Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and intermediate AMD in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a small molecule complement factor D inhibitor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an ocular tissue depot of a selected complement factor D (CFD) inhibitor for the extended treatment of an ocular disorder mediated by complement factor D. In particular, the disclosure includes the creation of a drug depot within the choroid-retina pigmented epithelium (C-RPE) and/or the iris-ciliary body (I-CB) of the eye by means of the systemic (oral or parenteral) administration of the compound, where the compound accumulates in ocular tissue and is released over an extended period for the treatment of a posterior and/or anterior eye disorder.

Abstract: A child restraint system for restraining a child in a vehicle in lieu of a child car seat includes a vehicle that has a seat. A child is selectively seated on the seat and the seat has a backrest and a base that is positioned in front of the backrest. A first attachment is coupled to the vehicle and the first attachment is positioned behind the backrest. A second attachment is coupled to the vehicle and the second attachment is positioned between the base and the backrest. A harness unit is removably coupled between the first attachment and the second attachment. Moreover, the harness unit restrains the child in the seat in lieu of a child car seat.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is an EMV certification system including a credit card simulator configured to program a probe with credit card data, a point of sale simulator configured to send transaction data to a payment terminal, a robotic arm configured to perform an action on the payment terminal, and a robot controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The robot controller is configured to instruct the robotic arm to perform the action. The EMV certification system further includes a test coordinator communicatively coupled to the credit card simulator, the point of sale simulator, and the robot controller. The test coordinator is configured to request the robot controller instruct the robotic arm based on reading a response from the payment terminal.

Abstract: A child restraint system for restraining a child in a vehicle in lieu of a child car seat includes a vehicle that has a seat. A child is selectively seated on the seat and the seat has a backrest and a base that is positioned in front of the backrest. A first attachment is coupled to the vehicle and the first attachment is positioned behind the backrest. A second attachment is coupled to the vehicle and the second attachment is positioned between the base and the backrest. A harness unit is removably coupled between the first attachment and the second attachment. Moreover, the harness unit restrains the child in the seat in lieu of a child car seat.

Abstract: A marketing display device may comprise a simulated helmet or hat that is compressed in the lateral direction. The device may be stabilized against tip-over by having a thickness-to-height ratio that decreases from the crest to the base yielding low center of gravity. The device may include one or more display surfaces for displaying, e.g. advertising information, graphics, or other printed matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for outpatient VAD management. The present invention can assist individuals with an implanted VAD, whether indicated as a bridge to recovery or transplantation or as destination therapy, and their associated caregives in the management of lifestyle modifications and long-tem management issues associated with VAD use.

Abstract: The invention provides an antifouling hydrogel comprising an effective amount of antifouling polymer modified with a compound containing catechol functional groups to yield a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one catechol functional end group; and an effective amount of at least one oxidizing reagent, wherein the at least one oxidizing reagent reacts with the modified antifouling polymer to provide a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one oxidized catechol end group, wherein an antifouling hydrogel is provided. Methods of synthesis, methods of use and kits of the antifouling hydrogel are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an antifouling hydrogel comprising an effective amount of antifouling polymer modified with a compound containing catechol functional groups to yield a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one catechol functional end group; and an effective amount of at least one oxidizing reagent, wherein the at least one oxidizing reagent reacts with the modified antifouling polymer to provide a modified antifouling polymer comprising at least one oxidized catechol end group, wherein an antifouling hydrogel is provided. Methods of synthesis, methods of use and kits of the antifouling hydrogel are also provided.

Abstract: Multiple access internet portals with wireless market place systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a wireless internet server and a wireless market place system. The wireless internet server routes internet content from a content provider to a plurality of platform gateways, while the wireless market place system receives a set of rules from a third party vendor, and translates the set of rules into a format operable to be routed by the wireless internet server. Methods and other systems for providing access to wireless customers are also provided.

Abstract: Multiple access internet portal billing systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a communication facility, a wireless internet server, and a transaction billing system. The communication facility includes a billing platform, and is operable to connect to a plurality of wireless device platforms through a mobile network, and to connect to the wireless internet server. The wireless internet server provides internet access to the wireless devices and communicate at least one billing information record including a usage time to a transaction billing system. The transaction billing system receives the billing information record from the wireless internet server, formats the billing information record, and communicates the formatted record to the communication facility billing platform. Methods and other systems for multiple access internet portals are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for logging the execution history of an operating system kernel by including an event description in a production image of the kernel. A command is received in order to enable an event description. The event description is enabled according to the command while the operating system kernel is executing.

Abstract: Computer software is monitored by receiving an assertion from an executing process, recording the assertion when it is violated and allowing the executing process to continue execution.

Abstract: A method and software is provided for placing an order for goods and/or services from a remote service provider over a communication network from a subscriber's computer, comprising the steps of: providing preprogrammed software on the subscriber's computer for allowing the subscriber to prepare the order while the subscriber's computer is not connected to a computer server of the remote service provider over the communications network; the subscriber creating the order using the preprogrammed software; the preprogrammed software displaying the subscriber's account status to the subscriber after preparing the order but prior to connecting to the remote service provider over the communications network; and the subscriber forwarding the order for goods and/or services to the remote service provider over the communications network.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating metal surfaces improves the paint adhesion of the metal surface, particularly its resistance to delamination of paint over a stressed area in the finished metal upon exposure to hot water. The composition is an aqueous composition of an organo-functional silane, a compound of a group IV-B element, and a polymer blend having a plurality of carboxylic functional groups and a plurality of hydroxyl groups. The method includes contacting a metal surface, such as aluminum, with the composition. The polymer blend is preferably a mixture of polymethylvinylether-co-maleic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. The organo-functional silane is preferably an epoxy silane.