Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for treating a condition or disease associated with weight gain that include coadministration of an apelin receptor agonist and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Methods for increasing total weight loss in the subject relative to weight loss that would be caused by administration of a pre-determined amount of a GLP-1 receptor agonist alone are also provided. In some embodiments, the method is for preserving, or maintaining muscle mass, muscle function, and/or muscle strength in a subject undergoing weight loss therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a reliability score for a submitted tip is provided herein. During operation, when a user anonymously submits an image to a tipping server, the tipping server determines if an imager (e.g., a camera) used to capture the image has been used to capture any past images submitted to the tipping server. If so, a reliability score is determined for the imager that is based on a reliability of the past images submitted. The reliability score is then presented to any user viewing the image.

Abstract: Apelin receptor modulators can improve physical performance, slow progression of age-related frailty, and can reduce age-related muscle weakness in human patients. This disclosure provides methods for treating muscle conditions using a particular class of apelin receptor modulators (e.g., agonists). The muscle condition can be an age-related muscle condition. Also provided is a method for maintaining and/or increasing muscle mass and/or muscle strength in an elderly subject by administration of the apelin receptor modulator. In some embodiments, the apelin receptor modulator (e.g., agonist) is BGE-105, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A method of connecting a user device anonymously to a remote operator, via an intermediate anonymizing server is described. In this way, a remote operator may control the device, without the remote operator knowing the identity of the owner or of user of the device. A remote operator might provide medical support or entertainment. The user of the device is provided with a connection key, which is then further given by the user to a desired remote operator. Both the user and the remote operator provide the anonymizing server with the connection key. The anonymizing server opens a chat room uniquely associated with the connection key. Electronic connectivity is provided by forwarding messages between the user device and the remote operator through the chat room. No other access to the chat room is permitted. The anonymizing server does not store the connection key. No user application is required.

Abstract: Devices, a set of devices, and methods are described to create coordinated, or synchronized, displays of colors by worn fashion accessories, such as necklaces, earrings, shoes, belts, and the like. A master device is defined that sends broadcast, wireless commands to slave devices, which respond with colors and timing in a synchronized way, typically to enhance the experiences of the wearers. Synchronization may include simultaneous lighting, sequential lighting, the same color or coordinated colors. A group ID in messages is defined so that a first set of fashion accessories on a first group of wearers may be controlled by one master, while a nearby second set of fashion accessories worn by a second set of wearers controlled by a second master do not conflict. Operation, including changes from a standby state to an operational state is automatic, using, for example motion detection.

Abstract: A transponder and system are described for sharing vehicle lane data in a vehicle-to-vehicle safety system. It generates and broadcasts internally generated location points; and receives, processes and stores lane data received from other equipped vehicles. Physical lanes are represented by a sequence of logical lanes. Both the internal and external location points are aggregated into logical lanes. These logical lanes in turn are shared between vehicles via requests and replies. Each vehicle, within a temporary range, is considered a distinct vehicle. For each logical lane separate counts are maintained for the number of distinct vehicles that provided internal data, provided internal data shared once, and total data shared more than once. Internal data continues to aggregate until the logical lane changes. Total shared data is capped at a maximum of internal counted distinct vehicles and received distinct vehicle counts, to avoid counting the same (shared) data over and over.

Abstract: A method of connecting a user device anonymously to a remote operator, via an intermediate anonymizing server is described. In this way, a remote operator may control the device, without the remote operator knowing the identity of the owner or of user of the device. A remote operator might provide medical support or entertainment. The user of the device is provided with a connection key, which is then further given by the user to a desired remote operator. Both the user and the remote operator provide the anonymizing server with the connection key. The anonymizing server opens a chat room uniquely associated with the connection key. Electronic connectivity is provided by forwarding messages between the user device and the remote operator through the chat room. No other access to the chat room is permitted. The anonymizing server does not store the connection key. No user application is required.

