Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology include receiving, by a first device, a voucher data item, from a second device, providing, by the first device, an invitation to at least a third device to join a group communication session with at least the first device, and providing, by the first device, the voucher data item to at least the third device to verify that the first device is vouched for by the second device for participation in the group communication session initiated by the first device. The voucher data item may include participant information associated with the second device. The voucher data item may also be signed with a key associated with the second device.

Abstract: A device in a payment transaction handoff system may include at least one processor configured to receive a request to perform a payment transaction and identify, using a first communication protocol, a respective device identifier of each of a plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to select, based at least in part on a payment factor, a default payment device from the plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to transmit, via a second communication protocol, a message to perform the payment transaction, the message comprising the device identifier of the default payment device. In one or more implementations, a first device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a first user account and a second device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a second user account, different from the first user account.

Abstract: A device in a payment transaction handoff system may include at least one processor configured to receive a request to perform a payment transaction and identify, using a first communication protocol, a respective device identifier of each of a plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to select, based at least in part on a payment factor, a default payment device from the plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to transmit, via a second communication protocol, a message to perform the payment transaction, the message comprising the device identifier of the default payment device. In one or more implementations, a first device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a first user account and a second device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a second user account, different from the first user account.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for clamping an article, the clamp apparatus includes a first finger and a second finger with a biased flexible connecting member wherein the bias urges the first and second fingers apart with structure to limit the bias, the connecting member is affixed to one end of each finger wherein a “V” shape is formed as between the first and second fingers and the connecting member. Also included in the clamp apparatus is a locking fastener for overcoming the connecting member urging via manually selectively bringing the first and second fingers together, plus a first extension with a first shoe disposed in the first finger and a second extension with second shoe disposed in the second finger, wherein operationally the first and second shoe portions act to clamp the article to the extent of the locking fastener.

Abstract: An electronic system for facilitating the establishment of one or more habits, including: a) an electronically-stored library containing descriptions of multiple habits, b) a computer for searching the library, c) a screen for electronically displaying and selecting one or more of the habits, and d) a computer, which can be that of b) or a different computer, for assisting the user in the formation of a selected habit.

Abstract: A device in a payment transaction handoff system may include at least one processor configured to receive a request to perform a payment transaction and identify, using a first communication protocol, a respective device identifier of each of a plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to select, based at least in part on a payment factor, a default payment device from the plurality of proximate devices. The at least one processor is configured to transmit, via a second communication protocol, a message to perform the payment transaction, the message comprising the device identifier of the default payment device. In one or more implementations, a first device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a first user account and a second device of the plurality of proximate devices may be associated with a second user account, different from the first user account.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes an electronic calendar containing scheduled events, the device further including a) software that matches an event with an optimal brain state, and b) means for convening to the user of the device such optimal brain state when the calendar indicates that the event is imminent or has arrived.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for clamping an article, the clamp apparatus includes a first finger and a second finger with a biased flexible connecting member wherein the bias urges the first and second fingers apart with structure to limit the bias, the connecting member is affixed to one end of each finger wherein a “V” shape is formed as between the first and second fingers and the connecting member. Also included in the clamp apparatus is a locking fastener for overcoming the connecting member urging via manually selectively bringing the first and second fingers together, plus a first extension with a first shoe disposed in the first finger and a second extension with second shoe disposed in the second finger, wherein operationally the first and second shoe portions act to clamp the article to the extent of the locking fastener.

Abstract: A method for improving a health disorder related to, e.g., insufficient activation of the parasympathetic nervous system; the method can include pairing a subject and a partner, and having a session in which a relevant physiological parameter of the partner is transmitted to the subject, with the subject moving her own parameter in the direction of the partner's.

Abstract: The invention features a computer for fostering self-improvement in a person. The computer includes means for electronically conveying an audible message to the person. The message includes content that is generated by the person and that relates to the person's self-improvement, and includes phrases generated by the person. At least a portion of the message is an audible voice, the person's own voice or the voice of the person's coach family member, coach, or other trusted individual. Alternatively, the voice can be computer-generated. The computer can also include, or be operationally connected to, a monitor which displays messages to the person relating to the person's self-improvement.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: Methods for treating graft-versus-host disease, methods for reducing symptoms of graft-versus-host disease, and methods of reducing the severity of graft-versus-host disease in a patient are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-27 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. IL-27 antagonists include soluble IL-27RA proteins and antagonists that comprise an antigen-binding site of an antibody.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: The invention features a method for providing an EAP (employee assistance program) to multiple members of a first organization having at least fifty members. The method includes having a second organization provide to the first organization multiple EAP coaches who assist the multiple members of the first organization in achieving behavior change to address health, wellness, mental health, and productivity issues, wherein the coaches have undertaken coach training and use substantially the same coaching skills and methodology. Generally, the coaches of the second organization are as a group heterogeneous in that some of the coaches, for example, possess credentials in nutrition and weight management, and some of the coaches possess credentials in mental health.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.