Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotic bacteria. In particular it relates to methods for treating functional GI disorders comprising administering Bifidobacterium longum, such as Bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999.

Abstract: Techniques for providing network security and anomaly detection are disclosed. In some embodiments, network traffic may be monitored in order to create a model of network traffic over a first period of time. Based on the model of network traffic, one or more inflated files may be created and stored on a system, wherein the inflated files are of a sufficient file size such that attempts to exfiltrate one or more of the files may be detected based by network monitoring tools. The inflated files may further include one or more indicators of sensitivity, including indicators of the presence of sensitive information that is not actually included in the inflated files. Network traffic characteristics may then be repeatedly or continuously monitored in order to update the size of the one or more inflated files based on changes in network traffic characteristics.

Abstract: A laminated board is secured to the inner wall of a cavity wall construction to establish a defined spacing between the inner and outer walls and prevent excess mortar from bridging to the inner wall. The laminated board has a series of spaced sockets into which fasteners may project into the face of the inner wall or framing thereof to secure the outer wall. The board is installed prior to the construction of the outer wall and establishes a minimum spacing or gap between the walls based upon the thickness of the board. The outer wall is constructed immediately adjacent to the outer face of the laminated board. The board is impervious and eliminates bridging by the mortar, eliminates transfer of bulk water from the exterior finish to the inner wall and provides an air conduit to exhaust even the minimal amounts of vapor that will occur in the cavity.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting multiple components of an electrical assembly with a solder joint, including the steps of positioning a first component adjacent to a second component to provide a connection area, dispensing a solid solder sphere to a capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube is positioned with an exit orifice above the connection area between the first and second components, applying a first laser through the capillary tube while measuring light from the first laser that reflects off the connection area as the solder sphere moves through the capillary tube, and applying a second laser to at least partially melt the solder sphere when the measured light decreases to a predetermined level and as the solder sphere falls from the exit orifice toward the connection area between the first and second components.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment surrounding the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, the proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receive a user input; and based on the user input, provide an open instance of a first application on a first device as a corresponding open instance of at least a related application on a second device.

Abstract: The disclosed deployment testing system includes a test loader that loads and parses test objects and the antecedent test objects on which the selected test object depends, to prepare a test sequence. A database of test objects apply to one or more SUT and specify aspects of deployed SUT configuration that include hardware configuration, active connection of the SUT to other network devices, configuration of the actively connected network devices to accept access by the SUT, presence of files and applications in storage, and services running on the SUT; identify dependencies on antecedent test objects; specify test object features that extend object features found in the antecedent test objects; and override test parameter values in the antecedent test objects. A test executor obtains administrative credentials for accessing and testing a SUT and uses the test and antecedent test objects to verify the SUT; and a test reporter publishes tester results.

Abstract: There are provided circuits and methods for surge protection. For example, there is provided a clamp circuit for protecting a load against a surge. The clamp circuit can include a power dissipation circuit including at least one transistor and a resistor. The clamp circuit can further include a voltage sensitive device configured to cause a voltage limit across the load when the surge occurs. The power dissipation circuit can be configured to turn on the at least one transistor to dissipate power across one of the resistor and the at least one transistor.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a distributed server network to allow for the optimization of the upload of a data stream from a computing device. Performance metrics are estimated for different network paths from the computing device to a variety of entry servers in the distributed server network. Based on the estimated performance metrics, one or more entry servers are then selected to receive the data stream from the computing device. As a result, the systems and methods described herein allow for high quality upload performance which addresses the first mile vulnerability issues of the data stream. The distributed server network can then transmit copies of the data stream in real-time to other computing devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving communications between infrastructures using RPCs. An authoritative endpoint in a first infrastructure receives a registration request from a non-authoritative server in a second infrastructure through a transport layer on which a remote procedure call (RPC) layer depends. This request establishes a connection with the authoritative endpoint. The authoritative entity authenticates and registers the non-authoritative entity, and receives RPCs from client devices through the non-authoritative entity. The authoritative entity provides responses to the RPCs through the non-authoritative entity over the established connection. The authoritative entity also performed load-shedding operations, such as notifying the non-authoritative entity of a time to live of the connection. The RPC requests and responses sent over the connection may be chunked into frames, each frame identifying a stream to which it belongs.