Abstract: A transponder and system are described for sharing vehicle lane data in a vehicle-to-vehicle safety system. It generates and broadcasts internally generated location points; and receives, processes and stores lane data received from other equipped vehicles. Physical lanes are represented by a sequence of logical lanes. Both the internal and external location points are aggregated into logical lanes. These logical lanes in turn are shared between vehicles via requests and replies. Each vehicle, within a temporary range, is considered a distinct vehicle. For each logical lane separate counts are maintained for the number of distinct vehicles that provided internal data, provided internal data shared once, and total data shared more than once. Internal data continues to aggregate until the logical lane changes. Total shared data is capped at a maximum of internal counted distinct vehicles and received distinct vehicle counts, to avoid counting the same (shared) data over and over.

Abstract: An X-Y movable stage with rotation is described. A fixed base comprises a magnetic bed with a checkerboard, hexagonal or pseudo-random pattern of alternating north and south poles on a grid. A movable puck moves and rotates on the base. The puck comprises three or more nodes where each node may be energized for a north, south, or off magnetic field, with varying field strength. Methods of mapping node locations, controllers, and applications are described. Embodiments for specific applications are described.

Abstract: An X-Y movable stage with rotation and tilt is described. A fixed base comprises a magnetic bed with a checkerboard, hexagonal or pseudo-random pattern of alternating north and south poles on a grid. A movable puck moves, rotates and tilts on the base. The base and puck system is free of any other moving parts. The puck comprises three or more nodes where each node may be energized for a north, south, or off magnetic field, with varying field strength. Embodiments include use in a vacuum or fluid. Light from the base to the puck may be used to charge or power a puck. Methods of mapping node locations, controllers, and applications are described. Embodiments for specific applications are described.

Abstract: A method is described for managing risk messages in a distributed, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety system that limits broadcast storms during an omnidirectional rebroadcast of risk messages in a range larger than a radio range. A group of self-organized transponders, such as may be in vehicles, broadcasts, in a shared medium, real-time safety messages, using self-assigned time slots in regular, contiguous time intervals. Relative locations of up to four distinct transponders are computed and compared, along with a geographic angle formed by three transponders. Risk messages are not rebroadcast when another vehicle, farther from the originating vehicle, has already rebroadcast the same message. Risk values may be single-digit integers, created by adding sub-risk values responsive to real-time vehicle behavior, traffic, weather, road conditions, and the risk history of a road segment. Risk messages are free of fixed vehicle or transponder identification.

Abstract: A device and method for a rotatable photovoltaic (PV) panel mount is described. A moving frame, comprising a standard PV panel, connects via a hinge to a fixed frame. In an “operative” position, the moving frame and its PV panel are coplanar with a larger, fixed array of PV panels. A spring between the fixed frame and the moving frame powers the moving frame to rotate around the hinge pivot from horizontal (operative) to vertical (roof access), when an emergency handle releases a latch. The roof access position provides unobstructed roof access to a portion of the roof previously under the PV panel. A damper limits speed of motion of the moving frame. Embodiments include an additional horizontal (folded) position, on top of an adjacent PV panel.

Abstract: An X-Y movable stage with rotation and tilt is described. A fixed base comprises a magnetic bed with a checkerboard, hexagonal or pseudo-random pattern of alternating north and south poles on a grid. A movable puck moves, rotates and tilts on the base. The base and puck system is free of any other moving parts. The puck comprises three or more nodes where each node may be energized for a north, south, or off magnetic field, with varying field strength. Embodiments include use in a vacuum or fluid. Light from the base to the puck may be used to charge or power a puck. Methods of mapping node locations, controllers, and applications are described. Embodiments for specific applications are described.

Abstract: An X-Y movable stage with rotation is described. A fixed base comprises a magnetic bed with a checkerboard, hexagonal or pseudo-random pattern of alternating north and south poles on a grid. A movable puck moves and rotates on the base. The puck comprises three or more nodes where each node may be energized for a north, south, or off magnetic field, with varying field strength. Methods of mapping node locations, controllers, and applications are described. Embodiments for specific applications are described.

