connection to the second wireless network using the received access information. The method has the advantage that the first wireless network can be easily discoverable, whereas the second wireless network can have an enhanced level of security.

Abstract: A fluid container is disclosed for retaining and dispensing a fluid into the mouth of an individual. The fluid container comprises a deformable body and defining an exterior surface and an interior chamber. An output end has an output orifice for positioning the fluid exterior to the interior chamber. A valve engages the output orifice for controlling the fluid flowing through the output orifice.

Abstract: An airline operations control system for an airline having multiple aircraft and multiple routes formed by one or more flights, which are implemented by the aircraft flying the flights forming the routes, where the airline operations control system includes a computer searchable database, a query module configured to query the database, and a prognostic module.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a swirler and the swirler comprises a plurality of vanes, a first member and a second member. The second member is arranged coaxially around the first member and the vanes extend radially between the first and second members. The vanes have leading edges and the second member has an upstream end. The leading edges of the vanes extend with radial and axial components from the first member to the upstream end of the second member and the radially outer ends of the leading edges of the vanes form arches with the upstream end of the second member. The arrangement of the swirler enables the fuel injector to be built by direct laser deposition.

Abstract: A device is provided that humidifies breathing gas. The device has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A chemical heater is positioned within the chamber and a trigger activates the heater. The chamber can be a conduit with an inner wall and an outer wall with a reservoir defined therebetween. The chemical heater can be positioned within the reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions and methods for introduction of macromolecules and nanoparticles into living cells. The invention includes a polypeptide sequence which when fused to a macromolecule or nanoparticle enhances its introduction into the cell.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for converting or transforming a shape definition specified in a SWF file into a vector graphics shape definition. The vector graphics shape definition includes one or more vector graphics path definitions that can be used by a vector graphics API to properly render the contents of the SWF shape definition. Each vector graphics path definition is based on directed edges in the SWF shape definition having a path style, such as a line style or a fill style, in common. A vector graphics path is created by traversing undirected edges of a graph represented by a graph representation, and by removing an undirected edge, after the undirected edge has been traversed, from each edge set to which the traversed edge belongs. Such an approach can leverage a vector graphics API that can be hardware accelerated to efficiently render the shape data.

Abstract: A two-component device for supporting and retaining a cable or wire bundle in a channel comprises support part with a support surface in which is formed an elongate recess for a cable tie. The upper part lifts on to a lower part and it secured to the floor of the channel, by means of rivets or the like. The support part has an integral tie bar extending across the elongate recess. The lower part has a corresponding tie bar extending across it, between opposed side walls of the lower part. With the wire bundle in place, the cable tie is passed around it and through the recess, passing under the respective tie bars and secured at to hold the bundle in place against the support, at the same time holding the two parts of the support together.

Abstract: An authentication system is disclosed. The system comprises means for receiving an authentication request associated with the transaction wherein the request comprises data identifying a communication device associated with a user authorised to perform the transaction; means for sending a Mobile Application Part, MAP, protocol request message in response to the authentication request; means for receiving, in response to the MAP protocol request, data indicative of whether a communication sent to the communication device will be forwarded to a different communication device. The received data indicative of whether a communication sent to the communication device will be forwarded to a different communication device is used in determining whether to authenticate the transaction.

Abstract: An airline operations control system for an airline having multiple aircraft and multiple routes formed by one or more flights where the airline operations control system includes a computer searchable database a query module configured to query the database and a display module and a method of controlling operation of the airline having the multiple aircraft and the multiple routes.

Abstract: Improved compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits for high-throughput nucleic acid amplification, detection and sequencing are disclosed. A nucleic acid cluster having an identifiable center is produced by generating on a solid support an immobilized nucleic acid complement from a template, one of which comprises a detectable label; and amplifying the complement and the template to obtain a nucleic acid cluster on the support, the cluster having a substantially central location marked by the detectable label and a surrounding region comprising immobilized copies. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequence determination in nucleic acid clusters so produced, center position annotation in the clusters, assignment of sequence information to overlapping clusters, and related compositions and methods.