Abstract: A method for determining the amount of NT-proBNP in blood samples from animals. The method includes detecting degradation products of NT-proBNP by various methods, including using antibodies, kits and device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: Back pressure is mapped within a network, and primary bottlenecks are distinguished from dependent bottlenecks. Further, the presently disclosed technology is capable of performing network healing operations designed to reduce the data load on primary bottlenecks while ignoring dependent bottlenecks. Still further, the presently disclosed technology teaches identifying and/or suggesting a switch port for adding a node to the network. More specifically, various implementations analyze traffic load and back pressure in a network, identify primary and dependent bottlenecks, resolve the primary bottlenecks, collect new node parameters, and/or select a switch port for the new node. Further, a command can be sent to a selected switch to activate an indicator on the selected port. New node parameters may include new node type, maximum load, minimum load, time of maximum load, time of minimum load and type of data associated with the new node.

Abstract: Back pressure is mapped within a network, and primary bottlenecks are distinguished from dependent bottlenecks. Further, the presently disclosed technology is capable of performing network healing operations designed to reduce the data load on primary bottlenecks while ignoring dependent bottlenecks. Still further, the presently disclosed technology teaches identifying and/or suggesting a switch port for adding a node to the network. More specifically, various implementations analyze traffic load and back pressure in a network, identify primary and dependent bottlenecks, resolve the primary bottlenecks, collect new node parameters, and/or select a switch port for the new node. Further, a command can be sent to a selected switch to activate an indicator on the selected port. New node parameters may include new node type, maximum load, minimum load, time of maximum load, time of minimum load and type of data associated with the new node.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for administering an oligonucleotide to an animal in need thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions include nano-particles or micro-particles of (i) a protonated oligonucleotide and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable organic base or include nano-particles or micro-particles of (i) an oligonucleotide and (ii) a divalent metal ion.

Abstract: Method of detecting Symmetrical dimethyl arginine (SDMA) in biological samples. SDMA analogs for generating anti-SDMA antibodies having little or no cross-reactivity with asymmetrical dimethyl arginine, arginine, and monomethylarginine. The analogs have a protected or free thiol (—SH) group or hydroxyl (—OH) group that allow them to be linked to a suitable conjugation target which can be, for example, a protein containing molecule of a label. The anti-SDMA antibodies can be used in diagnostic immunoassay for the diagnosis of SDMA associated disorders and/or diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of discs for duplication of data onto the discs. The apparatus may include a transportation mechanism, control device, power module and optionally a disc recording mechanism and housing. The transportation mechanism may include an arm, and one or more gear assemblies. Further, the apparatus may also include a drawer device and a plurality of disc holders.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions that provide sustained-release of a pharmaceutically active compound and to methods of treating or preventing a condition in an animal by administering the pharmaceutical compositions to the animal. When the pharmaceutical compositions are administered to an animal by injection, they form a drug depot that releases the pharmaceutically active compound over time. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be administered orally.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: A coherence value or category for an animal subject is calculated, and a corresponding coherence indication is provided to a human subject. In one embodiment, the beat-to-beat changes in the animal subject's heart rate is monitored, and used to calculate a coherence value, which may be representative of a coherence category. The coherence value may be determined by the power distribution of the heart rate variability data for the animal subject. In another embodiment, the degree of synchronization between an animal subject's coherence and an associated human subject's coherence may be determined and provided as feedback.

Abstract: An interface switch which presents itself as switch to an enterprise fabric formed of the devices from the same manufacturer as the interface switch and that of a host or node to an enterprise fabric from a different manufacturer. This allows each enterprise fabric to remain in a higher performance operating mode. The multiplexing of multiple streams of traffic between the N_ports on the first enterprise fabric and the second enterprise fabric is accomplished by N_port Virtualization. The interface switch can be connected to multiple enterprise fabrics. All control traffic address mappings between virtual and physical addresses may be mediated and translated by the CPU of the interface switch and address mappings for data traffic performed at wire speed. Since the interface switch may preferably be a single conduit between the enterprise fabrics, it is also a good point to enforce perimeter defenses against attacks.