Abstract: A tactical combat rifle includes a two-part, bolt carrier. The upper part of the bolt carrier rides on rails formed in an upper receiver while the lower part of the bolt carrier, although attached to the upper part and moving with it, engages no supporting surfaces. A piston, driven by combustion gases from a regulatable gas block assembly, strikes the upper bolt carrier in the center of its mass to propel it rearward. The barrel is threaded to a removable barrel extension and secured to the upper receiver. A non-reciprocating charging handle is located far forward and accessible from either side of the upper receiver so the user does not have to lower the rifle from the shoulder or take eyes off the target. Combustion debris is kept away from the lower receiver and bolt so operation is cleaner and cycling rates of fire steadier.

Abstract: A system for incentivization of communications, comprising an incentivization engine and an auction service, and a method for using such a system for providing incentivization of user communications and user competition for incentives.

Abstract: A fenestration flashing system includes a body member having a planar header leg extending horizontally from a rearward end to a forward end, a vertical leg extending upward from the forward end of the header leg, and a positively-sloped drainage leg extending upwardly and rearwardly from a top end of the vertical leg. A termination member has a vertical termination leg for attachment to the back-up wall and a positively-sloped drainage leg to overlap and attach to the positively-sloped drainage leg of the body member. The termination member and the body member define a drainage path down and out of the wall cavity. A method of flashing a fenestration of a cavity wall or non-cavity wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring or control can include reconfigurable input and output channels. Such reconfigurable channels can include as few as a single terminal and a ground pin, or such channels can include three or four terminal configuration such as for use in four-terminal resistance measurements. Channel reconfiguration can be accomplished such as using software-enabled or firmware-enabled control of channel hardware. Such channel hardware can include analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion capability, including use of a digital-to-analog converter to provide field power or biasing. In an example, the interface circuit can provide a selectable impedance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a polyvinyl alcohol composition having higher amorphous polyvinyl alcohol polymer content, a process for making such a polyvinyl alcohol composition, and various end uses thereof.

Abstract: A starter strip for through-wall-flashing of a cement-based exterior finish and hard siding includes a flashing membrane and a body. The flashing membrane has an inner surface that includes first and second inner surface portions containing self-adhering adhesive. The first inner surface portion is configured to permanently attach to at least one wall substrate. The body includes a first vertical leg having an inner surface attached to the second inner surface portion of the flashing membrane. The first vertical leg includes upper and a lower portions. The body also includes a second vertical leg and an outwardly and downwardly projecting leg extending between the lower portion of the first vertical leg and the second vertical leg. The outwardly and downwardly projecting leg includes first and second pluralities of spaced apertures, configured to relieve cavity air pressure and drain water from the body, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a distributed server network to allow for the optimization of the upload of a data stream from a computing device. Performance metrics are estimated for different network paths from the computing device to a variety of entry servers in the distributed server network. Based on the estimated performance metrics, one or more entry servers are then selected to receive the data stream from the computing device. As a result, the systems and methods described herein allow for high quality upload performance which addresses the first mile vulnerability issues of the data stream. The distributed server network can then transmit copies of the data stream in real-time to other computing devices.

Abstract: A fenestration flashing system includes a body member having a planar header leg extending horizontally from a rearward end to a forward end, a vertical leg extending upward from the forward end of the header leg, and a positively-sloped drainage leg extending upwardly and rearwardly from a top end of the vertical leg. A termination member has a vertical termination leg for attachment to the back-up wall and a positively-sloped drainage leg to overlap and attach to the positively-sloped drainage leg of the body member. The termination member and the body member define a drainage path down and out of the wall cavity. A method of flashing a fenestration of a cavity wall or non-cavity wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient-specific bone implant has a porous body with a core material covered with tantalum. It is made with unique outer dimensions selected to match a specific patient.