Abstract: Arrangement and method for managing set-top boxes used by customers of a content service provider includes at least one automated tester each arranged to couple to set-top boxes and subject each set-top box to a series of automated tests to determine whether each set-top box is functioning properly or requires subsequent repair, and a processor unit coupled to each automated tester for receiving test results therefrom and monitoring testing of set-top boxes via the automated tester(s). Each automated tester is located at a testing facility maintained by the content service provider. A database stores the test results from the automated tester(s) and enables generation of customized reports about the set-top boxes tested by the automated tester(s). A billing system is coupled to each automated tester and to the processor unit and coordinates invoicing for testing performed by the automated tester(s) and repair of set-top boxes at a repair facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humanized nucleic acid construct from Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA) gene and method of modifying the gene. The humanized gene, and method of producing it, improves the structural fidelity of expressed protein product, when produced in mammalian host cells, to native, bacterially produced protein. The construct is useful in nucleic acid based vaccine formulations against B. anthracis.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for managing set-top boxes used by customers of a content service provider includes at least one automated tester each arranged to couple to set-top boxes and subject each set-top box to a series of automated tests to determine whether each set-top box is functioning properly or requires subsequent repair, and a processor unit coupled to each automated tester for receiving test results therefrom and monitoring testing of set-top boxes via the automated tester(s). Each automated tester is located at a testing facility maintained by the content service provider. A database stores the test results from the automated tester(s) and enables generation of customized reports about the set-top boxes tested by the automated tester(s). A billing system is coupled to each automated tester and to the processor unit and coordinates invoicing for testing performed by the automated tester(s) and repair of set-top boxes at a repair facility.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with separately-inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming. Each section has a surface or region with a permeability that varies from the permeability of a surface or region in another section.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of enhancing the immune response to an antigen.

Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to a heater for warming a patient's extremity in order to cause vasodilation for facilitating venous catheterization.

Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to a disposable sleeve for assisting in venous catherization that can be used in combination with a heater for protecting the patient's extremity from contamination by soiled heaters. The disposable sleeve also protects the heater from contamination by the patient.

Abstract: Computer conferencing apparatus are provided. A conferencing session intake interface is provided to receive, at a computer, parameters defining plural conferencing sessions. A computer screen provider is provided to provide at computers, participant screens which include a first screen for a first participant and a second screen for a second participant. The first screen provides the first participant with computer screen access to a representation of all sessions contemporaneously located with the first participant, and provides the first participant with computer screen access to information indicating a present phase of each of the sessions contemporaneously located with the first participant.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with separately-inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming. Each section has a surface or region with a permeability that varies from the permeability of a surface or region in another section.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of updating BIOS using an externally provided module may include the following. In this context, the term externally provided means that the module resides in a device other than that used to hold the firmware code, such as a magnetic storage device, typically with a lower cost per bit of information. In this embodiment, the BIOS, while in control of or being executed by a processor, applies a one-way hash process to a portion of the externally provided module. The computed hash of the module portion is compared with the pre-computed hash value included with the BIOS code. The external module is then invoked as a subprogram if and only if the hash values compare as equal. The module, while executing, may then validate the remainder of the update using more sophisticated cryptographic techniques and/or perform the update directly.

Abstract: An electronic signature is generated in a predetermined manner and attached to a transferable unit of write data, to facilitate authenticating the write data before allowing the write data to be written into a protected non-volatile storage. The write data is authenticated using a collection of secured authentication functions. Additionally, the actual writing of the authenticated write data into the protected non-volatile storage is performed by a secured copy utility.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a non-volatile storage element of an electronic system from an unauthorized write access is described. The method features the operational steps of entering a mode of operation in which an authentication process is performed, placing a security circuit of the electronic system in a first predetermined state of operation before leaving the mode of operation, checking the current state of the security circuit, and halting further operations of the electronic system if the security circuit exists in a state of operation other than the first predetermined state of operation.

Abstract: An electronic signature is generated in a predetermined manner and attached to a transferable unit of write data, to facilitate authenticating the write data before allowing the write data to be written into a protected non-volatile storage. The write data is authenticated using a collection of secured authentication functions. Additionally, the actual writing of the authenticated write data into the protected non-volatile storage is performed by a secured copy utility.