Abstract: A cylinder block for an integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine. The cylinder block has a bank of compressor cylinders and a bank of engine cylinders, such as in a V-shaped configuration. Valve train openings are machined into the cylinder block adjacent to the engine cylinders so that engine valve train components, such as push rods, may be disposed therein. No valve train openings are machined into the cylinder block adjacent to the compressor cylinders; the block is left solid. A compressor utilizing the cylinder block is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves and low frequency brain waves based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV) and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV, The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD) and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum.

Abstract: A mobile telephone system (1) is provided which allows users to store photographs taken by using their mobile telephone (31-1, 3-2), in a central storage and retrieval system (7). The mobile telephone allows the user to add an annotation to the photograph for use in retrieving the photograph at a later time. At the time of retrieval, the user inputs a text or spoken query into the mobile telephone which is transmitted to the central storage and retrieval system and is used to identify the image to be retrieved. The identified image is then transmitted back to the user's mobile telephone for further use.

Abstract: Initially an embedding module (22) determines an embedding of a lattice in a two-dimensional plane. The embedding module (22) then processes the initial embedding to generate a planar graph in which no links cross. The planar graph is then simplified by a link encoding module (24) and data representing the lattice structure is generated by a shape encoding module (26)—in which the simplified planar graph is represented by a shape encoding (42) identifying the numbers of links bounding areas defined by the planar graph and data identifying the locations of those areas within the planar graph; and a link list (43) identifying the modifications made to the lattice structure by the link encoding module (24). These encodings are such that the same substructures within a lattice are represented using the same data and hence are suitable for compression using conventional techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming metal containers. The method involves introducing a knockout element (110) into the container body through the open end, providing a forming die shaped to reduce the diameter of the sidewall of the container body (100) when the open end of the container body (106) is forced therein to produce a neck portion of reduced diameter on the container body, driving the open end of the container body into the forming die (108), retracting the knockout element through the neck portion as the neck portion is formed, and removing the container body (106) from the forming die (108) and knockout element (110). In the invention, the driving of the open end of the con tai ner body into the forming die and/or the movements of the knockout element are carried out under computer numerical control, preferably employing linear motor drives, thereby enabling the driving or movement to be optimized for the container body and the neck portion formed thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating physiological coherence using respiratory training are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optimal respiratory cycle and/or RSA pattern is determined. A subject is then trained to adhere to this optimal respiratory level using one or more breath indicators. In another embodiment, the timing sequence of the breath indicators is optimized for a given subject's reaction time and/or atypical breathing events. In yet another embodiment, a subject's respiratory rhythms are used to detect their emotional state and corresponding feedback provided.

Abstract: Internally lubricated polymer compositions containing a styrene- and/or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, and a compatibilizer are provided. The olefin-containing polymer, which is present in the compositions in about 3 to about 30 weight percent, provides internal lubrication and improves the tribological properties of the compositions compared with the styrene- or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer alone, as determined by wear measurements. Preferred compositions exhibit wear factors less than about 130×10?11n mm5/Pa-m. A preferred composition includes a blend of polystyrene/polyphenylene ether, linear low density polyethylene, and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrophysiological detection and measurement of intuition are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more electrophysiological properties of one or more individuals are monitored and used as an indication of a future event. In one embodiment, the electrophysiological property may include heart rate variability, brain wave activity, respiration pattern, skin conductance level, etc. In another embodiment, a signal averaging technique is used to generate a waveform that may be used as an indicator of future events.

Abstract: Internally lubricated polymer compositions containing a styrene- and/or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, and a compatibilizer are provided. The olefin-containing polymer, which is present in the compositions in about 3 to about 30 weight percent, provides internal lubrication and improves the tribological properties of the compositions compared with the styrene- or polyphenylene ether-containing polymer alone, as determined by wear measurements. Preferred compositions exhibit wear factors less than about 130×10−11 mm5/Pa-m. A preferred composition includes a blend of polystyrene/polyphenylene ether, linear low density polyethylene, and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene.