Abstract: A transducer system is disclosed for detecting actual or simulated body sounds. An audio signal generation and detection system is disclosed for the purposes of simulating the medical examination of a patient or simulating the listening of sounds seeming to emanate from a live or inanimate body. A signal generator sets up a voltage potential at an electrode physically attached to the body, or electrically connected to a body, thereby setting up a voltage potential on a surface area of the body. An electric field potential sensor or a capacitive electrical sensor placed in proximity to the electrode or body surface then detects the voltage potential. The signals produced by the signal generator can represent heart, lung, bowel or other sounds and the electrical sensor can take the physical form of a listening device such as a stethoscope, thereby creating a simulation of listening to body sounds for medical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or extension to an operating system (or component thereof) that can facilitate extensible themes for or advertising integration with a desktop that is managed by the operating system. In particular, the architecture can acquire advertisement content such as ads or advertiser skins, select suitable content for display, and configure the operating system to display the selected content. The architecture also provides mechanisms for identifying suitable locations as well as appropriate time for displaying the content.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate the commoditization of both products and product markets in resale domains in order to aid in quantifying a value of used product as well as to enhance efficiencies and/or profits in resale markets. In one aspect, the architecture can determine a recommended (e.g., average) price and listing fee for a product. In another aspect, desired (e.g. indicated by the seller) values can be provided and based upon various market factors and differences between the desired values and the recommended values, the architecture can determine a variety of probabilities relating to the conversion of the product, as well as provide suggestions for increases the potential for a conversion. In addition, the architecture can identify and capitalize on arbitrage opportunities within the market.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can quantify a value of a consumer transaction to a market ecosystem. The value to the ecosystem of the transaction can be based upon features of the transaction as well as dynamics unique to the ecosystem. In addition, the value can be monetized as well as aggregated in order to produce a net economic value of a set of transactions involving a particular consumer. The architecture can further facilitate a repatriation of all or portions of the net economic value to the consumer, potentially based upon ranking and/or loyalty tiers.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize information obtained from a communications system and/or an associated content engine or model in order to facilitate enhanced content recommendations. The information can include content recommendations (e.g., from the content model) as well as information based upon social networking features of the communications system. For example, information such as referrals from friends, family, or other parties that are likely to have firsthand knowledge of interests, objectives, and/or desires of particular consumer that potentially offer a superior data set than conventional data mining by which to form a content recommendation.

Abstract: A class of compounds is disclosed, comprising sulphonamido-substituted bridged bicycloalkyl structures. The compounds are inhibitors of gamma-secretase, and hence are useful in the treatment of and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at sending a data item from a sending client to a receiving client. In accordance with one embodiment, a method provides controls for generating an audio-based command to send a data item from a sending client to a receiving client. More specifically, the method includes receiving an audio stream at the sending client from a sending party. As the audio stream is being received, a determination is made regarding whether a command to send a data item to the receiving client was received. If a command to send a data item is included in the audio stream, the method identifies the data item that is the object of the command and then transmits the data item to the receiving client over the network.

Abstract: Aspects of present invention provide a method, computer-readable medium, and system for saving and modifying a draft voicemail message. More specifically, a caller may create a draft voicemail message that is saved without being transmitted to a callee. Then the caller may access the draft voicemail message and generate events to modify the message. More specifically, when a modification event is generated, event data that describes the modification to the voicemail message requested by the caller is received. Then, the data included with the voicemail message is updated to reflect the input received from the caller.

Abstract: Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user parameter, which can include a user demographic, a user profile, and a user preference information. Map information and advertisements displayed in conjunction with the map information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user advertising preference. If a user prefers one product over another product, a first advertisement for the less preferred product can be replaced with a second advertisement for the preferred product.

Abstract: A spatial data handling and map generation system comprises a receiver component that receives a request for information associated with a geographic region and data associated with an initiator of the request. A mapping component renders a representation of the geographic region, the representation is customized according to a role assigned to the initiator of the request, the role is assigned based at least in part upon the received data.

Abstract: Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user parameter, which can include a user demographic, a user profile, and a user preference information. Map information and advertisements displayed in conjunction with the map information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user advertising preference. If a user prefers one product over another product, a first advertisement for the less preferred product can be replaced with a second advertisement for the preferred product.

Abstract: A system for communicating information relating to an item to a mobile unit comprises a search component that receives a request relating to the item from the mobile unit over an intranet and searches inventory of a plurality of merchants for information relating to the item. A communication component provides a subset of the information relating to the item and an option to consummate purchase of the item to the mobile unit, the subset of information includes details associated with physical location of the item.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as weel as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as well as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing uniform, isotropic stresses in a sputtered film. In the presently preferred embodiment, a new sputtering geometry and a new domain of transport speed are presented, which together allow the achievement of the maximum stress that the film material can hold while avoiding X-Y stress anisotropy and avoiding stress non-uniformity across the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information of a structure or object information can be displayed on a rooftop or over an area of interest. The detailed information can be provided for a single structure or for each structure shown on a map area. According to an embodiment is a system that facilitates surface overlay and bounding on a map. The system can include a receiver component that receives information for an object, a boundary component that ascertains a perimeter of the object, and a rendering component that selectively displays the object information and object on a map based in part on a user perspective.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating notifications based on one or more environmental conditions sensed a mobile computing device. The notifications can also be based on information related to one or more applications that can run on the mobile computing device. The mobile device can also detect non-environmental inputs from the user and ignore them in determining parameters of the notifications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of strengthening and/or protecting wood products with reactive monomers and other impregnable materials. For example, materials may be impregnated which protect the wood from environmental and insect decay and/or prevent the growth of fungi and molds. Other suitable materials include, for example, dyes to enhance the wood's grain, permitting the use of wood species with less attractive untreated appearances. A first aspect of the invention provides a method for treating a wood product comprising the steps of impregnating the wood product with at least one crosslinkable monomer, wherein the monomer is capable of penetrating a cell wall of the wood product and polymerizing the at least one crosslinkable monomer.