Abstract: An electronic interval timer in a regular dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by orienting the timer so that the face with the time desired is uppermost. The timer is free of buttons, switches, and electronic displays. It is sealed for ruggedness and water-resistance, and free of a battery door. Detection of motion, taps, and orientation is via an accelerometer and a processor; it is free of mechanical motion and orientation switches. The timer indicates start and end of set time intervals with speech announcements or tones. Two time intervals may run concurrently by orienting the timer to a second time. The timer may be programmed via an orientation sequence. Taps may be used to request a time remaining announcement or to set volume. Functions include a stopwatch. Shells have seam lines on polyhedral edges and pin-and-socket connections for strength. A molded air-gap provides for pressure equalization while maintaining water resistance.

Abstract: A method is described for managing risk messages in a distributed, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety system that limits broadcast storms during an omnidirectional rebroadcast of risk messages in a range larger than a radio range. A group of self-organized transponders, such as may be in vehicles, broadcasts, in a shared medium, real-time safety messages, using self-assigned time slots in regular, contiguous time intervals. Relative locations of up to four distinct transponders are computed and compared, along with a geographic angle formed by three transponders. Risk messages are not rebroadcast when another vehicle, farther from the originating vehicle, has already rebroadcast the same message. Risk values may be single-digit integers, created by adding sub-risk values responsive to real-time vehicle behavior, traffic, weather, road conditions, and the risk history of a road segment. Risk messages are free of fixed vehicle or transponder identification.

Abstract: An X-Y movable stage with rotation is described. A fixed base comprises a magnetic bed with a checkerboard pattern of alternating north and south poles on a grid. A movable puck moves and rotates on the base. The puck comprises three or more nodes where each node may be energized for a north, south, or off magnetic field, with varying field strength. The nodes are arranged on an X-Y motion grid on the puck that are rotated 45° from the magnetic base grid. A first set of node locations on the puck may be each centered between a pair of opposite poles on the magnetic base. One arrangement of nodes is at the corners of a rectangle aligned with the motion grid. An optional second set of one node locations on the puck may be each centered between a pair of opposite poles on the magnetic base, when the first set of nodes is aligned over poles. Methods of mapping node locations, controllers, and applications are described.

Abstract: A device and method for a rotatable photovoltaic (PV) panel mount is described. A moving frame, comprising a standard PV panel, connects via a hinge to a fixed frame. In an “operative” position, the moving frame and its PV panel are coplanar with a larger, fixed array of PV panels. A spring between the fixed frame and the moving frame powers the moving frame to rotate around the hinge pivot from horizontal (operative) to vertical (roof access), when an emergency handle releases a latch. This “roof access” position now allows roof access through a portion of the roof that was covered by the moving frame in its operative position. A damper, such as a flywheel, limits the rotational speed and prevents injury or damage. Embodiments include kits, installation of embodiments, and use of the invention to access a roof portion in a fire emergency.

Abstract: An electronic interval timer in a regular dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by orienting the timer so that a face with a time desired is face up. The timer is free of buttons, switches, and electronic displays. It is sealed for ruggedness and water-resistance, and free of a battery door and any moving parts, except for two speakers on opposing faces. The timer indicates start and end of set time intervals with unique speech announcements or tones. Two time intervals may run concurrently by orienting the timer to a second time while the first is running. A time interval may be selected by rotating to multiple faces where the time interval desired is the sum of the times on the faces. A timer mode may be programmed via an orientation sequence. Taps may be used to request a time remaining announcement or to set volume. Functions include a stopwatch. Waterproofing is achieved by a gap in a speaker shelf that admits air but not water.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication transponder for use in V2V communication, safety, optimization and anti-collision systems wherein the transponder records and shares observed traffic signal timing and phasing, and uses this information to make recommendations or perform automatic operation to optimize parameters such as safety, gas mileage, travel time, and overall traffic flow. Methods for sharing and making recommendations are described. Embodiments include considerations of traffic and road history in recommendations. No central authority, road-side equipment, (RSU), or pre-determined lane maps are required. Embodiments include a hybrid protocol using both TDMA and CSMA. Some embodiments are free of MAC and IP addresses. Embodiments include equipped vehicles and V2V system using the transponder.